Highland Destiny (Zebra Historical Romance) [Paperback]

Hannah Howell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Zebra Historical Romance | Publication Date: January 1, 2006

When destiny brought Sir Balfour Murray and his wounded brother down the same road as Maldie Kirkaldy, she offered her services as a nurse even as she tried to deny the desire this dark eyed knight had ignited at first sight. Soon they discovered that they both share a mission of vengeance, but Maldie cannot tell him her true identity, to do so would brand her a spy. Sworn to avenge his family as chief of the Doncoill Clan, Balfour vows to destroy his greatest foe, with Maldie at his side. Yet Balfour knows that he can no more afford to trust her than he can ignore his lust for this sultry beauty. Now, he is not only determined to unearth her deepest secrets, but also to pursue his passion for her. And nothing will stand in his way.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Howell (A Taste of Fire) kicks off her new 15th-century Highland trilogy with the story of Lord Balfour Murray, laird of Donncoill. His arch-enemy Sir William Beaton kidnapped Balfour's younger brother, Eric, and an attempted rescue ends in defeat and injury. During the retreat home, Maldie Kirkcaldy emerges from the bushes and offers her healing services. She, too, has a score to settle with Beaton and wants Balfour's help. Although the unkempt Maldie protests loudly and frequently about not being a whore like her mother, she and Balfour quickly become lovers. Torn between lust and duty, an increasingly suspicious Balfour imprisons Maldie, who escapes to Beaton with Balfour hot on her trail. While the narrative is rich with detail and the plot promising, the pacing is uneven and the dialogue clotted with "havenae"s, "cannae"s, "isnae"s and "verra"s that add little authenticity but much confusion. And any reader who cannae ken the wee secret, isnae trying verra hard.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821779826
• ISBN-13: 978-0821779828
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #720,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( H ) > Howell, Hannah

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to the family (Murray Brothers #1), April 29, 2005

By 

Michelle888 (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Highland Destiny (Highland Trilogy, Bk 1) (Paperback)

The year is 1430 and we are introduced to the Murray clan, headed by Balfour Murray, the laird of Donncoill. After hearing the news that the family enemy, Sir William Beaton, captured his younger brother Eric, he sets out to Dubhlinn intent on getting Eric back. But when they are met by defeat, they head home planning another attack when a woman steps out on the road. When she offers to tend to his brother Nigel's wounds, he finds that she had a real gift of healing and offered his hospitality in return for nursing his brother back to recovery.

Maldie Kirkcaldy knows that Balfour's kindness would change had he known of her true identity. However, seeing that they are both intent on exacting vengeance from Beaton, and knowing that she could use some shelter and food while planning her revenge, she journeys back to Donncoill with the Murrays, even though she is aware that Balfour's interest in her goes beyond her healing skills for deep down, she is also aware of her shared attraction with the laird and it doesn't take long before she finds herself disgusted by her weakness to his seduction.

Soon the passion they share lead to deeper feelings for each other. But in spite of their growing love, both are tormented by their secrets and doubts. Balfour knows that Maldie isn't exactly who she claims to be and he is intent on knowing the secrets of the elusive and skittish woman who has captured his heart. Maldie on the other hand is torn between revealing the truth to Balfour and risking everything they had shared, while still planning to fulfill the vow she had made to her dying mother. And when his suspicions of her betrayal forced her to escape and rescue Eric to prove her innocence, Balfour soon realizes his mistakes and now seeks another victory: Maldie's heart.

Although it lacks the humor of the other books in the Highland series, Highland Destiny features good leads and secondary characters. Balfour is not your typical alpha-male for he is plagued with insecurities about his looks and even feels threatened by his brother, Nigel, who also falls in love with Maldie thus adding to a bit of competition. And Maldie isn't your usual well-bred lady having been born illegitimate and having endured a harsh life with a bitter mother who nearly forced her to a life of prostitution.

HIGHLAND DESTINY is the first in Hannah Howell's trilogy set in medieval Scotland featuring the Murray brothers. Filled with deceit, misunderstandings and passion, it is a good introduction to the Murray brothers who would surely capture your heart. The other two books are HIGHLAND HONOR featuring Nigel and HIGHLAND PROMISE with Eric.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This was really fun!, August 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Highland Destiny (Highland Trilogy, Bk 1) (Paperback)

I love a romance about a strong woman who when faced with a problem, jumps in and takes charge. Mauldie does just that and more. The struggle they both go through with their feelings reads very real and by the end I felt I knew these people. The other characters added a wonderful dimension to the story and I couldn't wait to read the next two in the series.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD READ, March 28, 2000

By 

Sandra K. Shirah "kaliannah.com" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Highland Destiny (Highland Trilogy, Bk 1) (Paperback)

The hero (Balfour) and heroine (Mauldie) are enemies -- yet the hero doesn't realize this right away -- he believes he's found a nursemaid (of course she's a stunning beauty and on a secret mission for vengence) for his battle wounded brother (Nigel)...

Mauldie soon realizes who the handsome warrior is...but decides to hide her identity as he's the one she'd swore vengence against. She grudgingly nurses his brother, while all the time warding off seductive advances from Balfour...

Through a series of dangerous events and intrigue, the prideful couple realizes their strong love for one another -- but are stilled separated by deceit and misunderstandings...

Mauldie & Balfour seems well matched, strong characters and this story ends beautifully. I would recommend this title.