Customer Reviews

Highland Fire

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I love Hannah Howell's Scottish novels having read all of them and although I enjoyed reading this book it began to become familiar, I had a feeling I had read it before and after doing a little bit of checking I had. It was published in 1995 under the title Fire and pub under another name Howell uses Anna Jennet, it seems that her earlier books are being published again but under different titles so readers should be aware. There is another book due to be published soon called Highland Captive which went by the earlier title of Elfkings Lady. Her brand new novel will be published in December and will be called Highland Sinner. But having said that for new readers these earlier books were very good and I do recommend them. I won't write about what this book is about as previous reviewers have already done that but just be aware that some of these books are reprints of her earlier books.

In 1400 off the Northwest coast of Scotland, Moira Robertson recklessly risks her life to rescue her kidnapped cousin. She cannot help noticing the older man on board George Fraser, who stares at her when she thinks she does not notice and wonders about his secrets just like he does likewise about her. A sudden storm sweeps Moira and George overboard. They manage to make it to shore where she realizes his bulging stomach is gone and so is his gray. Elderly George is a hunk her age not thrice her age.

Tavig MacAlpin explains to Moira why he was disguised. He tells her he has been accused and convicted by Sir Ivor of a crime he did not commit; his sentence is the gallows. He seeks proof of his innocence, but the ransom to capture him allows for his death. As they help each other on their quests, they fall in love, but neither can look at the future as the present is filled with danger.

This is an engaging Scottish historical romance with a wee bit of the paranormal (she is a healer and he can see the future). The story line is fast-paced from the onset and never slows down until the final confrontation. Although Moira can be a pain in the butt with her continual rejections of the hero's declarations of love based on the Scottish superstitions that she might be evil (except when she heals someone with her touch), fans will enjoy Hannah Howell's latest fun Highlander historical.

Harriet Klausner

Tavig MacAlphin is wanted for murders he did not commit. Disguised as an older, heavier man (George Fraser) he is en route, via ship, to (his cousin) Mungan Coll's keep and safety when he first spies the lovely Moira Robertson. Her beauty, combined with her fear of her abusive guardian, just may be his down fall.

Moira more than simply fears her cruel guardian, Sir Bearnard Robertson, not to mention his man-at-arms, Connor. So when Sir Bearnard made the group travel on the small, crowded ship, Moira dared not complain. It would only turn their attentions toward her. The ransom for her cousin, Una, arrived weeks ago, but Sir Bearnard did not leave to rescue Una until recently.

Soon Tavig and Moira find themselves stranded. Tavig is determined to reach Mungan for aid. Moira is aghast since Mungan is the one holding Una for ransom. Yet when fate decides to unite these two for life, it changes everything.

***** It is no wonder to me that everyone seems to love any story written by Hannah Howell. All books by this extraordinary author have multiple plots constantly running, not to mention the romance between the main characters (and often the secondary characters as well). And it looks like this story is another winner! This story hooked me almost immediately and the main plot gradually expanded until it included several sub-plots. If that is not enough drama to tempt readers then rest assured that the outside plots add quite a bit of danger an intrigue. An outstanding achievement by author Hannah Howell! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I just got a whole stack of Hannah Howell's books. So I started reading one after the other. So far all these books have the same outline, with just a change of scenery and names, but all the plots are the same. I have read, kentucky bride, If he's wicked, highland wolf, conquerors kiss and now highland fire. So far...They all have short women, three- had a baby that the heroine excepts. The bad men popping up here and there during journey's and so forth, a rescue of two or three or four, a down trodden female and a wicked one around somewhere. And, of course a real villian. Every book I opened I saw that... here we go again, she even uses many of the same curse words and adjetives in these books.
Not only do the books all repeat her other books but the hero and heroine think the same thoughts in the book over and over and over again until I want to throw the book across the room. As I bought all these books, I will still read the 5 books I have left after Highland fire, but I won't be buying any more Hannah Howell. If you have read one Hannah Howell you have read them all. Who knows if I hadn't read the 4 books before this one I might have given it a higher rating but not by much.

Tavig MacAlpin and Moira Robertson are traveling on the same ship to the same destination. Tavig is disguised as George Fraser, running from his cousin Iver MacAlpin, who has accused him of murder. Moira is traveling with her guardian, Bearnard Robertson. They are heading to Mungan Coll, who is Tavig's cousin and the man who has kidnapped Moira's cousin Una. When an accident on board the ship almost kills Moira and Tavig, they wash up on a sandy shore. Tavig's "sight" has convinced him that he and Moira are destined to be together. Moira needs convincing though. Their journey to Mungan's is long and hard, and their arrival has more hardships. Moira hides a secret from Tavig. If Bearnard's machinations don't keep them apart, her secret just might.

I always enjoy the authenticity of Hannah Howell's novels. I feel as if I'm in Scotland watching a sword fight with awe or admiring the beautiful scenery. Highland Fire has a spirited heroine and a very loving and passionate hero. Moira and Tavig are perfectly suited. Moira needed love and Tavig was more than willing to give it to her. It takes Moira a while to figure out how well they suit though. Tavig and Moira face one obstacle after another. Highland Fire is a sensual story full of excitement.

Nannette
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I have not read a Hannah Howell and although I respect her for trying to be so accurate I got tired of trying to decode what they were talking about. There are only so many dinna, weel, and that I can read before my brain shuts down. I did not understand the heroine at all. She is abused for 10 long and horrid years and here is this wonderful man who cares about her and treats her with respect and all she can do is complain endlessly about him and how she will not marry him because he has not told her he loves her. So her plan is to go back to the guardian that beats the crap out of her or locks her in pig holes. Seriously, what was the matter with her. He told her he cared about her and he was really good to her and just because he did not say the magic words she would rather spend her life being beaten. How am I supposed to beleive that? It is not as though she ever talked to him about how she felt either. The whole time telling him he would be hanged or making snotty comments. Then at the end she plans to steal a horse and leave him....were exactly did she plan to go, she did not even know how to make herself food. She could not do anything for herself and she was just going to take a horse and leave....it really made her seem dumb and the hero not too bright for falling for her. I did like the fact that they kept alot of whitty dialogue going and the adventure to get to the cousin's keep was interesting. Although they had a few too many near death experiences that he just kept walking them right into, which I would have thought he would have been a bit more careful. It was ok but unless you are really hooked on this author I would not recommend it

Book was excellent. Would like to have a better description of condition
when ordering. Some vendors think very good is really only good. This
particular vendor is not one of them.