Customer Reviews

Highland Lover

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

 

 

This was a very enjoyable read. Alana and Gregor got themselves kidnapped and held for ransom. They escape and try to make their way to Scarglas dodging the kidnappers as they travel. During this time they fall in love but say nothing to each other.

Gregor was considering marriage to someone before the kidnapping and decided it wasn't what he wanted after all and then he meets Alana. He doesn't tell her what is in his heart because he's afraid she will turn away from him because of his overtures to another woman, and he doesn't want to give her the chance to do so. He also doesn't want her to think he's fickle.

Alana says nothing because she isn't convinced she's worthy of him. She's the plain wren and her sister is the beauty so doesn't think a man like Gregor would want a "wee brown wren".

They have a little more of an adventure which keeps you interested before they finally admit to each other how they feel and work everything out. They figure out a few things about themselves and each other and you can see the result.

Alana and Gregor's story did not have a deep or complicated plot and it was not as sensual as some of the previous books, but it was sweet and easy to read. It was nice to read one where the couple wasn't constantly at each other's throat. This is a keeper.

First of all let me say that I enjoyed this book. Howell writes well and the characters are well drawn and likeable, but that's because I've read about them before! HELLO! Does anyone else notice the glaring similarities in the last three books? Hero and heroine meet by fate and begin a journey together. They're attacked by evil-doer's and escape and make their way to Scarglas. They're forced to marry for safety/reputation reasons. The hero recognizes early that the heroine is his 'mate' or 'fit' or 'right'. The childlike heroine (that's creepy!) can't help but fall in love with the huge warrior ( are they all 6' 4"?). Hero doesn't realize he loves heroine till she's in phyisical danger and he rescues her. Hero also tries to get herione to say that she loves him, but won't admit it himself. Sheesh!

I just can't believe how similar these books are! Howell has got to think of a different story line. So if you've read the Conqueror or Champion, you'll be dissapointed in these if your looking for originality.

I'm a bit sceptical about the next one, Highlander Barbarian. In that one the hero goes on -what else?- a journey to bring back a herione heir to clan. At least I'm sure that Howell will be introducing some new characters.

Read the Highlander Warrior, its very good and much better than the other three.

This is my fourth or fifth book in this series, and while I rated the others highly (in my mind). This one seemed a little harder to get into. I think there was a lil too much of the highland speech and that sometimes threw me off. Ye ken? Either that, or it just wasnae as interesting as the first ones I read. Although the next one with Artan sounds great!

As a big Hannah Howell fan I couldn't wait for this book to come out. I found the book to be 'just ok' because the hero, Gregor, wasn't very likeable. He's not the strong alpha male that is typical for this series. I found him wishy washy, indecisive, and kind of boring.

The part of the book I really enjoyed was catching up with characters from previous books in the series. Ewan and Fiona's story was one of my all-time favorites so that is why I gave this book 3 stars vs. only 2 stars.

Beginning with a kidnapping and dark dungeon, Highland Lover grabbed my attention and really held on to it for the entire novel. This is due to the character development of the leads, especially the heroine. I had not read the previous novels in this series so Ms. Howell's narrative was fresh, I had no background history of either one of the leads but it didn't matter as the author does a fine job of filling in the missing historical pieces without letting it overpower the hero and heroine's story.

Both Gregor Cameron and Alana Murray are kidnapped by a greedy Laird and held for ransom. It seems as if there is no escape but Gregor figures a way out hoisting Alana onto his shoulders to reach the dungeon doorway. This scene was easy to visualize, almost like watching cheerleaders perform stunts at football games. This takes a tremendous amount of trust and the analogy is not lost on either character, they are both harboring secrets. Gregor is actually almost betrothed to a woman and Alana is searching for her sister who she has "seen" in danger.

The two escape and both make their way toward Alana's sister as Gregor realizes that a woman alone can be a dangerous thing. He likes spunky Alana and finds her to be not only good company but very desirable too. He wonders if she, rather than his almost intended, is the right mate for him.

Alana is certain about her feelings for Gregor. He is bold, caring and above all honorable but he also seems to be withholding his feelings. Alana knows she wants him for a husband but he has made her no promises. She is not discouraged; she has complete faith in her ability to bind her to him.

The two have harrowing escapes from would be kidnappers and other scoundrels along their journey. Amidst all these upheavals Gregor realizes he should tell Alana his secrets but he holds back and sure enough this will come back to haunt him.

What makes this novel a winner is Alana. She is a caring woman, kind and compassionate with people and animals. Even though she acts rashly at times, she quickly learns from her mistakes. Finally she is not so hard headed that she cannot take good advice. She is strong yet tender hearted, a winning combination in a heroine.

Alana Murray's twin sister is missing. When her brothers set out to find their sibling, Alana does what any good sister would do. She follows them, keeping far enough behind so that they can't send her back home. Unfortunately, she gets separated from them and captured by the Gowans, who want to hold her for ransom.

Gregor MacFingal Cameron has left his family in search of a bride. He thinks he's found one and is on his way home to talk with his father when he is captured by the Gowans. He's been in their prison a few days when they toss a child down with him. Gregor thinks the person sharing his cell is no child, but there's no way to be sure.

Working together, Alana and Gregor break out of the prison and start a quest to find Alana's sister. Along the way, they must keep ahead of the Gowans and battle the growing attraction that they feel for each other.

I very much enjoyed Highland Lover. Ms. Howell weaves a tale of adventure and romance that captures the reader and holds them spellbound. Particularly well done is Alana, who is a strong woman who won't be taken advantage of. This was my first Hannah Howell adventure, and it won't be my last. Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this book very much.

Amelia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I am a big fan of Hannah Howell's Highland series and was anxiously waiting for this book to come out... it did not disappoint. I really enjoy the fact that she includes characters from previous books in her novels as it makes you feel like the people and families are more real knowing that they continue on, even after their own stories are told. I like how she switches back and forth from telling the stories from a male character's point of view to a female's. This book is not as steamy as some of the previous books in the series (I thought the 3 Murray daughters' stories were much steamier and the plots slightly more involved/complex). But I still thoroughly enjoyed this latest book by Hannah Howell and cannot wait for the next one coming in December 2006. This is a must read for her usual fans and if you are new to the series and have never read them, I highly encourage you to do so, I know you will fall in love and not be able to put them down until you have gotten through the entire series (like me!).

I love this book! If you love reading about romance, passion and the Highlands, you will love this book! Hannah Howell out did herself!

Hannah Howell spins another great tale in this book of struggle and strenght, love and hate, pain and pleasure.
The Highlands seem to come alive at her fingertips.
With the colorful descriptions you can close your eyes and you are there. In the dark underground cell. To the prefect marriage bed with all the traditions thrown in. A MUST READ.