Customer Reviews

Highland Warrior (Zebra Historical Romance)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 1472 Scotland, Fiona MacEnroy needs some fresh air after being lovingly locked up by her brothers to keep her safe from an abusive "suitor". Menzies has scarred her every time she rejects his so called love for her. She rides her horse, but has an accident. Laird Ewan MacFingal and twelve of his men find her, but Fiona refuses to tell him what clan she belongs to. He takes her prisoner with plans to ransom her later. To her shock, she feels safe with him and other feelings stir. He wants her too, but he knows women even whores fear him due to his nasty scars.

They reach his keep Castle Scarglas where Fiona begins to believe she has found her soulmate in Ewan while he avoids being alone with her because his attraction to her scares him. He also thinks of his previous love that betrayed him to his enemies the Grays eight years ago, but wonders if he can trust Fiona with his heart. She seduces him into marriage, but he is stunned by who she is and her connections. As danger from Menzies and the Grays surface, this couple needs to trust in love or face dire consequences.

The third Hannah Howell Highland historical (see HIGHLAND ANGEL and HIGHLAND GROOM) is an exhilarating romance starring two likeable protagonists. The extended family especially his siblings (even his fractious father turns into a teddy bear) are a likable lot. Though the motives of the two Gray villains especially the female seems too unrealistic, fans will appreciate this charming story of love between a HIGHLAND WARRIOR and his intrepid female counterpart.

Harriet Klausner

If you have read HIGHLAND BRIDE featuring Connor MacEnroy and Gillyanne Murray) then you'd remember Fiona as the tomboyish thirteen-year-old sister of Connor.

All grown up and no longer the gauche lass, we are introduced to a beautiful and spirited lady who has suffered the cruelty of an obsessed suitor. Kept locked in Deilcladach by her family for so long after having been abducted four times by Ranald Menzies, a man whose offer of marriage she has rejected, Fiona manages to escape the keep for a little while only to find herself lost and taken hostage by the MacFingals of Scarglas. With plans to ransom her, Ewan is annoyed when Fiona refuses to tell him who she is. And although Fiona puts up a fight in the beginning, she knows she is no match against the strength of the clan's laird and actually finds herself very attracted to him.

Now Ewan MacFingal is amazed at the petite woman whose courage and beauty he's never encountered before. What astounds him more is the strong attraction she stirs in him. But having been betrayed by a woman years before, he knows he needs to fight it or risk losing his heart again. As for Fiona, she senses the good in him despite the wall he has built around himself and in her heart, she knows that she has found her soul mate and is determined to win his heart.

HIGHLAND WARRIOR is a fun novel featuring a likable hero and heroine and their extended family also provide entertainment. I liked how Fiona's grown up to be like her sister-in-law Gilly, strong and courageous and a no-nonsense type of woman. The way she managed to wiggle herself into the hearts of Ewan's clan, especially his seemingly lunatic and immature father was delightful. But having read seven other Highland books, I found the whole concept of their hesitation to express their true feelings a little bit worn and rather formulaic, hence my reason for giving this only 3 stars instead of 4. Overall, this is quite enjoyable if you're after a light and easy read.

Fiona MacEnroy is fleeing an overtly earnest suitor through the hills and wilds of Scotland when she is set upon and captured by a group of men. Fully expecting a battle, she's rather surprised her many knives and swords are useless against their fearless and confounding leader, Ewan MacFingal. He whisks her away to his family stronghold, Scarglas, and she realizes she is in the hands of a family long held in contempt by neighboring clans. Despite rumors, Fiona feels a sense of peace within its walls and a growing sense of arousal for the enigmatic laird. Ewan himself finds much to admire in the bold and capable lass, yet he refuses to succumb to her charms. Fears of an unknown madness in his father keeps him at bay from anyone daring to get too close to him, especially Fiona, for he has long feared he is too much like his father. As old enemies, both of Fiona and Ewan, creep ever closer to the growing relationship between the two, will pride and fear keep them apart? Or will passion and love pave the path of their desires?

Author Howell uses pleasant details of Scottish countryside to draw the reader into her world. Scottish inflections are used throughout the story to lend that particular air of authenticity, though some words were used so heavily, and spelled as if a Scot were saying them, that it gets distracting at times. Secondary characters abound in the novel, and Ewan's father, Sir Fingal, plays an important role, one too important at times, for Ewan is extremely fixated on the problems that the man causes for the rest of their clan. Once the plot moved back to focusing on the hero and heroine, readers will once again be nicely entertained. Dialogue between all the characters is good, especially between Fiona and Ewan and Fiona and Mab, one of the clan's adoptive members. The secondary plot involving a n old, dangerous flame of Ewan's was somewhat weak, but still an interesting addition to help advance his and Fiona's relationship and shed light on Ewan's misgivings. Characters from previous books make an appearance and Ms. Howell actually sets the stage for the following book, "Highland Lover", very nicely without taking away from the main plot.

Considering the amount of characters that abound throughout, all were quite well developed. Readers will clearly feel Ewan's dilemma in remaining separate from Fiona due to his father's indiscretions. Fiona herself is an admirable heroine who more than proved her worthiness as one. She's never faint of heart and in fact jumps in, heart open wide and ready to claim her man. Despite its problems, it was an enjoyable read and I much anticipated reading about Ewan's awakening to the bold Fiona.

Kenda Montgomery
Official Reviewer for The Mystic Castle

I depend on reader reviews. When scouting for new books, I always take the time to read them. Even if I decide not to take the reviewers advice, I still make it a large part of my selection process. That is why I decided to write a review of this book. I have many Highlander romance books under my belt. Most are wonderful, exiting, vivid stories. This is my first Hannah Howell. I found this to be a bit disappointing. While Ms Howell's narrative was pleasurable, and able to capture the moments, I found myself concentrating too much on the English spelling of the Scottish pronunciations. I know when I pick up a book about the Highlands it will contain characters speaking Gaelic, or brogue. I get it, I don't need to decipher it page after page. This book contains too much. In my opinion it slows the reader down interrupting the stories continuity. I understand the accent, and flavor of the story when given just a sample of the brogue. Unfortunately this Author depends on it way too much. The storyline is bit weak, and the characters aren't given time to develop. I like to get to know my characters before the "plot thickens". This story had Ewan and Fiona's interaction all over the charts before we really knew them. Still, an OK story, but definitely low on the list.

This was my first Hannah Howell romance and I must say I was disappointed. She has written so many in her highlander series that I just supposed they were all good for them to keep selling. I should have known when I saw the reviews were all over the place. I agree with those who said the pace was slow (it was). I kept waiting for more to happen. I also felt she disclosed Fiona's intentions toward Ewan too soon. And it bothered me she was trying to trap him. And then he just went from wanting no wife to suddenly declaring they'd marry. It just didn't ring true. The appearance at the end of the concerned and wronged brother, Connor, was a bit anticlimactic. It should have been a scene where he expresses worry and anger at his keep weeks before and then his travel to Scarglas. I did like the love scenes but felt there wasn't enough story for them. Still, while a bit "lite" I may read another of hers (say the sequel, Highland Conqueror) to see if they get better. I recommend Kresley Cole's MacCarrick Brothers trilogy for a 5 star Scottish romance.

I was really excited to read this book, it got such good reviews. Howell's diction was great no doubt but the story was really slow. I almost didn't finish it, I even skipped pages and didn't miss anything of importance. It just seemed like a lot was happening in the book but nothing was really going on...if that make's since. The story just seemed to start dragging about have way through the book.

I have read many books by this writer and always enjoy her books. I always enjoy the adventures and the differ aspects of her novels.

Hannah Howell was my first experience with historical romantic fiction...specifically 15th century Scotland. To say I was hooked would be a profound understatement. In the period of two weeks I bought ever book by Mrs Howell with the word Highland in the title. (a rough estimate was about 20 novels) The language was fluid but authentic yet didn't take away only added to the story. Especially the dialogue...who could have thought that words like...aye, wee, lass, bonnie and nay could be so enjoyable? While the main premise of the story is historical romance there are "wee" sprinklings of paranormal...which is my genre of choice. Mrs. Howell also does my favorite thing to find in books, characters that span several books.First as the protagonists then as secondaries in others. In the Highlands they are kinsmen or clan members. Loved it so much. Buy it you won't be sorry.

I really like this story. I really liked Fiona MacEnroy's sense of humor and her cheerful disposition, especially considering her circumstances. Very funny and fast paced book, lots of action. The main characters Ewan and Fiona are a good match.

Call me spoiled but at the end of books I read they all seem to have either an epilogue or the author has tied up most things within the book itself...I was a little put off when my kindle showed 90% complete, the story didn't feel completed but I had reached the end of the book... (the other 10% was a prefer for another story). What happened with her pregnancy? They stressed how the clan only made male not female kids...I figured this was leading to a surprise daughter but now I'll never know...

The back and forth also of the leads loving each other from pretty much the beginning of THE ENTIRE book but didn't say anything due to being scared until close to the last page (again I'm thinking I have 10% of sweet talking WHA HOO!!) I've been disappointed in books before but this is the first time I felt cheated....

(the storyline itself though was alright hence my 3 stars....)