Customer Reviews

In the Highlander's Bed

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This will be brief as all my reviews tend to be. The truth is this book is dull and it doesn't get interesting until the end of the book. And I hated the ending But then again I read romance novels because I love cinderalla endings. The characters are not funny, nor intriguing in anyway they are just there! Boring Boring Boring, but I did manage to actully finish this book so that is better then some. However save your money and re-read a classic like Elizabeth Lowell. I will try another of this authers book just to give her a second chance. In the end the book is just that OK noting more.

Gordon Lachlan is a Scottish warrior seeking to avenge his father's death, his sister's ruin and his clansman losing almost everything. He wants justice in the worst way and feels the Sword of the MacKenna is what he needs to rally his men and fight the English. The sword is currently with the Duke of Closter, in order for Gordon to get it back he decides to kidnap the Duke's sister-in-law. He will then send a ransom note to exchange the girl for the sword.

Constance Cameron is the youngest of three sisters who came to England from their Ohio Valley home. Her sisters have found love and have been married, now that's all they want for her. She has been residing at a ladies school and has decided she has had enough of the ton and this country, she wants to go home. She plans her escape and as she is sneaking off school grounds, is kidnapped by Gordon and taken to his Highland home.

Neither one is what the other expects and they find themselves drawn to each other. As Constance realizes she can't escape, and not for lack of trying, she begins to enjoy the clan and the Scottish open air. She begins to admire her captor.

This is the third book in a series and I have enjoyed every one of them, entirely. The Cameron sisters have been a unique group of women set upon the London ton; and each sister added something fresh to the historical romance genre. Constance was by the far the most engaging of the sisters. She is not a docile captive and the banter and battles between her and Gordon and had me enthralled from page one.

The ending was in danger of getting a little too cheesy for my tastes, but thankfully it never fully fromaged. ;) I eagerly anticipate Gordon's sister Fiona's story, Seduction of a Highland Mistress, this winter. Enjoy!

The Price of Indiscretion

In the Bed of a Duke

Cherise Everhard, February 2008

*** Back cover synopsis ***

Highland warrior Gordon Lachlan has spent his life fiercely battling the English. Now, to claim victory for his clan, he must retrieve the legendary Sword of the MacKenna from the hands of his mortal enemies. His plan: to kidnap Constance Cameron from her remote boarding school and force her wellborn relatives to surrender the sword as her ransom.

But Lachlan is surprised that the woman he's snatched from her bed is no malleable miss. Constance longs for adventure. She's tantalized by Lachlan and his passionate cause... and tempted enough by his seductive ways to wonder what it would be like to find herself in the Highlander's bed...

*** Review (without spoilers ^_^) ***

Picking up right after the teaser from the previous book, "Bedding The Heiress", Gordon Lachlan and his men sets out to complete his plan of kidnapping Constance Cameron. Even though she is not a docile being, and would not come to him willingly to complete his plan, she was also running away from boarding school which gave Gordon a better access of abducting her.

Along their rough journey back to Gordon's camp, through struggling and drastic imprisoning, the two develops an unexplainable attraction towards each other. While Constance has no objection to falling for Gordon, he on the other hand knew he must refrain himself from any intimate contact with her for the sake of the sword that he and his people needed. But circumstances only allowed the two to get closer and to have the chance to explore the feelings they had for each other.

*** Personal opinion ***

I liked the story from beginning to end. Maybe it does lack a bit of adventure but reading about the main characters made up for that. The reason why I didn't give it a 5 star was because I felt there wasn't enough chemistry between Constance and Gordon. Although they were shown together from the start of the book, their little adventure from the boarding school to Gordon's camp lacked the affection that would show their attraction towards each other, hence making it seem a bit hard to believe that they were really that strongly in love with each other.

This is a very simple story of a kidnap victim who falls in love with her honourable captor (if 'honourable' and 'kidnapper' can be part of the same character!). Constance Cameron is a young American woman who wants to run away from the boarding school in Edinburgh in which she has been placed by her two sister, heroines of previous books by this author. As Constance finally escapes the school she is kidnapped by a Scottish man, Gordon Lachlan, the leader of a rebellion.

Constance is unlike most women that Gordon has previously met, being spirited and resourceful. She tries to escape him at all opportunities as she wants to sail back to America on a ship that leaves Edinburgh in four days. However once Constance is taken to Gordon's camp her attitude seems to change remarkably quickly - she agrees to join their rebellion and helps to organise the camp. There's a healthy dose of unrealism here where one short speech by Constance is enough to change the entire mood of the camp. Constance also facilitates the breaking down of barriers between Gordon and his half-sister, Fiona, who was the victim of an attack by English soldiers and who partly blames Gordon.

Constance is meant to be exchanged for the Sword of the MacKenna, a symbol for the rebellion. Of course, when the time comes for the sword to be exchanged, Gordon isn't so sure that it's an easy trade. With a price on his head and his people relying on him for their future, what chance does he have with Constance?

This book was a reasonable enough read with a variety of characters and some local colour. The historicity and geography go a little awry occasionally and Gordon's ability to give up his long-held rebellion plans seem a little hasty but it didn't ever become boring and Constance was a worthy heroine. The plot really was rather simple, however, with little depth to the characters apart from Fiona. This is the fourth in a series and although it isn't necessary to have read the previous books it might help to explain some of the other characters' behaviour if the reader is already familiar with them.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

This was my first book by Cathy Maxwell and I did not find myself terribly disappointed, but at the same time, I wasn't thrilled. It was solidly good. I enjoyed the characters - Constance was a force to be reckoned with and Gordon was honorable and a worthy hero for this heroine. There seemed to be a lack of inner conflict with the heroine and I think that's where I found my problem. All in all, however, it was good. Despite this, however, I did manage to finish the book in less than a day. The ending was not my favorite (though completely justified in this situation), as I would like to see a return of Constance and Gordon in future related books, but I know this will not happen. I have no interest in going back and reading the books about Constance's sisters, but I did happen to have easy access to Fiona's book, so I will be reading hers next. Cathy Maxwell has proven to be a good storyteller and I will consider reading her again.

Set in Scotland, 1808, the Highland laird Gordon Lachlan has lost much and he is desperate to rally the people to fight back against the English. He knows that if he can obtain the legendary Sword of the MacKenna - it would bring hope to his down-trodden people. In order to retrieve the sword he planned to kidnap Constance Cameron from her remote boarding school knowing that by her family ties to the Duke of Colster, would make him honor bound to exchange her for the sword.

Constance Cameron hated England, Scotland and especially the strictures placed upon her by the headmistress of her school who tried to erase all of her American barbarianism and turn Constance into a lady. Constance was determined to run away and return to her beloved Ohio Valley in America, but on her way to freedom she was snatched up by Gordon Lachlan who dragged her deeper into the Highlands. Furious at having her plans thwarted, Constance was anything but the meek and compliant young miss Gordon was expecting did not appear. Instead, she was exactly what Gordon and his clan needed to bring harmony and order to his clan, and a passion long thought gone to this Highlander's bed.

*** Cathy Maxwell continues to churn out some very delectable historical romances, and though the kidnapped captive falls in love with her captor theme has been used over and over again, Maxwell's descriptive writing, smart dialogs, and lovely characterizations keep you entertained throughout. Although the plot is common enough, the characters were brought wholly to life. In my opinion, Constance's feisty and adventuresome, roll-with-the-punches attitude really dominated the story, once she became convinced and committed to Gordon's cause.

The dialogs were fresh and the chemistry between Gordon and Constance was well done. Gordon quickly saw that he had met his match in stubbornness, leadership and especially passion. There were many humorous moments interspersed within the adventure as well as poignant and emotionally drawn moments surrounding Gordon and Constance as they shared tragic events from their past that helped create a kinship between them. The healing relationship Constance facilitated with Gordon's sister Fiona was extremely well done, as well as helping Grace, another woman of his clan, to build her self esteem.

Maxwell reintroduces the sisters who were lead characters from her two previous titles in this series, Miranda Cameron from THE PRICE OF INDISCRETION, and Charlotte Cameron from IN THE BED OF A DUKE along with their spouses and let me say, these are all stand alone reads, although now that you know they are out there, you just might want to pick them up.

Maxwell is still at the top of her game in the humorous Regency era historical romance genre, and if not on your auto-buy list yet she should be!

Marilyn Rondeau, [...]

It seems lately, that the new historical romances coming out, leave so much to be desired. This could have been a great romance story, but again, it missed the mark. Kidnapping and love and the same boring story line is all this book has to offer. Too much of the same old thing without interesting characters and no great love developing between the characters. Too many unimportant characters and not enough written about the main characters and their true feelings for each other. Just my opinion.

"For generations the Mighty McKenna sword has led the clan to battle. Highlanders have followed the man who carries that Sword."

And the only one left to lead his people, Gordan Lachlan has no choice but to try to secure the sword. He needs it to rally his people against the English plaguing their land. The damage done by the clearances has left the MacKenna's homeless, penniless and near starving. Gordan's pride demands that he battle the English -take back what was theirs.

Only problem is that the sword is in London with the Duke of Colster. So if Gordan can't come to get the sword, then the sword must come to him.

Clever Constance Cameron was running away. Away from the insipid society rules, the straight-laced tight-lipped dour attitudes, the dress and most especially the people. England. Argh! She hated every minute there and yearned to go back to her beloved Ohio valley. Only she didn't end up on a boat back to America after sneaking away from her girls school. She ended up kidnapped by the most exasperating, domineering, the most handsomest, ...steel muscled, ..beautiful golden hair, *sigh* ...er..where was I?...Oh.yes... most arrogant man she's ever met! And what is all this nonsense about trading her for some sword?

Gordan realized soon enough that perhaps he's bitten off more than he could chew, perhaps kidnapping the duke's relation is not the best of ideas. This lass is a wild one. Living in rural America surrounded by the Indians must have toughed her character. She has more tricks up skirt than he'd care to think of. And he should know because he's been thinking too much of whats under them. He had to stop that -right now! But the more she fights, the more Gordan respects and even admires this spirited woman. What he wouldn't give to have a woman like this by his side. But thoughts like that could only lead to danger and death for them both. For he has a bounty for his head and soon it would become, much to his astonishment, clear that her death is not a price he's willing to pay.

This is my favorite book of the series. Its the third in the Cameron sister series and fourth in connected books. Perhaps its because the hero is a highlander? -my favorite. I'm not sure but I did like both H/H. He's a typical highhanded alpha and she's your garden variety spirited lass. I thought I would be bored with this over-used plot device of kidnapping, but Maxwell made it likable without making it mundane. The characterizations were well done and the story rolled along nicely. And the ending -for once in a romance!- is believable.

Recommended. A solid four star read in my book. I didn't give it more because I know that Maxwell can do better (Falling In Love Again & When Dreams Come True). Hopefully the next book will be her best. I have high hopes for Fiona being paired with the Duke of Holburn? (fingers crossed- Maxwell are you reading this?) -who doesn't love to reform a wastrel & dissolute rake?

Very good read, much better than I expected.

What really made this story enjoyable for me was the heroine. She was beautiful, smart, resourceful, strong, yet also had her own vulnerabilities. The storyline and characters reminded me of a combination of Kinley MacGregor's Master of Desire mixed with Sabrina Jeffries' Beware a Scot's Revenge, both 5 star reads in my book. So if you liked either (or both) of those books, you will most definitely like this one. What I felt was lacking in this story was Gordon's character development -- although I liked him, there was nothing memorable about him either. And I agree with another reviewer that the ending was a bit abrupt, but then again, it does make me look forward to reading the next book in the series (possibly starring Fiona and the wastrel Duke of Holburn?) =)

Not one of Maxwell's best, but definitely better than most of her later works and the majority of other romances out there. Happy reading!

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Gordon Lachlan is a man on a mission, to reclaim the country he calls home. He is the leader of what remain of the rebellion to return Scotland to its rightful owners - the Scottish People. However to do that he needs more followers, he needs an army worthy to take on the English troops. The Sword of MacKenna will bring him those followers and he's established a plan to retrieve the sword. He's going to kidnap Constance Cameron, a relative of the English Duke who has possession of the sword and ransom her for its return.

Constance Cameron is a fish out of water, born and raised in the America in the Ohio Valley, she doesn't belong in an English Finishing School for Girls. She doesn't belong among the prim and proper misses simpering over their future husband's ranks. She's going to escape and hop the next boat back to America with or without her sister's permission, most likely without. Her plans to escape are thwarted when Gordon and his men kidnap her as she's running away.

Sparks fly as two strong willed people oppose each other, but when Constance decides to join the rebellion she gives his people the hope and purpose that he was trying to achieve with the sword. She gives them back their heart and in the process steals Gordon's.

The book is fairly well written, and on the exciting side with plot unexpected plot twists and plenty of excitement. The sparks between the main couple are humorous and entertaining. Constance however, for a strong minded independent woman doesn't always seems to know what she wants and she changes dispositions like the wind which bothered me. The character growth in the novel came too easily and I think distracted from the overall story. Real change in people takes time and work, it doesn't happen overnight. The underlying plot twist of Fiona, Gordon's sister who was kidnapped and raped by English troops in an attempt to draw out Gordon was a nice twist but her path to regaining herself again came too easily. Some of the things just didn't seem realistic. It's a good story, but I think it could have been better if she'd created more inner turmoil for the characters and made it more difficult for them to become who they needed to be.