Customer Reviews

The Laird Who Loved Me (The Macleans)

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

 

 

Normally I would give this light frothy historical romance three stars, not for any literary achievement, but for being an honest and enjoyable example of its genre. The Laird Who Loved me treads the well-worn theme of the young spunky heroine of disadvantaged background who falls in love with the older, rakish but wealthy hero. Alas, the Scottish background doesn't contribute much to the story except a fantastic cover image. I was very disappointed to discover that the hero only wears the kilt for a masquerade ball - actually the cover is quite faithful to the details of his costume. The Laird Who Loved me is part of family series, like the ones Nora Roberts and other writers do. I feel like this book stands on its own, although if I had read and enjoyed the rest of the series I might be more tolerant of The Laird's foibles. My two main issues with the book are that a) it went too quickly to be a beach read - I finished it in an evening, and I wouldn't want to take up suitcase space with a book that went so fast, and b) the character of Caitlyn is a disservice to virgins everywhere. I am a master at willingly suspending my disbelief, but Caitlyn has so much instinctive knowledge of the ways of love, despite Alexander being the only man she's ever kissed. Even when they have sex, she's so knowledgeable in the ways of his body and hers that only her hymen tips off Alexander to her (formerly) virginal state. Give me a break! It's one thing for the older hero to initiate the ingénue into the ways of love, and for her to be a quick learner. For an older, experienced man to find a sheltered young woman his equal in the arts of love is just too much. To all you hopeful virgins out there, I find this to be beyond fantasy.

I have enjoyed the four previous books in the MacLean series and was hoping the last book would be just as good. Unfortunately, it was a failure. When I read the prologue and learned that the hero was twenty years older than the heroine, I was already very turned off. But, I put it aside and finished the book. I was disappointed that none of Alexander MacLean's siblings showed up in this tale, and neither did the heroine's sister (who was the lead in the last story)...Often times, the best parts of series novels is when previous characters show up to either interfere or offer advice. I didn't really LIKE the lead characters and didn't find myself rooting for them to come together at any part of the book. The plot seemed flat and the supporting characters boring. Sadly, this book gets two big thumbs down.

In this fifth installment of Karen Hawkins's series involving the MacLeans, we meet again Alexander MacLean, laird of his clan, and Caitlyn Hurst, the young miss who started all the trouble in the fourth book, Sleepless in Scotland. Alexander is intent on getting his revenge on Caitlyn for causing his family embarrassment. He gets Caitlyn invited to a house party, specifically for the purpose of ruining her. He figures it won't take much to push her impulsive nature into doing something he won't regret.

Caitlyn has promised her mother she will control her temper and be as proper as can be at the house party. But then she discovers Alexander MacLean is there, too, and all promises become a lot harder to keep. As they goad one another into increasingly daring situations, the flames that were ignited before leap to the fore again. In an attempt at resolving their situation, they agree to complete three tasks based on a myth. But who will be the real winner?

I enjoyed this story of revenge and love, though not as much as the previous installment. Alexander is almost hyper-male, though incredibly sexy. His lust for revenge is a bit wearying, but Caitlyn is a joy to read as she reacts to his taunts. The heat between them nearly scorches the pages. The Laird Who Loved Me is definitely a fine addition to the series.

Niki Lee
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This was okay. I could finish it, but I kept putting it down. H/H weren't very likable (motivations were childish and silly) and the age difference was too much. The only interesting thing was the curse.

On the whole I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would although I agree that the plot has some major holes. I have never seen the relevance of the curse in the series - Hawkins never fully developed it and I feel it was thrown in to attract readers who like paranormal, but Hawkins never takes it anywhere. I didn't think I would like Caitlin but to my surprise I did...and I enjoyed the chemistry between her and Alex. The main things that spoiled the book for me (already identified by other readers) was that we never heard first hand what happened while they were in London, and Alex's reaction seemed extreme in the least. And I also didn't like the love scenes...Hawkins made Caitlin behave like an experienced woman which didn't feel right to me. Nevertheless, I gave a little sigh when Alex came after her. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could.

I love Karen Hawkins novels and this one was another fantastic read. Alexander MacLean the oldest of the MacLean family decided to seek revenge of Caitlyn Hurst. In Sleepless in Scotland (The MacLeans)Caitlyn attempts to best Alexander by getting him to want to marry her and refusing him - but everything goes wrong with her plan. Alexander get Caitlyn invited to a house party of a Duke - in the end they decide to make a wager to settle their conflict. Great characters, fun to read another winner in the Maclean Curse Series .

Check out the whole Maclean Curse Series; How to Abduct a Highland Lord , To Scotland, With Love , To Catch a Highlander ,Sleepless in Scotland (The MacLeans) and The Laird Who Loved Me.

I was prepared to hate Caitlyn Hurst after the last book but I was delighted to find that Caitlyn was not only smart enough to be a match for Alex MacLean but also had a great sense of humor. I am sorry this is the last of the MacLean series. I have loved all of them.

After reading One Night In Scotland and Scandal in Scotland from the Hurst series, I'm so glad I went back to read the 2 Hurst sister books in the Maclean series. I really enjoyed Sleepless in Scotland and thought the Laird Who Loved Me was a really creative and fun read. Love the tension and the playful banter - and I admired Caitlyn's spunk, femininity and ability to handle tough situations and people. These characters really grew on me and I just downloaded the first three of the Maclean series on my kindle - looking forward to a fun week of reading about these hunky, spirited bad boys and the women who bring them to heal :)

First of all, if you haven't read all the books in this series, you'd have no idea how to judge the characters. There's a lot of back story in the other books, not to say this couldn't stand on its own, but it does help to be familiar with story.
I didn't see the age difference as a huge deal. The wagers were fun to read. I'll admit they seemed a bit immature, but really - she was 23 years old and had little to base her challenges on so I'm willing to overlook it.
The bottom line is - you either like this type of book or you don't. I did, but it's not for everyone. The ending seemed a bit 'tacked on' I would have enjoyed certain characters getting their just deserves instead of being written out completely.

The story itself follows 23 year old Caitlyn Hurst, and 43 year old Alexander MacLean (his age is inferred from references in the book, however, it is never overtly stated, if I recall correctly). Three months prior to the story, Caitlyn and Alexander had somewhat of a tryst, which ended up with her being shuttled from town back to the country while her twin sister wed Alexander's brother to save the families' reputation. This left Alexander to be the butt of the joke back in London, and this has, apparently, deeply wounded his pride, so much so that he enlists one of his former lovers in helping him to gain revenge on Caitlyn. Once she arrives to the three week long "house party," however, he gains more than what he bargained for, along with a new insight towards past events, which, of course, lends its way towards their happy ending.

Despite not previously knowing that "The Laird Who Loved Me" was the fifth book in a series, for the most part it did well for a stand-alone novel. Although there were some bits that would have probably made more sense had I read those novels (such as, oh, I don't know... the curse's origins and the stipulations for ending it before finding out the bits I did at the end of the story).

I found many parts of this tale humorous, laughing out loud at points and gaining strange looks from my husband. The love scenes (2) themselves were enjoyable and sensuous enough to keep me interested.

The book itself, I give a 4 out of 5 star rating, with the love scenes rated 3 out of 5.

-Originally Posted at Lady Kay Reviews