Customer Reviews

The MacLean Groom: Highland Lairds Trilogy

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Highland tale follows the romance of Rory and Joanna. They are both against a marriage required by the King and the adventure begins when Rory comes to claim his bride and her lands. There is intrigue and suspense. There are predictable moments and plot turns but Rory is fun to read about and Joanna is a sweet innocent who shows unusual wisdom in the end. The tale is easy to read. I finished the book in 2 days and enjoyed the reading.

In order to gain lands Rory MacLean is ordered by decree of the King of Scotland, King James, to marry the daughter of his friend's murderer, Lady Joanna Macdonald. Reluctlantly Rory obeys his orders and goes to her castle to marry the maid. Lady Joanna has no desire to marry the handsome laird, so she poses as a boy so that he will think she's not there and leave. Her plans backfire when Rory realizes right away who his intended bride is and he goes along with the marriage plans.

Joanna is dismayed to find that she is becoming more and more attracted to the handsome laird. Rory is her sworn enemy, the man responsible for her grandfather's death. How could she possible fall in love with this heathen? Sure enough, Rory and Joanna become wed and the two are forced to live together as man and wife.

The night of the wedding Joanna learns things about Rory that he never wanted her to find out. She, along with her family, is determined not to consumate the marriage so that she can obtain an annulment. But Rory will not have any of that, slowly he woos his beautiful bride and the two fall in love. But can the love last when the two clans hate eachother? What of Joanna's family, who always had plans for her to marry her cousin?

This is the first book I've read by Kathleen Harrington. I found this book entertaining and am looking forward to the second book in the series.

This is an awesome start to what promises to be an outstanding Trilogy. This is the first work I have read by Harrington and I am not only anxiously awaiting Lachlan amd Keir's stories but I have started reading some of her older works. The story is very clever and she has a wonderful use of humor. The characters she has developed whether in a primary or secondary role are individually strong and interesting. Outstanding read, pick it up as soon as possible, you'll not be disappointed.

I loved this book and have been checking amazon for the next part of the trilogy. I bought this book new so Iv'e been checking for at least three years. Is there going to be a 2nd and 3rd book ? Quite a few fans of this book are egerly awaiting the next instalment. Please let us know something. If you have decided not to publish the other two , it would be nice to know so I don't continue looking for it.thanks
linda from louisanna.

It took me quite awhile to warm up to "The MacLean Groom" ....Infact, I felt that the beginning dragged horribly and I almost set it aside...I am however, very glad that I gave it a chance...Inevitably the story grew on me...the strongest point of the book would definitely be the character Rory..I adored him...He was so loving and patient.....I felt that he was way too good for Joanna...It bothered me that she was so inconsistent with him throughout the beginning of the story, but eventually she pulls it together and I ended up liking her regardless....I would like to see Lachlan and Raine paired up..I don't know if they will...but I'm hoping! Anyways..this book is worth reading..if you find yourself struggling through its start, give it a chance..I think youll be glad that you did.

Simply a breathtaking work. Kudos to Ms. Harrington on writing a man who starts out almost chaunvinistic in his thoughts on marriage and actually hates his wife simply because of her family who turns into a man who simply adores her because of who she is and is actually beholden to her. In short buy this book, tell your friends to buy this book then get together and bemoan the fact that Rory isn't your next door neighbor :) Happy Reading

Rory is a dream come true. Wanting to be what his new bride wants him to be, he tries to woo her as a "knight in shining armour". Humourous, loving, and sexy the man is just perfect! Joanna is naive to the point of hilarity in some things but she just can't seem to keep her aloofness for very long under Rory's constant barrage of caring and seduction. Who could blame her! Have already been looking to see if this was maybe the 2nd or 3rd book of the trilogy so I could buy the others. Hurry Kathleen! Bring me Lachlan and Kier!

The first book in the Highland Lairds (not that I've ever found the remaining two) is a different read for the historical romance (Scottish) genre. This book takes you from the introduction, to the courtship, marriage, struggles, reunion, and family of the couple (Rory and Joanne). From reading their story, we find that love does not always instantly conquer all, as we witness Rory and Joanne overcome both internal and external obstacles to their happiness as a couple.

Although, it is bit difficult to read at first, (due in part to the beginning--which is a bit slow--in retrospect establishes a solid foundation for the ensuing story) the book really picks up after Rory (by order of the King) arrives at the MacDonald holding to marry the heir of his family's greatest enemy (the granddaughter of the man that killed his surrogate father). Dreading his marriage, Rory arrives to find his bride, Joanna, has "disappeared." But, Joanna, is just in arms reach disguised as a poor serving boy name Joey. The entire clan then endeavors to fool Rory into marrying the wrong woman or being stood up at the altar. However, Rory and the MacLean's are wiser than the MacDonald's expect. The result is a love story that becomes entangled in family loyalties & feuds, betrayal, treason, murderous plots, personal conflicts, and desire.

Ms. Harrington really engages the reader through an original take on the Highland Clan rivalries, her prose, character development, a well-written story with plenty of supporting characters and stories that in the end come together in a way that is pleasing to the reader. While it's difficult to watch as some of the developments and transformations take place (particulary with Joanna and the MacDonald clan), in the end, you are rewarded w/ more than a profession of love and the words "the end." We gain a peak into Rory and Joanna's life after they come together for good. The end is a very satisfying one that leaves the reader with closure and joy.

Steamy sensuality, danger and intrigue, and a whole lot of hilarity--now there's an unbeatable mix. The narrative viewpoint switches throughout, showing male and female perspectives in a far more engaging manner than the typical romance novel. I absolutely howled in parts, and cheered at the end.

I would give this book ten stars if I could, just because it was the first historical romance novel that I was able to like. I had tried to read all sorts of Historical romance, but just couldn't seem to get past the first two pages. I picked this book up at a bookstore, along with ten contemporary romance, and after reading this I took everyone of the contemporaries back and traded them in for historicals. Four years later I still can't get enough historicals. I read at least six a week.
Aside from being my very first, this really is an entrancing read. I don't remember very much about it but I do remember that I stayed up all night reading this.