Customer Reviews

Master of the Highlands

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

 

 

Having read this book for the third time. I was shocked to see bad reviews about it. It's a fantastic read! The vivid details of the characters and places they go puts you right besides them. When I read Sue-Ellen Welfonders books she takes me inside the book not just an observer but the book becomes a part of me.
Go to Scotland. It's just a book away!

I really enjoyed getting lost in all of Welfonder's stories in this series. Her characters are Dynamic and will definitely stay with you. Different plots drive all of the stories and there were some extremely memorable scenes. I can't wait till her next one.

A couple of things were annoying though. For one thing, these hero's thoughts don't stray far from their "Phallus." Which did make for frequent sexual situations, thus one of the reasons we all love the genre, so I'm not so sure I'm complaining. And secondly, I started to "skim" parts of the book (which I NEVER do). It's just that I found myself frequently at points where, for instance, the heroine will say something and then it's 12 paragraphs of anything the hero could possibly be thinking or feeling till he responds to her. Or five paragraphs in the middle of the conversation to describe how the shutters are rattling against the windows! And unfortunately, I'm not exaggerating.

Having said that, I will still buy and devour anything and everything by this author. And would definitely recommend this series to be enjoyed mostly if read in order. Her first book is 1) Devil in a Kilt, then read 2) Bride of the Beast, then 3) Only for a Knight. And The MacLean Trilogy order is: 1) Knight in My Bed, 2) Master of the Highlands, and then 3) Wedding for a Knight.

So you know where my tastes lie: For the absolute best in Highland romance I would recommend Julie Garwood's "The Bride," "The Wedding," "The Secret," "Ransom," and "Saving Grace." Karen Marie Moning, and Marsha Canham. For Medieval: Garwood's "The Prize," "Honor's Splendor," & "Gentle Warrior." Also Amanda Quick's "Mystique," "Desire," & anything by Kinley Macgregor a.k.a. Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Setting - Isle of Doon, 1331 - Iain MacLean feels like a useless piece of humanity, with a black temper, and a sour disposition, everyone runs from him. He blames himself for the death of his wife Lileas, and his family is at their wits end in trying to get him to return to the land of the living. Accidentally setting fire to the family chapel during one of his rages has been the last straw, and his brother Donall, the Laird of the MacLeans, has set him on journey of penance to atone for his latest folly. Along the way, he runs into Lady Madeline Drummond, disguised as a postulant nun. Iain is totally amazed because he spots, what appears to be, a nun stealing a holy relic from a sacred shrine! Iain cannot believe what he's seen, nor can he control his feelings that he `knows' her.

Lady Madeline, is blessed, or cursed with the ability to read ones deepest heart felt thoughts. She is on a mission to commit an act that is abhorrent to her, and though she dreams of a `shadow man' that warms her heart and soul, she tries to ignore the feeling; compelled to continue on her quest to find and murder the man who killed her father and stole her birthright. She discovers this `shadow man' recognizing him as her dream lover, and through more misadventures they hook up. The journey is then hilarious as she tries to control her lustful feelings for him, and Iain, posing as her husband who is `painfully' controlling his urges to ravish the postulant nun!

I found Master of the Highlands to be a vastly entertaining and deeply sensual medieval romance that utilizes just a wee bit of magic tossed in to give the protagonists even more appeal. It utilizes the MacLean Bane as central to it's plot. The MacLean Bane - A characteristic that distinguishes the MacLean males setting them apart from all other men: the fierceness of their heated blood and their ability to love, truly love, only one woman, the latter trait being either a blessing or a curse. I loved the fact that the author wrote such depth of feeling in each protaganist - allowing you a little glimpse into their souls. There is a huge buildup for the ultimate first time seduction, or in this case the clash of the titans as they were BOTH so very hot for one another. Throw in a little witchery, and then for those of us who like our hero's moody, ultra HOT, and SEXY than this is the one for you! This should be a definite book for your buy list!
--- Marilyn for www.historicalromance writers.com ---

I enjoyed this book very much! Once I started it I couldn't put it down until I was done. It is very accurate historically and has a wonderfully entertaining storyline. The characters are addictive and believable. Another great story by a very talented writer!

Ms Welfonder is really a truly gifted author. I predicted with
her first book that she would be an author to watch and she has
not disappointed me. Have read all of her books so far and I am
anxiously awaiting her next one to come out. If anyone likes
Scottish books then buy one of her books and you won't be
disappointed. I will buy all of her books.

Scotland -- 1331

Disguised as a nun, strong-willed Madeline Drummond is on a quest for revenge against Sir Bernhard "Silver Leg" Logie, the evil villain who besieged her home and killed her father. Known for leaving a little silver leg at every holy place he visits, Madeline hopes to discover Logie's location by following the trail of silver offerings. While on her journey, Madeline also has to deal with telepathic messages she's receiving from a man full of anger and deep pain.

Iain MacLean is the bane of his clan. His brother, Donal, Laird MacLean, commands Iain to do penance for his hot temper which has brought disaster to the clan. Iain must take a family relic to a holy shrine, stopping at every holy place along the way to pray for his sins. Not long into his journey, Iain is overcome by an overwhelming sense of warmth and desire that spreads throughout his body, nearly knocking him off his horse. These episodes occur intermittently as Iain travels, and he quickly becomes frustrated and angry at what he can't control.

When Madeline and Iain cross paths during their respective trips, they realize that the strange sensations they have been experiencing can be attributed to the other. For safety's sake, the two now pose as husband and wife -- but how long can they continue this pretense without surrendering to the attraction and desire they feel for each other?

MASTER OF THE HIGHLANDS is an intense, emotional read. Madeline tries to appear brave on the outside, while mourning the loss of her father and ancestral home. Iain slowly transforms from a fiery, hot-tempered, self-centered man to one who cares deeply about someone other than himself.

MASTER OF THE HIGHLANDS is an interesting tale peopled with realistic characters and with an interesting storyline, albeit slow paced. I was, however, a bit frustrated with the primarily internal conflicts and some overly dramatic inner turmoil experienced by both Madeline and Iain.

If you haven't read Ms. Welfonder's books before, I recommend you start with DEVIL IN A KILT and BRIDE OF THE BEAST, before reading MASTER OF THE HIGHLANDS. The first two books will give readers a true taste of Ms. Welfonder's talent and skill at writing delicious Scottish historical romances.

Ms Welfonder has done it again with her latest offering, Master of the Highlands. The story of Iain and Madeline will grab your attention from the first page. These two are destined to be together no matter what and that is just what they find out. Throw in a strong secondary character line-up and some well timed comedy and you have it. The depth of Iain's strength both physically and emotionally sweeps Madeline off her feet, and her firm belief in his being worth the effort truly warmed this reader's heart. Great for one of those rainy days and even better when the snow is up to our..eyes here in Ohio, a good feeling read from beginning to end.

One year ago his wife Lileas drowned to death from the high tide when his uncle tied her to the Lady Rock just off the Isle of Doon. Still angry and in some form of mourning, a black tempered Iain MacLean burns down the chapel. His brother and others inform him that if he does not repent, he will feel the wrath of God. Though not caring how God feels, to escape the scene of his nightmare, Iain agrees to go on a pilgrimage to deliver a sacred icon to a holy shrine that his sibling hopes will provide some restitution.

Lady Madeline Drummond is on a more mundane quest. She travels the Holy Shrines in rags in an attempt to locate the evil Sir Bernard "Silver Leg" Logie who killed countless innocents to gain access to her family's castle. Iain sees Madeline steal relics left by her hated foe, but she is caught. Curious about the lady in nun garb, Iain rescues her claiming she is his spouse. Soon he becomes embroiled in her adventure to save her people against an odious foe.

This fourteenth century Scottish romance is an exciting sequel to the delightful KNIGHT IN MY BED. The story line is loaded with action and strong characters especially the lead couple though Iain's behavior seems to dramatically change from raging lunatic to concerned champion. Fans of the sub-genre will appreciate Sue-Ellen Welfonder's fine tale that adds to her Scottish historical legacy.

Harriet Klausner

While I have truly enjoyed this series, I was disappointed in this book. It was 300 pages of the hero trying to fight off his feelings for the heroine while ... aroused. The story was inane and the villian was done away with in the last chapter of the book. I was literally so bored that I could barely get through the entire book.

I kept waiting for the book to get better, but it didn't.

Not this author's best book. Amazingly I couldn't finish this book and always, always finish every book I buy! I didn't care what happened to the characters and found the story silly. I love Highland romances and this one isn't worth reading.