Customer Reviews

My Wicked Highlander: The MacDonell Brides Trilogy

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was the first of the MacDonell Brides trilogy but I read it last, proving that it was a completely stand-alone novel as were book #2, MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN and book #3, MY SHADOW WARRIOR, and it also proved to be just as exciting, enthralling and captivating as it's counterparts.

Set in Scotland in the latter part of the 16th century amidst the frenzy of finding and burning witches during its height, Sir Philip Kilpatrick was sent on mission to England to escort back to Scotland the eldest daughter of his good friend and foster father, Alan MacDonnell. Her father whose wife, had been burned at the stake for witchcraft had for his daughters safety's sake sent Isobel, away twelve years ago. Now at the age of 24, he had arranged for her marriage to the Earl of Kincreag, and sent his trusted friend to fetch her home to her betrothed. Isobel, a witch herself, while thrilled to be going home to be reunited with her father and sisters, had for the most part been left to do as she pleased and become indignant at the constraints Sir Philip imposed on her movements.

Had it not been for the love and close friendship Sir Philip felt for her father, he would not have subjected himself to fetching what he imagined was the spoiled daughter of his friend. A man of honor, Philip was determined to keep Isobel safe as they traveled a dangerous path through a land filled with fear and suspicion as Isobel would innocently use her powers of insight to help strangers along the way, endangering not only herself but her companions as well. Sensing the torment of Philip Isobel became determined to use her magic in solving the mystery that tortured his soul, and he soon found that he was reluctant to deliver the `little witch' to another man, as she had completely charmed her way into his heart.

*** I found this to be as breathtakingly exciting as the other two books in the trilogy. Isobel is both an original and refreshing heroine, crafted as both strong yet innocently trusting and needy. Philip was the ideal hero - handsome, strong, capable, yet having that tortured background and needing that one person (Isobel) with the ability to free him from his torments. Hollings fills the tale with a plethora of strong and significant secondary characters to give the story rich historical details, and sprinkles in a strong flavor of paranormal fantasy to give it even more spice. The romance is very sensual as both the protagonists fight their feelings in not bringing dishonor to themselves or their families by giving in to the intensity of their attraction. This latest trilogy is surely one that will capture your imagination amidst exciting tales of magic, adventure, betrayals, and passionate love stories that will live in the reader's minds long after the final pages are turned. --- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com ---

Set in 16th century Scotland, this is the first book in the MacDonell Brides Trilogy, featuring the oldest sister who is a powerful seer.

Twelve years ago, when their mother was burnt at the stakes for witchcraft, Isobel and her two sisters were sent away for their safety, each hidden from the world and from each other. But when their father is struck with an ailment, the three sisters are finally summoned back to Glen Laire for their upcoming nuptials.

Now living in England, Sir Philip Kilpatrick is sent by Alan MacDonell to fetch Isobel. While he knows that her mother was accused of witchcraft, he never thought that the rumors about the MacDonell sisters are true. Yet as they journey back home to Scotland, he sees signs that tell him of Isobel's true powers. But uncovering her gifts is the least of his concerns, not when he realizes that the witch has wormed her way into his heart.

I've always enjoyed medieval novels and thought I would try something with a twist. The concept of three sisters with magical powers seemed fun, and I thought I would give this author a try. The story started well. We are introduced to Isobel and given a background on the nationwide witch hunt that was happening in Scotland. Isobel is a charming heroine, strong-willed and a little bit of a hellion. I liked how she handles herself with someone so complicated like Philip. As for Philip, his past lends some drama to his character, the way he blames himself for his sister's loss. While their journey back to Scotland dragged a bit, the byplays between the main characters are entertaining. Throw in some fun secondary characters such as Stephen whose cheekiness is quite a delight, and we get a fun read overall. Although I found some parts were slow, the story certainly picked up once they reach Scotland and we are introduced to Isobel's sisters. Oh, the wickedness of those three delightful witches!

MY WICKED HIGHLANDER is a fun and light story about romance, adventure, passion and magic. The other two books are MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN and MY SHADOW WARRIOR.

If you like magic and romance this is it!!! All 3 books were great, starting with My Wicked Highlander, My Devilish Scotsman, and last one My Shadow Warrior. It was a GREAT READ...

My Wicked Highlander: The MacDonell Brides Trilogy

I want to start off by saying this is the first time I've read anything by Jen Holling, and I must say I have another new author to add to my FAVORITES! I loved every single minute of, MY WICKED HIGHLANDER. Honestly, it was such a moving story, that I didn't want it to end.

Jen holling has a passion for Scotland that shows in her beautiful descriptions. She did a fantastic job of transporting me back.

Isobel MacDonell is a strong, proud and loyal woman. Sir Philip Kilpatrick is a brave, and honorable warrior whose focus is to protect the lady he's been asked to bring home after twelve long years spent in hiding. Both of these characters have demons, and the fact that Isobel is a WITCH, can't distinguish the flames burning between them. Only problem is, Isobel is betrothed to another, a powerful Earl who is rumored to have killed his first wife.

Sir Philip finds himself wanting more than her father's appreciation for being Isobel's protector, he wants her- especially since he fears for her safety at the hands of a possible murderer.

Isobel feels the pull also, but since Philip keeps her at arms length, she doesn't know what to do. She doesn't want to deny her father's dying wish by not marrying Nicholas Lyon, Earl of Kincreag, but can she deny her heart? Does Sir Philip manage to protect Isobel from the Witch hunts going on in Scotland? And will he turn Isobel over to Earl Kincreag once they return to Lochlaire?

You'll have to read it to find out!

This is an Excellent story that kept me turning pages late into the night. I couldn't put it down and it called to me whenever I did. I never wanted this story to end. The characters were written so well that I felt I actually new them. The sexual tension between Isobel and Philip sizzled!

I experienced so many emotions. I laughed, I cried- I had goose bumps and on more than one occasion a lump in my throat so large I thought I might stop breathing. This book is everything a Romance Reader, especially those with a passion for Scotland could ever want.

Kudos to Jen Holling for a job well done!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars- *****

Now I can't wait to read, MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN, the second book in the MacDonell brides series.

This is the first in the MacDonell Brides trilogy set in 16th century England and Scotland. It involves three sisters who are witches in a magical family living at a time when witches are hunted and burned at the stake. Their mother was one who met that fate. When it happened, their father sent them as young girls to distant corners of England and Scotland to protect them. Now he has recalled them as he is dying and wants them married and settled. This is the story of the first sister, Isobel, who can know things about people and the future by touching objects. Isobel is to marry the Earl of Kincreag but there is a powerful attraction between Isobel and the knight who is tasked with retrieving her, Sir Philip Kilpatrick. I thought the story was entertaining and I liked the relationship between Philip and Isobel. The hero and heroine are both strong and there's good sexual tension between them. The background story of the other sisters and the family's history is also well presented. I could do without the torture or the villagers' cruelty to those believed to be witches but otherwise it's a good story. Of the three (My Wicked Highlander, My Devilish Scotsman and My Shadow Warrior), I liked the first and third the best. Had I not purchased all three before I read one, I might have stopped at the second one.

I actually read the second book before this book, which kind of jaded my view of Isobel and what she did to Lord Kincreag, but after reading the book and knowing that all she did was follow her heart and that there had not been some great and lengthy betrothel that caused Lord Kincreag cause for immense betrayal, I found myself really enjoying the book, as I had enjoyed My Devilish Highlander. Out of all three books, this was my least favorite, but it was still a great book.

I saw some others trying to remember which was their first...their first romance novel that is. This was mine and I followed the rest of the series. While I have read better, these definitely did NOT dissapoint!! A pleasure to read and the last (shadow warrior) I have read three times. These books got me hooked on romance. Give them a try.

Very passionate and romantic. Great story, likable characters. I would recommend it for romance readers for sure.

This starts off a new trilogy (which I love a good series) about 3 sisters whose father sends them off when they are younger because their mother was burned at the state for being a witch.
This story is about Isobel the oldest. Philip comes to take her home to get married to the brooding scary earl because her father willed it. Of course they have many adventures some very sweet moments esp. when he is talking about his little sister and what happened to her.
I really liked this book. I love scottish books and am always looking for good ones and this was good. Could of had a little bit more intimacy, but thats just me, I like em kinda sexy.

This is my first book by Jen Holling and I simply loved this book! I was so annoyed at Philip at first, but I still loved how things were developing and in the end, it turned out great!

I must admit, I was holding my breath and getting scared towards the end! The story is touching, dramatic, funny, loving, adventurous, and even suspenseful! I loved every minute of it. The characters were so great, too! I loved Stephen and Fergus as secondary / supporting characters! My goodness, what good character development in this book.

The fact that the dialogs included the accents from Scotland or England made it that much more pleasant to read, because it really paints a picture and takes you there with the characters.

This story will leave you wanting more, as it is also the first in the MacDonell Brides trilogy and leaves several open-ended issues to be addressed in the following books! I truly recommend this book! :)