10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Promised Passion By Hannah Howell, August 2, 2000
This review is from: Promised Passion (Paperback)
Ian MacLagan is a strong warrior who has been scarred both mentally and physically. Islaen MacRoth is a petite woman that possesses strength of character and health. A humorous but believable situation forces Ian to marry Islaen. Action is provided by angry unsuccessful suitors. My only problem with this book is Ian's stuborn insistence to keep Islaen out of his heart. This book was well worth the read.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sequel to AMBER FLAME, October 9, 2005
This review is from: Promised Passion (Paperback)
Having reached the age that most considered is ripe for marriage; her father takes Islaen MacRoth to the king's court hoping to find her a suitable husband. And having lived quite a sheltered life, she isn't used to life at court and finds herself a prime target for gold diggers and the subject of ridicule by the more sophisticated ladies. But nothing will compare to the battle she faces with the man she finally marries.
Ian MacLagan is a man who carries the physical and emotional scars of his past. Blaming himself for his wife and child's death, he has sworn to never remarry and has shielded his heart from any woman. So it was to his shock and anger when the king orders him to marry Islaen. With no choice but to obey his liege, Ian resolves not to share her bed for fear of bringing harm to her. Yet it was a promise that will never be fulfilled for Islaen proves more irresistible than he ever expected.
PROMISED PASSION is the sequel to AMBER FLAME featuring Tavis and Storm, which to this day remains one of my most favorite historical romances. Until recently, I've been hoping for a sequel not knowing that there is one. As with the first book, the characters are very likable and the supporting cast quite entertaining. Islaen, although started off a little timid, proved to be of strong character. She never gave up trying to get through the wall that Ian has built around him, and her determination is what makes her admirable. As for Ian, he does prove to be quite stubborn in his belief, but it is quite understandable for it is brought upon by his fear for Islaen's life. And we do see him struggle with his emotions as we see him try to hold on to her with one hand, while pushing her away with the other. But we all know that sooner or later, the man will come to his senses. And who better to help him? None other than the charming Alexander MacDubh. If he was a charmer in AMBER FLAME, he is more so in this book. A real ladies man, I enjoyed how he made Ian so jealous.
An entertaining and easy read, I enjoyed this book though I must admit that I wasn't as captivated as I was with the first book. You might also want to check out RECKLESS, which features Alexander MacDubh.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Read, August 17, 2005
This review is from: Promised Passion (Paperback)
This is actually the first Hannah Howell book that I've ever read and I just finished it. Overall, I quite enjoyed the book. The chemistry (passion) between Islaen and Ian is very real. And although they go through some rough times (it seems Islaen is almost raped several times...three times, I think) Ian always manages to step back and truly appreciate the fact that a beautiful wife is with him, who showers her love upon him. Unfortunately, even though BOTH of them obviously love each other...neither one mutters a word of it. In fact, Ian doesn't really ADMIT it to himself until late in the story. On the other hand, Islean is VERY sure of her feelings throughout the story. Unfortunately even to me at times, it seemed that the relationship was only one sided (Ian is often too blinded by his hurt and fear of rejection). It sort of annoyed me that Ian took so long to REALLY treat Islean with the love she deserved, but b/c his previous wife died during child birth and the love of his life left him for another man, it's very understandable that he'd be reluctant to give Islean his love.
Well...now I'm off to read "Amber Flame" (His Bonnie Bride) which sort of ties into "Promised Passion". (Tavis is Ian's brother). Unfortunately, I didn't know to read "Amber Flame" first! Hope you enjoy the book!
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