Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

Publisher: Dutton Adult (June 2011)

436 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Johanna, a young domestic abuse survivor, is persuaded by her brother Nicholas to marry Laird Gabriel MacBain upon the death of her husband and is haunted by her past as she struggles to develop trust for her new husband and learn the ways of the highlands. She quickly finds out Gabriel is mostly bluster, though he is confused about his own feelings regarding their relationship. I loved these characters. There were a lot of humorous parts in this story, and it was the perfect mix of light and dark. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a good Highland Historical Romance!

The Wedding by Julie Garwood

The Wedding by Julie Garwood

Lairds’ Brides Series, Book 2

Publisher: Dutton Adult (July 2011)

388 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Another wonderful Garwood story. Connor is a man bent on revenge and Brenna is just as determined to get him to love her and be a good wife to him, despite how difficult he is in the process. I love the story line between Brenna and Connor's evil step-family, her strength and determination in the face of such resistance is inspiring. I'm disappointed there is no Book 3 in this series, given that this book ends with a setup for a story between Quinlan and Faith. I hope someday Julie Garwood decides to write their story and continue this series.

The Bride by Julie Garwood

The Bride by Julie Garwood

Lairds’ Brides Series, Book 1

Publisher: Dutton Adult (June 2011)

388 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

A stoic Highland Laird, a feisty young woman and a bit of mystery thrown in, make this a classic Highlander Romance novel, by one of the best authors in the genre. The characters, both main and supporting, are very engaging and the story keeps your attention rapt until the end. Alec, though hard on the outside, is truly lovable as the story progresses. While Jamie, though well-intentioned, is constantly getting into scrapes that she always manages to find her way out of, to everyone's benefit. The second book in this series is called The Wedding. Both highly recommended.

Craving the Highlander's Touch by Michelle Willingham

Craving the Highlander’s Touch by Michelle Willingham

MacKinloch Clan Series, Companion Short Story to Seduced by Her Highland Warrior

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (September 2011)

52 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.69)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Though I think there is enough background information embedded in this short story/novella for it to be enjoyed on its own, it is a companion story to Seduced by Her Highland Warrior and I believe it is best read after that book. I enjoyed these characters and was glad to see a bit more of Alys and Finian's story to expand upon the glimpse of them that was included in Seduced by Her Highland Warrior. I liked that Finian was a man who knew his own mind when it came to Alys, no wishy-washy, going back and forth, or succumbing to doubts. I look forward to reading Callum's story in the next book in this series, Tempted by the Highland Warrior.

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

MacKinloch Clan Series, Book 2

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (August 2011)

287 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.79)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

So many times, historical romance novels revolve around situations and themes that only would have existed in the past (Highland/English tension, arranged marriages, etc.), but as with the first book in this series, this book is centered around something that is still relevant today. The death of their son led to Alex and Laren drifting apart, and this story follows their attempts to remedy that. I particularly loved the heroine, Laren, who is strong and unapologetically introverted, much like another character in this series, Alex's brother, Bram. I love that they are shown to be of just as much worth, but in a different way from their more outgoing, extroverted counterparts. This was a beautiful story. Craving the Highlander's Touch is a companion story to this one and follows Finian and the Lady of Harkirk.

Claimed by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Claimed by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

MacKinloch Clan Series, Book 1

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (May 2011)

284 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After finishing the MacEgan Brothers series, I decided to give this series a try, knowing that I like this author’s style of writing and had loved Highland Romances in the past. All the MacEgan Brothers books had a similar format, and I was expecting this series to be the same, only in a different setting, but found this story to be entirely different. Bram is a tortured hero, who seems to be suffering from some sort of serious PTSD symptoms. His wife, Nairna, is such a strong character with a tremendous ability to offer unconditional and unlimited support and assistance, in an attempt to be helpful and useful to others without coming off as a martyr. I loved all the characters and can’t wait to read the other brothers stories. The second book in this series, Seduced by Her Highland Warrior, is about Alex and his wife, Laren.

Lionheart's Bride by Michelle Willingham

Lionheart’s Bride by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Second Generation Short Story

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (April 2011)

45 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.75)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

I found this story interesting due to the incorporation of true historical characters and events, but felt it was very short and I felt there was very little character development. I chose to read this story because I enjoyed the MacEgan Brothers series and was anxious to read about a second generation character, but was a bit disappointed to learn so little of Liam. The story was more action driven and less character driven. For the price, still a good read.

Pleasured by the Viking by Michelle Willingham

Pleasured by the Viking by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Companion Short Story to Surrender to an Irish Warrior

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (August 2010)

47 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.51)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Having never read anything by this author, I read this short story as a means of deciding whether I wanted to read the rest of the MacEgan Brothers series, not realizing that in the chronology this was the last story, being a companion story to the last novel in the series, Surrender to an Irish Warrior. I liked the story and the characters so much that I went on to read the series in order, then came back and reread this story in context, and now I love it even more, knowing the background of some of the characters. Gunnar and Auder are both strong, driven characters and it was a pleasure to read. This entire series is highly recommended!

Surrender to an Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Surrender to an Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Book 5

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (September 2010)

288 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.82)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I love the MacEgan Brothers series, but I think this book is by far my favorite. Not only are there multiple secondary mystery plots woven into this story (which I love), but there are also comparatively little misunderstandings due to people's unwillingness to speak their true feelings. Trahern and Morren both on multiple occasions take the risk of speaking their true feelings, thereby avoiding the misunderstandings of motivation and desire that drive many romance novel plots. Wonderful book! My only regret is that there are no more unwed MacEgan brothers left to further the series, however there are second generation characters to explore thankfully. I plan to read Lionheart's Bride (about Patrick's son, Liam) and anxiously await the release of Warriors in Winter (a collection of second generation stories) later this year. And if you enjoy this book, you may wish to check out Pleasured by the Viking, the story of Gunnar.

The Warrior's Forbidden Virgin by Michelle Willingham

The Warrior’s Forbidden Virgin by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Companion Short Story to Taming Her Irish Warrior

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (September 2009)

52 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.84)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I suppose this short story could be read on it's own, but I think it is best read after Taming Her Irish Warrior (Ewan and Honora's story).  This is the story of Honora's sister, Katherine, and Sir Ademar and fills in the gaps of the ending of Taming Her Irish Warrior, almost like at the end of a mystery when the detective tells everyone what really happened. I had come to care for Katherine and Sir Ademar as secondary characters in Taming Her Irish Warrior and was glad to see their story expounded on, and to see that they would receive their own chance at happiness. Lovely, wonderful short story/novella and now I anxiously look forward to reading about the last unwed MacEgan brother, Trahern, in Surrender to an Irish Warrior.

Taming Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Taming Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Book 4

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (October 2009)

288 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.16)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Ewan and Honora are both strong characters used to people not believing in them, and though they find comfort and ease in each other's company, what they hope to find in each other is the one person who will believe in them and stand by them no matter what the consequences. I loved these characters and this story, because it was about a longing to have someone believe in you and be accepted as you are, and not have to hide or deny any part of yourself in order to obtain that acceptance. Don't forget to check out the companion novella to this story, The Warrior's Forbidden Virgin, which tells the story of Honora's sister, Katherine, and Sir Ademar.

The Warrior's Touch by Michelle Willingham

The Warrior’s Touch by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Book 3

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (August 2007)

304 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I found this story to be a wonderful lesson in things not always being exactly what they seem. Having had glimpses of Connor, the Hero in this story, in the preceding books in this series, he appeared to be a great warrior and a man with a liking for playing with women. This book takes you so much further into his character and you see it is not so simple to judge him. His strength, courage, and honor are unbelievable. I also loved the Heroine in this story, Aileen. Though her life had been full of disappointment and heartache, she trudges on with a determination like no other. I loved this book and look forward to reading about another MacEgan brother in, Taming Her Irish Warrior.

Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Book 2

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (May 2007)

304 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

This story was a long painful journey, but with a very satisfying conclusion. My heart ached for both the Hero, Bevan, and the Heroine, Genevieve. The impossible situations they both found themselves in, from beginning to end were unbelievably real in their complexities and their reactions to the situations they found themselves in were both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Together with the intertwined mystery concerning Bevan’s first wife and child, I absolutely loved this story and all its characters, and I am excited to continue on to the next book in this series, The Warrior’s Touch.

Her Warrior King by Michelle Willingham

Her Warrior King by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Book 1

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (January 2007)

288 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I enjoyed this book and found myself riveted to find out what would happen, but I wearied of the hero’s stubborn insistence to put his duty to his clan above his lady, and wished it hadn’t taken so unreasonably long for him to come around and stand up for her. Isabel, on the other hand, may be the best candidate for sainthood I’ve ever seen. A person’s inner strength and willingness to take leaps of faith making oneself vulnerable, do have limits when that person has no support from anyone, and this heroine possessed the inner strength and faith of a goddess.  I absolutely loved the heroine in this story, and though I didn’t dislike Patrick, I did become impatient with him. The secondary story of Sosanna, the girl left unwilling or unable to speak after a rape, was wonderful. Everyone assumes that she was attacked by one of the invading Normans, and as the mystery of what happened to her unfolds, the irony of her brother’s actions is a beautiful thing. I now continue on with Bevan’s story, Her Irish Warrior.

The Viking's Forbidden Love-Slave by Michelle Willingham

The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Companion Short Story to Her Warrior Slave

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (November 2008)

50 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I read and enjoyed the first book in the MacEgan Brothers Series, Her Warrior Slave, and was ready to dive into the second book, Her Warrior King, when I checked the author's website for a booklist.  Luckily I did, or I would have missed out on this wonderful companion story to the first book. I always enjoy finding out what happened to characters left unexplored in previous books and this is the story of one of Kieran's sisters, Aisling. Being no stranger to Viking romances, I enjoyed the mix between the Viking world and Irish world I had come to love in the first book. The characters were complex and riveting. I loved the strong heroine and Tharand, her captor. My only regret is not knowing what happened to the other sister, Cara. Perhaps, we find out in one of the following books. I now happily continue on to read book 2 in the series, Her Warrior King.

Her Warrior Slave by Michelle Willingham

Her Warrior Slave by Michelle Willingham

MacEgan Brothers Series, Prequel

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (October 2008)

288 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Having read and enjoyed many Highlander themed romance novels, I decided to give this story about an Irish Warrior a try. Though there are many similarities between the Scottish Highlanders and Irish Warriors of this time period, there were enough subtle differences in their surroundings and way of life to lend it the appeal of a fresh experience. The characters were wonderfully complex, and even some of the supporting characters held my genuine interest and sympathy. Though, a bit annoyed by misunderstandings and unwillingness of people to speak their true feelings leading to needless upheaval repeatedly, I was happy to see it all righted and thoroughly enjoyed the story nonetheless. I am anxious to continue on with this series and look forward to reading the second book in the MacEgan Brothers Series, Her Warrior King.