HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAY, 8th Book in NYT Bestselling Author Janet Chapman's Highlander Series

Title: Highlander for the Holidays
Series: Highland series Book Eight
By Janet Chapman
Genre: Scottish, Magical Elements, Contemporary,
 Romance
On Book Shelves: October 2011
Publisher: jove
Format: eBook &Print
Pages: 344



Book Heat: HOT
Read an Excerpt
Order: Amazon, B&N

After a brutal attack, Jessie Pringle moved to the small mountain town of Pine Creek, Maine, to start over. But she never expected to meet Ian MacKeage, who had seemingly stepped right out of the Scottish Highlands. As drawn to Ian as he is to her, Jessie finds it more and more difficult to deny her own desires...

Then, on one of her long walks through the wilderness, she meets a kindly hermit who sells her a walking stick-one imbued with a magic that may allow Jessie to finally be rid of the pain of her past, and build a future with Ian.

~About Janet Chapman~

A native of rural central Maine, Janet Chapman lives there in a cozy log cabin on a lake with her husband. Three cats and a stray young bull moose keep them company. The author of the hugely popular Highlander time-travel series, she also writes contemporary romances. To learn more please visit www.janetchapman.com 

~REVIEW~

One word describes New York Times bestselling Author Janet Chapman’s eighth instalment in her highlander series latest release, HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS...Phenomenal!  Released by Pocket  Star Books this past October fans have been in desperation for that hottie highlander Ian McKeage and he is now here spreading a magical cherry this holiday season .

Jessie Pringle has headed north to the quaint country town of Pine Creek, Maine after seeing the resort brochure.  After a severe attack has left her scared emotionally and physically Jesse decides she needs a fresh start and away from the coddling her family and friends keep heaping on her.  It is time to get back to living no matter how painful or scary it might be.  What she never expected to find was a true-blue highlander who seems to have stepped right out from the Scottish highland mist.  Inexplicably drawn to Ian Jesse is not sure what to make of him and his seemingly calm and gentle understanding.  For one thing this hottie highlander has won over her service dog, Toby, which is highly unusual.  If that was not enough to make a young girl shake her head and wonder she meets and old hermit one day out walking Toby and he gives her a walking stick, but this is not any ordinary walking stick.  soon Jessie discovers that maybe there is more than meets the eyes in the beautiful country side of Maine.   It is the season of magic and anything could happen.

Do you believe in Magic?  I certainly do.  HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a fantastically bewitching installment in Chapman’s charming Highlanders series.   Chapman is an extraordinary story teller with her magnetic imagery wrapped around perfect wording that engages her readers from the get go.  I was drawn to the aspect of the service dog, Toby, a broad chest barrel of a Rottweiler that would make angels fear to tread with just one snarl.  In Chapman’s genuine of setting the tone early we learn that Toby is ferocious in his guard for Jesse with a heart of a warrior that deeply adores its owner.  Yes, the dog captured this readers heart but Jesse Pringle is such a strong unique character that I wanted to learn more about her, too.  The more this reader read the more I became obsessed. Jessie Pringle is not your carbon copy alpha female character or heroine.  From the beginning we are shown and brought along on Jessie’s fearless journey.  This heroine is not typical with her physical impediments but even more so is that she is hindered by the emotional scarring from the attack.  Jessie is a one and a million woman who fights to regain her independence, her understanding of what happened to her.  She is bound and determined to show others, but primarily herself, that she will never give up and be that broken shell of a woman again. 

The one thing that will turn any reader away from a prominent book is its lack of characterization.  HIGHLANDERFOR THE HOLIDAY is not short on some of the most fabulous characters that readers have come to enjoy.  Along with Ian MacKeage and Jesse Pringle we are treated and reintroduced to the MacBain and more of that fabulously formidable MacKeage crew.  The wily affectionate hermit that has his very own agenda sells a magical walking stick to Jessie.  He is one of those characters that adds the comedy element, cracks the ice and will crack readers up.   I do not know about you but I am a dog lover.  I would have to, own two miniatures Dachshunds Magnum and Velocity along with a slandered gingersnap Dachshund named Bullet.  My little guys would be very upset if I did not give props to Toby, the massive toffee and cocoa coated Rottweiler, Toby.  The dog is an intricate character being Jessie Pringles service dog with a heart of gold.  He stills every scene he is in and makes readers see a deeper traumatic side of our heroine.  Without Toby, Jessie would not to function normally…or what she now considers normal.  His is the fiercely loyal canine you want in your corner.

Any book that starts with a highlander is a very good book in deed.  Add in a plot of a woman fighting to get her life back to normal all the while fighting against elements of her scared body, emotional damaged to being attacked and letting people get close to you than you have the beginning of HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  The plot is intense but entertaining as readers participate in the struggle, conflict and overwhelming fight that set the tone for Chapman’s heroine to overcome.  Fighting for what you want makes all the trials and tribulations worth the pain when you achieve your hearts desire.

As a reader we look for books that emotionally strike us.  Chapman’s writing is concise and tight with intricate detailed imagery that leads readers into a believable imaginary world of the authors making.  Chapman delivers as always.  Her strong story lines, fleshed out characters with an intensely gripping prose prove why Chapman is one of today’s bestselling authors.

Contest & Reviews of Romance Author Julianne MacLean's Bestselling Highlander Trilogy

Title: Seduced by the Highlander
Series: Highland Trilogy Book Three
By Julianne MacLean
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
On Book Shelves: October 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’ Press
Format: eBook & Print
Pages: 352

Book Heat: HOT
Read an Excerpt
Order: Amazon, B&N

Reviewed by: ChristineRCJR

 The highly anticipated conclusion

 to Julianne MacLean's bestselling Highlander Trilogy...

Bestselling author Julianne MacLean unleashes the epic passions of a Highland warrior who won’t go down without a fight—and will take no prisoners in the name of love…

 

IN LOVE AND WAR

The fierce and powerful Laird of War, Lachlan MacDonald has conquered so many men on the battlefield—and so many women in the bedroom—that he is virtually undefeated. But one unlucky tryst with a seductive witch has cursed him forever. Now, any women he makes love to will be doomed for eternity…

IN DANGER AND DESIRE

Lady Catherine is a beautiful lass of elite origin—or so she is told. Suffering from amnesia, she is desperate to find the truth about who she really is…or, at the very least, meet someone who inspires an intense memory or emotion. When she first lays eyes on Lachlan MacDonald, Catherine has a sixth sense that he can unlock the key to her past—and maybe even her heart. But how could she know that the passion she ignites in this lusty warrior’s heart could consume—and destroy—them both?

Title: Claimed by the Highlander
Series: Highland Trilogy Book Two
By Julianne MacLean
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
On Book Shelves:  March 29, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’ Press
Format: eBook & Print
Pages: 336

Book Heat: HOT

Read an Excerpt

Order: Amazon, B&N

Reviewed by: ChristineRCJR

 NIGHT OF CONQUEST

With his tawny mane, battle-hewn brawn, and ferocious roar, Angus “The Lion” MacDonald is the most fearsome warrior Lady Gwendolen has ever seen—and she is his most glorious conquest. Captured in a surprise attack on her father’s castle, Gwendolen is now forced to share her bed with the man who defeated her clan. But, in spite of Angus’s overpowering charms, she refuses to surrender her innocence without a fight…

PRISONER OF PASSION

With her stunning beauty, bold defiance, and brazen smile, Gwendolen is the most infuriating woman Angus has ever known—and the most intoxicating. Forcing her to become his bride will unite their two clans as one. But conquering Gwendolen’s heart will take all his skills as a lover. Night after night, his touch sets her on fire. Kiss after kiss, his hunger fuels her passion. But, as Gwendolen’s body betrays her growing love for Angus, a secret enemy plots to betray them both…

Title: Captured by the Highlander
Series: Highland Trilogy Book One
By Julianne MacLean
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
On Book Shelves: March 3, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’ Press
Format: ebook & Print
Pages:320

Book Heat: HOT
Read an Excerpt
Order:
Amazon, B&N
Reviewed by ChristineRCJR

 THE ENEMY IN HER BED

Lady Amelia Templeton would rather die than surrender to a man like Duncan MacLean. He is the fiercest warrior of his clan—her people’s sworn enemy—and tonight he is standing over her bed. Eyes blazing, muscles taut, and battle axe gleaming, MacLean has come to kill Amelia’s fiancé. But once he sees the lovely, innocent Amelia, he decides to take her instead…

THE LOVER IN HIS ARMS

Stealing the young bride-to-be is the perfect revenge against the man who murdered Duncan’s one true love. But Lady Amelia turns out to be more than a pawn of vengeance and war. This brave, beautiful woman touches something deep in Duncan’s soul that is even more powerful than a warrior’s fury. But when Amelia begins to fall in love with her captor—and surrenders in his arms—the real battle begins…

~About Julianne MacLean~

USA Today Bestselling author, Julianne MacLean (who also writes under the pseudonym E.V. Mitchell), came to the romance genre after completing a degree in English literature from the University of King's College in Nova Scotia. She fell in love with some of the classic romances - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice - and after a brief stint as a federal government auditor, decided to try her hand at becoming a modern day romance writer.

She is a three times Rita Finalist and winner of numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers Choice Award, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the Greater Detroit Romance Writers Booksellers' Best Award.

She is a devoted wife and mother, and loves to travel. She has lived in New Zealand and Ottawa, and is now settled happily in Nova Scotia, while working on her latest historical romance. Check out Julianne’s latest at www.juliannemaclean.com

CONTEST

In celebration of the wonderful conclusion of USA Today’s bestselling author Julianne MacLean’s Highland Trilogy with her October 2011 St. Martin’s Press release "SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER”, Over the Edge Reviews will be giving on lucky reader the complete trilogy.

To enter please follow these few simple rules.

*Name your favorite Highlander.  Fact or Fictional.

 *Name one other Highlander series that besides Julianne MacLean that you would recommend to readers

*Read and leave a comment of the following reviews:

SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER

CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER

CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER.

*Connect with RCJR eZine at:

***

 Contest is open to ALL readers.

Contest runs until December 1, 2011.

I will contact winners directly on December 2, 2011.

One entry per reader.

Email is mandatory to be entered into ALL contests.

Captured By The Highlander by USA Today's Bestselling Author, Julianne MacLean

Title: Captured by the Highlander

Series: Highland Trilogy Book One
By Julianne MacLean
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
On Book Shelves: March 1, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’ Paperbacks

Book Heat: HOT
Read an Excerpt
Reviewed by ChristineRCJR
Order:
Amazon, B&N

Lady Amelia Sutherland would rather die than surrender to a man like Duncan MacLean. He is the fiercest warrior of his clan—her people’s sworn enemy—and tonight he is standing over her bed. Eyes blazing, muscles taut, and battle axe gleaming, MacLean has come to kill Amelia’s fiancé. But once he sees the lovely, innocent Amelia, he decides to take her instead…

Stealing the young bride-to-be is the perfect revenge against the man who murdered Duncan’s one true love. But Lady Amelia turns out to be more than a pawn of vengeance and war. This brave, beautiful woman touches something deep in Duncan’s soul that is even more powerful than a warrior’s fury. But when Amelia begins to fall in love with her captor—and surrenders in his arms—the real battle begins…

~REVIEWS~

On March 3, 2011 st. Martin’s Paperback release the first installment in USA Today’s Highlander trilogy, CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER introducing readers to a powerful world in the hill of Scotland where men are destined to be warriors and find what true love was meant to be in the courage and selflessness in their love.

In August of 1716 at Fort William in the Scottish Highlands Lady Amelia Sutherland  wakes to the monstrous and mighty feral beast, teeth bared “The Butcher’ with his sawed-off Lochabre poised to strike the young English beauty in half.  Fear strikes the gel but she must never show it...not a quiver will tremble pass  her lips as she confronts the demon before her.  If he is going to kill her she will not give him the satisfaction of seeing her terror. 

Duncan ‘the Butcher' MacLean is surprised to find a beauty in  Bennet’s bedchamber let alone his bed.  for Pete sakes he almost cleaved the vixen in two.  He still might if she does not tell him where the murdering Bennett has run off to hide.  he will get the information from her beautiful lip any way he has to. Wrenching the English witch from her warm bed he drags her up his body sneering at the spark that shoots through his body with just on touch.

Shaking it off and seeing there is only one choice left to him.  Duncan binds her arms and legs and hefts her over his shoulder like a sack of grain, jumping from the window to his waiting men.  Abducting Lady Amelia and holding her for ransom is a sure fire way to have Bennett at his beck and call.  Once in  he is in ‘The Butcher’s habds" he will inflict no mercy on Bennet and punish him the same as he did to his young fiancee and people.  Vengeance is “The Butchers" and death is the price Bennet will pay.

In the Butcher’s clutches Lady Amelia will not go quietly no matter how much he and his men would like it.  At every step she makes the attempt to flee the Butcher only to find that in his arms is where she feels the safest.  Duncan and Amelia fight desperately against the fiery attraction that has hit them like a monsoon drowning out right or wrong.  all that matters is that they give in to this ecstasy that neither can deny--even with danger at ever turn and up a head the worst betrayal that just might tear them apart. .  Giving into temptation, uncovering the most hypnotic passion either had ever experience Little does she know that the monster before her is none other than Duncan MacLean out seeking vengeance for his fiancee’s death.  To her surprise the beast wants her beloved Richard’s head on a platter for the sins he has committed against his fellow man.  What Ducan never expected to find in just be mere mortal or close to it as he abducts her from the fort , holding her for ransom until her beloved

They say you leave the best for last.  well, readers I must be on a roll for in MacLeans first release CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLAND in superb Highlander trilogy she gives readers exactly that...her best. this story drew me in with the monstrous  and mighty, teeth bared.  I mean come on, who could not continue on to see what is about to happen to our damsel in stress? Oh that is right, Lady Amelia Templeton is not the classic weak-kneed miss who cries, enraged that the butcher is about to cleave her in half.  I do not know about you but I would have been on my knees begging for mercy.  Maclean gives her readers a alpha heroine to sink there teeth into .  It was such a trip to watch Amelia flip Duncan’s world on its axes.  Reader will see that Amelia was perfect for the Butcher even when he is growling and shouting his orders.  Even in the most dire of predicament MacLean shows that these characters are deeply flawed with room for growth and retribution.

Duncan MacLean is my favorite character out of the Highlander trilogy.  Yes, he’s a fierce, hard-core warrior that does not think twice befoe killing a man that would kill him or the one he loves.  Duncan does not apologies or feel that his actions are not justified, but he does have a tendency to be compassionate, sincere, loyal to a fault and fierce in his love for Amelia.  

CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER is bold and plush with its characters.  Readers are introduced to Angus Macdonald (CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER) and his gorgeous rake of a cousin, Angus MacDonald (SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER).  we learn about Amelia beloved deceased father who in fact was hoping that Duncan and Amelia would meet and marry, unbeknown to either one.  Readers come in contact with the vile sadistic colonel Bennet who will have reader grinding their teeth in disgust. 

CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER his a powerfully written love story between to polar opposites that find their way to each other.  The massive theme of discovering what your truth is and that standing by it can be use in real life and works brilliantly in fiction.  MacLean has given reader a story that will rock them to their emotional breaking point only to bring them back to the hight of the prose.  MacLeans writing sweeps readers into a time where men where rugged, handsome and stood for what they truly believed and with the right woman at their side then the world was theirs for the taking.  And they took and feasted with a powerful love, joy and family.

Claimed By The Highlander by USA Today's Bestselling Author Julianne MacLean

Title: Claimed by the Highlander

Series: Highland Trilogy Book Two
By Julianne MacLean
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
On Book Shelves: March 29, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’ Paperbacks

Book Heat: HOT
Read an Excerpt
Reviewed by ChristineRCJR
Order:
Amazon, B&N

With his tawny mane, battle-hewn brawn, and ferocious roar, Angus “The Lion” MacDonald is the most fearsome warrior Lady Gwendolen has ever seen—and she is his most glorious conquest. Captured in a surprise attack on her father’s castle, Gwendolen is now forced to share her bed with the man who defeated her clan. But, in spite of Angus’s overpowering charms, she refuses to surrender her innocence without a fight…

With her stunning beauty, bold defiance, and brazen smile , Gwendolen is the most infuriating woman Angus has ever known—and the most intoxicating. Forcing her to become his bride will unite their two clans. But conquering Gwendolen’s heart will take all his skills as a lover. Night after night, his touch sets her on fire. Kiss after kiss, his hunger fuels her passion. But, as Gwendolen’s body betrays her growing love for Angus, a secret enemy plots to betray them both…

 ~REVIEW~

Released by St. Martin’s Paperbacks on March 29, 2011 CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER is the second phenomenal installment in USA Today’s bestselling author Julianne MacLean’s Highlander trilogy.

He is known throughout the highlands as ‘The Lion’, with the sound of a lion’s roar warrior Angus MacDonald has returned after years away to reclaim what is rightly his…MacDonald castle…his birthright…his home.  Even if that means keeping the lovely raven haired beauty with the piercing eyes are shooting daggers at him.  It doesn’t matter to Angus if this hellion hates him because what he wants he always, always gets one way or another.  Her submission is just one more prize he will win.

Lady Gwendolen MacEwan is stunned to see the flaxen hair warrior from her dreams claim her home as his own.  In the next breath he claims her as his wife.  The warrior called ‘the Lion” is in for a rude awakening, for she is no shrinking violet but as strong as heather with spirit to boot.

While both are equally as stubborn they cannot help but be drawn to the sizzling passion starring them in the face.  Succumbing to lust is one thing.  Surrendering his heart to his sworn enemy is another.  Slowly Gwendelen chips away at the wall her “lion’ has erected, but neither see the danger that is at their back.  Will a deep betrayal destroy what Angus and Gwendolen had begun to make of this marriage of convenience?  Or will their love be string enough to conquer any foe.  

I admit I read CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER out of sequence even though St Martin’s paperbacks had sent it to me the same time they sent CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER.  It took me a few months to get in the swing of things but once I picked up the book and began to read Angus ‘The Lion’ MacDonald’s tragic past the more I was sucked into find out all I could a bout this fierce and loyal warrior.  Filled to the brim with faults, MacLean created a genuine major character with flaws with all the brawn due his alpha male status.  Not only was he a three dimensional character that had a strong piercing voice that readers will feel down to their toes but true to her craft, MacLean gives readers a passionate warrior to root and be proud of.   Even with all his bravado, MacLean was able to craft a character that we could love and hate simultaneously without feeling cheated.  It is no surprise that she crafted a strong, bravado and powerfully ingenious heroine to but heads with this magnanimous hero.

Lady Gwendolen MacEwan is Angus MacDonald’s perfect half from her spunky hand to hand combat to her strong compassionate side.  She was a treat to watch her turn Angus upside down and inside out. 

CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER is drenching with characters that are ready to charm readers’ socks off.  Along with the protagonist we are introduced to Angus’s devilishly intoxicating cousin, Lachlan MacDonald, Angus’s ex-lover and witch extraordinaire, Raonaid and meet up once again with Duncan and Lady Amelia from CAPTURED BY THEHIGHLANDER. Readers are introduced to Gwendelon’s conniving and spoiled mother, Lady MacEwan and the debunked Laird of the Castle, Murdoch MacEwan. 

Vengeance is mine, claimed Angus MacDonald. What it seem to not realize is that people…innocent or not are always her.  In his need to avenge his father, mother and sister, Angus reveled in his own pain.   Gwendolen was the balm that Angus fought valiantly but pathetically--come on when love enters the ring our alpha males all fall down.—against and was doomed from the moment they crossed swords. Angus had to drop all pretenses and finally trust that a love more powerful than he ever experienced could make him a better man.  And with Gwendolen, Angus actually becomes a better person  

 Are you looking for a story that draws you in from the moment you flipped the cover? If you want a richly seductive plot enriched by its three dimensional fleshed out characters whose passionate dialogue scorches the pages all the while taking you to the great Glens of the Scottish Highlands?  Well, then CLAIMED BY THEHIGHLANDER is the book to grace your night stand in anticipation of being picked up and read throughout the night.

Seduced By The Highlander by USA Today's Bestselling Author Julianne MacLean

Title: Seduced by the Highlander

Series: Highland Trilogy Book Three
By Julianne MacLean
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
On Book Shelves: October 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’ Paperbacks


Book Heat: HOT
Read an Excerpt

Order:
Amazon, B&N

The highly anticipated conclusion

 to Julianne MacLean's bestselling Highlander Trilogy...

Bestselling author Julianne MacLean unleashes the epic passions of a Highland warrior who won’t go down without a fight—and will take no prisoners in the name of love…

 IN LOVE AND WAR

The fierce and powerful Laird of War, Lachlan MacDonald has conquered so many men on the battlefield—and so many women in the bedroom—that he is virtually undefeated. But one unlucky tryst with a seductive witch has cursed him forever. Now, any women he makes love to will be doomed for eternity…

 IN DANGER AND DESIRE

Lady Catherine is a beautiful lass of elite origin—or so she is told. Suffering from amnesia, she is desperate to find the truth about who she really is…or, at the very least, meet someone who inspires an intense memory or emotion. When she first lays eyes on Lachlan MacDonald, Catherine has a sixth sense that he can unlock the key to her past—and maybe even her heart. But how could she know that the passion she ignites in this lusty warrior’s heart could consume—and destroy—them both?

~About Julianne MacLean~

USA Today Bestselling author, Julianne MacLean (who also writes under the pseudonym E.V. Mitchell), came to the romance genre after completing a degree in English literature from the University of King's College in Nova Scotia. She fell in love with some of the classic romances - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice - and after a brief stint as a federal government auditor, decided to try her hand at becoming a modern day romance writer.

She is a three time Rita Finalist and winner of numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers Choice Award, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the Greater Detroit Romance Writers Booksellers' Best Award.

She is a devoted wife and mother, and loves to travel. She has lived in New Zealand and Ottawa, and is now settled happily in Nova Scotia, while working on her latest historical romance. Check out Julianne’s latest at www.juliannemaclean.com

~REVIEW~

Released last month by St. Martin’s Press SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER is one of the most highly anticipated conclusions to USA Today’s bestselling author Julianne MacLean’s Highland trilogy. 

The last three years highland warrior Lachlan MacDonald has scoured Scotland for the witch who placed a curse on him.  The virtually undefeated warrior is going to make the conniving witch break the spell before he breaks her neck.  How fortuitous after so much time has passed that Lachlan comes across the minx sitting in the ring of stones starring back at him weary. He would make this crafty lass rule the day she had ever messes MacDonald.

Making it to her feet on unsteady legs Lady Catherine Montgomery braces for the fierce warriors wrath.  Clueless as to why he keeps demanding her to relieve him of a curse that he pronounces she cast on him.  Calling her witch and to crafty for her own good.  But the lovely Catherine has no memory of this warrior.  Actually she has absolutely no memory and has just returned to the highlands after her family found her in France alone and lost.

Lady Catherine agrees to accompany Lachlan to his cousin’s home in the hopes of sparking her memory.  Catherine never imagined the spark of combustible passion to spark between her on this warrior.  Lachlan is not sure what to make of the woman that claims she is not for one, a witch nor did she place a curse on him , but he still cannot shake the feeling that this beauty is more than he perceives.  Lachlan is not about to let this hellion out of his site because Lachlan will have this evil witch release him even if her touch mesmerizes him and binds both their hearts.

SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER is my favorite historical highlander romance to date.  This is the fabulous conclusion to MacLean’s sensational Highlander trilogy.  Fans had been waiting with bated breath for Lachlan MacDonald’s story ever since he arrived on the scene in CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER.  MacLean created one powerful alpha male that was the typical love and leave’um rogue.  Readers learn in SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER why Lachlan is hesitant to commit to one woman and why he lives his single warrior life the way he does.  Lachlan MacDonald is an incredible character which the author created with great depth of character, fiercely loyal, powerfully strong with an infinite heart of gold which is buried so deep that it is a miracle that Lady Catherine finds it.  One powerful element to Lachlan’s character that draws readers is his ability to be compassionate toward others while still maintaining his gruff warrior exterior.

Lady Catherine is a stunningly wonderful alpha female.  Even though she has amnesia and is clueless to who she truly is she does not let the gruffness of the highland warrior break her spirit.  Her she is with memory loss with people pulling her different direction.  People claiming she is Lady Catherine while Lachlan persecutes her for being a cursed witch that placed a spell on him.  Lady Catherine was a blast to read because she was a fire cracker that never left readers hanging.  He inquisitive nature along with her sweetness spoke volumes as readers will enjoy their tremendously emotional story. 

For readers already familiar with MacLean’s Highland trilogy SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER is like a grand family reunion. Angus “The Lion” MacDonald and his wife, Gwendolen MacEwan from CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER play a prominent part in helping a unrequited protagonists finding their way to each other.  Lady Amelia Templeton and Duncan MacLean also make a brief appearance.  I would be remiss if I did not mention the actual witch that ‘cast a spell” on our hero, Raonaid, who has a few surprises of her own to share with our couple. We are reintroduced to Gwendolen’s brother Murdoch MacEwan who created havoc in CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER and seems to be up to his old tricks in SEDUCED BYTHE HIGHLANDER.  

Readers when it comes to fiction I am a devoted fan.  When it comes to historical romance with hottie highlanders I am a full-fledge card carrying junk-a-fied.  Ad in an amnesiac heroine and I am set for a few fun filled hours at my fingertips.  Even though it is fiction, it is wonderful fiction wrapped around a strong prominent theme of forgiveness.  MacLean does a stupendous job interweaving plots and subplots seamlessly all the while breathing life into flesh and blood characters with engaging dialogue that draws a reader in. 

There are elements where Lachlan MacDonald is proverbially beating his chest in an attempt to prove he is man and what he says go.  These scenes were to show how deeply scarred Lachlan is, but to also give us insight to his feelings towards the world and Catherine.  He acted like a grizzly with a burr in his paw.  Once Lady Catherine plucked the thistle from his paw and doused him with her soothing comfort Lachlan was able to let down his guard and claim the life he genuinely wanted with her.

MacLean certainly saved the best for last when she created SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLAND.  That is not to say the first two in the highlander trilogy is not just as impressive with skillfully crafted characters that take readers on an intricate emotional journey, it is just Lachlan and Catherine pulled at this readers heartstrings a bit more tightly than the others and had this reader completely swept up in their happily ever after.