To Love A Highlander (Highland Warriors Book 1)

4 1/2 starsIn a word: EnchantingThis is the first in a trilogy about a trio of Highland Warriors who are considered to be legendary in their battle prowess (they are known as "Beast;" "Savage;" and "Demon"). This first installment is about the Beast --- Craven MacCara, a well-respected chieftain. He lost his wife and infant son in childbirth a year before the book begins, and he blamed the healer who assisted with the birth for their deaths. He cast her out of the clan and warned her that if she ever came back, he would kill her. Espy, the talented young healer, feels guilty for the loss of the chief's wife and son, though she felt she did all she could to try to save them. In fear for her life, she flees the clan. The year she spends away was a very difficult one for her, and she wished to be with her beloved grandmother again, so she returns to the clan despite the risk. When Craven learns she has returned, he plans to ensure Espy regrets it.What I liked:- the characters were complex and felt "real"- the angst was minimal- the love that developed between the 2 mcs was powerful and heartfelt- the suspense/mystery plot line was intriguingWhat I didn't like as much:- some items were glossed over that I felt I could have used more background aboutOverall, another wonderful read from Donna Fletcher!Plot --- 4.5/5Main Characters --- 5/5Supporting Cast --- 4/5Steam Level --- 3/5Violence --- some (not graphic; true to the time period)Language --- minimalPOV --- 3rd person throughout

I was trying to find the perfect word to title my review, but the Wow Factor did come to mind but that wasn't good enough. I also thought of Fabulous, Extraordinary, Exhilarating and even OMG, but after what I just finished reading nothing really fit. I started reading thinking about just reading the first chapter, but that plan failed ASAP! I could not put it down, nothing short of an earthquake would have made me stop reading about Craven the Beast and Espy the Healer. The plot of the story was such a mystery and kept me guessing and I was stumped until chapter 32. Within this book there is so much going on with the twists and turns, the sarcastic comments here and there, the laughter and the sorrow, and so much more. This book is so well written the story just flows with ease. I Loved this book so much that I can't wait to get my hands on the other two books of this series, after what I just read, the wait will be worth it!

This was a good story and I might have rounded up to a 4-star review except for the price. This book is just not a good value at $4.99. I do not mind paying an above average price for an amazing book but unfortunately this just did not quite meet that standard. I do not think I will go on to the next one.The review that convinced me to take the plunge was one that said this book reminded her of one of Maya Banks’ Highlander books. High praise indeed since Maya Banks’ Never Seduce a Scot: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs is one of my all time favorite books and one that I did not regret spending $7.99 to buy. Perhaps this build-up is what left me so disappointed.This book has a very good plot. I like the idea of this tough Highlander blaming the sweet, innocent healer for his wife and child’s death. Craven, the hero, nearly kills Espy the night she fails to save his wife in childbirth but ultimately instead exiles her from his lands. She returns a year later beaten and scarred and Craven arrives on the scene planning to finish the job, but of course, ends up falling in love with her instead. Sounds good, but really it fell short. What happened to Espy in her year of exile is built up as some type of horrible abuse but when we finally learn the truth it was super anticlimactic. Also, the mystery of what really killed Craven’s first wife was ultimately resolved quickly and a bit too unrealistically. I was seriously underwhelmed. It felt like the author was just ready to wrap it all up. I was disappointed. I did not get those happy tingles I so enjoy at the end of an exciting romance novel. Fletcher also failed to give us an epilogue. I seriously like a well-written epilogue and Craven and Espy’s story needed a glimpse into their happy future.So all in all, a decent Highlander romance but not amazing, not worth $4.99, and not nearly as good as any of Maya Banks’ Highlander stories.

This story grabbed a hold of me from the very beginning. Craven and Espy's story was tumultuous from the start. To see how these two strong characters came to overcome their hardships was amazing.Craven comes face to face with the woman he hates after banishing her under threat of death. Craven is the fierce warrior all have come to know as The Beast and for good reason. She has chosen to return to his lands knowing what awaits her choice and he will see that she endures her punishment.Espy had no choice than to return and seek help and sanctuary from her horrible ordeal. It has been a year since she had to leave her home and now she returns to her grandmother. She is ill, but had no where else to go. She knows what she's risking by returning, but she is tired of running. She did not deserve to be banished in the first place, but she was tired and if she is to die she will die close to the woman she loves. The Beast can do what he wants.This is Book 1 in this new series by this author. Having read almost everything she has written, I look forward to the next two feared warriors in this series...Warrick, The Demon and Slain, The Savage. I loved Craven, The Beast. I hope the next book in this series comes out very soon. I do not like it when there is a long wait in between books.

Straight away this story captures your attention. Beginning with chaos and tragedy. However, the takeovers swiftly forward with a complicated and tangled conflict centred around the misunderstanding of events surrounding the tragedy at the beginning of the story. Craven (dubbed the beast) is definitely well matched with Espy the mysterious, knowledgeable dealership is greatly misunderstood. Both are in need of healing mentally and spiritually due to the circumstances of the tragic death of Craven's first wife and unborn child which have brought them together and their journey to love is definitely complicated but endearing to read. This book was easy to read and difficult to put down, I read this in one sitting! I eagerly await the second instalment in this trilogy which I can't wait to read!

I really enjoyed this one, a true romance, and easy to follow the story. The word mum seemed out of place in a historical romance. Mother mar or mam, mum just felt wrong. I absolutely recommend this book to other readers of this genre.

Bit of a roller-coaster, didn't want it to end, but gutted it has to be honest I wanted more. Story line good.

Excellent book. A good storyline. Would recommend it

waiting to be read