Sir Artan Murray agrees to retrieve a man’s niece and possibly marry her to inherit the man’s property. Once he meets Cecily, he determines that this man really didn’t know his niece at all. She’s a spitfire who refuses to escape with him from those that are forcing her to marry.
This was an ok book. Could’ve been a bit shorter. Not really sure how I feel about Cecily. I did like Artan and liked following him on this adventure.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I love Hannah Howell. When I requested it I didn't know this had previously been published. The story is such a good, fast paced and developed novel that I couldn't put it down. This is such a well written story.

Highland Barbarian is the thirteenth book in the Murray Family series by Hannah Howell. It was originally published back in 2006, but I has missed it. The books in the series can all be enjoyed as stand alones, but those that have read one one or more will come in knowing a little more of what to expect.

Sir Artan Murray was right when he decided that the dying old man who bid him collect his niece didn't know her at all. The furious woman facing him is neither "sweet" nor "biddable." She demands the brawny Highlander return her to the wedding party from which he took her. But Artan has no intention of allowing so spirited and bewitching a creature to endure a loveless marriage to a ruthless lord for her clan's sake. He aims to woo the lass and to show her that true love also yields unforgettable pleasure. Cecily Donaldson knows a bond forged by danger and desperation cannot endure. But Artan's touch leaves her breathless, and she knows this to be her one chance to experience true passion before an arranged marriage seals her fate. Yet once begun, passion cannot be denied nor can a love with the promise to change everything.

Highland Barbarian is more complicated than the blurb leds you to believe. Cecily's guardians are not exactly caring, and are pretty much selling her into an arranged marriage with someone even worse than they are. Artan is a highland warrior trying to help his uncle, knowing he is being manipulated at least a little. I liked the spunk that Cecily discovers inside herself, and the interactions between her and Artan. I think the action and danger is well done, but there were about three points in the book where it could have been wrapped up satisfyingly, but it just kept going with another crisis. I did like how Cecily and Artan handled each crisis, and how Angus and the rest of their extended family acted.

Highland Barbarian is not a surprise in the Murray Family series. It is an enjoyable read, but nothing that stuck out at me. Fans of the author will get exactly what they like and are looking for- a nice weekend read.

Anyone who enjoys Highland romances should have Hannah Howell as required reading. Reading her books are like visiting with old friends. Highland Barbarian is book 13 featuring the Murray family. I do believe i have read them all, enjoying each one as much as the last. Highland Barbarian follows Artan Murray as he does an errand for his cousin and mentor. He has been asked to fetch Angus MacReith's niece since she is his heir. If Artan marries her, Angus will declare him to be the next laird. Of course, Artan wants to check her out before committing to marriage. However, one look and he is smitten, but Cecily is already betrothed to a spineless, chinless man. The betrothal arranged by her less than savory guardians. Artan makes a quick assessment of the situation and knows he has to get her out of there. From there the adventure begins. Can he get her safely away? Can he get her to marry him instead? Ms Howell's books are full, full of danger, intrigue and romance. All of them are real page turners, once you start to read you don't want to put them down. Once finished, you are really to devour the next one.

I received a free copy for honest review.

I love Hannah Howell and I own almost all her books. This newest Murray book did not disappoint!!! The romance is well written and I love the hero's character a lot. definitely a few twists and turns and keeps you thinking a bit.

Another great historical romance. Hannah Howell's books are well researched. It is very sexy. This is Cecilly and Arlan's story. He is tasked with getting her. There are many twists and turns to the story. I always love her stories.

Hannah Howells historicals are my favorites. I own all in both paper and ebook. She writes historical as if you just step in and can feel like you are part of the story. ❤❤❤

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

I absolutely loved this book. I loved trying to figure out all of the secrets and mysteries that Hannah Howell configured in this book. Now I must admit at a point you figure it all out and your wondering why Cecily is so confused but luckily for her Sir Artan Murray has it all figured out!

Overall a great book worth every second of your time!

Book: Highland Barbarian
by Hannah Howell

Series: The Murray Family #13

Reviewed By: Barb Massabrook of Celtic Barb’s Book Review Blog, Tartan Book Reviews and Purple Tulip Book Reviews.

Heat Setting: Hot

Overall setting: 5 Stars







Scotland
Summer, 1480

This is the story of Artan Murray and Cecily Donaldson. As her sickly aging Uncle wants to make her his heir of Glascreag. Definitely not his worthless spineless nephew Magnus, who would not take care of his lands or the people.

Artan was suspicious of the old bugger and with good reason. He wanted Artan to become Laird of Glascreag, through marriage to his niece Cecily. Yes,it had it's merits, as he was the second son born minutes after his twin Lucas. Then his stomach rolled when he found out where she was living! As she had been raised and lived in the bloody lowlands! Plus he would never agree to marry anyone without meeting them first.

Let me just say this damsel, Cecily is the heroine that saves the day when Artan is in dire need. She is not the lass her Uncle describes as sweet and biddable, especially when she makes demands of Artan. Yet he still keeps on the right track as no lass deserves a loveless marriage!

Yet the tables turn to love as Artan and Cecily spend time together.Who could not love a lass who saves him? Will it be enough to marry her? Does she even want to leave her home and live in Glascreag and get married?

Plus she is supposed to be married to Sir Fergus by relatives who want to steal her fortune! Was Artan too late or does he save the day with this dire news? How will Cecily respond? Though you can feel the sparks between these two, right from the first kiss. What a kiss it was too! You will have to read this marvelous story to find out.

This is the 13th book in the best selling Murray Family Series by Hannah Howell. I have been reading Ms Howell’s books for years always a great treat.

This was originally released in 2006 but was revamped with a new cover for 2017. I love re-reading Hannah Howell’s novel’s as she has been one of my favorite authors for a couple decades!

I have to admit The Murray Family series is my favorite! Always a delight to read from start to finish.

I highly recommend Highland Barbarian by Hannah Howell and read all her books in Murray Family Series. Always amazing and magnificent reads.

If you love Scottish Historical romance like myself, then you definitely need to put Hannah Howell on your must read list!

Amazing dialogue, the setting is timeless and the plotting is brilliant! I was actually waiting with baited breath and anticipation what will happen next.

It was non-stop-action from the beginning to the end! Spectacular novel!


I received a an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.



Highland Barbarian: Hannah Howell: 9780821779989: Amazon.com ...

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book tells the story of Sir Artan Murray and Miss Cecily Donaldson. Artan’s foster father, Angus, who is as healthy as they come, takes to his bed and claims to be near death. His dying wish is that Artus go to the Lowlands and bring his niece Cecily to see him. With no other heirs, Angus also hopes that Artus will marry Cecily and inherit his estate. Cecily’s parents and brother died when she was young, leaving her under the care of her guardians, who are cousins of her father. Raised her whole life thinking she was a burden to her cousin’s family, Cecily is set to wed Sir Fergus Ogilvey at their request. But when Artus shows up two weeks before her wedding she starts to wake up and realize that this may not be the path she wants. And as she spends more time with Artus, she sees how little respect she’s been treated with over the years. Artus has been doing some observing of his own and he sees how abominably everyone seems to treat Cecily, who is the sweetest woman he’s ever met. And when he learns that Cecily’s guardians might have had a hand in her father and brother’s death, he knows that he has to get her back to Glascreag in order to keep her safe, whether she’s willing to come with him or not.
Overall I really liked this book. The plot was interesting and I loved the tension and the drama of the story. I especially liked Cecily’s character, she was fierce but also feminine and I just loved how fearless she was. And I loved the community that surrounded Cecily once she made it to the Highlands, it was touching to see that she had finally found the family she had always looked for. This was a sweet but fierce story and I liked it very much, I’d be interested to read other books by this author and in this series.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Howell's novel Highland Barbarian.

Who wouldn't love a lead hero like Sir Artan Murray? He was a sweet, protective alpha male with an unwavering sense of honor. I've probably read hundreds of highlander stories, but Ms. Howell definitely sets herself apart with relateable and fascinating characters and a well-developed romance. As a heroine, Cecily is definitely different from the average "damsel in distress". Despite her reserved attitude among her uncle and aunt, she's fierce and yet sensible. You won't find a drama queen here. While she could have put Artan's life in danger by resisting her kidnapping, she didn't. She chose to believe him (maybe not fully) until she could gather more evidence.

While Ms. Howell includes a fair share of drama throughout this story, it isn't over the top like so many others I've read. It's balanced and well drawn out. The story has a steady flow with interesting and exciting incidents to keep you glued until the very end.

I'm definitely adding the rest of this series on my list!

This book was good but it was hard for me to keep reading it until the end. When I don't like one of the main characters it makes the book less fun to read . Cecily was a little bit hard to love as character. I wish she would have been a little bit smarter. That would have made the book much better.

Loved the hero, he was a warrior but also romantic, he wanted someone to love and he was not going to settle. So even though he was offered riches, he wanted heroine to chose him. Cecily was a good heroine but not so smart, she was going to marry because she gave her word, even though she did not really want to. Her guardians were horrible, she should have ran when Artan came. Artan kidnaps her to save her. Ofcourse there are some misunderstandings, and trouble following, but eventually all gets resolved.

Hannah Howell is an amazing writer of whom I have read a few of her books. All are winners and Highland Barbarian is just as well written as her other books. I don’t think you can miss with a Howell book on any afternoon you want to relax with a hunky highlander and his mate. Our Scot, Artan, just has to convince the oppressed, orphan Cecily that she is that mate.

Other reviews have gone into detail about the story line. I did not realize this is a re-release, but it does not matter if you read it ten years ago or if you are picking it up for the first time, it is a great read. Join Artan as he messes up royally with his fair maiden. For being so browbeaten by her family, Cecily still has sufficient wit and feistiness to keep him on his toes.

Cecily was spirited, smart, and intelligent. Artan was thoughtful and strong. They were a great match, and overcame a lot of different kinds of obstacles.

Artan Murray grants a "dying " man's wish and fetches Cecily from the lowlands to return to his holding. These two battle a family determined to steal her inheritance, each one have a bit of stubbornness and their feelings which develop to love. Always enjoy this author's tales of the Murray family which immerses the reader into Scotland of long ago with a twist of humor.

Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Sir Artan Murray has been tasked by his foster father, Angus, the dying old man to bid him collect his niece didn't know her at all. After Lady Cecily Donaldson’s father and brother dies her father's cousins who took over her guardianship of her and her fortune. Cecily believes her Uncle Angus has all but forgotten her after all she has never received letter and gifts from her Uncle, and she soon learns and her Uncle never received her letters either. Sir Artan arrives in the lowlands to find Cecily Donaldson just a fortnight away from being married. Artan has no intention of allowing of allowing the bewitching Cecily to endure a loveless marriage. Artan decides he wants her for his bride, but first he must kidnap her and return her to her Angus. Artan has been shot at, attacked by Cecily’s finance as they ride to Highlands to reach her Uncle. Artan and Cecily forge a bond that neither expected, but both desperately want and once passion cannot be denied can a love with the promise to change everything. Cecily must learn to trust again, she has felt so used by the people she trusted the most. Will their new love survive once Artan’s secret is revealed? A great story of two headstrong passionate people who forged a bond during dangerous times fleeing across country.
I received an ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion and review.

I am a huge fan of the Murray series and this was a great addition, although you would have no problem reading it as a stand-alone. The story has plenty of drama and suspense, mixed in with a little fun and plenty of steam. Great characters and a great flow to the story. If you are a fan of Highland reads Hannah Howell should definitely be on your favorites list. Loved it!

This is a good book. I did enjoy it but it wasn't one I just couldn't put down.

This hero had me at hello, folks. Loved the fact he wanted a bonny, loyal, faithful lass as a wife that would love him until his dying day and didn’t want to settle for anything less. He was a warrior type hero with a Romeo heart, at least when it came to the heroine. No, he had not lived the life of a saintly monk, but once he laid eyes on her, it didn’t take him long to find the resolve to do whatever was necessary to keep her safe and make her his bride.

The damsel in distress heroine was likable, as well, but rather dense, if you ask me. You see, her so called guardians used and abused her, but she still was seeking their approval and love. She never seemed to question anything, at least not out loud. She was pretty much the ill- treated castle Cinderella, with beatings thrown in.

For the most part, I was really enjoying the storyline, until the inevitable showdown with the evil villain (at around 65%). The confrontation that ensued felt overly l-o-n-g, despite its violent conclusion, which made the writing less engaging, and it never really recovered. Even though a key character was left clinging to life, it continued onward at a snail’s pace. Sure, the love and devotion that was obvious as a bedside vigil took place was sweet, but, by 87%, it was replaced with a nonsensical issue that should have been taken care of in one brief conversation, not several pages, with everyone just letting it continue. It just seemed to ramble on to it’s final non-eventful, but sweet conclusion.

P.S. This is a reprint of a 2006 edition. So check your memory banks and your bookshelves, because you may already own this book. It is book #13 out of a current 21 book series.

Title Highland Barbarian, Series: Murray Family (Book 13), Author: Hannah Howell, Pages: 352, Re-released: 3/28/17, 1st published: 12/1/2006, stand-alone but part of a series, HEA, good guy alpha hero who will do anything for his woman, damsel in distress, some graphic violence, heroine is kidnapped/beaten, abusive relatives, hiding a secret, virgin heroine, not a manho/but wasn’t always a saint either, wants a wife who will always love him.

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble.)