4.5 out of 5 stars

This was such an awesome story. I loved Lachlan and Mailie. I enjoyed it all and couldn’t wait for the HEA. Such a great read!

I thought both Mailie and Lachlan were great characters. Mailie was fierce, a fighter. I loved her determination and grit and her defiance of Lachlan when they meet (and a heck of a first meeting it was). I loved learning everything about them, that animosity between them in the beginning and how challenging Mailie could be. I adored Lachlan. He's all gruff and closed off and in such a difficult place and desperate for his daughter. I felt so bad for him, the more the story built and more details were revealed, the more my heart hurt for him and the more I loved him.

It was a joy watching Mailie and Lachlan open up and come together. They were so sweet together and had great chemistry. My heart kept bursting with all the new things that Lachlan was welcoming into his life. I liked the pull they had on one another. It was just such a great story with a wonderful cast of characters. I really liked Mailie’s family and the male camaraderie happening, it really upped the entertainment factor.

This was a sweet, fun read with a good mix of tension and animosity mixed in. There's a lot of drama as well. I was filled with so much anticipation waiting for everything to work out. There were just so many great details and things making this exciting to read.

The ending might have been a bit sappy with a perfectly aligned HEA but I ate it up! It was just what I needed and I was pretty much cheering with tears in my eyes. It was awesome! This is a new-to-me author and I'm so glad I gave her a try. I will definitely be reading Paula Quinn again!

Lachlan McKenzie, Laird and Earl, is a recluse. He has withdrawn from his clan even though he still provides for them. Since the death of his wife and daughter, he just wants to be left alone.
Until he's given hope that his daughter may still be alive. But in order to find out he must perform a task. He must kidnap a lass. Not just any less, a McGregor, Mailie McGregor. He'll do anything to have his daughter back.
Kidnapping Mailie starts a chain of events that changes both their lives.
This book had me hooked from the opening chapter to the end. I just couldn't put it down. The characters just pulled me in. I loved, loved, loved this book. I can't wait for the next book, which she set up the character very nicely for.

Lachlan MacKenzie, Laird of the Black Isle, may still draw breath but his life as he knew it ended two years ago with the deaths of his wife and young daughter. Their murders sent him on a rampage and when he found their hired killers he showed no mercy. But satisfaction was fleeting, leaving a hollow, scarred shell of the man he once was. He's become a recluse, quietly and anonymously seeing to the needs of his clan but holding himself apart, not allowing any of them to get close to him. Then comes an emissary of Ranald Sinclair, Earl of Caithness with incredible news: Annabel, his daughter, lives and all Lachlan has to do to be reunited with her is to abduct the earl's beloved, bring her to Black Isle and wait for word from the earl. Lachlan is an honorable man but he's also a father desperate to believe in the possibility of a miracle. He knows abducting Mairie MacGregor is wrong and he regrets his actions almost immediately but he'd do anything for the return of his precious child.

Mairie MacGregor is no timid lass and she is not Ranald Sinclair's beloved, facts she makes abundantly clear to the beast who has kidnapped her. If he refuses to release her she'll make sure he wishes he had. Lachlan craves quiet and solitude. Mairie talks his ear off. He lives in darkness. She floods his home with light. He resists interacting with the villagers. She brings two young orphans home to live with him. At first, her actions are designed to annoy but once she discovers the reason for her abduction, Mairie, who has always known the love and support of her family, opens her heart to his dilemma and begins searching for solutions. As Mairie and the children work their magic, Lachlan's emotional shields begin to lower, allowing glimpses of the kind, loving man beneath the pain, anguish, and desperation. And slowly, so very slowly, she begins to pull him back into the light, back into life, into the first, fragile tendrils of love.

"I slept well." He smiled back. He looked happy and it made her heart soar. "And 'tis...ehm...'tis nice to wake up and see ye."
"That was difficult to say," she teased.
"I am not eloquent," he told her on a throaty growl as she came close. And then closer still.
"Nae, and I like it. 'The less there is of eloquence' " - she said, quoting "The Sleeping Beauty" - " 'the more there is of love.' "
He blinked, looking lost and utterly adorable. She'd let him think about it.

Mairie is confident her family will find her eventually but by the time they do will she still want to leave or will Lachlan, Will and Lily have captured her heart completely? And what of Sinclair? The man is pure evil and, judging by his past deeds, there's a good chance he's lying about Annabel in order to get to Mairie. She's terrified by the prospect of what he will do to her if he has her in his control but if there's even a shred of possibility that Lachlan's daughter lives, how can she not sacrifice her own freedom if it will bring Annabel home?

I loved this book so much. From beginning to end, it grabbed my heart and never let go. I wasn't sure if Quinn would ever create a hero who could rival Tristan, Mairie's father, in my affections. It seems fitting that Lachlan MacKenzie, the man who gives his heart to Tristan's beloved daughter, should also be the hero to equal Tristan in mine. I loved the push and pull between him and Mairie, the snappy banter, the reluctant attraction, and the fact that even when she pushes him to his limits he never snaps but always treats her with care. As with Quinn's previous books, there's a fair amount of humor in this story as well as heartfelt emotion. The poignancy of Lachlan's interactions with the orphaned Will and Lily in the face of his own losses brought me to tears more than once. Mairie is a wonderful heroine and exactly what I would expect of Tristan and Isobel's daughter. Her confidence, compassion, intelligence, humor, bravery, and fierce protectiveness of those she holds in her heart make her a true MacGregor and a perfect match for Lachlan. I loved them, both individually and as a couple.

Laird of the Black Isle stands well on its own though, as someone who has read all of the books in this series, it was a special treat to see MacGregors from previous books make appearances in this book. I especially enjoyed the father-daughter scenes between Tristan and Mairie (the older Tristan is still as sigh-worthy as when he won Isobel's heart) as well as those between Lachlan and the MacGregor men. The resolution of the villain's storyline was quite satisfying (I may have cheered) and the twist at the end was a lovely surprise. Also, the more I see of Mailie's cousin, Adam the more excited I become for his book, Highlander Ever After, due to be released December 18, 2018. It's my understanding that this will be the last book in this long-running series. I think it may be time for a series re-read. These characters are among my favorites, their journeys well worth the taking, and while I'm sad that there will be no new MacGregors on the horizon, I'm looking forward to whatever Paula Quinn has in store for readers next.

Publisher's Description

This Highlander will risk everything to find his daughter . . .
Lachlan MacKenzie has nothing left to lose since his wife and daughter were killed. But when a shadowy figure reveals his little girl might still be alive, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to find her--even abduct a lass from the MacGregor clan for an exchange. Being caught would mean certain death. But the laird of the Black Isle won't let anything--or anyone--interfere with his mission . . . not even his beautiful, stubborn captive.
Even his heart
All Mailie MacGregor wants is to return home to her family. And the Highland beast who captured her can go to the devil. Her plan: to thwart him at any cost and win her freedom. But she never expected to be so drawn to the fierce warrior and the desire in his eyes.

My Thoughts:

I loved this poignant, compelling and gripping Highland Romance by Paula Quinn. I try not to miss one of her books. This one is one for my keeper shelf.
The characters are engaging, not just the main couple but the secondary ones as well.

The children in this romance pull at your heart strings. They are both a little sad and wonderfully engaging.
I couldn't put this book down. There is just a hint of sibling rivalry that never becomes engaged. When these two sad little girls who have previously been the subjects of abuse eventually meet they immediately put aside any hint of dislike for one another.
Even the villainous characters are well thought out. This book wouldn't be the same without them.
Lachlan and Mailie's story is one I could re-read again and again. Their capacity for love is unending.
I gave this heart wrenching story 5.0 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. This is more a story of developing love than one of sexuality.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Book: Laird of the Black Isle
by Paula Quinn

Series: Highland Heirs, Book #7

Release Date: May 29th

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook(of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Goodreads***************

Just in case you missed this the first time. Lachlan is coming soon! :)

She strolled past him.


“Ye do everything aroond here yerself?”

“Aye.” He drove the ax into the block, then bent to gather the chopped wood.

Mailie had some idea of what that meant. There were countless things that needed attention: fire, water, food, tools, furnishings, and more. If it needed doing, he had to do it, all with little help.

“Dinna ye get lonely?”

“No.” He tossed her a reproachful look. “I like the quiet.”

She met his gaze with a pitying one of her own. “Shame. Ye’re going to miss it with me here.”

“I already do,” he countered, stacking the wood in front of the shed.
**************************





Can she put faith in a heartless beast? In addition could he possibly have a knights heart shine through? Read on and find out more details of this multi fascinating mega phenomenal novel!

The Black Isle
Early Spring, 1712

Laird Lachlan MacKenzie, Earl of Comartie, has a heart that is cold as ice in the Black Sea. That is since his wife and toddler daughter were viciously murdered by dark jacobite supporters. Now he lives in an empty, dark, cold, 22 room Castle, totally alone-with only dead ghosts for company. The only voices he now hears is his dead wife Hannah, and his young daughter Annabel. As a certain insane, unstable, and cruel villain, Earl of Caithness, bRanald Sinclair, is obsessed with the Mailie MacGregor. He keeps offering for her hand but her family keeps turning him away. Now he is out of options, so he asks Lachlan to abduct the lass for a very high price. A price that Lachlan could never turn away.


Information that his young daughter, Annabel, is indeed talive. Lachlan feeling so guilty he never protected Annabel and her mother all those years ago. He knows the MacGregor with their fierce and brutal reputation. If they find him he’s a dead man, the reason this evil Earl Sinclair would not do this abduction himself. It would be the first place the MacGregor’s would suspect, look, and investigate! Yet it would be a good month until Sinclair would fetch his prize. At first Mailie is ready to pounce on Laird Lachlan and kill him herself. Than as she and two orphans all fall a bit in love with this dragon beast. Can a damsel fall in love with her abductor? Will her fierce warrior family even allow him to live if they locate their missing daughter/sister? What will happen to the orphans and will his biological child Annabel ever be found? Can these two star crossed lovers ever find a hea? Or shall their future just be one of doom and gloom and despair? I advise you read this beautifully written masterpiece from start to finish! It is definitely a fast paced, action packed, emotional, romantic read, and so beautifully written.


Again Paula Quinn punches a powerful novel filled with emotional , non-stop action and passion that you won’t ever forget.

This is the seventh book in her popular Highland Heirs series. It’s is full of all the delightful elements Scottish historical readers love so much. Such a breathtaking setting-you can actually smell the heather! The dialogue is absolutely brilliant, plots within plots so cleverly phenomenal with wonderful characters that will take your breath away! Children like Lily and Will are definitely the scene stealers whether biological or adopted and the dog Ettarre, that stole my heart! I loved the older Ruth too who took care of Lachlan too. Yes dog lovers like myself will adore this novel too! This is my favorite novel in the Highland Heirs series so far, which just blew me away so much! A fabulous read Paula Quinn fans don’t want to miss!

I can’t wait for “Highland Ever After” book #8 in the Highland Heirs series, coming this December. Adam MacGregor’s story! It sounds absolutely captivating, fascinating and amazing! Another I look forward to read!


Buy Links For Kindle & Nook Readers:

1)Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ycgtto54


2) Nook: https://tinyurl.com/y7uvcttd



I received a complimentary ARC copy from the Forever, Grand Central publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All opinions, ideas, words and thoughts are my own.

This is my first read by Paula Quinn, and it won't be my last. Laird of the Black Isle was such a pure delight to read! It kind of takes me back to the classic historical romances that I fell in love with when I first started reading romance. The Julie Garwood Laird books in particular. If you loved those books, you'll probably enjoy this book as well! We get the kidnapped heroine, and the morally questionable hero who immediately regrets his dastardly deed. Why? Because she's far from the meek and easy captive he was expecting. She fights him at every turn, and never gives him a moment's peace. Who doesn't love a fiery Scottish woman who puts the brooding hero in his place, and mends his broken pieces back together again?

Mailie is the daughter of Tristan and Isobel from Seduced by a Highlander in the Children of the Mist series. (I really enjoyed meeting her parents in this one, so I'm looking forward to reading their book when I get a chance.) Even though there were a lot of people in her family, and an well established history that I wasn't caught up on, I never felt like I was floundering under an information dump. We got just enough facts to satisfy faithful followers and intrigue new readers at the same time. The focus was purely on Mailie and Lachlan, and I really appreciated that. At 400 pages, it was still a fast and compulsively readable story.

Lachlan is a very tortured man after losing his wife and daughter two years before. Not only does he feel as if he failed to protect them, but his revenge on those who murdered them leaves him feeling as if he's only a shell of the man he once was.

It took him years to find the men responsible and take their lives, but the satisfaction that brought him was only fleeting. He now lives a very secluded and lonely life, void of warmth and family to share it with.

From the start, his broody exterior didn't fool me. Underneath all of his pain lay a devastated man just trying to make sense of his devastating loss. When presented with the possibility that his daughter may still be alive, it was a ray of hope after so living so long in the darkness. Not very keen on kidnapping an innocent woman, he quickly lets go of his conscience in order to cling to this new hope of his old life. He'd be willing to do anything in order to have his daughter back, and that's what Ranald Sinclair is counting on.

Mailie was just the kind of heroine I like. She can take care of herself in even the most harrowing situations. She was brave, kindhearted, and was pretty much immune to all intimidation tactics that were thrown at her. She's lived a safe and privileged life as her father's pride and joy, but that didn't mean she was spoiled or filled with her own self-importance. When she's unexpectedly taken out of the safety of her family's protection, she vows that not only will she make it back home before being delivered into her rejected suitor's dangerous hands, but her captor will pay the price with his life.

Then something happens as she settles into Lachlan's cold and lonely castle. She begins to understand the desperation that drove him to what he did. Her compassion helps to to see a view of the man that very few are afforded. And suddenly, they are both torn over what they should do, and what they desire more than anything. An impossible dream of a future together.

One of the things I loved was seeing how Mailie brought Lily and Will into his home and showed him that there was life after loss. There was room in his heart to love again, and be the father that he once was. He put up the good fight at first, trying to keep his distance and his emotions hardened, but fortunately she isn't one who gives up easily.

I thought I knew what to expect with the ending, and it was comfortably drama free, but there was one thing that really took me by surprise (in a good way). My only complaint was that their romance did feel rushed in my opinion, I would have liked for them to have discovered their feelings over the original month she was supposed to be there instead of a two week period. Their deep feelings didn't seem entirely plausible because of that, but it didn't take much away from my overall enjoyment. The writing style was lovely, the plot was fast-paced, and very sweet. I've found myself a new author to follow, and I'll most definitely be checking out some of the books on her backlist as well.

A fabulous adventure into the Highlands with one of the most talented Scottish historical authors. I was swept away by the writing, it was as though I was there amongst the characters

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

Laird of the Black Isle by Paula Quinn is a romance that pulled at my heart stings. A warrior who lost his family while away from home, lives in isolation. Until a messenger comes, bearing news that his boss has word of his daughter's life. Lachlan diminished the news but his heart couldn't ignore the possiblity that his daughter may still be alive. All he has to do, is kidnap a MacGregor clan woman and give her to a monster. Yet, even that plan has flaws...

Lachlan is a tough man who has had to endure many demons. While on a journey, his wife and Home were burned to the ground. His daughter was thought to be dead as well. Lachlan distanced himself from others but his heart of gold never stopped him. He helped feed his clan and still did whatever he could for them. No matter the distance he put between him and his clan, Lachlan still earned respect from everyone. A grizzly bear with a good heart. A heavy heart full of woe. Until her kidnapped her...a woman who got under his skin and into his heart...

Mailie MacGregor is a strong woman from a fierce warrior clan. They hover around her like guards all day and night. When they all least expect it, a stranger kidnaps her. Taking her away from everyone only to soon hand her over to the very man she fears. But Mailie is more potent than either she nor Lachlan deem she is. Her presence causes chaos for the fearless warrior. She ends up defeating the walls he has built to protect himself. Mailie is his light...in his dark world. But then, there's her heart falling to him when she would hate him...

Laird of the Black Isle is funny, charming, and full of action. Themes of family, faith, and second chances are seen here. The pages enchanted me from the beginning. Two heroes who have tugged and pulled at my heart. Until, I have fallen in love with their story. Danger, intrigue, and happy endings are inside this novel. Overall, I highly recommend this Highland romance to all.

I loved Lachlan and Mailie's story!!

Lachlan would do anything to have his daughter back, even if it takes kidnapping the daughter of the MacGregor clan. He didn't count on falling for the woman once she is in his home.

Mailie can't believe that she has been kidnapped, but when she learns the reason behind it, she understands the need. As she gets to know Lachlan, she will do anything in her power to help him get his daughter back, but when her family interferes is everything lost?

I can't wait to see what Quinn has in store for the MacGregors next!!

An historical saga full of deep familial connections, relationships, and deep, deep painful memories. Mailie MacGregor is taken by Lachlan MacKenzie as a way to unburden his tragic soul from the deaths of his wife and daughter. Mailie refers to hi as a Beast due to his cold, black heart tha will not rest until he discovers whether or not his daughter is truly dead. Mailie decides to try to escape and thwart his plans with every breath. Little does Lachlan or Mailie know that this one act of kidnapping begins a chain of events that culminates into a life neither one could have imagined.

The Macgregors. Love this. Series a must read. This one is good. Some others are great. However, I enjoyed Lachlan,

Available May 29: Laird of the Black Isle
***** 4.5 stars: Must read! Sparks fly and plots twist in Laird of the Black Isle.

Recommended readers:

If you like historical romance, especially Scottish/Highland
If you like Paula Quinn
Here's my Rankings:

5/5 for characters
4/5 for plot
4.5/5 overall
REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:
Lachlan MacKenzie tragically lost his wife and daughter when they were purposefully burned years ago, and the Highland laird has hidden from the world since while still providing for his clan. When the opportunity to find his thought-dead daughter arrives, he jumps on it at all costs. But he needs to find and abduct the well protected Mailie MacGregor as part of the deal.

Laird of the Black Isle is so good - my favorite historical romance I've read this year. The drama escalates and the characters - both struggling with their passion and torn by the impossible circumstance - are perfection. It's a quick-reading, action-packed, passion-filled Highland romance that you don't want to miss!

Available May 29: Laird of the Black Isle

Laird of the Black Isle, by Paula Quinn is a captivating historical romance, and a part of The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series.

Laird Lachlan McKenzie lost everything when his wife and young daughter were killed years ago. Recently, a questionable man shared that Lachlan's daughter is still alive. However, in order to know the location of his little girl, Lachlan is required to kidnap Mailie MacGregor and exchange her for his daughter.

Mailie is a stubborn and difficult captive, and Lachlan treats her kindly for an unwilling kidnapper, yet his desire to find his daughter leads the mission. Eventually, Mailie becomes determined to help Lachlan, despite his attempts to dissuade her. Plus, there are two sweet village children embedding themselves in Lachlan and Mailie's lives and the entertaining story.

Even though it's the seventh book in The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series, it's easily read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading the rest of this book series!

Laird of the Black Isle is geared towards those who enjoy reading historical romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Two years ago Lachlan wasn’t home when someone set his house on fire and his wife, small daughter and staff were all burned to death. He searched and killed the men who were responsible. He’s lived a solitary and quiet life since that time, secretly taking care of his clan. He’s minding his own business when an emissary for Ranald Sinclair shows up on his doorstep. He tells Lachlan that his daughter isn’t dead and that Ranald Sinclair has information about where she is. He’ll give it to Lachlan if he kidnaps Mailie MacGregor. Sinclair says that Mailie is in love with him but her father won’t allow the match. Lachland kicks the emissary out but he can’t stop thinking about the possibility of his little Annabel being alive.

Lachlan kidnaps Mailie and while she tries to get away at first she soon stops trying. When she finds out why he kidnapped her she understands he had no choice and she starts to see life from Lachlan’s point of view. When she finds out more about the Dragon Laird of the Black Isle she starts to fall in love with him. Soon, he’s just as in love with her – but how can they be together with the possibility that Annabel is out there, hoping for her papa to rescue her?

Paula Quinn has a great mind. Seriously. She comes up with some incredible scenarios and makes them work. This could have easily turned into an eye-rolling Stockholm Syndrome “love” story, but it was so well done that thought never crossed my mind. Once Mailie knew that Lachlan had no choice, she softened toward him. (Ok, he could have gone to the MacGregor’s, explained Sinclair’s plot and then ask for their help in getting his daughter back but then that wouldn’t have been as good of a story, would it?) I’m not usually a huge fan of the abductee falling for the abductor but in this case, it really worked for me.

Lachlan made my heart hurt. He was so despondent over the deaths of his family and everything he’d been through almost made me cry. He proved himself a good man, however, during the course of the book and a perfect match for Mailie. He had a good heart.

I truly enjoyed this romance and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
bookbinge.com

Could have been better but who cares because MACGREGORS!!

I would like to thank Paula Quinn, Forever/Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Two years ago, Lachlan MacKenzie, Laird of the Black Isle, tucked himself away in his dark, empty castle to mourn the murders of his wife and four-year-old daughter. He provides for his tenants, but secretly, going about when no one else is stirring, wearing a hooded cloak to conceal his scarred face should anyone be about. His life now is solitary, isolated, and bleak—and he tells himself he wants it that way.

Then one day an emissary of Ranald Sinclair, Earl of Caithness, arrives, claiming his lord knows the whereabouts of Lachlan’s daughter—his very much alive daughter. But in order to earn the knowledge of her location, Lachlan must do something for Sinclair: abduct Mailie MacGregor and bring her to him.

Mailie’s fortunate in her circumstances to have lived to two-and-twenty without marrying. She hasn’t yet met the right man; she wants one who can match the high standards of chivalric behavior set forth by her father and the knights from her favorite stories. The depraved monster who absconds with her definitely does not meet those standards. But as she learns more about him, she begins to wonder if he’s truly a monster—or only a broken, desperate man.
__

I adored this book. It had its flaws, but I think this is my second favorite Paula Quinn book behind Ravished by a Highlander. Why? Probably because it had a lot in common with Beauty and the Beast (and consequently Reylo), which is one of my favorite love stories. Not so similar that it seemed like a rip-off; more of a subtle homage.

Mailie was a stereotypical spunky heroine, but I didn’t care; I loved her regardless. She fought back but didn’t waste her efforts; she kept her head and waited for opportune moments. She stayed collected enough to devise plans and was willing to play the long game. And despite her standards, she wasn’t a snob; she didn’t really hesitate to consider the idea that Lachlan might be an okay guy—okay enough for her to care about, even respect. She was very mature, yet she had an energy and optimism appropriate for her youth. She had a gigantic heart that held no prejudice against anyone who didn’t deserve it.

Lachlan might seem like one of those heroes whose greatest flaw is caring too much, but unlike the hero in the last book I reviewed, Lacklan had a legitimate dark side, an inner monster—aka a potential for deep rage and violence—that he struggled to keep in check and will continue to struggle with. I held a particular affinity for him because he was introverted; he valued peace and quiet, but he was happy to exchange it for the clamor of the people he loved. He was awkward, he stammered when put-upon, he liked to be alone sometimes—but for all his grumbling, he was a kind, selfless, level-headed man. I loved him with all my heart.

But yes, there were flaws. The middle dragged on a little longer than necessary; it could have been trimmed and slimmed enough to cut out a chapter, maybe two. At times it got pretty cheesy, but not so much that it was annoying. Hopefully the half dozen typos I noticed will have been corrected in the final copy.

I really think we could have benefited from more scenes establishing the villain and his motivation. He just didn’t seem like much of a threat—though that could also be because Lachlan was overpowered (like, seriously, his stamina was herculean). We could have seen Sinclair interact with Mailie and seen how subtly sinister he was, how much he creeped her out; then we could have seen him at home later, crumpling up a letter of denial from Tristan and deciding to use his leverage and set the plot in motion. It also would have been useful to have a scene showing how Sinclair’s grudge against Lachlan started, better explaining the politics behind it. Not gonna lie, I was so turned around on the politics. The book kind of takes for granted that if you’re reading it, you’re familiar with Jacobite history. Of course the villain and his motivation was secondary to the romance, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to gloss over the backstory—the reason why there’s a story to tell.

I do regret the brief time we spent with Niall. We only saw that kid for two seconds but I felt in my bones that there was a fascinating story there. Something about that kid…

The plot could have been filled with holes, but most if not all of them were bridged with clever explanations or flawed judgment on the part of the characters, and it all came across as reasonable, even logical, to me. Kudos there, Quinn. And I have to admit, I couldn’t decide if Sinclair’s claims were true or false, so more kudos for walking that line; that’s hard to do.

But why did Graham lie? I’m not sure I understand…

Anyway–naturally, the best part of the whole thing was the MacGregors. As soon as we started getting Tristan’s POV, I sat up and gave it my full attention, which had been flagging from the progressively redundant middle section. I’ve loved Tristan since his own book, but I also knew switching to his POV preluded the second-act climax—meaning shit was about to go down. I was fully absorbed from that point to the end.

The more MacGregors, the merrier; I particularly enjoyed Adam and his banter with Daniel. I haven’t read Daniel’s story yet—he married Adam’s sister—but I intend to before Adam’s own story comes out in December. Speaking of, I read that first chapter preview—and remembered why I don’t read previews! December’s so far away…

Also, Adam’s story will be the last MacGregor book! Quinn’s currently researching other avenues to pursue, and I can’t wait to see what she decides to write about.

Another kidnapping story by Paula Quinn, but with a twist. As prolific as Paula Quinn is, I have generally liked her novels. While I liked the way she made her usual kidnapping/ransom tale a bit different, this book really sagged in the middle, I thought. Too long on the "will he/won't he" stuff. But Quinn made up for it with some plot twists at the end. Still not my favorite Quinn by far, but still fun.

I love Paula Quinn's Highlander romances and this is another great one! Sexy as all get out, her Highlanders are fabulous heroes...a touch of dark, lots of sexy - loved it!

Excellent book! It has all the elements that make a book great to read. Great characters, sweet kids, sweet dog and an amazing story!

SO. GOOD. I am a huge fan of Paula Quinn and once again she has written a highland romance that I could not put down. In order to get information about his lost daughter Lachlan MacKenzie agrees to kidnap Mailie McGregor, the daughter of Tristan and Isobel, and give her to a man who was denied her in marriage by Tristan. Lachlan expects to kidnap her, turn her over, and find his Annabel. Of course that doesn't go as planned! We get to see lots of our favorite characters from previous books which always adds to the wonderful story. This is a definite recommendation from me, even if you haven't read the rest of the series!

Two years ago Lachlan MacKenzie lost the two people who meant the world to him. He was so broken that he retreated to his castle and the darkness letting no one close. When the Emissary for Ranald Sinclair tells Lachlan that his little girl might still be alive, he will do whatever he has to do to find her. He agrees to abduct a MacGregor lass and this definitely seals his fate because when her family finds him they will most certainly kill him.

Maillie MacGregor vows to escape from the man with a black heart and does everything she can to get back to those she loves but along the way she loses her heart to the beast who took her from her family.

This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I could not put it down. It was definitely a page-turner for me. My heart broke for the pain that Lachlan had been through and the dark, lonely life he was leading because of the loss of his family. When given a small hope this makes him do something that isn’t in his nature and my heart hurt for him once again. This is such a strong plot with a few twists and certainly the “feel goods” for the heroes. There is a kidnapping, heartbreak, sadness and a very, very evil man. However, there is determination, strength of character, strong family loyalty, humor, romance, hope and healing. This isn’t my first book by this author and with each book that she writes I have a new favorite and I certainly loved this story.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.