First I must commend Ms. Quinn on her ability to make the
story match the character. So many times I have this big
bulky hero with loads of personality and the same old story
that was in that other book. Paula Quinn has never
disappointed me. Her storylines and character development
are impeccable. The characters do not seem to rush their
connections, but they seem to grow together each falling in
their own unique ways. CONQUERED BY THE HIGHLANDER is the last
of the Children of the Mist series; however it can
certainly be read as a standalone without any problems so
don't let the series aspect trick you into missing out on
this one!
Lady Gillian Dearly has been virtually locked away by her
family and "given" into the care of a cousin she would
rather not know. Gillian was betrayed by the man she loved
and left pregnant and on her own. Trying to raise a boy in
the midst of a treasonous barbarian like Geoffrey has not
been easy. Gillian needs rescued, the King needs informed
and time is quickly running out. Just when Gillian fears
that all hope is lost a Highlander arrives on the scene. Is
this guy all that he is cracked up to be or will he end up
like all the other men in her life?
Colin MacGregor has served the crown well. He is a general,
he is a spy, and there is nothing that he hasn't done for
honor and duty. His new mission: gathering Intel on a
possible traitor. His target: the Earl of Essex. Gaining
entry into the Earl's army was not a problem so the rest of
the mission should go just as smoothly. Enter a beautiful
woman in the form of the Earl's cousin a fallen Lady with a
child. Despite the obstacles separating them Colin soon
realizes that his attraction to Gillian has grown and his
relationship with her son has captured parts of his heart.
King and country or heart and home? Colin fears that this is
one decision that he is soon going to have to make.
As I said before I loved the characters and their overall
development throughout the story. Colin is your typical
Highland warrior -- savage, bound by duty, bound by his honor
and his own personal standards. However, it is his
interactions with Gillian's three year old son Edmund that
bring out the heart in him and really give you a look at the
depths of Colin as a man. Gillian was everything I love
about heroines. First she was not the ideal girl -- she had a
child out of wedlock and in those days that was something
that simply did not happen. Gillian was capable of standing
up for herself and her son. I really loved that she was not
afraid to do it. Gillian was strong, nurturing, and
struggling to overcome so many obstacles that it was not a
real surprise that her acceptance of Colin's place in her
life too so long. This was the only flaw that I had with
this book. The romance between the characters was not as
strong as I wanted it to be. These two took forever to
decide that they were interested in each other. In all
reality Colin fell for Edmund and Gillian actually had to
conquer Colin for herself. The romance was just a tad on the
down side, but I think that the characters, plot, and the
sweet touch of Edmund almost make up for it.
Paula Quinn can write a Highland story with the best of
them. Quinn's writing really place you right there beside
the characters. There were times when I could hear the
swords clashing, see the blood flowing on the heather, and I
must say I loved it! It wasn't only the violent fight scenes
that had me wrapped up either. Ms. Quinn's capable of mixing
historical knowledge into the story without overwhelming me
with all the intrigue. I was able to follow all the key
players and did not feel overwhelmed with historic facts.
These parts were written in along with everything else and I
feel that the history only made the story that much more
real. Quinn had me in Scotland in the castle and wearing a
dress -- which doesn't happen often. I think I might have
been saying "Aye" for days after finishing CONQUERED BY A
HIGHLANDER. When an author can write me into a virtual
reality I know it's as good as it gets! While I am sad to
see this series go I am looking forward to beginning another
adventure with Ms. Quinn's next book!
BOUND BY DUTY Colin MacGregor was born to fight-for his beliefs, his king, and his family's honor. After years away from his beloved Scotland, he yearns to return to its lush, green hills-and he can, after he completes one final mission for the king. Sent to infiltrate a traitor's home, Colin is determined to expose the treasonous plot and triumph on the battlefield . . . until he meets a sensual lass who tempts him towards other pursuits . . . . BETRAYED BY PASSION Lady Gillian Dearly is no stranger to temptation. Cast out of her family for bearing an illegitimate child, she's now the ward of a barbarian conspiring against the king. Her only desire: freedom for her son and for herself at any cost, even if it means making a deal with the devil. Yet when a mysterious Highlander appears in their midst, his braw strength and smoldering gaze give her hope for a future beyond the castle walls-and promise a desire unlike any she's ever known. But passion comes at a price . . .
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy