A Highlander's Temptation

Journey to the Hebridean Highlands!

Think of this book as a Scottish rendition of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet- feuding families and a love that seems doomed from the beginning. I enjoyed this book! It was a quick and easy read, and the story kept me interested throughout. There was certainly no shortage of action or drama! This book has a smattering of everything- battles, magic, paranormal activity, and romance. I became very attached to characters, and even caught myself getting a bit misty-eyed at one point in the story.

I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the MacConacher men. Whenever Arabella was around, they had fun picking on Darroc (A lot of that wink-wink-nudge-nudge sort of humor, if you know what I mean!). The crazy old woman who helped around the castle was also very amusing- she was convinced she was helping when often the men had to go behind her and correct the wreckage she was causing! The author did a nice job of developing the characters, even the minor ones who only played supporting roles to the storyline. By doing this, the author develops an entire community of which the reader is able to become a part.

Something that caught my attention was that some of the names were a bit silly in this book. A Viking with the name Olaf Big Nose would certainly not inspire his foes to go running with their tails between their legs! There's also a relic in this story that the clans call the "Thunder Rod". Can you guess what sort of power it has? No? Think hard! Thunder. Rod. Have you got it now? My mind had wandered into that gutter long before they explained the extent of its powers later in the book! I understand the purpose behind the names used, however it was difficult to take them seriously each time they arose in the book.

I wasn't a particularly big fan of the paranormal aspect of the storyline. Essentially, the ghost of a jaded female haunted the castle and enjoyed meddling in the affairs of Darroc and Arabella. However, in the end, her role had absolutely no bearing on the storyline aside from being a relic of a tale they told around the castle about a girl who had been left to die there long ago. I normally enjoy the paranormal aspect of stories, however I think in this situation that the story would not have been any different without it.

I will say I was a bit disappointed towards the end. Clan MacConacher and Olaf Big Nose's warriors headed off to sea battle, and without giving too much away, I would have to say I felt it was incredibly anticlimactic! It almost seemed as if the author rushed towards the end of the book. To remedy this, it's as if she created situations in which everything was able to happen in an expedited manner. That being said, I will say I appreciate her brevity in some cases. I do not feel the need to experience days of wallowing in self-pity when I can just as easily catch the gist from the statement, "He had been miserable for days."

All in all, this was a good book. It didn't take long to read, and didn't have a complex plot. If you're looking for a nice, light romance novel, definitely give this one a try!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Ok!!!

Last 100 pages was good!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A charming tale of Scottish lore & romance...

Arabella is the oldest daughter of the Black Stag MacKenzie, clan leader of the MacKenzies. Darroc is the leader of his MacConachers' clan. Arabella has been protected all her life by her father and as she's reached marriagable age, he's turned away all her suitors for one reason or another. Arabella sets out on an adventure to see Seal Island, her dowry island... but there's trouble at sea...
I love how Sue-Ellen blends humor, superstition, Scottish lore and romance into a charming tale... I also enjoy the updates on the characters from prior stories that she weaves into her stories. I know when I pick up a Sue-Ellen book, that I'm in for a good read and this one did not disappoint.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

sweet, sensual Highland warrior

"A Highlander's Temptation" by Sue-Ellen Welfonder is charming, funny, romantic and full of Highland heroism! Darroc MacConacher is such a sweet, strong hero! Gentle, yet very much a Highlander, ready to defend his land and his spirited fair lady. Arabella MacKenzie is the woman who haunts Darroc's dreams. He is stunned when she appears in person, the survivor of a shipwreck on the shores of his home. Their families are sworn enemies. Their attraction is intense. Darroc knows he can hold Arabella as a weapon against his foes, but it is she who has captured his heart! Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a true storyteller, and one who embodies the love of all things Scottish. When Sue-Ellen spins her Scottish tales of romance, mysticism, and brave, brawny men and their lovely ladies, you will be swept away!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Be Swept Away To The Hebridean Islands of Scotland

Afraid of growing old, never experiencing passion and love, Arabella KacKenzie seeks an adventure. When she confronts her father, the Black Stag of Kintail, Duncan MacKenzie, with her idea, he's dead set against it. But with the help of her mother and dear friend Sir Marmaduke, Duncan is persuaded into letting Arabella have her way. He is for the most part responsible for Arabella's lonely, unmarried state, refusing and scaring off potential suitors.---

Now on her adventure out to sea as she heads to a special island, Seal Isle, bequeathed to her by her father as part of her bride price, Arabella runs into the dreaded Black Vikings. A myth most people claim them to be. She remembers seeing the horror as the evil Vikings destroy the merchant cog ship she's on, killing everyone aboard. Yet she finds herself saved by Darroc MacConacher, Laird of the MacConachers of MacConacher Isle.---

Darroc MacConacher is set on vengeance against the Mackenzies for their part in the legendary slaughter of his clan many years ago. But when he realizes who the beauty is laying in his bed recovering from her wounds, a battle ignites within himself, for he wants the lass like he's never wanted one before. She fires his blood, as he fires hers. He wants Arabella, but can he put aside his dislike for the MacKenzies and accept and take the love Arabella offers him?---

I very much loved this sweet, and at times haunting tale. There are several things that enhanced this book, making it a pleasure to sink into. Always reading about Duncan and Linnet MacKenzie (Devil in a Kilt) puts a smile on my face. The ever proud, and stubborn it's-my-way-or-the-highway Duncan. Well, when his lovely wife Linnet isn't around, that is, putting him back in his place with her quiet and patient nature. And this one being about Arabella, Duncan's eldest daughter, he and Linnet have a nice role throughout.---

And of course, the ever present Devorgilla of Doon. A MacKenzie tale wouldn't be right if the old crone wasn't concocting some magic or other to ensure that love blossoms and blooms as she's tucked away on her little isle looking over those she holds dear.---

This installment in the MacKenzies is a true treasure, one that left me with a smile, a warm heart, and a renewal of my desire to visit the faraway land of Scotland. It's always such a pleasure to be whisked away, and in A Highlander's Temptation, Ms. Welfonder does it on the turbulent waters surrounding the Hebridean Isles off the coast of Scotland. A delightful and charming romantic tale of the healing power of love!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

enjoyable medieval romance

In 1350 Lady Arabella Mackenzie argues with her father the Black Stag of Kintail (see DEVIL IN A KILT - where it all began) that she must go to her new property the Seal Isles that he bestowed on her as part of her bride price. He calls it rubbish, but she is determined to have an adventure and find her true love like her younger sisters have; her plans is to visit the legendary Giving Stone.

Vikings attack her ship during a storm, but Arabella survives due to singing seals and Darroc MacConacher who takes her to his Castle Bane. Everyone at the castle hates her father especially Darroc whose clan has had deadly incidents with the Black Stag. However, sweet caring Arabella befriends all. As she and Darroc falls in love, he struggles to balance his need for the daughter with his desire to destroy her father.

This is an enjoyable medieval romance starring a wonderful heroine and a conflicted confused lead male. The story line takes off with the opening clash between father and daughter as the Black Stag shouts, busters, and silences his way to what he wants, but loses anyway as he would do anything for his oldest daughter except perhaps make peace with the MacConacher clan. The story line is owned by Darroc who feels schizoid between his love for Arabella and his hate for her daddy. Sue-Ellen Welfonder has written a wonderful historical romance that will make readers feel as if they have gone back to the past as the scenes are so vividly colorful and realistic.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Highlander's Temptation

Synopsis:

Arabella MacKenzie, the eldest daughter of Duncan MacKenzie a.k.a. The Black Stag of Kintail, yearns for an adventure of her own. Her younger sisters are wed to loving and wealthy warriors, but she seems destined to remain at home. Her father scares off most of her suitors and has increased her dowry expecting that the prospect of greater wealth will bring out more suitable men. With the help of her mother and her uncle Sir Marmaduke, Arabella is allowed a trip to the Seal Isles. Arabella's secret plan is to visit a hermit's shrine that is reputed to help women fall in love, bear children and find happiness. The ship is attacked and Arabella is washed ashore on MacConacher's Isle. But the MacConachers are blood enemies of the wealthy MacKenzies. Their laird Darroc MacConacher has plotted revenge against his enemies for years but he can't bear to be cruel to Arabella. Otherworldly spirits intervene to help Darroc and Arabella move beyond the past.

Review:

A Highlander's Temptation combines paranormal intrigue in a story of highlander love. A likable heroine, Arabella MacKenzie blossoms outside of her father's watchful gaze. Her reaction to learning the MacConacher's side of the feud is one of the highlights of the book. I tend to enjoy these highlander novels where the lovers have to overcome the prejudice of a longtime and bloody feud. If you're looking for a fun, highlander romance, I recommend A Highlander's Temptation.

Publisher: Forever (September 29, 2009), 400 pages.
Courtesy of the publisher.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love knows not limits in this wonderful story!

Lady Arabella lacks a suitor as well as desires an adventure all in the same day. She makes up her mind to have both despite her father's opposition and bluster. She has watched her father drive one man after another off deeming them unsuitable telling her he loves her too much to let her settle for less than perfect. Yet despite this he gives her the Seal Isles as a dowry so now Arabella is going to visit the place that will one day be her home. But something horrid happens along the way and the ship she is traveling on is attacked by The Black Vikings, a pirate ship that seeks to destroy and pillage all ships of worth. What saves Arabella is a little magic of the highest degree, wonderful singing seals and one hunky highlander. And that is how Arabella comes to meet Darroc MacConacher of Castle Bane the man who opens her eyes to love and she is quite sure adventure. He is most dashing and seems to have saved her life and won her heart all in one fell swoop. But when she discovers who he is and is reminded of the family feud that still lives between their families will she be able to continue with the passionate feelings toward him?

Darroc finds Arabella to be not only lovely but she stirs him like no other woman before her while bringing calm to his life and peace to his home. There is such warmth in her that she is able to win everyone at Castle Bane over even when they know who her father is and this is why Darroc is careful to tread forward with their relationship. The history between their families is full of blood and destruction. But somehow the longer she stays with him the more he wants her and the stronger his love for her grows. He will have to avenge the men that caused her ship to crash and after that is accomplished they will be together no matter who tries to stand in their way. He tries to turn her away, attempts to send her away and once she is gone cannot get to her fast enough to bring her back. He is not only tormented with his love for Arabella but also driven to right the wrongs from the past between their families.

There is magic everywhere in this book - between Arabella and Darroc as well as the kind created by colorful and interfering women who have the gift of sight and the ability to turn calm seas into crashing waves. You feel the passion grow between Arabella and Darroc and find yourself wanting to shake them at times to remind them of the importance of love but it seems that in the end they figure that out for themselves.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Medieval Scotland

Brilliant. Quick story flow. Depth of characters and picture of Scotland transport the reader. Would that I could write as well!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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