Seduction of a Highland Lass (The Highlanders)

I was a good book, but there were definitely things that would be an issue for other people. It was as not as good as the first book. A little boring or maybe slow at times. Something just held me back from fully connecting to it. I am not sure why. I like both Alaric and Keeley. I agree with the person that stated how can Alaric be so attracted and want nothing but her, when he first met her? It is farfetched. He was dying and was unconscious. So other than a few minutes here or there when he gained consciousness he would not know her. Yes she was his healer, but it is very unlikely.I like sex scenes, and these were more towards erotica. Some people will find then vulgar, but they were fine with me. That being said most of their time together was sex, or one or the other being sick, because they almost died. There are 3 of the almost dying scenes. Also the other part of the book was just them wanting each other, but trying not to given in because he is supposed to marry someone else. That of course comes before the sex stuff. So yes a little light on story. I usually like a little more story with my sex. She did throw in a couple things here and there, but until almost the end it really wasn't enough. I close to the end is really a tear jerker. I do like that about the book. I also find her time lines sometimes not real. Not that that bother me. Keeley gets up before others are down to eat. Goes to the loch and spends a little time there (sounds like a couple hours), someone tells her she should go inside to eat and get out of the cold. She goes in and eats and it times for bed. How can it already be time for bed? So a few hours basically become a day. This also doesn't bother me, but other will not like it. I noticed she this something like this in the first book as well.Next is Caelan. Even though Ewan is my favorite. Caelan needs to have a special story. I think for me it is something to do with a man being so hurt he has shut himself off from everyone. He has been slowly showing cracks in his armor, and that he can be really sweet. Though I read all these books a few years ago I did not remember them at all. So they are like reading a new book.Sex content high.

I won't recap the entire story as several other reviewers have done a great job. I will just echo all the plaudits already delivered.I was worried that this book would not live up to the first - and I will admit it took a little bit of an adjustment to get used to the different tenor/pacing. This story does not have as much adventure, externally-related angst and "plottiness" as the first. But I quickly put that aside as I was drawn into the wonderful relationship developing between Alaric and Keeley.They were both such strong, honorable people - willing to put the welfare of many ahead of their own needs, even as it left them bereft of each other.I am glad that Rionna - the woman that Alaric was supposed to marry - was more fully fleshed out and shown to be an honorable woman with a good heart. It made the interpersonal drama even more resonant - and helped build an even stronger set-up for the next installment in the series.I loved being able to "visit" with the characters I'd grown to love the first time around. The McCabes are a wonderful clan, and it is touching to see fierce warriors be both confounded and gentled by the women who have the fierce devotion necessary to love them.I found the evolving relationship between Keeley and Caelen both authentic and meaningful - it was great to see his character continue to be fleshed out.**spoilers ahead**I cried my eyes out when Alaric and Keeley were handfasted as it was clear she was in grave danger. The ensuing scenes where it was feared - and, in fact, likely - that she would die were incredibly moving. It was wonderful to have a hero with no compunction about revealing the content of his heart and soul. He found the most beautiful words, fierce warrior that he is.I did have one tiny quibble - this major event was not the only time when Alaric had to nurse Keeley back to health, and I'm not sure we needed that earlier episode since it could have made the other health-related drama feel a bit redundant. The events that led to her first bout of illness/fever could have occurred without that result.What I applaud Ms. Banks for is that in this second story, she maintained key elements that made the first so enjoyable, but told a different enough story that it didn't feel like just a slight variation on the theme. And based on the set-up, it seems the third will also have its own unique characteristics. Can't wait.

Keeley is a healer who lives alone in a small cottage, after being unjustly banished by the McDonald clan. When she comes across a severely injured Alaric and aids him, she finds herself kidnapped my Alaric’s brothers, who demand she continue to help Alaric, and aid Ewan’s wife when her time to give birth comes. I liked the fact that Keeley didn’t take any nonsense from Alaric’s brothers. She’s strong, independent and has a good heart.The connection Alaric and Keeley have is an instantaneous one, they find themselves unable to resist, and thus despite knowing they cannot wed, they decide to enjoy the short time they have together, even when injured and when one is riddled with a fever. I wasn’t keen on some of the writing when it came to the sex/making love scenes, take for example: ‘His cock slid over her entrance and then stabbed deep’, am I mad for cringing a little, and thinking ouch?I didn’t like the fact that Alaric knowing he was going to marry another, and the fact that the thought of ending his arranged betrothal despite his fierce attraction didn’t enter his mind – he still ardently perused Keeley - this one key component of the tale that displeased me, the issue of a potential child also seemed to escape him, but…it didn’t lead to me hating the read or hating the main characters. Although Alaric is certainly not my favourite highlander/leading man and whilst the story isn’t a terrible one, I like this read under protest and I don’t know if I’ll ever re-read! That being said when Alaric finally comes to his senses, and the way in which he stays by Keeley, I did find my emotions ensnared a fair bit. Banks did well in pulling at my heartstrings in certain scenes.Now Keeley does give into Alaric and her their desires quite fast, although she does try to resist, but she is definitely the character I felt the most sympathy for (rightly or wrongly).I do want to know what will happen when it comes to book 3 and Caelen and Rionna – I don’t see Rionna being the biddable wife he is expecting.

Lovely set of books. Three in all about three brothers Read two so far both excellent. Maya Banks keeps you on the edge of your seat all the time. When you think the story line is like other steamy highland romanace she adds another twist. These twists in the story are great - you never see them coming and it keeps the book so exciting and you do not want to put it down. Really lovely story HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - I really enjoyed them - thrilling, exciting, fulfils are my needs in a book.

Would have given this book 10 stars if I could. Beautifully written and had me in tears. Emotional and passionate, I never wanted it to end. Alaric and Keely were amazing strong characters and had me so hooked I found it difficult to put the book down. I have already read quite a few Maya Banks books and have to say this was a completely different style of writing that did not leave me disappointed. Amazing! Emotional roller coaster. Loved it , loved it loved it.........need i say more.

Wow, what an emotional ride! The story was beautifully told and bought me to tears more than once. The characters were well rounded and hugely likeable. I cannot wait to read Caelen and Rionna's story!

Another Aw! Just finished book 2 of this trilogy.This story is about the second brother Alaric. The Clan's are still battling it out. There's a nice little twist in this one and to be honest I cried, but love conquers all, so they say. Twas truly breath taking.