Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Title: * Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Series: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: ebook
Date/Year: March 19, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads
*This book was provided to me by NetGalley for review.
Summary from the publisher:
In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.
Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.
My Musings:
This is the second book in Maya Banks The Montgomerys and Armstrongs series and it is very much a sequel. The book could be read as a stand alone, but I don’t recommend it. To really appreciate the relationships in Highlander Most Wanted, you should read Never Seduce A Scot first. Many of the same characters appear and it is like a visit with old friends.
Bowen is the younger brother of his laird. He has been sent to take the McHugh Keep because of the crimes they committed against his family. Unbeknownst to him, even more terrible crimes have been committed to a captive of the McHugh’s . . . Genevieve. She has been tortured and abused by the McHugh laird’s son for almost a year. Bowen is her only hope of rescue and he doesn’t even know she exists.
Bowen is an honorable man and believes nothing is as important as protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. Genevieve has had no one to champion her and has lost her faith in everyone around her. She is shamed by what has been done to her and only wants to be left in peace.
So, of course, they fall in love.
One of the things I like about Maya Banks’ heroes is that they are not afraid to admit when they fall in love. Many times, the men recognize their feelings before the women do. It does not matter how alpha they might be, when they fall for a woman, they fall hard.
Genevieve was raised in a strong, loving family and that is what has enabled her to survive the past year in captivity. However, she no longer feels worthy of any man’s love and is too ashamed to want anything but to hide herself away.
Considering her sense of shame, an issue I had with the book is how easily Genevieve fell into a physical relationship with Bowen. Although there were moments when she felt threatened, they were quickly overcome and she lost herself in his arms. That’s not a direct quote, but the sentiment was definitely there. I just find it hard to accept that after a year of rape and torture by multiple men, she is able to relax enough to enjoy herself with Bowen.
Obviously, this is not an light romance, but so much more. The strength both characters show makes you love them all the more.
Genevieve and Bowen had a lot to overcome and just when you thought everything was going to work out, there’s a twist in the plot. Don’t worry. They get their “happily ever after,” but it doesn’t come easily.
If you enjoy Highland romances with strong male and female characters, this is a series you do not want to miss. Maya Banks writes in a variety of genres and this is one of her best.
The setup for the sequel is hinted at and I have already preordered the book. Highland Ever After is due out on September 24, 2013 and I cannot wait.
Ratings:
Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3
This review was originally posted at Seductive Musings.
Elaine Reads . . . constantly! 