Historical Romance 101: What Makes a Great Heroine and Favorites

Welcome to another segment of Historical Romance 101!! Come and join along with myself, Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tales, Amanda @ On A Book Bender, and Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook. This is a special one, and I find one of my favorite things to talk about…our lovely heroines. Now we all know that it is more difficult to find a winning heroine than a hero. But it is such a special treat to find a heroine you can connect with. 

Historical Romance 101: What Makes A Amazing Hero and Personal Favorites

For today we will be offering something special where we talk about Amazing heroes and what our favorites are and why!! Come and check out what we have for ya. Also make sure you check out these other sweet ladies choices as well. Feminist Fairy Tales; Quinns Book Nook; On A Book Bender

Netgalley/Edelweiss Book Review-Highlander Most Wanted

Highlander Most Wanted
The Armstrongs  and the Montgomery’s (2)
Maya Banks
Ballantine Books
Published March 19 2013
352 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance

ISBN 0345533240

Synopsis
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 Review
Summary 
After Ian is killed, Genevieve wonders what her fate will be, stuck behind the keeps door, with no place to go. Then Bowen Montgomery comes with a army, and storms the gates, and seeing only a few men, and women and children, he knows he has a big task ahead of him. When he meets Genevieve, he is stunned with a woman that even though rumored to have slept around some, there is a innocence he senses about her, and he knows that there is alot more to her than meets the eye. As he and his men try to solve the problems within the McHugh clan, a desire sparks between Bowen and Genevieve, and he finds himself falling in love with this beauty who takes his breath away with her kiss. However when he uncovers some hidden truths he knows he has some decisions to make that could make him lose her forever….but will he make the choice that is right for his wants and desires, or what is truly best for the one person who he loves more than life…

The Hero
Bowen, the second oldest, takes the responsibility of getting justice for those who would and did cause his sister in law harm, but when he meets a young woman, rejected by the McHugh Clan, but still strong willed despite her tormentors, but he knows there is something she is hiding from him, something very important. When he finds the truth though, he finds himself in love with her gentleness and kindness, and her passionate nature that intrigued him in the first place. Bowen knows that he will have to make a most difficult choice…one that could make him lose her forever….

The Heroine 
Genevieve, grew up in the bosom of a loving family, but the she was kidnapped by Ian, and forced by him to do things she only despised. She has lost all hope of ever being able to escape his abuse and torment, until she hears about the Montgomery’s. She knows they are her only hope, and so she hatches a plan, and finds herself facing Bowen Montgomery, so handsome and protective. She knows however, that even though she feels a growing desire between them, she realizes that after what she has done….she may never get her ever after with the one man she loves more than life itself.

My Thoughts 
Highlander Most Wanted is the second in this most incredible series by Maya Banks. Now I just love Banks Historical’s, they are amazingly written stories that take you back through time, so vividly portrayed, it makes you just want to go through a time portal yourself. After reading the first in the series, I just fell in love again with her second Historical series. Now I think I almost loved this one more than the first, there were so many aspects of the story that I enjoyed. It was definitely a page turner that will knock your socks off and make you want to fly. I felt like from beginning to end, like it was one of those romances that you just buy and re read forever. One of those unforgettable romances, that is written in such a way that it enthralls the reader and by the time its finished you just don’t want it to ever end. I really loved the way the author wove this story together so beautifully, and dealt with difficult issues and just fit it in together amazingly well. It was very emotionally heart wrenching, and I really enjoyed how the characters fit so well for the plot that was portrayed. I felt like everything fit perfectly and the flow of the story was as smooth as warm honey.  If anyone can make you fall in love with the Scottish Highlands, its Maya Banks. A Romance that will enchant you, a story filled with a tender romance, an intriguing plot and charming characters, that will keep a reader thirsting for more. You can’t go wrong with this series….. A TRUE TREASURE!!!

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

My Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
Never Seduce A Scot

 

ARC Book Review-Never Seduce A Scot

Never Seduce A Scot
The Montgomery’s and the Armstrongs (1)
Maya Banks
Ballantine Books
Published Sep 2012
352 Pages
Scottish Historical Romance
ISBN 9780345533234

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

Summary
When the King demands that two waring clans be united through marriage, both families are outraged and shocked. When Graeme, hears the decree, he has no idea how he will go through with it, knowing that he vowed to himself years ago that he would get revenge for his father’s death, especially knowing the rumors he has heard about his future wife. Eveline, when she learns that she must marry, she knows that she will have no choice, even though she has no idea how she could leave her clan, her family, where she has been protected and loved by her family. However from the first moment she sees him, she knows her life will change…..Graeme when first meeting Eveline, notices that she is different, not addled in any way, but there is something special about her, and he knows he can do no other than see to her welfare and happiness….Eveline hides a terrible secret that she even kept from her family, and now it seems that she will have to keep it from the one man who awakens a desire in her with his caresses, and who opens up her heart to love…

The Hero
Graeme, with his brothers have been thirsting for revenge, and when he receives word that he must marry and form a truce with their enemy clan, who are also responsible for his fathers death. When he first steps onto Armstrong, he knows that anything can happen however when he meets Eveline, his whole world changes and revolves around her. From her first smile at him, he knew he was changed, and he was willing to lay down his hatred for Eveline, who is innocent of any wrong doing. When he realizes that there is alot more to his wife than meets the eye, he knows he could love her for forever….

The Heroine
Eveline, though beautiful and sweet, is thought of as not fully there. Eveline was once in an horse accident, which changed her whole life and it has never been the same, because she can’t hear and she keeps a secret from those that she loves the most. Now by king’s decree she is forced to marry someone whom she has never meant and who hates her clan and her family, but life is full of surprises, and she starts to realize that Graeme is definitely not what she expected, and when he awakens a desire within her, she knows she could get lost in his touch….and could lose her heart to him

My Thoughts
I have to say WOW!!! I just loved Never Seduce A Scot, the best of Maya Banks work so far!!! I just loved everything about this book. I was thrilled when I was able to get a copy and immerse myself in its pages. As far as historical romances go….this tops the list!!! The romance in this story was so precious and tender at times, I wanted to cry….the story line was full of surprises and flowed beautifully from beginning to end. The characters were very endearing and likeable. Graeme, was the perfect alpha male, but at the same time had a tender side. Even though he hates Eveline’s clan, he always treats her with tenderness and care, it just breaks your heart, Eveline is just a sweetheart, and has been dealt a hard hand early in her life, however she is full of life and gives everyone the benefit of a doubt even though she is in ‘Enemy Territory’. Eveline really appealed to me because she wasn’t one of those heroines that fight every step of the way, she accepted her duty with dignity, and has such a sweet nature that you can’t help but like her and you just want to cheer her on when she gets spine and stands up for herself too. Overall a powerfully written and emotional wringer, an amazing love story of sacrifice and forgiveness, and the true power of love…..A TREASURE TO KEEP!!!!

My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Highlander Most Wanted (2013)

Book Review-In Bed With A Highlander

In Bed With A Highlander
McCabe Trilogy (1)
Maya Banks
Ballentine
Paperback
Published August 2011
352 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780345519474

Synopsis
Bestselling author Maya Banks’s beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and to surrender their hearts to love.
Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Mairin has been in fear for over ten years ever since she was hidden away in a convent since she was a child, but then the convent is attacked and she is kidnapped and on the way to the Laird Cameron who wants to marry her to get access to her land, she saves a young boy, and they are later rescued by his father Laird McCabe, who scares her at first but when she knows she has no choice but to marry him and soon she will start to realize that there is nothing to fear from Ewan. There is a powerful desire that sweeps them both into a sweet world of ecstasy and soon only with their love for one another will they be able to withstand the dangerous tides that may sweep them both into danger…

The Hero (Ewan McCabe)
Ewan, after losing both his father and his wife by a vicious betrayal and attack and only his young son survived. Ever since then he has been training his men to fight just as well as he can and to make sure his clan are fed. Now with marrying Mairin is the one true chance they have to defeat the Cameron clan and their enemies. Only he never expected that his wife would drive both himself and his whole clan up the wall…

The Heroine (Mairin  Stuart)
Mairin, ever since she was a young girl has been terrified that she would be taken away against her will by a ruthless man that would just as soon cast her out once she gave birth to the heir to her lands that her father the King has given to her. Mairin has dreamed of a noble man worthy of protecting her but also one that could love her as well, and she never thought that that one man would be her husband…

My Thoughts 
In Bed With A Highlander is the first in the series and I would have to say my absolute favorite book in the trilogy. I normally don’t read many books from Maya Banks but I am so glad that I picked this trilogy up….definitely well worth the reading and and I just have the greatest weakness for Highland romances, but I would say this book is at the top of the list. I just loved how feisty Mairin was in the book and how Ewan could be so hilarious in his stubborn and protective nature. There were so many instances throughout the novel here that I just laughed harder than I have in a long time. The story plot was so full of surprises and twists and turns that almost could make one’s head spin. There was such substance and a sense of fun throughout the plot and the characters. The romance and the love scenes were definitely at the top and full of heat and sensuality. I absolutely loved In Bed With A Highlander and one I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a romance that is full of delight and beautiful and tender scenes that will pull at the strings of your heart.

My Favorite Quote 
“Nay, I will not. You cannot order me to trust you. Why, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” He sensed she was warming up for a full length diatribe, so he did the one thing he knew would silence her. He rapidly closed the distance between them, curled his hands around her upper arms, and hauled her upward. His lips found hers in a heated rush, her gasp of outrage swallowed up by his mouth. She was soft all over, and she fit him like his sword fit his hand. Perfectly.

My Grade On This Book 
5  Blossoms

Other Books  In The Series 
Seduction Of A Highland Lass
Never Love A Highlander

Book Review-Never Love A Highlander

Never Love A Highlander
McCabe Trilogy (3)
Maya Banks
Ballentine Books
Paperback
Published November 2011
305 Pages
Scottish Highlands Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-51951-1

Synopsis
In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya Banks’s trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan—and seal his heart.
Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Caelen, volunteers to marry in place of his brother, to Fionna the daughter of the Laird of the McDonald Clan. Caelen, even though he once was burned and doesn’t try any woman, is captivated by his new wife. At first he tries to seperate himself from her and put restrictions on her and their marriage, however when he really lets himself see the real Fionna and finds that he starting to fall in love with the one woman that matches him in every way.  But then a danger starts to creep up on them, one that only with their love for each other will they be able to defeat those enemies that only wish to destroy them both.

The Hero (Caelen McCabe)
Caelen, is the youngest out of his brothers and has always blamed himself for what happened to his father and the betrayal of his clan. Caelen is a talented and magnificent warrior, and he knows he has a big task ahead of him to get the McDonald clan ready for the battle ahead of them, only he never imagined the hardship his new wife would cause for him yet he can’t deny the love he feels for her.

The Heroine (Rionna McDonald)
Rionna, is the only child of her parents, and is ashamed of her parents especially her father. Rionna lost her closest friend when she was young, and feared her father so she decided to dress like a man and learn how to fight and defend herself but when she marries Caelen he seems to want to change who she is and all she desires is for Caelen to respect and love her for the woman she truly is. However as danger closes in, Rionna and Caelen draw closer together and as they work together to save their clan and those they love, she starts to fall in love with her husband…

My Thoughts 
Never Love A Highlander is the third installment in the series and I think I almost loved this one as much as the previous book in the series. I just found Caelen so loveable and endearing even though he has a tough exterior on the outside there is a vulnerability in him that just charms this reader. Fionna is precious and has both a gentle side and a side of a warrior princess to protect all those that she loves. They both have pasts that are full of pain and loss however they both need love more than anything, and as events escalate between them so does a passion build until it explodes….I just loved this one, and I loved seeing the interaction between Fionna and Caelen and how there were moments full of wit and humor and there were also moments that will definitely make you cry if you find yourself lost in the story. Never Love A Highlander is full of passionate love scenes, a strong plot, a tender and fierce romance story, and full of everything one needs for a good and strong romance novel.

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
In Bed With A Highlander

Book Review- Seduction Of A Highland Lass

Seduction Of A Highland Lass
McCabe Trilogy (2)
Maya Banks
Ballantine Books
Paperback
Published October 2011
323 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical
ISBN 978-0-345-51949-8

 Synopsis
Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Alaric knows that he has a duty and honor to his clan and in order to futhur their protection he must marry Rionna McDonald and become their laird and secure their future. On his way to the McDonald land, he and his men are attacked and he barely manages to escape and is later found gravely injured by Keeley McDonald who has been kicked out of her clan and lives in a small cottage on the outskirts. When Keely finds an injured stranger she endeavors to save his life, a stirring passion builds between them. However with Alaric’s impending marriage and his duty to his clan and despite the love he feels for Keeley he knows he has an obligation to his family no matter the cost but sometimes love gets in the way of duty and honor.

The Hero (Alaric McCabe)
Alaric, is a fierce warrior and very loyal to his family and to his clan. When he lost his father when his brother was betrayed, both Alaric and his brother have been determined to build up their clan again and make sure everyone will be protected and care for…he knows his duty to marry and knows that everything depends on the union and even though he has fallen in love with Keeley whose warm and loving spirit has unlocked his heart, he feels divided by love and duty.

The Heroine (Keeley McDonald )
Keeley, grew up as best friend to the daughter of the Laird of the McDonald clan…Fionna. However when she was just starting to grow into womanhood, the Laird tried forcing himself on her and his wife cast her out as a whore and has been on her own ever since, innocent but knowledgable in the healing arts. When she sees Alaric, she is captivated by his eyes and his strong and muscled body and when she ends up on McCabe land, and finds a home and people to cherish and love she knows she could never be truly happy unless she has Alaric by her side.

My Thoughts 
Seduction Of A Highland Lass is the first book that I have read by this author and I just was overwhelmed with this love story and how well written the story was, and I couldn’t help but fall madly in love with the characters, so vividly portrayed in this book I couldn’t put it down….it drew me so strongly in the story I couldn’t put it down until I had finished with the very last page….Even though its the second installment in the series I found I didn’t get too lost or anything with the plot and even though I really want to read the first one now….I am still thrilled that I found this one. Its been a while since I have read a book that totally captivated me and drew me so intensely into a romance that I felt like I was actually there.I really enjoyed the conflict that is presented in the story line, it definitely will bring a tear to your eyes and is very emotionally wrenching, and in some books it needs to be well presented and this one definitely was. I have no problem with this book….it was full of sensual love scenes, vividly painted characters, and a love story that will just bring out every tender emotion the reader possesses.

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
In Bed With A Highlander
Never Love A Highlander