Friday, July 20

Book Review - To Tame a Highland Warrior



Author: Karen Marie Moning
Title: To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander Series #2)
Genre:  Historical Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Paranormal, PR

Pages: 366
First Published: December 1st, 1999
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library



"Only her love could gentle his savage soul—

He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side—into a competition to win her hand in marriage.

Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him—even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both...."

This is the second book in the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. You could read this as a stand alone, but there are a couple references and jokes that would only be understood if you read the first one.   However, if you want to skip the first one, then all is well.

Grimm was in the first book and I really liked him, even though he was an idiot and very logical at times. His being an idiot really shinned in this book. However, I found his lack of logic rather nice. In many books the hero is not only extremely buff and hot and seems he can do no wrong. It was nice to see that the hero had some major flaws. Realistic flaws! Perfect characters annoy me to no ends. Well, this little ramble of mine can also be applied to Jillian. At first I was worried she would be one of these characters, but once you get to know her and Grimm rides into town she her perfectness is shattered. I loved both of this characters! I could really relate to Jillian in a lot of ways...like we both make idiots of ourselves in front of the men we find a wee bit attractive. *sighs*

I did get rather annoyed at Jillian and Grimm being overly stubborn! At many times I wanted to punch Grimm in the face and tell him to get-over his Berserker-issue. "I'm not good enough for Jillian and she should marry one of the other men and yadda yadda yadda". Please. Jillian loves you and you love her, so just get use to it Mr. Man. 

Anyways, I am beginning to really like this series! I am confused as to why many people don't like the first three books. What? Why? I read the first and now the second and I liked them both! I just don't understand it. Yes, I will admit the story-line in both tales are a little over-used. However, the telling of the tales and the layout is unique-ish and entertaining! I love how well Karen Marie Moning blends historical romance and paranormal together. It isn't cheesy or messy. She did a wonderful job in both books keeping it balanced and nicely blended. 

Gah. The first 20ish pages TOOK ME FOREVER to read. Perhaps it was due to the fact that there was nothing going on. Jillian, at this stage, wanted nothing to do with Grimm and he wanted nothing to do with her. They're facade of hatred had me convinced that they would never end up together. I'm not sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing, but I groaned the first 20 pages. However, I started moaning afterward because the love was in the air and tension was in the air. The tension was not only tension between the two love-birds, but also some serious crap was about to hit the fan. I was dying to know how all that would resolve. Can't say much else on this point without ruining the book....

Besides for Grimm being a stubborn arse and for the first 20 pages, I really liked this book! So far I'm really liking this series too and I can't wait to read the third one! Yes, I recommend you read this if you love Historical Romance with some paranormal and fantasy mixed in. Poo on those that say the first three books are crap! I disagree and you should read this one and the first one...at least. Not quite sure about the third one yet. ^.^ Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Jillian, Grimm, Hawk, Adrienne, Ronin, and Balder
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The McKanes (gah!)

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<3CaroleRae

2 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

Sheesh, the first 20 pages were that hard!!? Ok I do fear that I would have real trouble getting past them then

Carole Rae said...

after the 20 pages I couldn't put it down! Perhaps its me, but I'm glad I didn't give up on it.