Master of the Highlands [Mass Market Paperback]

I really enjoyed getting lost in all of Welfonder's stories in this series. Her characters are Dynamic and will definitely stay with you. Different plots drive all of the stories and there were some extremely memorable scenes. I can't wait till her next one.

A couple of things were annoying though. For one thing, these hero's thoughts don't stray far from their "Phallus." Which did make for frequent sexual situations, thus one of the reasons we all love the genre, so I'm not so sure I'm complaining. And secondly, I started to "skim" parts of the book (which I NEVER do). It's just that I found myself frequently at points where, for instance, the heroine will say something and then it's 12 paragraphs of anything the hero could possibly be thinking or feeling till he responds to her. Or five paragraphs in the middle of the conversation to describe how the shutters are rattling against the windows! And unfortunately, I'm not exaggerating.

Having said that, I will still buy and devour anything and everything by this author. And would definitely recommend this series to be enjoyed mostly if read in order. Her first book is 1) Devil in a Kilt, then read 2) Bride of the Beast, then 3) Only for a Knight. And The MacLean Trilogy order is: 1) Knight in My Bed, 2) Master of the Highlands, and then 3) Wedding for a Knight.

So you know where my tastes lie: For the absolute best in Highland romance I would recommend Julie Garwood's "The Bride," "The Wedding," "The Secret," "Ransom," and "Saving Grace." Karen Marie Moning, and Marsha Canham. For Medieval: Garwood's "The Prize," "Honor's Splendor," & "Gentle Warrior." Also Amanda Quick's "Mystique," "Desire," & anything by Kinley Macgregor a.k.a. Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Having read this book for the third time. I was shocked to see bad reviews about it. It's a fantastic read! The vivid details of the characters and places they go puts you right besides them. When I read Sue-Ellen Welfonders books she takes me inside the book not just an observer but the book becomes a part of me.
Go to Scotland. It's just a book away!

Setting - Isle of Doon, 1331 - Iain MacLean feels like a useless piece of humanity, with a black temper, and a sour disposition, everyone runs from him. He blames himself for the death of his wife Lileas, and his family is at their wits end in trying to get him to return to the land of the living. Accidentally setting fire to the family chapel during one of his rages has been the last straw, and his brother Donall, the Laird of the MacLeans, has set him on journey of penance to atone for his latest folly. Along the way, he runs into Lady Madeline Drummond, disguised as a postulant nun. Iain is totally amazed because he spots, what appears to be, a nun stealing a holy relic from a sacred shrine! Iain cannot believe what he's seen, nor can he control his feelings that he `knows' her.

Lady Madeline, is blessed, or cursed with the ability to read ones deepest heart felt thoughts. She is on a mission to commit an act that is abhorrent to her, and though she dreams of a `shadow man' that warms her heart and soul, she tries to ignore the feeling; compelled to continue on her quest to find and murder the man who killed her father and stole her birthright. She discovers this `shadow man' recognizing him as her dream lover, and through more misadventures they hook up. The journey is then hilarious as she tries to control her lustful feelings for him, and Iain, posing as her husband who is `painfully' controlling his urges to ravish the postulant nun!

I found Master of the Highlands to be a vastly entertaining and deeply sensual medieval romance that utilizes just a wee bit of magic tossed in to give the protagonists even more appeal. It utilizes the MacLean Bane as central to it's plot. The MacLean Bane - A characteristic that distinguishes the MacLean males setting them apart from all other men: the fierceness of their heated blood and their ability to love, truly love, only one woman, the latter trait being either a blessing or a curse. I loved the fact that the author wrote such depth of feeling in each protaganist - allowing you a little glimpse into their souls. There is a huge buildup for the ultimate first time seduction, or in this case the clash of the titans as they were BOTH so very hot for one another. Throw in a little witchery, and then for those of us who like our hero's moody, ultra HOT, and SEXY than this is the one for you! This should be a definite book for your buy list!

--- Marilyn for www.historicalromance writers.com ---