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Highland Avenger (Murray Family #18)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 504 ratings · 58 reviews

New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell continues the dramatic Murray saga with this brand-new story of passions surging in the face of fear. . .

Once, Arianna Murray Lucette believed she'd met the man she could always rely on. She was wrong. Now she is fleeing for her life, and when her enemies attack a ship bound for her only refuge, she believes all hope is lost.

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Zebra (first published March 1st 2012)

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Jun 13, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

HIGHLAND AVENGER by Hannah Howell is another interesting historical romance set in 1480 Scotland. When Sir Brian MacFingal,finds Arianna Murray Lucette he has no idea the trouble she will bring to him and his clan. While, they race across Scotland to get to his clan’s castle, they not only encounter danger,but must fight they growing passions. Arianna is on the run with her two charges from the men who want them dead.They has traveled from France,the ship they where on destroyed and sunk. They w...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, historical-fiction-romance, romance

Loved the book. Arianna had brought her two young wards back to Scotland with her to protect them from their uncle, who wanted them dead. When the ship they were on is sunk, they wash up on shore near the MacFingal castle. They are discovered by Sir Brian and some of his brothers, who vow to protect them once they hear Arianna's story. When Brian sees how many men are after them, he splits them up and sends each boy with a different group to his family's castle. He takes Arianna himself and head...more Loved the book. Arianna had brought her two young wards back to Scotland with her to protect them from their uncle, who wanted them dead. When the ship they were on is sunk, they wash up on shore near the MacFingal castle. They are discovered by Sir Brian and some of his brothers, who vow to protect them once they hear Arianna's story. When Brian sees how many men are after them, he splits them up and sends each boy with a different group to his family's castle. He takes Arianna himself and heads for his cousin's castle, hoping to draw the majority after him. During their travels, Brian discovers that her late husband had subjected her to terrible emotional abuse, absolutely draining her self-worth. Over their days of travel, Brian works to show Arianna that Claud had been an idiot, and that she was a wonderful, beautiful woman. He also found himself thinking about how much he would like to have her as part of his life. But she is a member of the powerful Murray clan, and he is a younger son with no land, no home of his own, and very little money, and he is sure that there is no way he could have her. So he convinces himself that the best thing to do is give her up. Meanwhile, Arianna finds it hard to believe that this wonderful, handsome man thinks she is beautiful. The more time she spends with him, the more she comes to care for him. As much as she cares though, she doesn't feel that she can hope for marriage, as she believes she cannot have children. In five years of marriage, she had no children of her own, and refuses to condemn Brian to a life without children. Also during their flight, we find out more about why they are being pursued. I really enjoyed seeing Arianna stand up for herself against her brother-in-law's cruelty. I also loved seeing some of the characters from previous books, and watch them as they try to talk sense to Brian. My favorite part of the book came near the end, when Arianna lets Brian have it for making decisions for her without even consulting her. Classic Hannah Howell - I love it!(less)

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May 28, 2012 Robin Priddy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Arianna Murry Lucette is on her way home from France to Scotland with her two young step-sons. After the death of her husband, Arianna finds out that their marriage was never valid. It seems that her husband married his mistress in secret before he married her. That makes what she thought were her husbands illegimate children from his mistress his heirs. Her in-laws are working on getting the first marriage dissolved so that the estate will revert back to the family and not to the boys. But her...more Arianna Murry Lucette is on her way home from France to Scotland with her two young step-sons. After the death of her husband, Arianna finds out that their marriage was never valid. It seems that her husband married his mistress in secret before he married her. That makes what she thought were her husbands illegimate children from his mistress his heirs. Her in-laws are working on getting the first marriage dissolved so that the estate will revert back to the family and not to the boys. But her brother-in-law does not want to wait for that to happen he sets out to have the boys killed. Arianna and the boys are almost to Scotland when a larger ship rams into their smaller ship and sinks them. She manages to get the boys and herself safety to shore before she passes out.
Sir Brian MacFingal is on his way to meet the ship that is bringing him goods to sell. But what he finds is the remains of a shipwreck scattered on the beach. Brain and his men start searching the beach for survivors and to geather the dead for buiral. They soon come upon two small boys guarding an unconscious woman. When Arianna comes too she decides to trust the men and ask for their help. After hearing about the danger Arianna and the two boys are in they know they have to help her. They decide to split up and each man take one child and Brian will take Arianna. They each head out taking different routes to the same place. Brian belives this will cause the men chasing them to also split up. The longer Brian and Arianna are together the closer they become. But Arianna's husband heap alot of verbal abuse on her and now her self esteem is low. She wants to get closer to Brain but she keeps hearing the voice of her husband telling her she is worthless. Brian manages to convince her that she is worth something and that she is a passionate woman.
This is the next installment of Ms Howell's Highland series (the Murray's). Ms Howell brings to life a story about a wounded woman and a man who builds her back up and show her that she is perfect the way she is. This is a wonderful story of love. Ms Howell brings in characters from the older books into this one. I love reading about the Murray family. This will not dissapoint. I have been reading Ms Howell's highland books from the first one and they are each fresh and different.(less)

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Mar 15, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance

Reviewed By~Bri
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher

Hannah Howell is a master of Highland Romance. With over twenty books in her backlist her novels literally span generations. Which is one of many reasons I read Mrs. Howell religiously.

Highland Avenger brings together the Murrays and the MacFingals/Camersons again. While favorite characters of before make appearances toward the end like the original old laird MacFingal, the man who tried to breed his own clan of bastards, his impertinent daughter...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Kathy Jund rated it 4 of 5 stars

An exciting romance set during 1480 Scottish times in which Brian MacFingal one of the younger sons in the large brood of the notorious MacFingal finds more than he bargains for when searching the beach for his lost cargo that is washing ashore. Upon finding the ship’s captain along with some of the crew shipwrecked, their story of a forced sinking in the high seas leaves him wondering why. A discovery within the rocky shoreline by Brian’s younger brother leads to two young boys and protecting t...more

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May 02, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, genre-historical-romance, read-in-2012, review-requests

Posted on Under the Covers

Hannah Howell delivers yet another dramatic story filled with passion and adventure. In this one, Arianna Murray Lucette is running for her life from a man who has done her wrong. In the first chapter, our heroine is attacked on a ship by her enemies and already the action is there, picking up the book and never quite relenting until the very end.

When Arianna and two young boys are washed up to a shore, Sir Brian MacFingal finds them and is quick to determine Arianna’s...more

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Apr 10, 2012 Elle rated it 4 of 5 stars

OK, this one gained a star for the eye candy on the cover. It's not a bad story, though the complications in the relationship are a little annoying after awhile. Arianna Murray Lucette's husband was a verbal abuser who actually faked the marriage in order to gain her dowry. He was actually married to his mistress, who gave him two sons before he and the mistress were murdered by his greedy brother. The brother, along with the Deveaux, villains from a number of earlier books in the series, are af...more

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Aug 24, 2012 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, part-of-a-series, highlander

First I have to say that I loved the feel of this book! It was heavier with better quality paper than a normal pocket paperback. Kind of like Maya Banks Highlander series when they first cam out. The pages rolled open instead of the stiff cheap paper...

Second... The dude on the cover is HOT! A+++ on the cover art!

Third... normal print made for a faster read. None of this micro print!

This was a great book! I am not reading all the Murray books in order. This was like the last one. I'm not sure th...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Carolyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Carolyn by: caseykelly3@gmail.com

Shelves: howell-hannah

All the years waiting for Ms. Howell to write another "Murray Family" book in her superb Highlander series was well worth the wait.

I loved re-visiting Ewan and Fiona MacFingal from "Highland Warrior" and even Ewan's old goat of a father, Fingal MacFingal. Sigimore and Jolene Cameron from "Highland Conqueror" play a significant part in this story and it was fun visiting them again as well.

And, of course, it didn't take long before I was totally engrossed and loving our new characters, Kevin Mac...more

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Oct 28, 2012 C.A. Szarek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Since I first discovered the Murray series several years ago I look forward to the release of each book. And this book was no different. I love getting to know the characters as they grow over the years and I love when characters who were children and previous books are grown up and you get to see them all over again. I also love when a character you knew as a child gets his or her own book so I hope we have that to look forward to as well. I really enjoyed this book it was typical Hannah Howell...more

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Apr 28, 2013 K rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of historical romance and/or Murray family series

Recommended to K by: fan of series book belongs to

Taking a break from the paranormal romance genre, I found myself returning to Howell's Murray Family saga. And once again found myself drawn into the historical Scotland. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it an enjoyable read. I really liked the strength and determination of Arianna's character, and liked watching the relationship between her and Brian grow. As with the rest of her books, I liked the humor and action throughout the story. The only drawback for me (and it's a smal...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlanders

I forgot how much I like Hannah Howell's novels. The story, another one in the Murray series, had a few different layers of story lines going on, which kept things interesting and of course leaves room for more, and also to catch up with the rest of the ones out too. There was a similar arc to this story in general when it started out, but a few surprises here and there were excellent. The character development for both the major and side players was also very well done.

Brian also earned a spot...more

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May 29, 2012 Grace Fonseca rated it 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful stunning historical romance. What made me instantly like this book was that it was set in Scotland. I haven’t read too many books that are set in Scotland. Most of the historical romance books I read take place in England or France. Also like discovering new authors such as Hannah Howell.

Never having read any book in this series or a book by Hannah Howell, I was looking forward to reading this book. What immediately caught my attention was the hero. Brian was a man of action and I j...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Ellen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-series, romance-series

Arianna was married to a Lucette and was emotionally abused, and it turns out her husband was already married to his "mistress" anyway. Arianna and her late "husband's" two sons are fleeing France and her "brother-in-law" who wants to kill the boys, the brother-in-law deliberately rams their ship and she escapes.

Brian MacFingal, brother to Ewan of Highland Warrior (Murray Family, #9) is setting up a fledgling trading operation and the boat he's waiting for is capsized. Brian and two of his broth...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Scooper Speaks rated it 3 of 5 stars

Favorite Lines: "Explanations were needed but Arianna heartily wished she did not have to give them. It meant revealing her humiliation, her shame. Unfortunately, the man not only deserved the answers he wanted, he might need them to better protect her and the children. She had learned enough from her family, and from ruling over her husband's lands as he spent much of his time dallying with another woman, to know that even the smallest piece of information could make a difference between life a...more Favorite Lines: "Explanations were needed but Arianna heartily wished she did not have to give them. It meant revealing her humiliation, her shame. Unfortunately, the man not only deserved the answers he wanted, he might need them to better protect her and the children. She had learned enough from her family, and from ruling over her husband's lands as he spent much of his time dallying with another woman, to know that even the smallest piece of information could make a difference between life and death." (p. 29, ARC)

I am a Hannah Howell fan. Granted I enjoy her early books best, but I always seem to pick up Howell's newest releases. That said, I appreciate her attempt to take the Murray series in different directions while maintaining the premise of two people falling in love in Scotland. However, I didn't love Highland Avenger the way I thought I would. I liked it, but I won't re-read it.

The heroine (Arianna) has been verbally and emotionally beaten down by her "false" husband for five years. He is now dead, but his family wants his bastard children killed and she refuses to let that happen. When each boy was born, her husband gave the child to Arianna for her to raise. Arianna's desire to save the children carries her away from France and back to her Scottish home.

In Scotland she lucks out and is found by allies of her clan. One of those allies makes her feel warm, gooey...and safe. He helps her rebuild her confidence in herself and a bond slowly forms. But she is a Lady and he is a poor man. Can Arianna help Brian realize that love can be found in many places and is worth fighting for?

The cover art is magnificent; it's striking and I love looking at it. Too bad the 18th book in Howell's Murray series was so-so. Highland Avenger gave me a couple and created a happily ever after for them. It never managed to excite me or make me feel any connection with the characters. As a matter of fact what I remember most is getting irritated at the number of times I was told about the verbal abuse the heroine suffered. The hero keeps reminding her that it's not her fault that she feels different ways or put up with X Y and Z, because her husband used words to keep her down. I get that it's an important aspect of the story, but I feel like I was beat over the head with the information.

Hero and Heroine: Brian is a likeable hero who comes across as the "boy next door." Despite his handsome face and built body, he is very average. He has a calm disposition and is knowledgeable about women--pleasing them and understanding their moods. I kind of think of him as the man who a girl overlooks for the bad boy or the alpha male. It's not to say that the alpha is better, but he's more exciting. In this case, Brian is just the type of man Arianna needs. Arianna did nothing for me. I felt absolutely zero for her. I didn't wish her ill. She was more of a place holder for me.(less)

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Mar 28, 2012 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book. I love the fact that she has some of.her best character's from older books in this story. Sigimor, Ewan, Jolene, Fionia, and more. I am so glad Hannah Howell put those characters in this book so not only do we get a new story but we Aldo get to see a glimpse of our favorite characters and how they have grown and changed in their lives as well. I can't wait to see which Murry family is next.

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Apr 15, 2012 Melissa Porter rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have been hooked on the Murray's for a few years now. I like the idea of getting to know the whole family. Hannah keeps the story flowing and does not have a repeat feeling in the books, from the previous ones.
It is a great read. The feelings running between the two is good. He wants to do the right thing even though that it is not what he wants. She is scared to express what she wants and makes you worry for her. Makes you feel for both characters.

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Apr 17, 2012 ☼sunny☼ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander-viking

This book had an original start. Our h. saves her two wards from one ship crashing into another. H. of course is waiting on shore to meet her and then to save her. You are quickly into a chase senerio. Soon after that however, if you have read many of Howell's books, you begin to recognize a cookie cutter plot line. It all sounds so familiar and predictable. I was very disappointed. I had had high hopes for this book. I am sorry to say that for me it was just another Howell book much like all th...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fav-author, highlanders, part-of-a-series, own, april-2012, read-in-2012

I think I'm going to have to go back and read this one again, and maybe some of the previous novels, because it seems to have gotten lots of 5 star reviews so I feel maybe I missed something. I am a huge fan of Hannah Howell's and have found over the years some are 5 star reads and others more like 3 for me. It has been a long time since I've read one of her novels as the dates between releases seems to stretch out. Therefore I found myself having trouble remembering some of the details of the c...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Mylinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. I have read the previous 12 books as well as the McEnroy and Cameron series. This story has continued through many generation of Murray clan members. I love the fact that all the books are connected and a lot of previous characters continue to make their appearance. I am glad Sir Brian finally found happiness. It took a few books to happen but well worth it.

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Jul 14, 2012 Lovelee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance, nosmo, bko

Ebook. It was good. I enjoyed it but wasnt lost in the story or invested in the characters. They were both like able. Brian seemed too good to be true but it's a 'true' romance so that was ok, at least he wasn't lusting after Arianna with every breath. I will chk out the earlier books in the Murray series as reviews are 4-5*.

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Jun 06, 2012 Stacie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Arianna is fleeing for her life with two young boys that she views as her own. They are shipwrecked when they are found by Brian and his family. They take Arianna under their protection and become involved in the threat to her and the boys lives from her dead husband's family.

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Aug 17, 2012 Shonica rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was unsure of this book because I usually prefer more of a build up in sexual tension and for some reason I never got used to the dialect, which is unusual for me. But overall, I loved the story and the characters. I will be reading more Hannah Howell in the future, for sure.

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Jun 25, 2012 Deanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it!! Strong female lead and a strong, handsome, warrior for a hero...what more do you need? I love stories set in the highlands. There is just something about the heroes of these books that are so appealing! I love Hannah Howell. I have never read a book of hers that I didn't love and this was no exception to the rule!!

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Jun 02, 2012 Beth Streeter added it

I love a good highlander book...especially where she is rescued and then they run across the countryside together...and are alone for days...:) Nothing academic here...just mindless escape.

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Jul 13, 2012 Melanie Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

First book I have read of Hannah Howell and it was so good I now plan to read all of Howell's Murrays series. One of the best highland books I've read.

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Apr 01, 2012 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Hannah Howell and her Historicals. I have always liked the MacFingal family and it was so nice to have an update on them!!!!! I look forward to more of the MacFingals!!!( I hope!) )

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Jun 10, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highland-books, challenge

Great book! wonderful mix of charachters,Murray's,Mac Fingals and Cameron's all abound in this Highland romance/ adventure, As always Hannah Howell does not disappoint!

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Apr 07, 2013 Johanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

An emotionally wounded female, a man protective of his hearts, add in a dash of sensuality and a winner you've got!

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Nov 05, 2012 Deanna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Always love the highland Scot atmosphere of Howell's novels. Love all of her characters and their flaws.

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About Hannah Howell

Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).

She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin

More about Hannah Howell...

Books by Hannah Howell

Highland Bride (Murray Family, #6) (MacEnroys, #1)

My Immortal Highlander (MacNachton Vampires, #3)

The Eternal Highlander (MacNachton Vampires, #1)

Highland Conqueror (Murray Family, #10) (Camerons, #1)

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Highland Avenger (Murray Family #18)

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