Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (MacKinloch Clan, #2) by Michelle Willingham

Oct 15, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-michelle-willingham, series-mackinloch-clan-highland, starts-with-q-thru-t, format-kindle-or-kindle-compatible, format-ebook-for-netgalley, location-scotland, historical-romance-highlanders, 4-5-stars, 2011-reads, books-for-review, reviewed-by-me, series-must-read

I recently finished off Michelle Willingham’s MacEgan Brothers series and was wondering what I would read next, so I was very excited to find that she has a new series, and instead of Irish warriors, she’s writing about Highlanders!

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior is the second book the MacKinloch Clan series and picks up right where book one, Claimed by the Highland Warrior left off. The MacKinloch clan has come under attack by the English, with their keep and most of their homes having been b...more I recently finished off Michelle Willingham’s MacEgan Brothers series and was wondering what I would read next, so I was very excited to find that she has a new series, and instead of Irish warriors, she’s writing about Highlanders!

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior is the second book the MacKinloch Clan series and picks up right where book one, Claimed by the Highland Warrior left off. The MacKinloch clan has come under attack by the English, with their keep and most of their homes having been burned to the ground. Now, once again, the clan must stand united and rebuild not only their buildings, but their lives. The Goodreads blurb -
Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people.

The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.

The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes… This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!
Now, that might sound like this is just another “seduce her ‘til she succumbs” caveman read, but that’s not at all the case. Seduced by her Highland Warrior is a touching story about two people who, though they’ve been through one of the most difficult times a couple can face – the loss of a child – realize that if they want their marriage to survive, they will have to fight for it. Through well written flashbacks we see Alex and Laren’s early years together, and get both points of views into the hows and whys their relationship fell apart.

This could have been an angsty story, but it wasn’t. I mean, yes, the clan was going through difficult times, and Laren had so much growing to do, but the relationship itself, that of husband and wife trying to regain what they'd lost… I thought it was very well written. This is definitely a romantic, inspirational story and Alex and Laren are a couple I could cheer for with a happily ever after I could believe in!

I can’t wait for the next installment of the MacKinloch Clan series, that quiet, tortured soul Callum’s story!

4.5/5 stars

This ARC was provided to me for review by netgalley.com.

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Jul 27, 2011 Bonnie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs-read, historical-romance, adult, edelweiss-netgalley

‘Seduced by her Highland Warrior’ was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin.

I’m typically a sucker for a good Highlander romance so I quickly snagged this one up. I went into this with the impression that it would be your typical romance story but this novel really surprised me with how heartfelt and touching it was.

‘Seduced by her Highland Warrior’ is the second installment in the MacKinloch Clan series. I did not read the first novel and even though it did kind of feel like in the...more

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Jul 17, 2012 BookChick rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: highland

About 2/3 finished and I must say, Laren is freaking annoying. Her constant play at being the martyr is a bit tiring. After being attacked and almost kidnapped, I cannot fathom how SHE can't see that by Alex telling her to stay close to home and not run off to her cave, just screams "I'm trying to keep you safe!" (oh, sorry, he did tell her that, didn't he?). But no, all she sees is him taking her glass making away from her (only until the threat is gone!).

There has been miscommunication by both...more About 2/3 finished and I must say, Laren is freaking annoying. Her constant play at being the martyr is a bit tiring. After being attacked and almost kidnapped, I cannot fathom how SHE can't see that by Alex telling her to stay close to home and not run off to her cave, just screams "I'm trying to keep you safe!" (oh, sorry, he did tell her that, didn't he?). But no, all she sees is him taking her glass making away from her (only until the threat is gone!).

There has been miscommunication by both, but Laren's "reading" into Alex's actions leads to most of their problems. I see Alex trying harder than Laren by making the first move, initiating the changes that need to be done, trying to talk to her (yet she clams up and says nothing in return, until her had is forced).

But as Chief of the Clan, whenever he has to do something to secure the clan's safety and health, Laren only sees it as abandonment on his part. HELLO - you run away to your cave everyday for hours on end, even after he starts trying to fix things.

So sorry that your feelings were hurt as Alex tries to make their home secure following a raid by another clan looking to kidnap him and his family (ie, your daughters). You're right, Laren, the castle should not be rebuilt, your daughters should be put in harms way, and the clan should go about their merry way with the heads buried in the sand like you, so when the next raid comes, everyone can die knowing that you were at least happy because your husband had paid attention to you rather than protecting you and his people.

Can you tell I really don't like her?

Pg 189 - now she wants to ease the burden of his leadership???? REALLY??? The girl runs aways and hides whenever anyone comes near her. How in the world can she "ease the burden of leadership" when she wants nothing to do with keeping the house, the books, talking to her own people because she is way to shy and timid? Easing the burden of his leadership by what, giving him her body? How about growing up and sucking it up for the betterment of your family and people? That's what Alex needs.

In the end, she finds her backbone. For me, her actions at the end are a complet 180 from her personality. I realize that when your child is in danger you will do anything to protect them (eh hem, cough, cough - Alex, rebuilding the castle), but Laren's total transformation from a weak, timid, painfully shy woman to someone who goes around speaking with other clans and hiring soliders to help her husband (doing this all by herself) was just too much, IMO. The only reason I keep reading, is because I'm looking forward to Callum's book.(less)

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Aug 06, 2011 Helena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Survival in the rugged world of warring clans and the Scottish highlands is cleverly juxtaposed to the delicate beauty of glassmaking around which, this novel is wrapped.
In ‘Seduced by Her Highland Warrior ‘ Michelle Willingham has woven such a unique tale in a crowded fictional world of Duke, Lords, and Countesses across the pond, that even with the much-written about Scotland , this novel is a standout and a refreshing tale.
The story of Alex and Laren MacKinloch rates unique for several reaso...more Survival in the rugged world of warring clans and the Scottish highlands is cleverly juxtaposed to the delicate beauty of glassmaking around which, this novel is wrapped.
In ‘Seduced by Her Highland Warrior ‘ Michelle Willingham has woven such a unique tale in a crowded fictional world of Duke, Lords, and Countesses across the pond, that even with the much-written about Scotland , this novel is a standout and a refreshing tale.
The story of Alex and Laren MacKinloch rates unique for several reasons. Among them: the couple is married, topped by the fact that they are semi-estranged following the death of their son though they share a love for their two daughters.
It was wonderful to read a book that begins with a married couple who have a family yet, while clearly loyal to each other and bound by love, are separated by pain but not distracted by other pleasures or rivals.
A reluctant Lady to Alex’s chieftainship of the Mackinloch clan, the well-paced action opens with the destruction of the clan’s keep which sets the backdrop for all action and plot to revolve around. Willingham has created a rich cast of characters that support Alex and Laren including his many brothers and their wives, his formidable mother Grizel and Laren’s friends, Vanora and Nairna and Alex’s tormented brother Callum and fellow highlander Hamisch MacPherson.
Since the death of her baby, Laren has thrown herself into learning the craft of glassmaking to keep it alive while Alex, has struggled to keep the Mackinloch a viable tribe. As Alex rises to his position, Laren becomes a talented stained glass artist relishing the beauty she creates from the pain she keeps at bay. The loss of their son and her husband’s sudden rise to chieftain have estranged them as Alex seeks to win back Laren and she in turn tries to become the ‘lady’ of the clan he needs.
Following the sacking of their castle, Laren, eager to do her part in helping the clan rebuild and survive, is commissioned by an abbey to create stained glass windows which become her therapy and focus. This exacting craft whose enduring beauty is a marvel to all, is thoughtfully shared through scenes and the transformation of the sand to glass and spectacular colors evoke the conversion Alex and Laren experience in their journey back to one another.
Desperately shy and painfully aware of her familial status, Laren locks herself away in the furnaces near the keep with her apprentice Ramsey whom she has sheltered from an abusive father. With the help and encouragement of friends Nairna and Vanora, Laren slowly works to meet Alex half way.
I loved how Wilingham brings readers deep into the character’s point of view allowing us to see through their eyes, feel their emotions and understand these rustic highlanders. Through Laren’s exquisite glass making, readers come to comprehend the distress of her lowly upbringing, challenges of marrying ‘up’ and the raw loss of her baby son.
Alex’s relentless re-building of the fortress to defend his dwindling clan is symbolic of his determination to rescue his marriage and protect the lands and people over which he now resides as chief.
The lifestyle, love, loyalty and hardships a medieval Scottish clan suffer are portrayed with grace through kidnappings, destroyed homes, betrayals and war and the very fine characters Willingham has breathed life into.
As Laren and Alex bridge their way to one another, their youngest daughter is kidnapped and together with a rival clan, they must battle the evil English Lord who would destroy all chieftainships. The action is riveting and unforgiving as medieval battles can be, but this particular fight produces many unexpected results and survival.
A compelling and fulfilling story that will keep readers eagerly anticipating more as it beautifully unfolds to reveal layers of depth through characters, action and emotions. This novel speaks to the heart on many levels.
This story of love – between Alex and Laren and for Scottish clans - loyalty and belief in fellows is a powerful one which wraps around you like the mist around the Scottish lochs. I eagerly anticipate Willngham’s next novel!
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Jul 22, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical

Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by NetGalley

I'm a sucker for a good medieval romance. There's just something about the primitive culture (at least by our standards, they were actually pretty advanced if you think about it) and the uber alpha males. And if you put that medieval story in the Scottish highlands... well, be still my heart. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior has all the ingredients I need for a winning read.

I found that I really enjoyed this book, the first I've ever read from Michelle Wil...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Amanda Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Redonk Nutshell: Ravaged by grief, a married couple struggles to rekindle their connection amidst a threatening British presence

This was my first read by Michelle Willingham. Highlander themes aren't necessarily my cup-o-tea, but I decided to give this one a try to spice things up a bit.

Clan chief Alex MacKinloch has managed to unite his people during the trying times of British threats along their borders. His personal life, however, is in dire need of repair. His wife, Laren, harbors grief ov...more Redonk Nutshell: Ravaged by grief, a married couple struggles to rekindle their connection amidst a threatening British presence

This was my first read by Michelle Willingham. Highlander themes aren't necessarily my cup-o-tea, but I decided to give this one a try to spice things up a bit.

Clan chief Alex MacKinloch has managed to unite his people during the trying times of British threats along their borders. His personal life, however, is in dire need of repair. His wife, Laren, harbors grief over the loss of their infant son several years prior, and has been distancing herself from him ever since.

Coming from poor, humble beginnings, Laren has always carried a burdened worry that she was never "good enough" for her husband, especially since he became the chieftan. Besides caring for their two daughters, Laren has poured herself into her art of glassmaking. It's become her saving grace, a place for her to fully put aside her grief and self doubt. When their lands are attacked and their people are forced to figure a way to raise funds to rebuild, Laren finds a way to use her glass making to make money. Never one for wanting the limelight, Laren keeps it a secret from all but a few, including her husband.

This book was more or less the story of a ravaged couple trying to pick up the pieces of their marriage. We experience both sides of their story, following them through their insecurities and burdens. I thought it was an interesting journey, though at times I wanted to smack both of them for being so ignorant of one another. Then again, the loss of a child can render the strongest of us completely senseless. Alex & Laren lost their infant son a few days after his birth, and the two of them never truly recovered. When the novel begins, they're at the point where they seem like strangers to one another.

I won't ruin it for you and tell you how it ends. That's the whole point of the book. It's a satisfactory ending, I tell you that much. I enjoyed this book, if only because the premise was intriguing. I liked that this was a married couple, and that the courting process went a bit differently because of their history. While I enjoyed the read, there wasn't much else entirely remarkable about it. One of those..."oh, that was nice now on to something else" kind of books.

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham, 228 pgs, avail July 2011

Rating: C

Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 2/5(less)

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Jul 18, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, highlander, historical-romance

I wasn't sure how I would feel about a romance featuring a married couple. But for the most part, I enjoyed it. Of course, this isn't a story about the first blush of love or the first stirrings of passion. Laren and Alex have been married for about five years. They were wonderfully in love when they exchanged their vows, but the crushing loss of a baby three years ago drove a wedge between them that they have not been able to overcome.

The book opens with the MacKinloch clan under attack. Their...more I wasn't sure how I would feel about a romance featuring a married couple. But for the most part, I enjoyed it. Of course, this isn't a story about the first blush of love or the first stirrings of passion. Laren and Alex have been married for about five years. They were wonderfully in love when they exchanged their vows, but the crushing loss of a baby three years ago drove a wedge between them that they have not been able to overcome.

The book opens with the MacKinloch clan under attack. Their homes are burned to the ground and Laren is injured. Despite her wounds, she doesn't turn to her husband. And it's his fear of her death coupled with the realization of her distance that wakes Alex up to the serious chasm between them. He vows to fix things, but watching the two of them try to reconcile is frustrating and sad. Alex is the chief of the tribe and he expects Laren to be the lady of his people. But she is terribly shy and her childhood as a poor outcast makes her feel unable and unworthy to be what her husband wants her to be. Instead, she finds her solace in glassmaking. It's a skill she learned from an old priest after her son's death. She finds beauty and purpose in her art and she has done it for years in secret.

Laren's glass can generate the money the clan needs to rebuild. But Alex feels betrayed that she has kept this secret all these years. The two of them clearly love each other. However, it's difficult to watch them blunder through their relationship. Alex lords over Laren the same way he rules the clan. He tries to bend her to his will. Though admittedly, his intentions are good, he does real damage to her spirit and makes her feel that he doesn't value her for who she is. At the same time, Laren is guilty of being a martyr. She hides her feelings and keeps her secrets by telling herself Alex doesn't need to be burdened by them. I wanted to just shake them both, especially during the first half of the book.

Things do get better, though, as our couple begins to understand and accept each other. And watching them finally come together is quite lovely. There is deep loss and sadness in their relationship, but there is real love there, which makes their journey worth watching... especially once they begin to communicate.

An external threat does hover over Laren and Alex, in the form of the clan's enemy... who is trying to crush the MacKinlochs once and for all. Also, we've got some strong secondary characters (like Alex's brothers) which give the book more depth. I'm really interested to read poor Callum's story --and I hope it comes next.

Overall, I found that I did enjoy this, especially once our couple started actually talking to each other. 4 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley(less)

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Jun 16, 2011 Wendy Mitchell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: requested-review

I am a fan of Michelle Willingham's and lord knows, I love me some highlanders in kilts, but this was a sad and frustrating book. Alex and Laren MacKinloch had a strained and distant relationship ever since the death of their infant son three years ago. The English had just burned their clan's keep, what was left of the clan wanted to leave before they were attacked again, it was just not a good situation all around. What made me sooooo very miserable though was the fact that Alex and Laren ......more

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Jul 15, 2011 Cheeyee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance, 2011, fiction

Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share

Review Date: 16 July 2011

Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/seduced-by-her-highland-warrior-by.html

My Review:

This is a story about a marriage couple who want to save their marriage that has fallen apart. Alex and Laren used to be a loving couple. Despite Alex is a son of the chief while Laren's poor family background, Alex has chosen Laren as his wife for his love for her is so strong. However since their son died 3 years ago, they have no...more Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share

Review Date: 16 July 2011

Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/seduced-by-her-highland-warrior-by.html

My Review:

This is a story about a marriage couple who want to save their marriage that has fallen apart. Alex and Laren used to be a loving couple. Despite Alex is a son of the chief while Laren's poor family background, Alex has chosen Laren as his wife for his love for her is so strong. However since their son died 3 years ago, they have not been talking to each other much and started to drift apart. They spent their own time to put away the pain instead of giving support to each other. However deep inside they still love each other very much.

Both Alex and Laren are aware that their marriage has fallen apart. And I'm glad that Alex has started the move try to improve the situation. While it is a bit frustrating to read that they are not talking, and always assume they are doing the best for the other, but isn't this is the common mistake that we are making nowadays? Despite the scene is historical, but this is a realistic fiction story. Proud husband that does not wish the wife to see his pain; timid wife who does not wish to add burden to the husband who has so much to handle; these are common things that can happen to any of the family. Why is it so difficult to talk? Why make a couple can't be honest to each other?

While they are trying hard to save their marriage, being a chief Alex also has to take care of his people from the treat of the English soldiers. They were attacked not long ago and now they are trying to rebuild the keep to keep them safe. Alex is wise and far sighted except to his own wife. He's a good father too. And no doubt Laren is a great mom. She will do anything, without being timid or shy, in order to save her child.

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior is a story about trust, honesty and be supportive. I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Jun 17, 2011 Becca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011, arc-s, netgalley, romance, historical, highland-warriors-romance

Alex is the chief of his clan, a role he was never really suppose to have, and he and his wife Laren have been distant the last few years. Laren came from poverty and married Alex for love even though she knew she shouldn't have, she could never be the wife of a chief. Laren hated being in the spotlight and having the attention of others. After the clans strongehold is attacked and demolished Alex must rebuild his home and his marriage, because he has realized how far apart he and Laren have bec...more Alex is the chief of his clan, a role he was never really suppose to have, and he and his wife Laren have been distant the last few years. Laren came from poverty and married Alex for love even though she knew she shouldn't have, she could never be the wife of a chief. Laren hated being in the spotlight and having the attention of others. After the clans strongehold is attacked and demolished Alex must rebuild his home and his marriage, because he has realized how far apart he and Laren have become. They used to love each other with such passion that he does not understand why she has become so distant, and what secrets she is keeping from him. Laren escapes everyday and Alex has no idea where she goes.

Laren has found a passion in glassblowing but she is fearful of telling Alex because she has been keeping this secret for so long that revealing it could damage their already strained marriage. Laren still loves Alex but so many things have changed and come between them she doesn't know if there is anything that can fix this marriage. Throughout this book each character has flashbacks to pivotal points in their relationship where things deteriorated. They each had their reasons from shying from the other person but the other person never knows they just believed they were pulling away.

This was a good story. It was very entertaining and enjoyable read. Some things that I did not particularly care for was Alex's attitude towards Laren's dislike for public speaking and leading. This was something he knew about when he married her, she didn't just suddenly become that way. Yet he chose to believe she would change and accept it, yet he never helped her or talked to her about it. That was just something that he expected her to do. On the other hand Laren never really did try. She knew what Alex would be when she married him and yet she never really tried to push her boundaries, or even discuss things that she had done to help the tribe. With the glassblowing no one knew how much she was helping they all thought she did nothing and she allowed them to believe that even though it hurt Alex's standing as chief.

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Jun 12, 2011 Erin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Alex was destined to be the clan chieftain.
Laren was born to a poor and struggling family.

A simple, comforting hand on the shoulder brought Alex and Laren together and began their love story.

Early fourteenth century Scotland was riddled with battle and loss for the MacKinloch Clan. Targeted by the English, they lost good men & good warriors. They also lost their keep when the Baron of Harkirk set it ablaze. Now the MacKinloch Clan is faced with the weary task of rebuilding.

It is during t...more Alex was destined to be the clan chieftain.
Laren was born to a poor and struggling family.

A simple, comforting hand on the shoulder brought Alex and Laren together and began their love story.

Early fourteenth century Scotland was riddled with battle and loss for the MacKinloch Clan. Targeted by the English, they lost good men & good warriors. They also lost their keep when the Baron of Harkirk set it ablaze. Now the MacKinloch Clan is faced with the weary task of rebuilding.

It is during this time that Alex realizes that not only must he rebuild the MacKinloch keep, but he must also rekindle the relationship with his wife, Laren. The keep and his marriage each had a sturdy foundation once, but time and loss have taken their respective toll on both. Being the clan chieftain divides Alex's focus and he finds that the years he spent dedicating his every waking minute to his people has left his relationship with his wife in shambles. Will he have the strength to construct a stronger keep while reestablishing the relationship he yearns for with this wife?

Laren fears she never will be of value to the clan, let alone her husband. The daughter of a begger, she found it was best to blend into the background rather than be a strong presence. The years of shunning and disrespectful words she has endured from her mother-in-law has only reinforced her shy and cautious nature. When Laren and Alex lost their son only days after his birth, she retreated into herself and felt Alex do the same, abandoning her. Her despair of the loss led her to the art of glass blowing. The glass blowing was her private penance turn joy and she shared it with only a few on a must-know basis. But after the raids and battles, which resulted in the keeps burning, Laren discovers that her glasswork could be the saving grace that the clan needs, earning them the silver needed for reconstruction and the respect of the clan. But will her talents also earn her the much needed respect of her husband? And will she, at last, realize that she is worthy of the clan chieftain's love?

The opening scene of Seduced by Her Highland Warrior was filled with dramatic action; my heart was beating like a war drum... It, like the remaining story, was told from both Alex and Laren's point of view and had me sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation on how the the battle would end. I was rooting for both Alex and Laren in those beginning pages - hoping they would find each other and embrace the love that they obviously had for each other.

The book's finale was also well scripted with action and drama and had me holding on until the very end. My hoping and rooting at the beginning was finally realized, claimed, and held at the end of Ms. Willingham's story.

It was the middle or the meat of Seduced by Her Highland Warrior that I did not mesh well with.
What I didn't like:
1) Being the strong leader and speaker, it surprised me when Alex did not bite the arrow and speak frankly to his wife - he instead spoke vaguely and never explained his intent or let her see the love he held so dearly for her. It surprised me more that this was the recurring theme during his attempts to talk to Laren.
2) Laren, for loving her husband so much and wanting to be the wife she felt he deserved, made no move to change her behavior - she was so timid and self punishing. She listened to Alex's words but let her doubt translate the meaning. Laren spent more time looking at the ground, her feet, or her hands - if she looked into Alex's face or eyes more, maybe she could have calmed her nerved and doubts sooner.
3) The title of this book is Seduced by Her Highland Warrior - but I think I missed the seduction portion... Was there some love? Yes. Were there scenes showing their physical attraction? Yes. Was there any wooing? No. Did I find anything in the story that I would consider Alex persuading or tempting Laren? No. Vice verse? No. Maybe during the memories of their early love or early marriage, but nothing that would classify as such in the current state of their relationship.
4) There was action in the very beginning and action in the end, but the meat of the book was littered with so much doubt, fear, paralysis, and mis/missed communication that it just frustrated me.
5) Alex and Laren's POVs were not the only ones in the story and I'm not quite on board with whether or not the other POVs were necessary. I think the actions and interactions during the other POVs could have been introduced and dealt with some other way - they were just distractions for me.

Overall - I would rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn't the Scottish Highland romantic tale I was looking for, though I hope it rates as the plaid in another woman's kilt - meaning I hope Ms. Willingham's characters and story find loving and doting homes in many women's imaginations. Good luck! (less)

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Jul 02, 2011 Nita rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, historical-romance, highlanders, ebook, read-2011

Alex and Laren have been married for five years, but the last three years they have grown apart. Alex is chief of his clan, and spends the majority of his time with his people and not with Laren. And Laren has been keeping a secret from Alex that takes her away from their home for hours at a time. After their home is destroyed and Laren is hurt during an attack by the English, they start re-assessing their relationship and what they mean to each other.

In the majority of romances I have read the...more

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Jun 20, 2011 Lisarenee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Notes: I read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. Book will be released on July 19, 2011.

Somethings in life are worth fighting for- your home, your family, your marriage. The latter is what Michelle Willingham explores in 'Seduced by Her Highland Warrior'. Alex's and Laren's marriage hasn't been the same since their son died. We each deal with our grief in different ways, and sometimes the way we deal with our personal agony can drive a wedge between us and the ones we love. Lauren deal...more Notes: I read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. Book will be released on July 19, 2011.

Somethings in life are worth fighting for- your home, your family, your marriage. The latter is what Michelle Willingham explores in 'Seduced by Her Highland Warrior'. Alex's and Laren's marriage hasn't been the same since their son died. We each deal with our grief in different ways, and sometimes the way we deal with our personal agony can drive a wedge between us and the ones we love. Lauren deals with her grief by throwing herself in to her glass making. Alex deals with his grief by throwing himself into the duties of being the chief of his clan. Each still loves the other, but sometimes one wonders if love is enough? This is the journey of Laren and Alex as they deal with the grief of the son they lost nearly three years ago, of the misunderstandings that can develop from not communicating with each other, and the insecurities that develop when things are not seemingly working.

This is a beautiful and touching romance that delves into a realm most romance authors rarely dare to touch upon. What happens after the "I dos" are said? Is it truly a happily ever after? Does the couple ever experience bumps in the road? Can a couple rekindle the love they once had? I loved that Laren's talent was both the making of glass and the art of creating exquisite windows to be used in a church. While Willingham didn't go too deep into the art of stained glass window making, I feel an analogy could be made between that portion of her craft and Laren's and Alex's marriage. I've worked with stained glass and the process can be a little like that of life. Sometimes things don't fit together smoothly and you need to reshape them to fit. Other times a piece of glass may break and you need to replace it or the whole thing looks ruined, but it's salvageable. Sometimes you get cut by the glass and the edges need to be smoothed. To get the window to be the way you wish it to be takes time and effort, just like a marriage. Torn between 4 and 5 roses, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses.

Order to be read:

1. Claimed by the Highland Warrior
2. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (Coming July 19th)

To see more of my reviews visit my blog at:
www.seducedbyabook.com (less)

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Jun 21, 2011 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read, arc-review-held, arc, netgalley, kilts-ahoy, kidnapped, child-death, child-or-children-play-a-big-part, estranged-lovers-or-marriage, historical, historical-working-woman, awkward-misfit-clumsy, needs-review

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Historical
Author’s Website: http://www.michellewillingham.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, The MacKinloch Clan
Series Best Read In Order: Worked Well As A Standalone
Steam Level: Steamy

Alex and Laren have never quite had the approval of their clan as a couple. Laren is the daughter of a beggar, and as such her f...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Cleffairy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed at: Library of Lights
Review date: 16 July 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=341

This book came highly recommended by another fellow reviewer, and I decided that i should give it a go, and I definitely did not regret that i picked this up even though the cover does not exactly seems appealing to me.

I love the emotional drama in this story, I love the angst, and most of all, I the passionate seduction between the hero and herione during their reconciliation period.

A wonderful but...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from netgally in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This is my first Michelle Willingham book. I love historicals about highland warriors and all the Scottish clans so i wanted to try this book out of course. I wasn't sure if i was going to like this book when i first started reading it. Let me give you the blurb and then I'll tell you what i thought when i was done reading.

Michelle Willingham
July 26, 2011

Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these da...more I received a copy of this book from netgally in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This is my first Michelle Willingham book. I love historicals about highland warriors and all the Scottish clans so i wanted to try this book out of course. I wasn't sure if i was going to like this book when i first started reading it. Let me give you the blurb and then I'll tell you what i thought when i was done reading.

Michelle Willingham
July 26, 2011

Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people. The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.

The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes…This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!

This book was slow to get under my skin. What's different is this couple are already married and have 2 young girls and one baby boys who died shortly after birth. Alex is the chief of his clan and right now it's a mess. They are fighting the English and have suffered many losses. With the death of his and Laren's baby boy 3 years ago their marriage has been on a slow slide downward. The clan do not approve of Laren because she is shy and quiet and will not help Alex with his duties as chief. The communication between them has been strained or non existent and when they finally start trying there are hurt feeling and misunderstandings and Laren's been hiding herself away and keeping a secret she must confess to Alex if there is any hope for reconciliation. Then one of their young daughters is kidnapped by the enemy and Laren must assert herself to save her family.

At first i was thinking oh no I'm not sure i want to read a overly sad mushy book. There was so much sadness in the first part of the book. Alex has some brothers and so they had parts in the story along with one of the brothers wife who helps try and coax Laren out of her shell with the clan and be proud of her accomplishments she's been hiding. Alex and Laren finally start really being honest with each other and that's when the romance of this book really begins. It was a lovely story with a really great ending. Laren learns she has courage and Alex learns to confide in the women he loves. There are a few nice surprises in there too. The book totally turned it around for me about halfway through and I'm really glad i read it. To find out more about this book and read a excerpt click here www.michellewillingham.com. I give Seduced by her Highland Warrior 3 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars.
(less)

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Dec 09, 2011 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I loved this book. You don't often read stories of a husband and wife finding love again. This was a nice change of pace. Alex and Lauren have lost their way with each other through no fault of their own and misunderstandings due to life's circumstances. I love the way Michelle Willingham weaves this beautiful love story of renewing love between husband and wife. She truly uses the gold strands of love and caring along with silver strands of devotion to create a beautiful tapestry I could not pu...more

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Sep 05, 2011 Alisha (Black Nailed Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: digital-own, read-in-2011

Plot: Laren is feeling unloved and unwanted from her husband. Alex is feeling his wife growing distant from him. The book revolves around this couple trying to figure out what happened to their marriage and what will become of it. Many have said that this plot dragged in some parts and I can agree with that. There were some scenes where it would seem it was written just to fill up space. However, I didn't read any scenes that weren't beneficial to the plot. Whether it was about the English attac...more Plot: Laren is feeling unloved and unwanted from her husband. Alex is feeling his wife growing distant from him. The book revolves around this couple trying to figure out what happened to their marriage and what will become of it. Many have said that this plot dragged in some parts and I can agree with that. There were some scenes where it would seem it was written just to fill up space. However, I didn't read any scenes that weren't beneficial to the plot. Whether it was about the English attacking or Alex/Laren being in danger, each scene progressed to that and didn't have any hanging questions. I was pleased that the relationship between Alex and Laren progressed and wasn't like they waited until the last page to make up or just had lots of sex scenes. Each time they were together, it presented the time to slowly make up and get to the bottom of their problems as well as rekindle their love for one another. This was a great plot and was pleased with the ending that came. It wasn't forced, but by the end of the second to last chapter, you knew how the book would end.

Characters: Laren - Laren was very sympathetic. I liked that she did have a deep history and was scared to take her place as chief's wife because of how she grew up. However, her character did progress and she started to see that to make their marriage stronger, she had to find the courage within herself. I will say that I did like Laren's skill and how descriptive it was in the book. Willingham didn't put vague details about, but actually described Laren working and the different colors of the item she made.
Alex - Alex is definitely a hot warrior. He's protective of his family, wife, and clan. He would kill anyone who tries to harm any three of those things. That, unfortunately, was his downfall in the marriage. He makes sure his clan is always alright, he forgets that he has a wife and daughters. But, he isn't show of emotions. Through his passages, you see the adoration and love he has for Laren and his daughters. He just keeps them hidden because he is chief. But, throughout the book, you progressively see he is trying to be better.

Cover: The cover is of Alex I'm guessing. I like the simpleness of it. It's not too busy, but just shows Alex and the land of Ireland in the background. It is a common theme for this series to show the husband and then the land in the background.

Overall Rating: I am giving this book a three out of four. I love this book so much! It did drag in a few parts, but that is only a blur compared to the rest of the book. Willingham did an amazing job with the progressing of the characters and actually giving the culture of that time. The romance scenes were beautifully written and never too much where I had to turn away. If you like romance and historical fiction, I would highly recommend reading this.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha(less)

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Mar 06, 2012 Aislynn (Stitch Read Cook) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-s-to-review, ebook, historical-romance, read-in-2012, netgalley-read

First off, hello handsome! What a FABULOUS cover - kilt, half naked and a sword... enough said! Just had to mention that.

War has destroyed the home and village of Laren, her children and husband Alex. With all the destruction and loss of life - Alex is the new clan chief. Which places Laren in the public eye, something she despises. A quiet, meek and gentle soul - she'd much rather be tending her children or working on her beautiful stain glass. Sadly, she's kept her passion for glass a secret a...more

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Oct 09, 2011 Niina rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have to say I did not like the beginning of this book, I love my romances romantic and this started painfully darkly as Alex and Laren had grown apart and were both stubborn and had way too much pride. Sure they both wanted their marriage to get better but either was willing to budge. And I found it really hard to read, almost didn't want to keep reading.

Now what redeemed the book for me a little bit was that Alex did set out to correct the matter, but I still found Laren annoying there is som...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander-books

3.5

This is such a unique book. I've never read a story where the couple has been married for years, and well, life intervenes. This story is basically what comes after "And they all lived Happily Ever After." This story is more along the fact that they lived, they dealt with life, they dealt with loss, grief, and the real world.

It's also a very emotional book.

Laren is a very timid and shy woman. She married the love of her life Alex, who defied his mother to be with Laren, and supposedly they l...more

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Oct 24, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-scotland

SEDUCED BY HER HIGHLAND WARRIOR by Michelle Willingham is an exciting historical romance set in Scotland. It has romance, sweet sensuality,second chances,betrayal,stained glass,secrets,a time of unrest for the Scottish clan,murder,and love. A must read for any historical,Scottish warriors, and romance readers. This author has done another awesome job with "Seduced By Her Highland Warrior".Received for review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at HQN and My Book Addiction Rev...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Aqua Woodard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-authors-tryouts, finished

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 28, 2011 Mandy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I found Michelle Willingham's Seduced by Her Highland Warrior to be a decent book of the romance genre, but there were too many things lacking for my taste. The characters weren't fully developed, though there was effort in that aspect. Historical details seemed lacking or at odds with other aspects of the storyline.The middle dragged on but was wrapped up neatly and succinctly at the end.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by teh publisher.

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Nov 25, 2011 C.M. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Here is another example of Willingham's true-to-life writing style. Instead of the traditional romance where boy meets girl, our hero/heroine are already married but in a shitty relationship. Also, real life things happen to them and they react like normal people. I like that, I appreciate that. The story line was tight, she did great research into glass making making the heroine's occupation completely believable and also fascinating. I really wasn't sure how they were going to fix things in th...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Jae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, highland-hotness, historical, 5-star, first-read-by-author, 2011, suspence

Alex MacKinloch and his wife Laren had grown distant after the death of their newborn son three years ago. They have been leading separate lives within their marriage since the tragedy.

Alex is torn between his duties as clan leader, son, brother, father and husband. His wife and children come second after his clan just ignites Laren's resentment towards him.

And this is their story of starting over and rekindling their love amid the attack to their home by the English.

A truly heart-wrenching sto...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Miranda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander, historical, medieval, book-will-be-forgettable-in-a-month, its-missing-something, cover-is-gorgeous, 2013

3.5 stars

I'm very glad I finished this book. The ending was wonderful and kept my attention so much more than the first half of the story. The beginning seemed really slow for me. I liked the characters. The heroine wasn't the tough, in-your-face kinda character. She was quiet and not outspoken at all. I found I really liked her. It was a nice change to most heroines I always read about.

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Aug 10, 2011 Nocturne Romance Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

"Anyone who likes to read historical romance will love this book, and even those who have never read a historical romance should give this one a try. Michelle Willingham does not disappoint with this glimpse into a Highland marriage"

check out more of this fantastic review on NRR http://www.nocturnereads.com/Seduced-...

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Aug 01, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

I loved this story. I originally picked it up to read because I was interested in the question the author posed as to why she wrote the book in her author's note. It intrigued me. MIchelle impressed me with the way she wove so many things seamlessly together: a clan, young kids and a complicated emotional journey for the hero and heroine. Its a heartfelt emotional read and I definitely recommend this story!

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Aug 06, 2012 Mei rated it 5 of 5 stars

AWESOME read! Loved the story. Loved the characters and their complexity. I was really pulling for Alex and Laren. I enjoyed it so much I couldn't put it down and read it in a day!!! Strong characters and a strong storyline. Guess I'm going to have to read MacKinloch Clan #1!!

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Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (MacKinloch Clan #2)

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