Embrace the Highland Warrior (Connor Clan, #2) by Anita Clenney

Oct 02, 2011 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Highland Romance Lovers

“Their deception had been real, but so was their love.”

All it took was “that summer” to change everything. Shay left without looking back , but came home nine years later to see if she could finally forget. The pain of betrayal is still as fresh as if it was yesterday, yet she hasn't lost her nerve when unexpectedly confronted with her past. It was Cody who had trained her to become the fighter and survivor she is and it was Cody who kept life changing secrets from her and then ultimately defie...more “Their deception had been real, but so was their love.”

All it took was “that summer” to change everything. Shay left without looking back , but came home nine years later to see if she could finally forget. The pain of betrayal is still as fresh as if it was yesterday, yet she hasn't lost her nerve when unexpectedly confronted with her past. It was Cody who had trained her to become the fighter and survivor she is and it was Cody who kept life changing secrets from her and then ultimately defied clan law to rectify it, but by then it was too late and Shay has some life changing secrets for Cody of her own.

Unfortunate misunderstandings and assumptions brought nothing, but a rift between childhood best friends and heartache. Both tried to engage the other, but letters went unanswered and visits unacknowledged. After nine years there was so much to say, yet no words could change the past and more secrets and deception were all that lay ahead. However, there is one powerful demon determined to finish what was started 26 years ago and won't rest until this time both are dead.

A thrill ride of contemporary highland romance proportions! The many humorous and intriguing characters are sure to keep the series lively and continuing for some time to come. This suspensefully delicious story, tied up some of the loose ends from the first, while unraveling others with mind-blowing family connections and unexpected mysteries from the past revealed.

However, even with all of that going on, I was still completely riveted on the dynamics of Cody and Shay's relationship as it is apparent from the first page that they have a sordid history. There's encompassed all of the emotional elements I was looking for to bind me to them as a reader, which made it more believable. From the playful sweetness of childhood, to the unexplored, uncertain feelings of adolescence, and then finally to their hardened yet vulnerable adulthood.

“...coincidence was commonplace within the clan. Destiny seemed to play a role in everything. Like mates.”

The prospects of future installments to this series are looking very good, since it means more scenes with all of the clan warriors, but most especially Ronan. There is definitely something more to Ronan than meets the eye of just physical attraction and his charm, so I can't wait for that particular mystery to really begin. Of course it is also wonderful to see, Faelan and Bree, the couple who started it all are back in the picture again with a little development of their own. The guest appearances of Nina and Matilda is a fun addition to the storyline and they provided plenty of comic relief even during the most intense moments. It is easy to appreciate how Ms. Clenney incorporates and maintains so many personalities in one scene let alone in an entire book.

Although there is plenty to keep the reader occupied in this story, it is with a bit of reluctance that I have to mention that the sex wasn't as heated as in the first book and it was a bit jostling to be switching character point-of-views so often. All of that being said, my experience was still an amazing one. As the storyline continues it's cryptic and enigmatic storyline moving forward, I will without a doubt read the third in the series and recommend that any romance fanatic seek out this author's work as well.

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Nov 01, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: request-publisher, best-of-2011, genre-paranormal-romance, rating-4-5-stars, length-novel

4.5 Stars

Do you love sexy men in kilts with to-die-for brogues who will go to any lengths to protect the women they love? Then Embrace the Highland Warrior is just the novel for you!

One fateful day, nine years ago, Shay’s life irrevocably changed. Finding out that everything she had believed for eighteen years was a lie, Shay left, but now she has returned to her childhood home to face the demons of her past and forget so that she can finally move forward. But she didn’t expect for her past to r...more 4.5 Stars

Do you love sexy men in kilts with to-die-for brogues who will go to any lengths to protect the women they love? Then Embrace the Highland Warrior is just the novel for you!

One fateful day, nine years ago, Shay’s life irrevocably changed. Finding out that everything she had believed for eighteen years was a lie, Shay left, but now she has returned to her childhood home to face the demons of her past and forget so that she can finally move forward. But she didn’t expect for her past to run right into her during the middle of the night in a dark house and for the demons to be real!
At the end of Awaken the Highland Warrior, Bree has a vision at her wedding about the woman Cody loves in danger. Embrace the Highland Warrior continues the Connor Clan series with Cody traveling back to America from Scotland to protect Shay. She is Cody’s destined mate and he won’t let her run away again, the first time nearly destroyed him. Even if Cody has to break every rule that he has been brought up to follow, he will to keep Shay protected and by his side. When an ancient demon returns to finish the job he started almost twenty-eight years ago though and a vampire seeks to lure Shay away, Cody must put aside jealousies and insecurities in order to protect her, but will it put Shay farther out of his reach?

I was so excited to be offered a review copy of this novel, as I absolutely loved the first one in the series, Awaken the Highland Warrior. Embrace the Highland Warrior is a sexy, dangerous and thrilling page turner from beginning to end about an ancient clan of Scottish warriors who secretly protect the world from demons. I can’t get enough of the Connor Clan; every character is diverse and full of life. There are quite a few secondary characters to keep track of but they’re each so well fleshed out that I am intrigued by everyone and cannot wait for their own stories!

As in the first novel, the plot is cryptic and complex with many questions being raised leaving you on the edge of your seat waiting for the answers to be revealed. Some are, but others you’ll have to continue with the series to find out the answers to.

Cody and Shay’s relationship is a life-long one and Anita Clenney weaved in captivating glimpses from their past into the current plot that help cement their relationship and develop it in a believable way. However, they are both very strong characters who each carry important secrets that bring about some tense moments. They must work through a lot of distrust, deception, betrayal, misconceptions and find forgiveness as well as balance before they even have a chance of a happily ever after. Shay and Cody are smart, witty and the banter between the two, even in the worse of circumstances, was enjoyable. There wasn’t anything that I didn’t love about this main couple.

Anita Clenney throws in a few mind-blowing twists to keep readers on their toes, to the already exuberant amount of mystery and suspense. This is definitely a book that will keep you thinking, guessing and glued to each page while gripped by the heart tugging romance at the same time. Outgoing aunts provided much humor with their match making antics and ability to always find trouble. And there is sure to be one or three other characters that will instantly capture your interest. Ronan is a favorite but I am also curious about another relationship hinted at, as well as Faelan’s mysterious brother. Embrace the Highland Warrior makes a good stand-alone but better read in order as a series.

Fantastic writing and a spectacular series premise, Anita Clenney's Connor Clan is a must-read!
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Mar 24, 2013 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chic-lit, 2013-books, pnr

Cody McBain and Shay Logan were childhood friends who were in the process of realizing they wanted to be more than just friends but danger fear and secrets have kept them apart for nine years. Now Shay has to return home she needs to make peace with her past and get away from a stalker. When she returns home Shay starts to learn the truth about so many secrets and she confronts her true feelings for Cody.
This books is actually book two in the series and is not a historical romance. I had no trou...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, romance

I enjoyed the first book in Anita Clenney’s Highland Warrior series so I was pleased to have the chance to read and review its sequel, Embrace the Highland Warrior. The story starts with American Scot, Shay, returning to America after an absence of several years. She left as a teen for a new life in Scotland, but now there are breakins and murders chasing her, plus a boyfriend whose ring she carries without being sure of his claim on her heart. There just might be some demons out there too, or e...more

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Dec 02, 2011 LilaBird rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Holy Crap. This was even better than the first one. I'm serious, this woman is totally like KMM!! For any fans of Moning's Highlander series, Anita Clenney is for you! I highly recommend her and cannot wait for book three, coming Spring of 2012 (NOT SOON ENOUGH!!).

This book is great because we have new main characters, Cody and Shay, but we also have ALL the wonderful characters from the first book (Awaken the Highland Warrior). (I guess Cody was technically in the first book too, but was a mino...more Holy Crap. This was even better than the first one. I'm serious, this woman is totally like KMM!! For any fans of Moning's Highlander series, Anita Clenney is for you! I highly recommend her and cannot wait for book three, coming Spring of 2012 (NOT SOON ENOUGH!!).

This book is great because we have new main characters, Cody and Shay, but we also have ALL the wonderful characters from the first book (Awaken the Highland Warrior). (I guess Cody was technically in the first book too, but was a minor character.) We totally get more Faelan and Bree (who are now newlyweds) and all the rest of clan Connor too -- Ronan, Declan, Sorcha, etc. This plot is so wonderful, especially from a romance standpoint. Shay's real identity has been hidden from her for her whole life and Cody (and his family) were assigned to protect and guard her, so they grew up together, playing in the lake, running thorugh the woods, sleeping under trees....just being best friends. Then they fall in love as teenagers, but misunderstandings seperate them and they spend 9 years apart from each other. When they come back into each other's lives, they've each missed each other so much, but need to get the misunderstandings explained and sorted out. And on top of the emotional drama, there's also an ancient demon and a group of vampires after Shay, trying to kill her. Needless to say, she becomes very difficult to keep safe, but Cody would die before he lets her get hurt. Luckily, the entire Connor clan is there to help.

Such a great story. I love the plot and the pacing. The back and forth dialogue is funny, believable and differentiated for each separate character -- I really feel like I'm friends with all these individuals now. And the romance is enchanting and thrilling. Who wouldn't want to get swept up in a childhood friendship-turned-romance, a heart-wrenching separation and then the romantic reunion and building of a new relationship between lovers. And that's what happened to me -- my heart was swept up in their intense romance.(less)

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Nov 14, 2011 Heather Book Savvy Babe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, review-on-blog

I was very excited to read Embrace the Highland Warrior, the cover is hot, the title sounds romantic, and I always love warriors. Historical romance readers, do not be confused, this book is contemporary paranormal romance, not historical. With that said, I really liked Embrace the Highland Warrior, I have found a new series and author to follow. The Connor Clan is a clan of warriors who are tasked with fighting and killing demons. Our heroine is Shay. After a scary break-in Shay travels from he...more I was very excited to read Embrace the Highland Warrior, the cover is hot, the title sounds romantic, and I always love warriors. Historical romance readers, do not be confused, this book is contemporary paranormal romance, not historical. With that said, I really liked Embrace the Highland Warrior, I have found a new series and author to follow. The Connor Clan is a clan of warriors who are tasked with fighting and killing demons. Our heroine is Shay. After a scary break-in Shay travels from her home in Scotland to visit the home she left as a teenager after finding out her family was not really her family. Shay is reunited with her childhood sweetheart and lover, Cody. Shay left on bad terms and it takes Cody and Shay most of the story to work through problems and uncover truths. As it becomes clear that Shay is being targeted by supernatural beings, Cody and his clan step in to protect Shay. Shay has to confront her past and the truth of her identity, she has to sort through lies and half-truths, and she has to learn quickly to keep herself and Cody safe.

The recurring theme of Embrace the Highland Warrior is secrets. Everyone has secrets, Cody has secrets, Shay has secrets, Shay’s aunt has secrets, even the demons have secrets. The result is chaos and arguing and an increasingly complex and fascinating story. This is no simple world in Embrace the Highland Warrior, it is a world filled with supernatural creatures such as demons, vampires, and the warriors with super-human abilities. There’s even a touch of time travel. Even though the story is complex, and I did not read the first book of the series, I was able to understand the world pretty quickly. One thing is sure, I was never bored. I actually read through the book pretty quick, I was very curious to uncover all the secrets and to read the characters reactions once secrets were revealed.

Shay is a good heroine, she never knew exactly why her friends and family lied to her, but she felt very betrayed by those she loved. When the truth started to come out, she handled everything pretty well. Sometimes when heroines are introduced to the paranormal world, they flip out and get mean or catty, but Shay kept a pretty level head. There’s not much to not like about Cody either. He did hold onto his secrets pretty tightly, but he was typically male and clueless as to why Shay would hold back from him. There is not instant love here, Cody and Shay’s relationship develops in a realistic manner, and I understood both characters.

Embrace the Highland Warrior will take readers on a thrilling adventure with plenty of action, jealousy, demons, and warriors. Anita Clenney has blended paranormal, romance, and highlanders into an exciting, and hopefully long-running series. In Embrace the Highland Warrior, future story lines are put in place as characters appear more throughout the book, and I am very much looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.

I received this book for review**(less)

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Oct 22, 2011 Robin Priddy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shay Logan is back home in the states, she has been living in Scotland for the past several years. Shay runs an antique store. When she decides, with the help of a friend, to open another store in the Untied States. After her store is broke into and she finds herself with a stalker, she decides to head back home for a while. When Shay's auntt tells her to stay at the house where she grew up in but she doesn't tell Shay if her childhood friend is home from the armed service. Shay grew up with the...more Shay Logan is back home in the states, she has been living in Scotland for the past several years. Shay runs an antique store. When she decides, with the help of a friend, to open another store in the Untied States. After her store is broke into and she finds herself with a stalker, she decides to head back home for a while. When Shay's auntt tells her to stay at the house where she grew up in but she doesn't tell Shay if her childhood friend is home from the armed service. Shay grew up with the boys next door. And ended up falling in love with one of the brothers. She thought that they would spend the rest of their lives together. When Shay turned eighteen she learned to truth about her life. It seems that the people who raised her are not her boligical family. The worst of it was that the boy that she loved knew all along that her life has been a lie.
Cody MacBain and his family are a part of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors whose job is to protect humans from demons. When he was old enough he was told Shay's story. Her father was a warrior. A demon killed her mother and tried to kill her. When they buried her parents they also buried an empty coffin with her real name on the headstone. None of this mattered to Cody, he loves Shay and knows she is his soul mate. Now Shay is home and Cody is determined to get her back. But the demon who marked her and killed her family knows that Shay is still alive. And he wants to correct that mistake. It is up to Cody and his family to keep Shay alive but they are going to have to tell her the whole truth about her family. It is not going to be easy to keep Shay alive because it is not just the demon who wants Shay dead but the vampires also want her.

This is the second installment from Ms Clenney about the demon hunters. This is a great series. Ms Clenney makes her characters seem so real. The story is told in such a way that it grabs ahold of you and doesn't let go. The first book was great and this one is even better. I see great things in the future for this series. This book is a keeper. You have it all, lost love refound, action, a little bit of mystery and best of all sexy kilt wearing highlanders. (less)

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Sep 24, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, contemporary, historical, non-erotic, paranormal, science-fiction-fantasy

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Shay Logan left home as a teen, her heart broken because Cody had lied to her. When she returns, she’s engaged to another man and hopes she can avoid seeing him while she’s there…

The author has staged her story in the Highlands of Scotland with a nice mix of warriors, demons and vampires. The story is fast and provocative; excitement rolls off the pages, and the fight between good and evil is intense.

Ms. Clenney has written about warr...more

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Nov 08, 2011 Lori McD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-book, thriller, paranormal, romance, drama, favorite-author, fantasy, guilty-pleasure, highlander, scottish-lit, 2011_read, favorites

The toughest part about reading these books is that they're over too quickly!

Last book, we dealt with Faelen (The Mighty Faelen) and Bree... it was mostly their story, and the way to introduce us to this sub-culture/demi-immortal set of Warriors whose job is to keep humans safe. They fight demons, especially the really nasty, old ones that the Archangel Michael assigns to a specific Warrior. Only 2 of the current Warriors (the ones we know) have killed an ancient demon: Faelen and Cody.

At the en...more The toughest part about reading these books is that they're over too quickly!

Last book, we dealt with Faelen (The Mighty Faelen) and Bree... it was mostly their story, and the way to introduce us to this sub-culture/demi-immortal set of Warriors whose job is to keep humans safe. They fight demons, especially the really nasty, old ones that the Archangel Michael assigns to a specific Warrior. Only 2 of the current Warriors (the ones we know) have killed an ancient demon: Faelen and Cody.

At the end of the 1st book, we saw Cody grabbing Faelen from the altar, just after saying, "I do" to Bree. In this book, we learn why...

Seems that Cody and his brothers are part of the American clan of Connors. They were sent to Virginia to protect Shay. Way back then, Shay was only an infant and the MacBain brothers were toddlers. But Cody's father (Ewan), Cody, and his brothers are all Warriors. Shay's father was a Warrior, too, killed in battle. Shay's mother was killed in a car accident that should have killed Shay; in fact, Shay was marked by the demon who tried to kill her. All because Shay's father (Edward) had The Book of Battles -- a book that tells the battles between demons and warriors from past to future, including who the victor of each battle is. And one particular demon, Malek, either got information from the book or his hands on that book, somehow, because Malek has a specific reason for killing Shay and her family. (view spoiler)

Except that after the accident, the MacBain family claimed to bury not only Shay's mother, but the infant Shay, as well. They hid her identity and gave her a new family, next door to the MacBain's. Shay grew up with the MacBain boys, thinking of them much like brothers. Until she was 18 and Shay encountered Cody, back from some training. Their friendship sparked into a passionate encounter in the hay that was abruptly ended. Neither Shay nor Cody truly talked about what happened or what was next after their encounter. Shay was confused, especially when Cody blurted out that her name wasn't really Shay (it's Dana Michelle Edwards) and that the family she thought she had wasn't really her family... and yes, as much as he thought he could tell her spilled out. Which put Cody in serious hot water with the Warrior Council.

Shay fled, feeling completely shattered -- her whole life a lie. Then she discovered she was pregnant. But Cody never received the 2 letters she'd sent him. And Shay never received the numerous letters and messages that Cody left for her.

And now nine years later, Shay's life is definitely in danger from demons, vampires, halflings, minions (human servants of demons), and an ancient demon who definitely more than just a demon. Which is why Cody drags Faelen and other Warriors away from the wedding celebration to find and protect Fay.

What could and should be a farce if handled poorly is a thrilling tale of romance, loss, confusion, battles, heroics, and more. We discover new things about this world of Warriors, Demons, and Archangels.

But is there still a traitor within the Connor clan? When Angus died from a battle near the end of the 1st book, he died with the word "traitor" on his lips. He happened to be looking at Sorcha at the time -- but is Sorcha the traitor? Or is there another? How did all these demons and vampires manage to breech the "hidden" castle protections? And what's up with the white cat with green eyes that protects Shay? And what about this green emerald that one of the ancient demons wants so badly... is it in Bree's possession or Shay's? Are Bree and Shay Warriors, too? And who's next in the mating-game -- who will find his or her mate next? Will Sorcha finally recognize that Duncan is her mate? (We don't know this for sure, but it's my guess...) And what about poor Jamie... will he hook up with Cody's gal-pal crime fighter Sam or find his true mate?

So much to look forward to!(less)

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Nov 17, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jamie-challenge, kindle, paranormal-romance

3.5 stars For me, there was less humor in this installment and less suspense but I still love the characters. It was good to learn Cody MacBain's story and to be introduced to a new character, Shay Logan.

We first met Cody MacBain in book #1, Awaken the Highland Warrior. He was one of only two warriors who had slain an old demon (the Mighty Faelan is the other warrior). Cody had mentioned in book #1 that he and his family had moved to Virginia from Scotland for a mission, a long mission. But he d...more

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Nov 21, 2011 jD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1_own-book, fantasy_romance, romance_highlanders, series_highlanders, 2011-read, fantasy_angels-demons

The Conner Clan series is now at two installments. The storylines seem to have a little bit of everything going on. For me, the most appealing aspects are mystery and romance. The fantasy aspect is strong but I don't think it has reached its climax since there is still quite a bit about the world that has not been uncovered.

WHAT I LOVED MOST!

Ms. Clenney must do needle point or knit. It takes a great deal of patience and organization to keep that many threads straight. I took a highlighter to th...more The Conner Clan series is now at two installments. The storylines seem to have a little bit of everything going on. For me, the most appealing aspects are mystery and romance. The fantasy aspect is strong but I don't think it has reached its climax since there is still quite a bit about the world that has not been uncovered.

WHAT I LOVED MOST!

Ms. Clenney must do needle point or knit. It takes a great deal of patience and organization to keep that many threads straight. I took a highlighter to this book because I was not sure that little random things like the significance of 'square toed boots' were going to be clarified. With so many interesting characters and possible plot directions to develop, Ms. Clenney wraps every detail cleanly. It is the main reason I decided to grab this book. I knew my brain would get a workout.

The leading couple has expanded from Bree and Faelan to Shay and Cody. I liked Shay although she did venture into the ‘too stupid to live’ territory a couple three times. I just could not stay angry at Shay because she was continually evolving and learning. Her honesty was refreshing and in a pinch, she will kick ass. I loved her back story and how she earned her way into the clan on her terms. The relationship between Shay and Cody was endearing with a high heat index. The sex was tasteful and well integrated.

There is an abundance of supporting characters as this is a clan so gems are scattered everywhere but the star power goes to Matilda. I could not stop laughing at her antics. Ms. Clenney does an excellent job of writing about the bond between the clan warriors and how they are basically one big loving family. Her characters are not perfect but they are well written and easy to visualize. I am looking forward to reading more about the vampires and demons. The ruling Council is interesting too. Although there is no new information on the mysterious ‘Michael’ but I suspect I have already met him in disguise.

This is a solid 4 star read with many 5 star elements. I am looking forward to book 3.
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Nov 03, 2011 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlanders

Oh my goodness. I knew I was going to like this book from the get go, Anita Clenney's 1st Connor Clan book Awaken the Highland Warrior sucked me right in and I finished it in an evening. Her second one was just as fantastic!

I really love her characters, each one is very thought out and different; not just a side thought or added to 'fluff' up the book. She takes her time to develop each and every one of her characters, no matter how big or small their part.

I was happy to see that Bree and Fae...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Jules rated it 3 of 5 stars

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway. I have not read the first in this series. Even though I had not done so, I was still able to pick up this book and have a complete story with only one or two "huh" moments. So that is a definate plus for this author. I also found the characters very likable. Cody wasn't a misogynistic jerk that thought all women belonged in the kitchen or the bedroom, which is something you can sometimes find with these kinds of things. It makes it hard to like the hero w...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

From Goodreads:

"Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay’s true identity was revealed, and the fated pair’s chance was gone…

But danger will drive them back into each other’s arms…

Shay fell for the boy next door, suspecting nothing of the ancient secrets he guarded. After a stinging betrayal, she’s determined to banish the memor...more From Goodreads:

"Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay’s true identity was revealed, and the fated pair’s chance was gone…

But danger will drive them back into each other’s arms…

Shay fell for the boy next door, suspecting nothing of the ancient secrets he guarded. After a stinging betrayal, she’s determined to banish the memories of her first love forever. But the past can’t let go, and the boy she once loved has returned to her a warrior determined to protect her from the unspeakable evil fate has planned…"

My Thoughts:

Embrace the Highland Warrior was a fun read and an interesting take on the paranormal genre. Shay has lived a life filled with secrets which helped to drive a wedge between her and her childhood friend Cody. The chemistry between these two was instant and unrelenting. I started rooting for them to have a happy ever after from the very beginning of the book. I thought that the author took the paranormal genre and gave it a fresh twist with demons, highland warriors (of course), and even vampires. There was a lot of references to an ancient book that made me wonder if it will play a big part in the next book of the series. Shay was an awesome main character as she was both headstrong and tender at different times. She was surrounded for most of her life by both lies and secrets which came into play in the middle of the story. We got to see that she has some special abilities that hopefully we will learn more about as this series goes on. My only problem with this book was that there were so many characters that we didn't get to learn a lot about. I think that if I had read the first book in the series, this book would have been better for me and I would have enjoyed it more.

All in all, I did think that this was a good read that kept me entertained. I wish that I would have started with the first book, but I think that I'll go back and read it before continuing on with this series. That way I'll get the chance to get a better feel for some of the secondary characters. I would recommend this books to fans of paranormal romance but make sure that you start with Awaken the Highland Warrior!

Bottom Line: A good read and a series that I want to read more of.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book for review from the publisher for review. (less)

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Apr 18, 2012 Johanna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rating: 3.5

Embrace the Highland Warrior
(Book #2)
by Anita Clenney

Genre: Paranormal Romance

They were driven apart by a timeless secret...
Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay's true identity was revealed, the fated pair's chance was gone...

But danger will drive them back into each others arms...
Shay fell for the boy next door...more Rating: 3.5

Embrace the Highland Warrior
(Book #2)
by Anita Clenney

Genre: Paranormal Romance

They were driven apart by a timeless secret...
Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay's true identity was revealed, the fated pair's chance was gone...

But danger will drive them back into each others arms...
Shay fell for the boy next door, suspecting nothing of the ancient secrets he guarded. After a stinging betrayal, she's determining to banish the memories of her first love forever. But the past can't let go, and the boy she once loved has returned to her a warrior determined to protect her from the unspeakable evil fate has planned...

When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can’t fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her…the only man she’s ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn’t always what it seems. Sometimes it’s far worse.

When a stalker began to haunt Shay in Scotland, she escaped to take sanctuary in a place she had not visited in over 10 years - the Virginia home she ran away from at 18. It became difficult returning to a place that bought to life so many memories from her childhood, becasue the family/friends that concealed secrets from her since birth were still in residence. Yet, upon returning, Shay was bombarded with intense feelings for a man who once was her best friend/first love and as past mistakes slowly became resolved, a much darker force was coming...solely for her.

Honestly, I forgot I read Book #1 by Anita Clenney (which I am satisfied to say the book cover greatly improved with Book #2, hehe) and was presently surprised to catch up with past characters that I was some-what familiar with. Shay and Cody were easy to enjoy as the protagonists, but I was more fond of them earlier on in the story than I was at the end due to their relationship being built on jealousy/mistrust/constant-bickering. Also, their earlier awkward awareness of each other was a lot more exciting and animate, for the reader, than their quick excuse for comforting relations (i.e. sex) in the second half of the book. Thus, I was discontented with the evolvement of romance in this story. Yet, if you like lots of highlander adventures that travel through Scotland and reside in castles - this could be an entertaining read for you, but don't expect a grand epic tale.

Likes: Shay and Cody's childhood memories were some of my favorite parts of the whole story, especially the younger ones that revolved around them innocently playing together.

Dislikes: The story fell a little flat for me half-way through since I was expecting more character development (esp. with the relationship between Shay and Cody as adults) and yet there were many superficial jumps in the tale that left me dissatisfied overall. (less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Deva rated it 2 of 5 stars

Full review at http://urbanparanormal.blogspot.com

This book got tons of great reviews but I don't know why. Well ... Ok ... It was a decent read. I didn't really mind it but the heroine was the most annoying and hardheaded broad on the face of the planet. That is the reason why I literally took my Kindle and chucked it across the room.

It's fast paced ... Not super fast, but it does keep you interested. The Scottish men are so very manly. I love. The female warrior is great and I would love to kn...more

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Jan 09, 2012 Shiran rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, highland-hunks, paranormal-romance, series

Secrets, passion, mystery and hot highland men! God I love this series!

Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second book in the Connor Clan series and from book one this series ended up on my favourites shelf. The first book was full of adventure, mysteries and love and this one was no different!

Cody MacBain was charged with the task of protecting Shay Logan but as children their friendship blossomed into something more and when Shay discovered the truth about her family and Cody's she leaves. 9 y...more Secrets, passion, mystery and hot highland men! God I love this series!

Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second book in the Connor Clan series and from book one this series ended up on my favourites shelf. The first book was full of adventure, mysteries and love and this one was no different!

Cody MacBain was charged with the task of protecting Shay Logan but as children their friendship blossomed into something more and when Shay discovered the truth about her family and Cody's she leaves. 9 years later she is being stalked and returns to her childhood home to face her demons. What she finds is more secrets and a love she never imagined.

I love love loved this book! The story is incredible and so very well thought out. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next Clenney throws you a curve ball and you end up sitting there with your jaw on the floor and a smile on your face.

All the characters in this series are fun and lovable. Cody is so hot and sexy I wanted to crawl into the pages and wrap myself around him forever. He is also very sweet when it comes to Shay, that you swoon every time he opens his mouth. I loved that there was a lot of history between Shay and Cody and that in the end there was always going to be something that connected them.

Shay is a great character. I loved that she NEVER listed to Cody (or anyone else) when he told her to stay put and not get herself into trouble. I thought the secrets that both Cody and Shay were keeping where awesomely done and that Clenney did a great job of keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I am still solidly on LOVE with Ronan and the more I discover about him the more I want to read his book. But in this book the dynamics between Jaime and Cody kept me in stitches the whole time. I loved their fighting over Shay and you have got to love a book where 2 old ladies can drug a full grown man and sneak him out of the house in a wheel barrow!

I cannot WAIT for the next one in the series and I really hope Clenney can write like a demon and get them out quickly! :) (less)

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Oct 17, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second book in the Highland Warrior series by Anita Clenney and a Romance from SourceBooks Casablanca.

Book Blurb:

They were driven apart by a timeless secret...

Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay’s true identity was revealed, and the fated pair’s chance was gone...

But danger will drive th...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Lynda Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

After years away from her childhood home, Shay decides to spend the night there. Her aunt Nina is away, the house and all its memories are hers. But the first night, she awakes from a nightmare, hearing the floor boards creak under an intruders weight. Shay grabs the nearest weapon, a candlestick, and goes to investigate. She attacks the large shadowy form in the hallway but the man's reflexes are astounding. Before she knows it, the intruder has her in a death grip and demands to know who she i...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really am enjoying this series and it's a nice change from my normal, historical, genre. I find the characters well written, with the hero/heroine both alphas, which I find important in a contemporary setting. The book also does a good job of explaining how the "clan" deals with the issue of the paranormal in the modern world with technology, internet etc which helps to keep the reader engrossed in the story and not asking how could they do that.

This book continues the over arching story line...more

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Nov 12, 2011 Kathleen Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sourcebooks

Embrace the Highland Warrior is an action packed story of demons and vampires, good and evil. The story takes place in the US and Scotland and has lots of sexy men who are warriors, ridding the world of the nasty creatures that are out there, well in this book anyway. I liked all the characters that were introduced, the women feisty with supernatural powers of their own and the men to drool over. I especially loved Matilda, an old lady with lots of attitude and spunk. I enjoyed this story and fo...more

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Nov 13, 2011 Latte rated it 4 of 5 stars

A 3.5 rating. This was a vast improvement over the first book from the standpoint of readability. There are still parts that seemed as if it could use more detail. There isn't much explanation carried over from the first book and although I'd read that very recently, I still had a hard time remembering the characters from it and how they all related to each other when I read this book. In some ways I thought the first book was better. It was a bit more exciting. The paranormal bits are a bit mor...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Jennifer maracara rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received this book free on goodreads book giveaway. For me it was a little bit of a guilty pleasure. I'm afraid to say that liked the mix of fantasy and romance. The romance was overplayed and at times distracted from the plot. I like the character of Cody MacBain Highland warrior. Clenney did a wonderful job of making the men in the clan every woman's dream. Shay wasn't my favorite character. She seemed to miss the idea that her life was in danger. Every time Cody took his eyes off her she wa...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Delaney Burton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: prn-romance, romance, vampire, highland, read-in-2011

Loved this this book better then the 1st. I thought it was very well written. I loved the struggle for Shay about weather she wanted to back with Cody, if she trusted him again and if she ran off to soon to realize what was really going on. Loved that it had everyone from the 1st book in it and how Bree was now kinda the voice of reason for Shay and that Fealan was still over worried about her. Had some good funny spots in it. The only thing it was missing for me was, I was hoping it would have...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Lauren Murphy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance

I absolutely love this contemporary romance series which puts a lovely spin on your typical Highlander adventure.

Clenney had me hooked from the first few pages of Embrace the Highland Warrior.

She effortlessly creates chemistry between leading characters that lays the foundation for the remainder of the story. I was immediately drawn to Cody and Shay and invested in the success of their relationship from early on in the story.

After a break- in at her shop in Scotland, Shay decides to take a break...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Tina Moss rated it 5 of 5 stars

More of the mystery from the first book is revealed! This series keeps on giving.

Shay and Cody are childhood friends that turn into a romantic couple. Love the "friends to lovers" stories and this may be my favorite yet. We also get to see Faelan and Bree again (our hero and heroine from the first book). Nice to see returning characters who help shape and enhance the plot.

I cannot seem to put down Ms. Clenney's books, no matter what page I'm on. She doesn't give you time to breathe. The action...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-shelf, pnr-uf

This is book #2 in a series about Highland warriors of the Connor clan who battle demons and vampires to keep the humans of this world safe.

In this installment, we have Cody McBain and Shay Logan's story. Just like the first book we have action, intrigue, romance, and those handsome warriors in kilts.

Shay and Cody grew up as the boy and girl next door until he confesses that everything she thought was true about her family is a lie after one shared moment of intimacy. He kept back the secret of...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Ellie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Embrace the Highland Warrior By Anita Clenney
Connor Clan Book #2
Grade: C

“Are you waiting for a real knight in shining armor to show up?’
“Knights aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Armor tends to get rusty after a while.”

Shay Logan left Virginia nine years ago after her best friend and lover Cody, revealed that everything she had grown up believing was a lie. Her parents were not her real parents and she is really a part of a Scottish clan of warriors that battle demons and vampires. Someone be...more Embrace the Highland Warrior By Anita Clenney
Connor Clan Book #2
Grade: C

“Are you waiting for a real knight in shining armor to show up?’
“Knights aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Armor tends to get rusty after a while.”

Shay Logan left Virginia nine years ago after her best friend and lover Cody, revealed that everything she had grown up believing was a lie. Her parents were not her real parents and she is really a part of a Scottish clan of warriors that battle demons and vampires. Someone believes that she has an ancient book called the Book of Battles and that person will stop at nothing to get to Shay and the book. Shay must now depend on the people who once betrayed her trust and learn to find her own inner warrior to save herself and those she loves.
Cody MacBain has always loved Shay and done everything in his power to protect her even when they were little kids. He knows he betrayed her trust so many years ago but he refuses to lose her again. As a warrior in his clan, he has battled many demons and even destroyed one himself, but nothing prepares him for the battle he will have to face to save Shay, the Book of Battles and the future of his clan.
Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second book in the Connor Clan series and starts up right where Awaken the Highland Warrior leaves off. This book cannot be read as a stand alone and you should read them in order or else you will be very, very confused about what is going on. I was very confused for the first eighty pages of this book and I read the first book. The story begins with Cody and Shay reuniting and it takes a while for their relationship to be explained and even longer to find out why Shay left so many years ago. After a while the story doubles back and we get back into the warriors that we met in the previous book and back into familiar plot territory. I thought the long detour was unnecessary and very confusing.
Cody is introduced in AHW and we are given a little of his story but not much. I was very excited to read his book and found him to be a great highlander/alpha male. I thought he saved a lot of the book and made me want to keep reading. Shay on the other had was just okay. I wasn’t crazy about her but I don’t dislike her. I found her to be appealing and times and really annoying at others. Most of the time I wanted to yell at her for always running away when she got her feelings hurt or putting herself in harms way.
All the warriors from the first book return and we get to see how Bree and Faelan are adjusting to married life. I love the plot set ups for upcoming books and can’t wait for the next book Unleash the Highland Warrior which is Tavis, Faelan’s brother, and Anna who is a really great strong warrior in the clan. I hope that all of the warriors get their own book because I really think this could be a great series. I mean what’s not to love about highlanders, vampires and demons all rolled into one book?
Again, not the best book but certainly not a bad book. I think this is going to be a must read series and one that I will be looking forward to reading.(less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: must-have-in-paperback, read-and-reviewed-from-author-or-pu

May have slight spoilers.

I was so excited to get and ARC of this book from the author after reading and loving her first novel in the series, Awaken the Highland Warrior.
Awaken the Highland Warrior.

Cody, who is very swoon worthy, is our hero of this novel; we met him in the first novel and Shay is our heroine who I do not recall being made mentioned in the first novel.

There was plenty of fighting scenes in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat; there was also many romance scenes as well...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Steph rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-read

Before I started this book I did a quick read through my notes and highlights of the previous book Awaken the Highland Warrior (on my Kindle). After that I was even more excited to start this book. I remembered just how much I love this world that Anita Clenney had created and all the characters that come with it. I was a little worried because my hopes for this book were so high, too high maybe. But I was far from dissapointed.
This is the story of Cody MacBain and Shay Logan.
In the first boo...more Before I started this book I did a quick read through my notes and highlights of the previous book Awaken the Highland Warrior (on my Kindle). After that I was even more excited to start this book. I remembered just how much I love this world that Anita Clenney had created and all the characters that come with it. I was a little worried because my hopes for this book were so high, too high maybe. But I was far from dissapointed.
This is the story of Cody MacBain and Shay Logan.
In the first book we had the Hero and the Heroine that have never met and slowly build their relationship up from the ground. It was a fantstic love story. In this book however, Cody and Shay have been friends from toddlers to teenagers. They have already shared so much, come so far and at one sad point in their past lost every single piece of it and were separated for nine long years. I didn't think it was possible for me to like another couple as much as I liked Bree and Fealen but Cody and Shay really gave them a run for their money. I loved the fact that little slices of their past were slotted in through out the book. For me reading about the past usually just annoys me, and is distracting from the present but Anita worked it in perfectly. Showing us the past and all the things they have been though together, and separated, just soilidified their friendship and their love for eachother. It really was beautiful.
The story in this book was again genius. I love that we get to see some of the storyline from the 'bad guys' point of view. We are slowly learning more about them, what their goals are and as scary and twisted as it is, getting inside their heads. I am intrigued as to where the story will go next.
Last of all is probably one of my favourite things about this series, all the other characters...
I was thrilled that the first time we got to see Bree again she was with Ronan. Ronan has become her best friend despite the fact that Fealen, her gorgeous (even if a little over protective) husband hates it. Ronan is too attractive for his own good and could charm the nickers off just about any woman in the world. Well except Bree ;) I still want to know why they have such a big connection. Why does Ronan feel the need to protect her and look after her so strongly when her husband is perfectly capable? There is deffinately more to come about them. The three of them together were just hilarious.
Cody's brothers Marcas and Lachlen were great. They have also grown up around Shay so they already love her like a sister. I think that's what makes this series as special as it is. The Clan is just like one great big family. They all fight, drive each other crazy and at some point they just want to hit eacother but when it somes down to it they are a team, a family. They will do anything, go to any lengths to protect each other and keep each other safe, and what this series does is make you feel like a part of that family.
Well done Anita, another fantastic book to add to this series. I can't wait to see who's book we will get next and I know that the other members of the Clan will never be far behind.(less)

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Embrace the Highland Warrior (Connor Clan #2)

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