Tempted by the Highland Warrior (MacKinloch Clan, #3) by Michelle Willingham

Jun 27, 2012 Amanda P rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, review-copy-provided, own-as-an-ebook, hot-and-steamy

This was my first book by Michelle Willingham and I have to say I am impressed! I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book, I was a bit reserved after having seen it was a third book in a series. However, that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. I do not feel it was necessary to have read the previous two books to understand this title it easily stands up as a standalone. M. Willingham’s writing quickly swept me up in this tale starting from when Lady Marguerite is startled f...more This was my first book by Michelle Willingham and I have to say I am impressed! I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book, I was a bit reserved after having seen it was a third book in a series. However, that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. I do not feel it was necessary to have read the previous two books to understand this title it easily stands up as a standalone. M. Willingham’s writing quickly swept me up in this tale starting from when Lady Marguerite is startled from her sleep by tortured screams and she finds herself tending to Callum’s tortured back. From their first meeting you feel the connection between these two kindred spirits. Both are locked in chains, but their chains are entirely different. Hers are of her title and gender and his are that of a prisoner of war.

From the age of 12 Callum has been held prisoner, tortured to the brink of death more times than he can remember, his voice gone after one especially vicious torture where he refused to let them hear him scream. His body eventually recovered but his voice never did, his flesh is yet again recovering from a whipping when Lady Marguerite is awakened and comes to his aid thinking it is him who screamed. There was something in the way she cared for him that gave him a renewed vigor for life, even for the possibility of seeing her once more before he dies. Callum, does not give up, even against insurmountable odds, he keeps on going, in chains or out of them. He is an inspiration and one of my favorite highland warriors to date. How can you not love a man that doesn’t give up on his woman even when facing his own death, you just can’t. There is no defense against that, his love just pours out of him and after the life he has led it is a miracle he can love at all. He is a proud, strong, intelligent, highland warrior and I too would have given up everything to be with this man.

With Marguerite, she is such a kind lady; when she tends to Callum’s wounds you immediately have a soft spot for her. She is so gentle with him and brings him back not just from the physical brink but from the mental too. When he is finally free and he is half out of his mind and she tends to him again with such caring and understanding, you just know these two belong. Then, she gets home and is locked back up into her invisible chains yet again and Callum comes for her, I about started to dislike her, but that was my modern woman coming out. I really had to set that aside and remember we are in the 1300’s and she is the daughter of a Duke, considered no more than mere property and then I’m ok, you go girl. These might be tiny rebellions in today’s standards but in 1300’s standards they were HUGE! She had some balls after all and I started liking her again. She had to work with what she could, how she could, it might not have been the best way but it was the only way she could figure at the time. And one huge thing to her credit is she doesn’t give up, if it meant her life or his, she’d do what she had to, to make sure he still had his. By the end she had some serious courage and did what a girl had to do, even if it meant plunging to her death, because even death was a better fate then what her father had planned for her…

I highly recommend this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I remembered why I loved highlanders so much, it’s been a while since I have read a highlander book that I enjoyed as much as this one. The characters leapt right off the page; their emotions felt real, the character development was well done. The scenes were rich and full of life. And oh how the sensuality smoldered as Callum and Marguerite discovered theirs together for the first time. I didn’t expect this historical to be as steamy as it was so I was in for a very pleasant surprise to find that the sexuality simmered and created a delicious tension between these two. I also found that in a strange way Callum’s inability to talk in a way increased their communication as they had to rely so much on the non-verbal, but from the beginning they had such a deep connection between them that Marguerite, never seemed to not know what Callum was thinking. I know as soon as I am able to find some time, I will be going back and reading the first two books in this series and finding any other books I can from Michelle Willingham, I believe she also has a series about an Irish family, I know I won’t be passing that up!
Rating: 4.5
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Jul 27, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Callum and Marguerite's story was well worth the wait for those of you who, like me, have been waiting for Callum's happily ever after. Michelle Willingham has once again delivered a story that will grip your from the very first to the very last word. Her way with the written word will have you laughing, crying and hoping her characters will be able to overcome each and every obstacle that is thrown in their path. Whether you're struggling along with Callum as he tries to find his voice again, l...more

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Jul 10, 2012 kari rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 5-star

Delightfully surprising.
I don't read too many romance novels. Not that I have anything against them, but they are sometimes somewhat formualic. The hero and heroine have lots of amazing sex while not really liking one another until they suddenly realize that, oh yeah, they actually do. Again, not that I mind that, but I have to be in the frame of mind to just let it go. Please understand, if you are a lover of romance novels, I mean absolutely no disrespect and I do occasionally join in the fun...more Delightfully surprising.
I don't read too many romance novels. Not that I have anything against them, but they are sometimes somewhat formualic. The hero and heroine have lots of amazing sex while not really liking one another until they suddenly realize that, oh yeah, they actually do. Again, not that I mind that, but I have to be in the frame of mind to just let it go. Please understand, if you are a lover of romance novels, I mean absolutely no disrespect and I do occasionally join in the fun of reading them.
So, imagine how happy I was to find a story here worth reading, with fully developed characters and a believable plot. Who knew, right?
Callum isn't the typical hero, not by a long shot. He isn't the thirty year old experienced knight riding in to either save the heroine or claim her. He is a broken young man, broken in body and spirit who is saved by the heroine, Marguerite. The bond that is immediately forged between them saves him and binds him to her in a way that is believable and heart-aching. (My one hint of criticism would be that he seems to be very sex-wise for an inexperienced man of nineteen or twenty, but I let that go. I know it's a romance novel so the sex is going to be all that. Just a little bit of unbelievablility on that particular issue for me.)
And in another change-up of the typical storyline, Marguerite is the one who is hesitant and unable to see what is right in front of her. Her choices and the consequences of them were very real for the time and place the story is set. Again, it was believable. The fact that she couldn't find a way out of her situation was well done. I think for many if not most young women of this time, at least women of the nobility and men, also, to some degree, their lives weren't lived by their own choice.
Additionally, the author has the time correct. Neither tartans or kilts were worn at this time so I was glad to see that she didn't have everyone running about in plaid kilts. I know that's a small thing, but it is in fact the small things that make a book better and this one is definitely on the better variety.
*edit* I should add that this is the third of a series, but you won't have any trouble enjoying it without having read the others. I haven't read them and everyone and everything was clear to me. Some of the secondary characters would be more rounded out, I'm sure, had I read the others, but there was enough that I knew who was who and their relationships. I may or may not read the others as this story is very complete.*end edit*
For something out of the ordinary, definitely give this one a try.(less)

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Jul 01, 2012 Thaís rated it 4 of 5 stars

Do you believe in love at first sight? I do! I've had the chance to look at someone in the eyes and feel as if we had known each other all our lives. It gives me goosebumps to this day. And I relived that when I had the chance to read "Tempted by the Highland Warrior". And so much more...

The main characters have a connection from the second they met, a bond so strong that it empowers our heroine, who otherwise would only abide by the rules. Their love seems impossible and you cannot help but goi...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Nevey Berry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

One of the best romance story I have every lived within the pages of a book.

Review: Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

-Title: Tempted by the Highland Warrior
- Series: Tempted by the Highland Warrior
-Author: Michelle Willingham
-Genera : Historical Romance
-Age Group: Adult
-Publisher: Published June 19th 2012 by Harlequin
-Source: NetGalley
-Rating: 5 /5

-My Review; I don't know where to begin, for the first time in my life a novel makes me speechless. Marry me Callum MacKinloch i...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Rosie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cast your minds back to a bygone age of maidens and betrothals. In this story, the gorgeous Lady Marguerite de Montpierre meets the tortured Scott; Callum, festering silently in her betrothed's dungeons.
Callum is lifted by this spiritual moment and vows to stay alive for her.
I love the passion in the story, where each lover reaches out for the other, despite the chains that bind them both. Teaching each other skills that come in handy as the story unfolds.

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Jul 01, 2012 Harlequin Books added it

Shelves: harlequin_historical, 2012

Miniseries: The MacKinloch Clan
Category: Historical Romance

"Willingham successfully draws readers into an emotional and atmospheric new tale of the Clan MacKinloch. Allowing a gentle heroine to tame a hero who has lost his ability to speak draws readers into the story and keeps them enthralled to the very end. Well-crafted, brimming with historical details and romantic from beginning to end, this is Willingham at her best." RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

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Sep 03, 2012 M.K. McClintock rated it 3 of 5 stars

A Reader's Opinion: I had a like/dislike relationship with this book. Please note that I haven't read the first two books in this series, but other than possibly missing out on some family background, the book read like a stand-alone. The simple blurb gives the reader a good idea of what the book is about, so I won't be repeating that here.

So what did I like about the book? I read a lot of Highlander stories and this is the first where I've come across a handicapped hero and I thought that was a...more A Reader's Opinion: I had a like/dislike relationship with this book. Please note that I haven't read the first two books in this series, but other than possibly missing out on some family background, the book read like a stand-alone. The simple blurb gives the reader a good idea of what the book is about, so I won't be repeating that here.

So what did I like about the book? I read a lot of Highlander stories and this is the first where I've come across a handicapped hero and I thought that was an interesting touch by the author. Because of his disability, dialogue was a premium in this story, which did take some getting used to, but it worked. I also liked Callum. As a wounded hero, I felt he was well-written, and though he may not be a typical knight-in-shining-armour type, the author did a good job with this character considering his disadvantages. I also liked the struggles and challenges faced by the characters. It wasn't an easy love and I appreciated that the characters had to endure hardships. Callum's love for Marguerite was believable and kind considering what he went through. This is definitely a story where the under-dog wins.

My difficulties with the book? One of my favorite things about reading a story set in the Scottish Highlands is the setting--this story lacked that. Sometimes it felt modern and I had to remind myself that they were in fact in the Highlands. The men didn't feel like Highlanders and despite liking most of them, I didn't connect with any of the characters. The sex scenes--very graphic. Normally I skip over these, just considering everything that Callum went through, I read through one to see how he fared. I felt as though the graphic scenes were just thrown in there rather than adding any value nor were the scenes tastefully done.

In the end, I probably would have actually enjoyed this book more if the lack of setting and too many sex scenes hadn't detracted from the story. I would likely recommend this book to readers who enjoy an easy romance story and who don't mind a lot of graphic scenes.

Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review through NetGalley. (less)

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Aug 11, 2012 Shauni rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am really enjoying my experience with Netgalley. Not only have I been able to read some of my favorite authors way ahead of their release but I am finding some really great new authors. Michelle Willingham is a refreshing find. She manages to find the romance in the deepest pit of despair and makes it shine.

Tamed by the Highland Warrior is her fourth book in The MacKinloch Clan Series. A touching story about two people that shouldn't work.

Callum MacKinloch was captured as a child by a sadistic...more I am really enjoying my experience with Netgalley. Not only have I been able to read some of my favorite authors way ahead of their release but I am finding some really great new authors. Michelle Willingham is a refreshing find. She manages to find the romance in the deepest pit of despair and makes it shine.

Tamed by the Highland Warrior is her fourth book in The MacKinloch Clan Series. A touching story about two people that shouldn't work.

Callum MacKinloch was captured as a child by a sadistic English lord. Held for over seven years he subject to unimaginable torture until one day he looses the ability to speak. Now mute, he can not even cry out his pain. His brother had managed to escape and had promised to return for him but Callum had begun to despair. Beaten to the last of his strength he was saved by an angel of mercy.

Lady Marguerite de Montpierre is held in a gilded cage. A prison of family and duty. Betrothed to the very monster who has been torturing Scots she manages to escape when Callum's family came for him. Once Callum is saved Marguerite finds true freedom. Healing him, calming him down and learning about family is an amazing experience for her. Until her father "rescues" her and returns her home. Only to begin his search for a new betrothed for her.

I am finding lately there are stories about warriors that are damaged. Learning how to deal with a handicap in medieval times is an interesting twist. How would people communicate? I mean there wasn't any significant sign language.. there isn't an official way to communicate. Even Callum's family thinks he is at best brain damaged.. No one understands why he isn't speaking.

Marguerite is raised in what was probably the typical manner for those times. An arranged marriage to someone that would increase the family lands, money and prestige. An instance she accepted.. that was life. Until one moment changed everything. She wanted more, she wanted life and love. She wanted to be able to choose. To be respected as an individual not as a pawn family dynamics.

Add to it the prejudices of the day, family loyalty and Love. Yes love, between a father and a daughter. One that can not be torn even when both parties disagree strongly with each other.

This was a good book and one anyone will enjoy and even though it is later in the series, it reads well as a stand alone. So if you want some good Highlander summer reading check this out.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Tempted by the Highland Warrior provided by Netgalley

For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy (less)

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Jul 28, 2012 Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, highlander

You can find this review and more at Forever Book Lover.
I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull this off, writing for a character who couldn't not speak, but she did it and she did it in spades. Wonderful stretch of her writing ability, bravo to Ms Willingham.

Callum and Marguerite were kindered sprits, both imprisoned, she by the invisible chains of her father in arranging her marriage and Callum who has been imprisoned by chains since he was twelve.

Marguerite risks it all by coming to...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Katinki rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: silly-little-highlander-romances

at best a 2, more like 1.5 tbh

since i apparently have this strange new affinity for these highland romances (i find them somehow cute/sweetish, oddly entertaining, and very amusing), i decided to give this book a go.

meh. it wasn't as fun as some of the others i've read.

- it's too long. and that's a weird thing for me to say since i like long books. but it just kind of goes on and on and on, and there's so much repetition.
- i kind of missed the amusing "patois" that some of these highland ro...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Sharon Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham is part of the MacKinloch series of historical romances that can each stand alone, but offer more to the readers when read in order. I have only read one other book in the series, and am hoping to get my hands on a few more in the near future. In this book, Callum MacKinloch has suffered years of torture and is physically finally free, but his voice is still lost to him. Lady Marguerite de Montpierre's offered him aide and comfort one night...more Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham is part of the MacKinloch series of historical romances that can each stand alone, but offer more to the readers when read in order. I have only read one other book in the series, and am hoping to get my hands on a few more in the near future. In this book, Callum MacKinloch has suffered years of torture and is physically finally free, but his voice is still lost to him. Lady Marguerite de Montpierre's offered him aide and comfort one night of his captivity, but is captive to her position and father's expectations. They know that there is no future together, but both find it hard to accept and risk everything to treasure the moments, and memories. Marguerite can calm Callum's soul, but will she be able to stand up to her father, or walk away from everything and risk being hunted down, in order to have true love?

Tempted by the Highland Warrior is an enthralling read. Callum lost his voice, and still managed to communicate with Marguerite. The challenges of writing a character with his past and issues is not easy, but he is very much a three dimensional character that rings true, Marguerite is a good character, she demonstrates the troubles and struggles that women of her rank faced in the past. She cared about the servants are guards in the castle as people, rather than as those to be looked down on our used, with made me like her and hold some respect for her. However, there were several moments when I just wanted to yell at her and tell her to run off with Callum and forget her father. The conclusion was well done, and tied everything up nicely, although while reading there were a couple times when I thought it could have come a little sooner.

Tempted by the Highland Warrior is a good historical romance, and there are few heroes sexier that a highland warrior (in my opinion). I think fan's of the series and the author will enjoy the story, and readers that love a alpha man with a vulnerability will particularly enjoy the book. It was not my favorite of the era or the author's, but it will not stop me from reading more by Michelle Willingham. I look forward to reading more of her highland romances in the future, hopefully near future!(less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

Fantastic book. I have been waiting for Callum's story and it kept me turning the pages. After seven years of captivity and torture, Callum was found by Marguerite, his captor's fiancee. She treated his wounds and her kindness gave Callum the will to go on. When he was finally rescued, he found her at his family's home, waiting for the arrival of her father. He was coming to get her for a new betrothal. Callum was in bad shape, unable to speak and having a hard time adjusting to his freedom. Mar...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander, historical-romance, medieval-romance, new-to-me-authors-in-2012, read-in-2012, read-june-2012

Residing at her betrothed’s keep while her father is away, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre is horrified by her husband’s cruelty toward everyone, but in particular his Scottish prisoners. One night she hears the pained screams of one of the prisoners. Despite her maid’s protests and her own misgivings, Marguerite goes in search of the injured man. She manages to save him from the brink of death, but during her betrothed’s rage when the other MacKinlochs come for him, Marguerite flees with them whe...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Sarah Weaver rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'll start by saying that I discovered Michelle Willinghams books about a year ago and have loved every book of hers that I have read so far and actually re-read them before reading her newest release, Tempted by the Highland Warrior. Her new release focuses on Callum and Marguerite. The two meet while Callum is imprisoned and tortured by Lord Cainross, Marguerite's betrothed. Marguerite discovers Callum on the brink of death and becomes his angel on Earth caring for him when he is at his weakes...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Mindy Hartman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me start off as I have been a fan of Michelle Willingham’s work for years and have read everything she has wrote. Let me tell you she really out did her self this time. TEMPTED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR by Harlequin Historical author Michelle Willingham is a fabulous story of a tortured man who doesn’t seem to be able to find his voice and a caring sweet woman who is not a scot but a daughter to a French Lord, who helps him find it on their roller coaster journey to love! I love how she brings...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Gail rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: medieval-must-read

The sign of a great writer is that the characters and story line are so well written that you feel, visualize and are aware of your surroundings as the story unfolds and comes to life. The characters and story are written with such clarity one feels they are there in time and place. From the first page of Michelle Willingham's advanced reading copy Tempted by the Highland Warrior to the last page, I couldn't put the book down. Callum was so protective of Lady Marguerite and it was love at first...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-keeper

I was very lucky to get this book as an advanced copy and big thanks go to Michelle for it.

This was a roller coaster of a read. From start to finish, the storyline kept me on an eternal "will they, won't they?" Ooooh they are getting together...and then a huge NOOOOOOO!!!. Loved the ending and after reading this was buzzed, and immediately told husband about it.

I loved the characters and the setting took me back to the "Highlander" times. The fact that Callum cannot talk, and Marguerite is the...more

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May 28, 2012 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

As I finished this book it brought a huge satisfied smile to my face. Tempted by the Highland Warrior is everything a love story should be in my opinion; Instant attraction, intrigue, rich history, gentle, loving, intimate moments stolen and desires fulfilled. With Marguerite and Callum's first encounter she feels an immediate attraction. She doesn't understand it other than he needs help and she can give it. From this beginning, with her first touch, the two have a soul connection that cannot b...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Michelle [Helen Geek] rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-netgalley, tbr-kindle, tm_challenge_2013_in_2013, 3-star, historical, ntm_author_2013, scottish

01/07/2013 -- 3 Stars

I had forgotten about this book and found it as I was scanning my Kindle. It was an okay read. It started really good, but then kind of fizzled. It was the story of a warrior tortured to the point he lost his voice. Better in concept than in execution.

ARC provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

+++++++++++++++++++
ARC received on 07/20/2012.

Available 07/01/2012 .. $5 on Amazon and B&N.

New author but sounds very good.

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Jul 09, 2012 Farrah rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

Started off shaky but ended up being a lovely story about fighting for love. The beginning was a little frustrating, but it turned out to be a wonderful book in the end.

First off, the romance in this book is phenomenal. The love between Marguerite and Callum is the kind of love that saves loves, incites bravery, and changes lives. From the beginning, their love was pure and lovely. I think the most beautiful part of i...more This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

Started off shaky but ended up being a lovely story about fighting for love. The beginning was a little frustrating, but it turned out to be a wonderful book in the end.

First off, the romance in this book is phenomenal. The love between Marguerite and Callum is the kind of love that saves loves, incites bravery, and changes lives. From the beginning, their love was pure and lovely. I think the most beautiful part of it is the fact that the glimpse of love that Callum got from Marguerite while he was still imprisoned motivated him to fight for life. From then on, it moves from fledgling romance, to fiery passion, to eternal devotion. The romance was, without a doubt, the best part of the story.

Now to the characters. There isn't much mention of characters other than the two main ones. They're there, but secondary characters don't play a very big role. Which is good or bad depending on your preferences. I liked that the story was focused on the love, as is obvious after I gushed about the romance. Marguerite was frustrating to me in the beginning. After showing bravery by helping Callum, she just loses her spine. When she has to either fight for Callum or submit to an arranged marriage, she doesn't really do anything other than offer a few feeble protests. It frustrated me so much that she had no backbone. I spent a large portion of the book wanting to shake her. I knew that she had bravery buried in there somewhere, but she wasn't showing it. Eventually, she does grow a spine, but only after causing me to get this close to throwing a fit. She was my one main problem. That whole coward thing just didn't work for me. However, I could understand why she was so submissive, and that kept me from getting too irritated. She was the youngest daughter, accustomed to obeying commands. And after she found her bravery, I had to forgive her. Because when she decides to fight for her love, she doesn't do it half-way. She goes all out. So, I ended up liking her.

Callum is a much easier story to tell. I liked him from beginning to end. After being stuck in captivity for years, the poor man is broken. He's physically weakened and he's lost his voice. And once he finds his salvation in Marguerite, he holds on to that love with everything he has. He risks his life fighting for Marguerite and refuses to give her up. His determination and devotion were SO sweet. I absolutely adored him for it. He was absolutely perfect, one of the best romance heroes I've seen. Hot, tormented, devoted. What more could you want?

The story is, as I said, largely focused on the romance. The extra bits of political intrigue were interesting and added a lot to the story. The plot is paced well. It doesn't go by particularly fast, but it doesn't drag either. It's more like the author takes her time unfurling the plot to its best advantage. The ending was wonderful, just perfect. I was so glad that the two lovebirds got their happiness after all the tremendous struggle they went through.

Tempted by the Highland Warrior is a wonderful book, one I would recommend to any lover of historical romance.

4/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!(less)

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Jul 04, 2012 Ezinwanyi~For you, Agron (Mira, Crixus, Gannicus & Spartacus) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ezinwanyi, ezinwanyi-s-bookstore, romance

3.5 stars.

This book was about Callum MacKinloch, a Scottish lad, who had been imprisoned since he was seven years old. During his period of imprisonment, he stopped talking completely. One night, after one of the torture sessions, Callum screamed drawing the attention of Lady Marguerite de Montpierre, the captor’s fiancée. When she thought no one was paying attention, Marguerite went and tended to Callum’s wounds. Something in that moment transpired between them and bound them to each other.

Th...more 3.5 stars.

This book was about Callum MacKinloch, a Scottish lad, who had been imprisoned since he was seven years old. During his period of imprisonment, he stopped talking completely. One night, after one of the torture sessions, Callum screamed drawing the attention of Lady Marguerite de Montpierre, the captor’s fiancée. When she thought no one was paying attention, Marguerite went and tended to Callum’s wounds. Something in that moment transpired between them and bound them to each other.

This book was enjoyable. One thing that I loved was that their connection and love for each other NEVER waivered. It was constant and it was deep. I liked that the author gave the H a big disability. I expected way more miscommunication between the two. However, their unusual understanding of what the other was feeling or even needed, was probably the most romantic theme in this book. They didn’t need words, just a touch, a look etc. Very romantic indeed!

I wanted to give this book four stars, but there were a number of things that gnawed at me.

****SPOILERISH ISSUES****

I wondered how a man, who can’t make sounds, can yell loud enough to bring Marguerite from her room.
I wondered about his knowledge of sex and positions since he was imprisoned at 7yrs old and he had only witnessed sex once briefly in prison.
I wondered how he could say a complicated word like Marguerite when he hasn't spoken in over a decade. He should be able to make guttural sounds, but to say the heroine's name, was a big stretch.
I wondered how the earl gave Marguerite that much compassion considering that time period.

I loved that Callum knew that Marguerite was his salvation. He was not going to let her go without doing all he could do to win her hand. I loved the compassion that Marguerite had for others, including her father. They both possessed great integrity and strength. The story was emotional and the ending was very satisfying. I recommend it to romance lovers.

***Received from Netgalley***(less)

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Jun 21, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the best Highlander book I have read in a long time. It has such a fantastic tortured hero. Callum was taken prisoner when he was only 12 years old. For seven long years, he was tortured. It not only battered his body, but it stole his voice.

One night, Lady Marguerite sees his suffering firsthand. She is betrothed to his captor, but she takes care of Callum. She nurses his wounds and gives him the first comfort he has known in years. The two form a connection right away, and even after C...more This is the best Highlander book I have read in a long time. It has such a fantastic tortured hero. Callum was taken prisoner when he was only 12 years old. For seven long years, he was tortured. It not only battered his body, but it stole his voice.

One night, Lady Marguerite sees his suffering firsthand. She is betrothed to his captor, but she takes care of Callum. She nurses his wounds and gives him the first comfort he has known in years. The two form a connection right away, and even after Callum is sent away to be tortured by someone else, his memories of Marguerite help him hold on to his fragile threads of sanity.

When Callum's brothers come to finally rescue him, he is gone. But Marguerite makes her escape from her wretched fiance with the MacKinlochs. So when they finally do track Callum down, the two are reunited. Their time together is brief, though, because her father comes for her quickly and has her engaged to someone else in a heartbeat. Callum goes after Marguerite, knowing he can't live without her.

I love Callum so much. He can't speak, but we hear his thoughts. Marguerite is his sun and moon... his savior. And she loves him too. They have so many things stacked against them, it seems impossible for them to make it work. But their stolen moments are so tender and so good. Callum has been through hell, but he will do anything to be with Marguerite. He is strong, but manages to be gentle with her.

Their obstacles are very real and my heart broke for them when they seemed insurmountable. I hated Marguerite's father and (view spoiler) The sexual tension between Callum and Marguerite was good and I enjoyed the payoff, but it was more about the love there than anything else.

This is book three in MacKinloch series, but I think this would work easily as a standalone. There's not much in the way of a brogue, since our hero can't speak, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to anyone who loves a Highlander or a tortured hero story. I loved it.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley(less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Jonetta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Callum MacKinloch was imprisoned for seven years by the Earl of Cairnross. Following a particularly cruel beating where he was left for dead, the earl's betrothed, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre, was drawn to the young warrior and tended his wounds. Callum's reason for living was the vision of this lovely woman and gives him strength to hang on until he's rescued. Meanwhile, Marguerite, the daughter of a French duke who is anxious to see her married to English nobility to improve his standing in...more

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Jul 02, 2012 rameau rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, historical, romance, read-in-2012

Callum MacKinloch has been a prisoner from a very young age. On a night of another bad beating he's tended to and saved by his capturer's young betrothed, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre. What she doesn't know is that by saving his life she's prolonging his captivity. His brothers are coming to free him, but he's not there. Marguerite is and she takes her opportunity to escape an unwanted marriage.

She ends up living with the MacKinloch clan for a time and gets to know Callum's family. She's there...more Callum MacKinloch has been a prisoner from a very young age. On a night of another bad beating he's tended to and saved by his capturer's young betrothed, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre. What she doesn't know is that by saving his life she's prolonging his captivity. His brothers are coming to free him, but he's not there. Marguerite is and she takes her opportunity to escape an unwanted marriage.

She ends up living with the MacKinloch clan for a time and gets to know Callum's family. She's there when they finally bring him home and she's the only one who can reach him through his silence. Callum struggles to adjust to life without chains and to loving a woman who is to be taken home to her father and found another husband. He finds himself unable to let her go.

I believe it was Joss Whedon who said that communication stops when people start to talk--or something to that effect. He was talking about Hush, the silent episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and he was right. Not having words to fall back on, forces people--and characters--to show what they mean, to communicate through action without the frivolous words to hide behind.

And that's where the magic of this book lies. Callum is a prisoner of his silence but it frees him to do what he feels he must. He goes after Marguerite and shows her his respect and love for her in countless ways. There are misunderstandings, but they're of Marguerite's making. She still her voice and all the binds come with it. She has her family, her station in life, her fears and insecurities, but being with Callum makes her challenge the norms.

It's a thing of beauty to read.

I was all set to give this book four stars and then the second half of the book happened. The plot was still going strong but I was sorely disappointed with the evolution of the romance. It seemed that the more Callum talked, the less I cared. Him finding his voice should have been a huge, monumental, moment for him and for everyone around him. His family should have been shown to feel ashamed for treating him like half-wit and his words should have carried more weight after such a long period of silence.

It didn't happen. His regained speech was par for the course and the things about his character I loved in the beginning simply disappeared. It wasn't about meaningful kisses and touches anymore, it wasn't about showing how important Marguerite was to him. It was about sex.

There was also a touch of unnecessary melodrama. Instead of picking the more believable course of action and marrying Lord Penrith--for not doing so I thought her very foolish--and keeping Callum as a lover, Marguerite and the author struggle to conform to the genre generated expectations. Callum and Marguerite must be each other's firsts in every sense of word.

I really thought the book poorer for it. Still, I loved the beginning.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.(less)

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Jul 06, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, romance

Yes - this book features a silent hero, and it is wonderful in so many ways. Think about the kind of skill and craft that one would have to wield in order to turn out dialogue scenes that are missing half their lines but aren't missing any of the communication or emotional punch. In case you're wondering, that's a hell of a lot of craft and skill, and Willingham brought them both to the party. But the best part is that even though I had a pretty good idea of how difficult those scenes were to wr...more Yes - this book features a silent hero, and it is wonderful in so many ways. Think about the kind of skill and craft that one would have to wield in order to turn out dialogue scenes that are missing half their lines but aren't missing any of the communication or emotional punch. In case you're wondering, that's a hell of a lot of craft and skill, and Willingham brought them both to the party. But the best part is that even though I had a pretty good idea of how difficult those scenes were to write and could guess how many times she had to go back and edit them in order to get them right, you really can't tell when you're reading them. And that, I think, is the mark of a truly well written scene--that one can completely forget that it took craft and skill in order to produce it.

This book is just lovely. Callum is dreamy with all his tortured hero angst. He was absolutely my favorite part of the book, and I loved how his story, as it was told through the book, demonstrated his healing process. I love it when writers show me changes in their characters rather than telling me. It would have been so easy for Willingham to write, "Callum healed a little bit with every encounter with Marguerite." Thank God, she didn't. Instead, we get to watch Callum heal and grow, and it's magical.

There were a couple of things that bothered me, but they have more to do with the setting (Scotland in the 1300s) than with anything else. Although Marguerite gains her strength (eventually), it takes her a frustratingly long time to get there. I couldn't quite understand the relationship between Marguerite and her father -- he just seemed like a right asshole to me, and it didn't make sense that she would hold him in such high regard. But, to be fair, it really would be jarringly anachronistic if she behaved with greater independence, so I can't really hold it against the book that Marguerite was a biddable character until she (finally) realized she had something to fight for.

All told, I recommend this book to anyone who loves a tortured hero as much as I do and is tolerant of a book that gently meanders rather than races to its finish. I enjoyed the slightly slower pace as it gives one time to appreciate all of the emotional movement that occurs in this book - and that's a lot of emotional movement, let me tell you - but if your tastes run more toward plot-driven romps, this is not the book for you.(less)

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Jun 29, 2012 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: covers-i-want-to-lick, highland-medieval-tudor-ancient, historical-romance, covers-that-are-gorgeous, warrior, net_galley

I quite enjoyed this one, provided by netgalley, but felt it was missing something, and I struggled a bit to get emotionally engaged in it.

What did I like?

- The hero is one super-dreamy, wounded-warrior, alpha male, but stricken with the loss of his voice. He's also a Scottish Highlander, and is pretty handy with a bow and arrow. His inability to speak and his horrible life as a prisoner has made him an intriguingly patient man, which I really liked.

- The heroine is a young, demure, obedient ari...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Melanie Rose Meadors rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tuesday night I started reading Michelle Willingham's Tempted by the Highland Warrior. I finished it Wednesday night. For me, a homeschooling mom who has only so many minutes to steal from a day for reading (never mind my writing), this is a rare thing! But I could not put this book down. Ladies and gentlemen, read this book and observe how a short historical romance should be written. Never once while reading this book did I wonder "Well, why can't the heroine just...?" Never once did I say, "C...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Scooper Speaks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Favorite Lines: “Marguerite was the one person who had never treated him as if he were weak-minded or less than whole. In her eyes, he had been the warrior he wanted to be.” (p. 70, e-galley)

Tempted by the Highland Warrior is a star-crossed lovers, historical romance set in 1305 Scotland. There’s the poor enslaved Highlander and the rich Noblewoman who wants him, but is promised in marriage to a wealthy nobleman. She is innocent and empathetic to everyone to the point that she is afraid to grab...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Alisha-Dear Constant Reader rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Every once in a while I decide that I need to read a good romance. They are good for the soul. How I've decided this bit of wisdom doesn't really matter. Let's just say I have amassed quite a collection of romances following my own sage advice. So, when I was offered the chance to read Tempted By The Highland Warrior, I said, "Sure!"

Overall I was fairly disappointed in this book. The writing left a lot to be desired. There was very little description of the overall surroundings, which resulted i...more

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Tempted by the Highland Warrior (MacKinloch Clan #3)

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