To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander, #2) by Karen Marie Moning

Jun 28, 2011

♥ Sam ♥ ~S2~Im made of awesomness rated it

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Shelves: highlanders, historical-romance, buddy-read, blog-reviews-for-my-wenchy, kilt-wearing-babes, paper-back, regency, romance

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To Tame a Highland Warrior -

The second book in this series, I have to say was maybe a little better than the first. I loved the berserker aspect. I thought it was HAWT, but I wish he used his berserker just a little more. I didn’t even see Grim portrayed as anything than a butler in the first book so I was completely taken off guard when it was revealed he was a berserker.

So Grimm turned Berserker at a very young age...morehttp://shamelessromancereviews.blogspot....

To Tame a Highland Warrior -

The second book in this series, I have to say was maybe a little better than the first. I loved the berserker aspect. I thought it was HAWT, but I wish he used his berserker just a little more. I didn’t even see Grim portrayed as anything than a butler in the first book so I was completely taken off guard when it was revealed he was a berserker.

So Grimm turned Berserker at a very young age and with a huge fear of hurting the ones he loved, purposely built no physical attachments to anyone. Grimm is called back to his Foster home to watch over and ensure the safety of the daughter of the man he called his father. Unbeknown to him he is actually in the running to win the heart of Jillian St. Clair.

Grimm and Jillian clash like cats and dogs! And somehow Jillian ends every conversation with the three words ‘I hate you!’

Both characters were great and funny – one minute they hate each other the next they question their feelings. In the end you could have cut the tension with a knife!

So when these two finally do get down and dirty – oh baby, its BERSERKER STYLE!

I felt the story lingered a long time of them both wanting each other but not actually acting on it. Tortured heroes are always great, but I think the veil needed to be lifted a little sooner in this one.

So what didn’t I like about the book? I hated that Grimm just assumed that Jillian wouldn’t love him if she knew what he really was. He just assumed he would lose control of his berserker and hurt her like his father presumable hurt his mother. Which leads me to my next cry baby whinge – he made WAYYY to many assumptions without thinking things thru. I was pissed thru a lot of the book thinking he needed to just get of his pedal stool and ask some questions.

Oh and this one is the only one in the series so far that I have read that didn’t involve time travel.

Otherwise a well written story, with only better books to come.
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Jun 12, 2011

Lady Vale rated it

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Shelves: pnr-romance

I loved this book.

Really, I don't get why people say that you could skip the first two books in the series and it wouldn't matter. This first 2 books may not be as good as the rest but IMHO they are still worth of being read. The first one was good, but this one was awesome. I know that this will be another series to add to my favs list soon. I'm not adding this book to that list, but if the rest of the books in the series are even better than this one they'll end up there because t...more

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Apr 12, 2011

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* rated it

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Shelves: author-karen-marie-moning, highlanders, highlander-super-strength, series-highlander-moning, starts-with-q-thru-t, 4-stars, 2011-reads, reviewed-by-me, time-travel-not

I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. After reading the first one and being underwhelmed by the time travel aspect, I assumed this one would be much the same, however, in my opinion, this book is much better than the first. With the exception of the mention of a few characters from the first book in the series, To Tame a Highland Warrior can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Why did this one work for me? Well, no time travel, for one thing. Another impo...more

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Mar 24, 2011

LL rated it

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I'll be very honest upfront, that I much prefer KMM's Fever series than this Highlander series. Perhaps it may have to do with the fact that the two series are slight different genres - Fever is more UF while Highlander is more PNR, and I'm usually more of an UF fan... Anyway, I still thought that this was an easy read.

Sometimes I thought the stubbornness of Jillian, the female lead, was actually quite funny. Her initial interactions with Grimm were always bickering and bantering,...moreI'll be very honest upfront, that I much prefer KMM's Fever series than this Highlander series. Perhaps it may have to do with the fact that the two series are slight different genres - Fever is more UF while Highlander is more PNR, and I'm usually more of an UF fan... Anyway, I still thought that this was an easy read.

Sometimes I thought the stubbornness of Jillian, the female lead, was actually quite funny. Her initial interactions with Grimm were always bickering and bantering, but meanwhile it was obvious that she was still immensely attracted to Grimm regardless of his aloof attitude. The internal struggles that Grimm experienced were also well described. I think KMM had a way with words, which captured the readers' attention and enabled vivid imaginations... Also, given that this is a PNR book, it certainly fulfilled its share of hot romance...

Even though I enjoyed this book and will definitely continue onto the next installments in the series, I could not bring myself to giving it any higher rating than 3 stars (I was actually tempted to only give 2.5). The plot was extremely predictable and the "hidden" villain was so obvious that the hints literally screamed in your face! So there were no surprises and excitement from a plot perspective.

Furthermore, perhaps it was my logical mind at work again, or may be I was just being picky with things in general, but I found the following issues with the book...

(1) Errors - there were glaring editing errors in several places. They were so conspicuously wrong that I couldn't just forgive and move on... Seriously, how can you ignore a sentence when the subject should be a "he" but it got printed as a "she"??!! There were a few similar editing errors found throughout the book and they really bothered me.

(2) Inconsistencies with the characters... So let's see, the book prologue opened in year 1499, when Grimm was in a battle and at the time he was only 14 years old. Then it was forwarded to present-day year 1515. So, by simple addition Grimm should be 30 years old (or at the very least 29 years, since the book kept mentioning that he had been away from home for 15 years since the battle). Now, let's look at Jillian, a beautiful girl who grew up with Grimm and she was 21 years old in present-day year 1515. So again, simple math tells me that Grimm and Jillian should be AT LEAST 8 years apart in age, right? But no, wait, in the middle of the book, Jillian recalled a kiss that she shared with Grimm when she was 16 years old and he was supposed to be 22 years old at the time... Okay, guys, does this make any sense? So they were supposed to be 6 years apart in age then? But hey, didn't I tell you already that he should be at the very least 8 years older?!?!? Like, how does this add up?!?!? I know this seemed like a trivial thing and most people probably wouldn't even notice, but sorry, this really bothered me... Why? Well, that would lead me to the third issue that I have...

(3) Moving on, to talk about my last issue... So, for the moment, let's presume that these two characters were only 6 years apart (instead of 8 years). Grimm met Jillian when he was 15 or 16 years old. And they supposed to have fallen for each other then (according to the story)... Ewwww.... that's just gross!!! Jillian would have been only 9 or 10 at the time, doesn't this seem a little odd to you?!? Yuck! I would have felt better if she were only a year or so younger, but not THAT MUCH younger!!! Geez... Honestly, I had to consciously tell myself to just ignore that "growing up together" bit because it was just, kinda... ewww...

Really, I'm not complaining... I really thought that this was an easy, fun read, aside from those little itsy bitsy things that buggd me...

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Apr 18, 2011

Chandra rated it

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Shelves: kindle

AUTHOR: Second time reading a book by Karen Moning. She is now on my TOP FIVE list of favorite Romance Authors. Her books are adventurous and passionate.

SYNOPSIS
Grimm, short for Gavrael Roderick Icarus McIllioch, with an extra "m" of course, witnesses many deaths and wants vengeance at a very early age. He calls on a power that whispers in his ears. Seeing his mother amongst the dead, he runs away from home taking a secret about himself with him. Hungry and dirty, he ...moreAUTHOR: Second time reading a book by Karen Moning. She is now on my TOP FIVE list of favorite Romance Authors. Her books are adventurous and passionate.

SYNOPSIS
Grimm, short for Gavrael Roderick Icarus McIllioch, with an extra "m" of course, witnesses many deaths and wants vengeance at a very early age. He calls on a power that whispers in his ears. Seeing his mother amongst the dead, he runs away from home taking a secret about himself with him. Hungry and dirty, he is taken in by the St. Clair family. Jillian St. Clair as a young child loves him at first site. Years later a constant pursuing enemy intent on destroying Grimm finds him living with the St. Clairs. They attack the castle home. After doing battle, Grimm leaves with the intent of protecting the St. Clair family, leaving broken hearted 16 year old Jillian behind. Time passes and at the age of 21 years, Jillian is continuously pressed by her father to get married. He forces her into a situation to make a choice by inviting (3) warrior suitors to win her as a bride. Grimm is among them, still carrying his secret. He has always found Jillian a bother and a source of irritation. The story will eventually lead to him returning to his original home that he no longer thought existed.

SEX SCALE: Of the following five options: 1) NOT very descriptive and requires imagination' 2) WILL make you wiggle a little) 3) WISH it was me; 4) OH boy, do not have to use my imagination at all; 5) EROTICA and well over the top
******THIS BOOK GETS A THREE for "WISH it was me" rating because when the emotion of love finally comes to a realization, and a FOUR for "OH BOY I WISH IT WAS ME". Sexy, loving, caring******

FAVORITE PART: Return to the village of Tuluth and to Maldebann Castle

LEAST FAVORITE PART: Felt author carried out the bickering between Jillian and Grimm for too long. After a while, it was really annoying to read.

YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Hidden secrets and hidden love. Men competing over one woman. When the passion spicket is turned on, boy does it run! Misunderstandings and unhappiness that takes many years to get sorted out.(less)

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Mar 14, 2008

Eastofoz rated it

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Shelves: time-travel, highlander

This book was ok like the first one. It's more of a 3.5 stars than a 4. It's a bit ho-hum in terms of highlander stories. The writing is not always "historical" which takes away from the historical feel and the stories aren't all that original. Several people say it's a fantastic series so I'm hoping they'll get better.

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May 02, 2011

Rebecca rated it

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Shelves: paranormal-romance, historical-romance, e-book, read-2011

I have to say that I love KMM's way of writing. And I keep hearing how this series only starts to get good after the third book, which would mean that I have a yummy treat waiting for me since I've already loved the first two books so far! I have to admit that this book was somewhat slow in the middle, although the story quickly picked up the pace again when I continued reading. All in all, To Tame a Highland Warrior was definitely a solid 4 star read.

You know, I never really thought...moreI have to say that I love KMM's way of writing. And I keep hearing how this series only starts to get good after the third book, which would mean that I have a yummy treat waiting for me since I've already loved the first two books so far! I have to admit that this book was somewhat slow in the middle, although the story quickly picked up the pace again when I continued reading. All in all, To Tame a Highland Warrior was definitely a solid 4 star read.

You know, I never really thought that I was going to like Grimm in that "oh-he's-such-a-hottie-hero" kind of way, based on what I felt after the first book, but once again I was completely wrong. Learn, Rebecca, learn! Of course I ended up loving him. Although there were times when I really wanted to smack him around a bit. Sure, I can understand him wanting to repel the woman he loves under those specific circumstances. But still! Sometimes he was just plain mean. Of course, he still managed to be sweet as well, so there's nothing keeping me for not liking him. Abandoning the woman you love takes a lot of will, I am sure. It was noticeable that he wanted to be with her. Jillian was also a very lovely character and I loved her kindness. How she took care of the children and read to them in the beginning... She's also a very strong woman, which I really liked! She definitely stands up for herself and stick to her wishes, even if she's frowned upon. Something that goes for both of them is also that they are really self-sacrificing. I could actually feel the love between these two, but also the frustrations circulating it. I think I was just as frustrated myself!

To me, the plot was very unique as well. I actually hadn't heard of a Berserker before, but it was really interesting to do so. Since I love my mythology as well, it was very rich of new and interesting information!

I have to say that To Tame a Highland Warrior is a really sweet, frustrating, funny, yet very serious, love story between two childhood friends. I really can't wait to get to the next one in line--I have a feeling it will only get better! If you haven't read anything by this author yet, all I have to say is: DO IT!(less)

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Apr 20, 2011

Zeek rated it

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Shelves: hist-rom-scottish, romance

Turned berserker at a young age- Grimm Roderick managed to avoid any firm emotional attachment for years for fear of him hurting the ones he loves while in a rage. Called back to the place that he called home after leaving his birthright- his only reason for returning now is to keep a vow he made to a man who raised him as son. Well that and the fact he couldn’t resist seeing the laird’s beautiful daughter just one more time- and ensure her safety.

But once there he did his best to a...moreTurned berserker at a young age- Grimm Roderick managed to avoid any firm emotional attachment for years for fear of him hurting the ones he loves while in a rage. Called back to the place that he called home after leaving his birthright- his only reason for returning now is to keep a vow he made to a man who raised him as son. Well that and the fact he couldn’t resist seeing the laird’s beautiful daughter just one more time- and ensure her safety.

But once there he did his best to avoid her, because Jillian St. Clair had turned into a beautiful woman he couldn’t resist and just as she knew the tall and noble Grimm was supposed to belong to her, he knew she was the last person he could ever attach himself too, for she could tear down every defense he had built bolster his raging emotions. Besides one man would stop at nothing to destroy any berserker he came across and it seemed it had found Grimm Roderick nee Gavrael McIllioch once again.

Grimm would have to go home- his birth home- before he would complete his journey and it’s the last place he ever wanted to go. But there he must go to reunite with his own berserker father- the father who had murdered his mother before his eyes. Because only his father will help him get to the truth as well as finally defeat his fiercest enemy- before he destroys Grimm and everything he has ever loved.

Well I made it thru this one, although it seemed to go on forever. When I tried to read this yrs ago I gave up before page 20 but a friend gave me this one and a few others on Audio so I gave it another try. The story lingered far too long on Grimm and Jillian wanting each other whilst Grimm fights the attraction and then later with the big misunderstanding between Grimm and his Father and also the truth of Grimm’s berserker status which he keeps from Jillian. The other issue for me was the reader for the Audio book- Phil Gigante has a beautiful voice but to hear him speak the horrendous euphemisms Moning uses for manly parts and talk about Gillian’s aroused nipples made me wince and laugh in embarrassment as if I was sitting in the room listening to him record it. He also gave the heroine a whiny voice- and considering Moning already wrote her as such- I wanted to pull my hair out at the overload.

Anyway, it ends quite Happily Ever After of course, babies and all- unfortunately it took far to long to get there and by then I actually was wishing for a NON h.e.a just to alleviate some boredom.

There's nothing in this that connects to Moning's Fever series so if you're reading it for hopes of that- you can save yourself the torture. Wish I had.
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May 13, 2011

Natasha rated it

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An engrossing read for all Paranormal Romance lovers.
I've been a huge fan of Karen Marie Moning for the last few years and each time I find a novel by her that I haven't read, I immediately pick it up. I happened to miss this one, so I knew I had to read it asap.

'To Tame a Highland Warrior' is the second installment in the sexy 'Highlander' series by Karen Marie Moning. My first KMM novel was 'Darkfever', which is a different series than this, but the worlds do connect from ti...moreAn engrossing read for all Paranormal Romance lovers.
I've been a huge fan of Karen Marie Moning for the last few years and each time I find a novel by her that I haven't read, I immediately pick it up. I happened to miss this one, so I knew I had to read it asap.

'To Tame a Highland Warrior' is the second installment in the sexy 'Highlander' series by Karen Marie Moning. My first KMM novel was 'Darkfever', which is a different series than this, but the worlds do connect from time to time. Once I realized she wrote a Highlander series, I was running to the book store. Anyways, on to the review!

Gavrael McIllioch (aka Grimm) is...all male. *fans herself* Each Highlander novel I think, "This is my favorite highlander yet!" and then I read the next one and I just keep adding them to my list. She really does know how to write a sexy male I can tell you that!

Grimm was in the previous novel 'Highland Mist' as Hawk's best friend. I couldn't wait to read his story. 'To Tame a Highland Warrior' starts out in 1499. After he whiteness an awful tragedy at an early age, he runs away. He's determined to escape his fate and tries to erase all memories of his past. What he can't seem to forget is Jillian. But as the berserker, he can't trust himself not to hurt Jillian, so although it's hard, he tries to do the best for Jillian- avoid her.

Jillian St. Clair was a fun character. She's 21 and never wed. Her heart was broken as a young woman by the only man who seems to make her furious and hot all at the same time. One minute he seems to look like he returns her feelings and then the next his indifference is a stab in the chest.

I love the tension between Jillian and Grimm. Usually I wouldn't love how many times the female has to beg for the males attention, but since you know how much Grimm really does love her but wants the best for her, you can really get into it. It pretty witty.

This series is a MUST read. I recommend it to everyone and once you start it you'll more than agree. (less)

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Jan 30, 2012

ChiaraRouge rated it

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Shelves: books-2012

Pensavo meglio.
Ho ricevuto questo libro come regalo di Natale per "errore": la persona che me l'ha regalato, infatti, mi aveva visto leggerne l'introduzione pensando che volessi acquistarlo mentre volevo regalarlo a mia sorella.
Io amo i romanzi, e nonostante non fosse propriamente il mio genere, l'ho iniziato con una certa curiosità, dato che avevo letto critiche incoraggianti.
Che dire? La prima parte mi ha rapito, non riuscivo a smettere di leggerlo.
Non amo pa...morePensavo meglio.
Ho ricevuto questo libro come regalo di Natale per "errore": la persona che me l'ha regalato, infatti, mi aveva visto leggerne l'introduzione pensando che volessi acquistarlo mentre volevo regalarlo a mia sorella.
Io amo i romanzi, e nonostante non fosse propriamente il mio genere, l'ho iniziato con una certa curiosità, dato che avevo letto critiche incoraggianti.
Che dire? La prima parte mi ha rapito, non riuscivo a smettere di leggerlo.
Non amo particolarmente i libri narrati in 3 persona, eppure sembrava il modo perfetto per narrare questa storia.
Credo di aver amato la prima parte per la sua "lentezza" piacevole, non esasperante: tutto veniva descritto, non mancavano certo i dettagli.
Ho "fangirlato" come una stupida nelle scene d'amore, sensuali ma dolci, invidiando in un certo senso Jillian.
Dalla fuga di Grimm in poi, invece, l'ho odiato.
è divenuto troppo frettoloso, quasi freddo: come una lista della spesa.
Non mi piace la narrazione in 3 persona proprio per questo: a meno che un'autore non sia davvero, davvero bravo, c'è il rischio di pubblicare una lista della spesa, e le ultime 100/150 pagine sono state così.
Penso che il libro avrebbe potuto avere un centinaio di pagine in più se l'autrice si fosse fermata un secondo a pensare e avesse ampliato le descrizioni e reso la narrazione meno frenetica.

Avrei gradito se l'autrice avesse dato un maggiore spessore alla storia dei McKane, se avesse spiegato molto più chiaramente e lentamente tutti i contrasti/l'odio per i Mchillioch.

Un personaggio che mi ha incuriosito moltissimo è quello di Kaley Twillow, la balia di Jillian.
è una figura materna e dolce, figura importante nella vita della ragazza e mi sarebbe piaciuto saperne di più su di lei.

Considerazioni finali:
Nel complesso il libro mi è piaciuto, è stato un regalo apprezzato.
Non rimpiango il tempo impiegato per leggerlo (troppo, purtroppo, a causa di tutti gli impegni/momentacci che hanno caratterizzato questo Gennaio 2012).
Non so se leggerò anche gli altri libri sugli Highlander, sarò sincera, ma se tornassi indietro leggerei comunque questo piccolo libro.
è molto originale, questo è un complimento che faccio alla giovane autrice: di questi tempi è raro trovare un libro così originale.
In sintesi, avrei amato il libro se le ultime 100 pagine non fossero state così restrittive.(less)

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Jun 11, 2011

Michelle rated it

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Shelves: highlanders, paranormal, romance, favorites, a-keeper, favorite-series, heroes-you-want-for-yourself, worth-re-reading, historical, tuatha-de-danann-fairies, time-travel

And my love for Highlanders continues. This book is about Gavrael "Grimm" who we met briefly in Beyond The Highland Mist. I loved his character in that one, so at the end when Adrienne made her wish upon a star which totally frazzled him, I knew I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to him.

Fourteen year old Grimm witnessed the massacre of his village at the hands of a rival clan. In anger he begs the God Odin to turn him into a Berserker so he can have his revenge. I...moreAnd my love for Highlanders continues. This book is about Gavrael "Grimm" who we met briefly in Beyond The Highland Mist. I loved his character in that one, so at the end when Adrienne made her wish upon a star which totally frazzled him, I knew I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to him.

Fourteen year old Grimm witnessed the massacre of his village at the hands of a rival clan. In anger he begs the God Odin to turn him into a Berserker so he can have his revenge. It works, but the villagers now fear him and he thinks his father killed his mother during the Berserker madness. He flees his clan and finds a home with the St. Clairs. Grimm has loved Jillian since they were children, but he refuses to act upon it because of his secrets. When Jillian begins to profess her love to him, he flees. Years later a mysterious message from Jillian's father brings him back. Once again he has to fight temptation and keep Jillian at arm's length.

Jillian's parents, Gibraltar and Elizabeth are hilarious. He is a meddling, sly old fox and she is a mother hen. Gibraltar summons three men who he thinks are worthy of his daughter and hopes that she will pick one of them - Quinn, a childhood friend, Logan, a cad, and Grimm. It's so cliche, but I suppose jealousy works wonders to spur a man into action.

Jillian is a rather likable character. She never does as she's told, she's feisty, confrontational and very persistent. Naturally Grimm is the target for all of Jillian's traits which slowly chip away at his resolve. They have so many moments where they try to express what they feel with harsh words and actions. Pretty much 3/4 of the book deals with the push and pull between them.

Grimm is brooding but he has a really good heart. He's often told that he's clueless when it comes to Jillian, but I can't really fault him for that because women often tend to play "games" instead of just stating what they want. He's just not the "read between the lines" type of guy. I felt myself flush at every mention of him in his tartan and war braids. There's nothing hotter!

I'm giving it 5 stars because I'd definitely read it again for the laughs. (less)

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May 09, 2011

Susan rated it

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Shelves: reviewed-for-night-owl-romance

Review: Moning’s skillful storytelling abilities take the reader through the hills of Scotland with a tale of lore and love that you’ll never forget. To Tame a Highland Warrior has a captivating plot of page-turning adventure with memorable characters you’ll keep forever in your heart. Gavrael is a legendary Berserker. A warrior with blood on his hands and a desire for one woman he believes he doesn’t deserve. Jillian has known him since childhood and never understood why he treated her so...more

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May 06, 2011

Jane Stewart rated it

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Shelves: historical-paranormal-romance

Too much pondering and filler. If a few people would talk to each other truthfully there would be no story.

STORY BRIEF:
Grimm is a berserker. When he sees blood, he turns into a super warrior – stronger and faster than others. His wounds heal magically. It is close to impossible to kill him. His father is a berserker, it’s inherited by males. The McCanes have hated the McIlliochs for generations. When Grimm was 14 he had not yet been told he was a berserker. At that tim...moreToo much pondering and filler. If a few people would talk to each other truthfully there would be no story.

STORY BRIEF:
Grimm is a berserker. When he sees blood, he turns into a super warrior – stronger and faster than others. His wounds heal magically. It is close to impossible to kill him. His father is a berserker, it’s inherited by males. The McCanes have hated the McIlliochs for generations. When Grimm was 14 he had not yet been told he was a berserker. At that time the McCanes attacked his family. Grimm saw his father kill his mother. Then Grimm became a berserker for the first time and killed most of the McCanes. Grimm didn’t understand what he had become. Grimm ran away from home never to return. He thought his father was insane. He also thought he should never marry because he might kill his wife the way his father did. Soon Grimm met Jillian. They fell in love but Grimm left her because he didn’t want to hurt her.

Fifteen years later Jillian’s father sends a letter to three men asking them to come to his home “for Jillian.” The three men were Ramsey, Quinn, and Grimm. The father wanted Jillian to choose one of them to marry. Grimm comes but knows he will never marry Jillian. It’s obvious that Jillian and Grimm love each other, but Grimm insults her, rejects her, and hurts her over and over. He repeatedly tells her to marry Quinn.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This is book 2 in the Highlander series. In book 1, the couple loves each other but the female rejects and hurts him for most of the book. In book 2, it’s the male who rejects and hurts her for most of the book. I was unhappy with this plot for both of these books. The following comments are about book 2 only.

A common plot device in romance novels is to create conflict between a couple based on vague communication and inaccurate assumptions. It’s overused in this book.

I hated the way Grimm made false assumptions about other people and then rejected those people. He assumed Jillian would never love him if she knew he was a berserker. That was false. He assumed he would harm her because he was a berserker. That was false. And then for almost the entire book I watch stupid things. For example Jillian comes up to Grimm and starts to rub his back. When he turns around a few minutes later. He tells he to go away. She said I thought you liked the back rub. He says he thought it was a tavern wench doing it. That was a lie. He knew it was Jillian. He tells Jillian she should marry Quinn. Then a little while later he thinks she and Quinn are having sex, so he is in a rage and jealous and breaks down the door to stop them. After he has sex with Jillian for the first time, he says you must marry Quinn. You are not safe around me. When Jillian asks Quinn about things, he won’t answer. One time his answer was “not so many questions. Give me time.” So many conflicts based on not communicating. I wanted to throw this. I suffered through it. I did not enjoy it. Most of the book was pondering and filler about nothing. Very little plot.

The narrator Phil Gigante has a wonderfully deep voice and does the men well, but I don’t like the way he does female characters. He uses a high-pitched voice that tends toward weak and whiny.

DATA:
Unabridged audiobook length: 10 hrs and 23 mins. Narrator: Phil Gigante. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 5. Setting: 1499 and 1515 Scotland. Copyright: 1999. Genre: historical paranormal romance.(less)

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May 05, 2011

Romancing the Book rated it

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Shelves: paranormal, romance, audio

The second book in Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series follows Gavrael (aka Grimm) and Jillian. Gavrael had a bit part in Beyond the Highland Warrior, so it was nice to see him get his own story.

The story starts out with Grimm getting a summons to Jillian's family home. When he arrives, he learns that her father has invited three men to come and vie for Jillian's hand in marriage. However, as much as Grimm is drawn to her, he's not looking to get married. Meanwhile, Jillian has ...more

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Feb 01, 2011

(´*•.¸ღBexღ¸.•*´) rated it

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Shelves: e-books, own

4.5 loved this one :)

This is the story of Grimm (Gavrael Roderick Icarus McIllioch) and Jillian. They have been in love since they were children but Grimm refuses to fulfil this love because he is a Berserker. A legendary warrior of Odin with mythical power. He is afraid to show her what he is for fear of hurting her and rejection.
He is called with two other suitors to compete for Jillian's hand in marriage but vows to let one of the others have her. In the end this is an empt...more

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Dec 30, 2010

Bronwyn Rykiert rated it

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Shelves: historical-romance, series

I enjoyed this book, part of the Highland Series by Karen Marie Moning, this is book 2. I have not yet read book 1 but this story stands alone quite well.

Gavrael McIllioch hides a secret that terrifies him - he is a Berserker. When he is extremely angry or the sight of blood tap supernatural strengths within him and risk him spinning out of control into violent mayhem, over the years he has learned to control the Berserker in him for most of the time. Something happened when he was 14 ...more

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Dec 01, 2010

Joy rated it

· review of another edition

Recommended to Joy by: Lian Cuyco

Shelves: historical-romance, ebooks, timetravel

This is Grimm's story and what a past he has! I was intrigued by the prologue and I kept on reading until I finished it - in one sitting.

Like the first Highlander book, this one is also paranormal. Gavrael (Grimm) is a Berserker (shapeshifter with superpowers) and it's amazing how Ms Moning weaved Norse fiction in this story. Berserkers are what heroic stories are made of, they're sometimes feared, sometimes envied, thus hated.

Because of Grimm's past in his childhood (which I...more

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Jan 30, 2012

Elecktra rated it

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Non credevo che potesse eguagliare il primo...anche questo secondo capito dedicato agli Highlanders è davvero poesia per i miei sensi....
Una favola per ragazze che amano e sognano ad occhi aperti, una favola per adulte, perchè un pizzico di passione e sensualità non fa mai male ;).
Grimm prode Highlader ma con una gran pecca...non vuole cedere ai bisogni del suo cuore e la bella e dolce Jillian sono una coppia formidabile.
Lei fa quasi più paura di lui quando si arrabbia...credo che anche un Berse...more

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May 01, 2011

Christi Bryant-Snow rated it

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My Review:
Jillian is 21 years old and her father has decided that it's time for her to marry, so he sends for three Scottish warriors to win her heart...Ramsay, Quinn, & Grimm. All three men are in love with her, but only 2 are pursuing her- Ramsay & Quinn. The problem is, she wants Grimm.

Grimm loves and wants her too, but he refuses to give into those feelings. He's a Berserker, a fabled warrior with a beast that lives inside of him that lives only for killing and blood. Grimm al...moreMy Review:
Jillian is 21 years old and her father has decided that it's time for her to marry, so he sends for three Scottish warriors to win her heart...Ramsay, Quinn, & Grimm. All three men are in love with her, but only 2 are pursuing her- Ramsay & Quinn. The problem is, she wants Grimm.

Grimm loves and wants her too, but he refuses to give into those feelings. He's a Berserker, a fabled warrior with a beast that lives inside of him that lives only for killing and blood. Grimm also believes that madness runs in his family after seeing his father murder his mother when Grimm was only 14. Grimm is afraid that if he marries Jillian, then he would eventually kill or hurt her and he will not allow that to happen.

This is a great book. There is no denying that Jillian & Grim love each other from the very beginning and as a reader, it makes this book very emotional. These are both really strong people that you can't help but admire and pull for their happily-ever-after.

Both Jillian & Grimm are totally self-sacrificing and strong in the level of their love. Here's a passage from Jillian that shows it brilliantly...
"Kaley, if I knew that I could only have a few nights in that man's arms or nothing,
I would take those magic nights and use them to keep me warm for the rest of my life."
Chills! Jillian's parents have a marriage of passion and love and she simply will not accept anything less. Like I said, they are both really strong and courageous characters.

Another thing that I loved about this book was the strong sense of camaraderie between all the men in the book. Quinn & Grimm are best friends and that friendship shines out of the pages of the book, even though they are basically in competition with each other. Even the scenes early in the book with the 3 men (Ramsay, Quinn, and Grimm)- they really are fun to read with the joking around and mutual respect and honesty that the scenes show. And then later in the book, you see the same thing with Ronin and Balder. They are brothers, but also friends. They rely on each other for advice and support- it's just really nice to read about these types of relationships between men.

I think that may be part of what sets the writing in these books apart. There are conflicts and disagreements about feelings and you have to have that so that there is conflict in the novel. But the way that Karen Marie Moning writes this conflict is with a great sense of respect- both in the maturity of the characters and in their relationships with each other. It's an amazing writing skill that few authors can pull off and she does it brilliantly.(less)

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Mar 19, 2011

Susinok rated it

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Shelves: historical-romance, scotland-or-ireland

OK after a very bumpy start, I did end up enjoying this book. I listened to the Audible.com version, with Phil Gigante narrating.

I had a few problems with the story. One - lots of bickering early on. I really do not like my hero and heroine to be constantly bickering at each other like 14 year olds.

Heroine acted pretty immature early on, though she did improve a little bit.

There were loose ends. What happened to the starving boy in town? What happened to the...more

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Nov 24, 2011

Gladys (glad4twilight) rated it

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Shelves: highlander, wolves

Grimm is a great character. He is a born Berserker one of only three and was left to fend for himself at a very young age. He fled his town with the thought that his crazy dad killed his mom and unborn child. He changed his name and now has been summoned by the father of the family who raised him to be one of 3 men in a competition to marry the King's daughter Jillian.

Grimm is a beast I loved when he turns and kills everything in sight and yet he is warm and generous to the ones ...more

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Jan 26, 2011

Jodie rated it

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Shelves: awesome, on-blog

Karen Marie Moning writes a floorless romance.

This is the second book I have read in this series and on both occasions I have been gobsmacked at how perfectly proportioned they are.

The drama, suspense and romance are all extremely well balanced that I was left in a constant need for more.

The sex scenes are written without explicit detail giving it a more romantic feel and aren’t a big part of the story – concentrating more on the emotional love instead of t...more

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Aug 22, 2010

Greta is Erikasbuddy rated it

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I must start out by saying that my husband picked up this book and the 3rd book of the series from the library for me. He also had it in his head that I was reading about McCloud highlanders. HAHS! Right.... "There can only be ONE!" lolz.... After I fell off the couch and laughed at him he learned that there are romance novels about highlanders out there. Where has he been? and he he not been paying attention to me? LOLz!

Let's see... the 2nd book is about GRIMM. We mee...more

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Dec 12, 2011

Shiran rated it

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Shelves: historical-romance, fantasy, highland-hunks, series

Grimm Roderick is a man with many secrets and when an old friend sends him a note with one short sentence on it, "come for Jillian", Grimm's past and love for Jillian will not stay hidden anymore. Jillian is a head strong woman who refused to pick a husband. But when her father sends 3 suitors to steal her heart she is in danger of losing it all over again... to the man who still has it.

This is the second book in KMM's Highland series. The books do stand alone and you don'...more

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Aug 01, 2011

Readaholic rated it

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Shelves: alpha-hero, finally-a-heroine-with-a-brain, great-dialogue, jealous-hero

Best line is the book so far!! LOL!

"Gavrael" The deep voice so like his own whipped his head around. He stared up at the two men, uncertain which one had spoken.

"Grimm," he corrected instantly.

The man on the right erupted into an immediate bluster. "What the bletherin' hell kind of name is Grimm? Why not be namin' yourself depressed, or Melancholy? Nay, I have it - Woebegone." He cast a disgusted glance at Grimm and snorted.
...more

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Nov 05, 2011

Rebecca (everyday reader) rated it

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Grimm is a complicated character with a harsh past. Being a Berserker seems to be a hard and lonely life until he realizes that Jillian is his one true mate, and he will not hurt her. As children Grimm and Jillian met and secretly fell in love without the other knowing. Things in Grimm's past aren't what they seemed, and he has more family than he realized. It's about time his passion came out. Great read!! Love this series!!

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Oct 18, 2011

LilaBird rated it

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Holy crap. This book is awesome. Wow. I really thought it was going to end up being just a cheesy Harlequin romance. Wow, was I wrong. Such an amazing story, with rich, deep characters. I am super in love with Grim/Gavrael. His emotions are so tender toward Jillian. I love all of his personal history that's given from his time in his own village and then also his time spent with Jillian when he's young. That gives us such an essential background and insight into his character. I love th...more

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Aug 12, 2009

K. rated it

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Shelves: audiobooks

[Audiobook: "To Tame A Highland Warrior" by Karen Marie Moning; Phil Gigante/Reader = 5*]

The first time I did the "skim" on this book and wasn't too interested in reading it completely, and now I realize I was probably just taking a nose-dive on the series as a whole after starting it at "The Kiss of the Highlander," an absolute favorite. After KOTH, I read through the end of the series, went back and read "The Highlander's Touch," which was j...more[Audiobook: "To Tame A Highland Warrior" by Karen Marie Moning; Phil Gigante/Reader = 5*]

The first time I did the "skim" on this book and wasn't too interested in reading it completely, and now I realize I was probably just taking a nose-dive on the series as a whole after starting it at "The Kiss of the Highlander," an absolute favorite. After KOTH, I read through the end of the series, went back and read "The Highlander's Touch," which was just "okay" for me. Then read "Beyond the Highland Mist, another "just okay." So this book (which was supposed to be second in the series, but really has nothing whatsoever to do with the "main" storyline started at KOTH for the most part to me), was cast aside as probably just another "okay" book. Now I realize it was just getting rejected out-of-hand, when compared to the 4 and 5 star reads from KOTH forward. Boy am I glad I finally picked it up on a 3 for 2 credit sale at audible.com. I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book, and naturally, it was made all the more entertaining by the hottest male narrator going, Phil Gigante. (If only he would read the tax codes . . . my job would be so much more pleasant! ;) This turned out to be one of the best "beauty and the beast" storylines I've read to date, the best part being "the beast" is really handsome, rather than an ugly beast, which I consider a MUCH better visual! ;)

As a 14-year old victim of a rival Scottish Highland clan that is determined to wipe-out Grimm's existence, along with his village and relatives, Grimm learns of his fate to go through life as a "berserker." Berserkers are Scottish folklore warrior's rumored to have incredible powers of skill, strength, hearing and eyesight, and actually go through a physical metamorphosis bodily to become twice their size (which is already a big, beefy highlander) -- a "beast" basically. At the height of the attack, Grimm has his first experience of "the beast inside” making an appearance and aids in single-handedly putting an end to the slaughter. Through shear overwhelming power, that he finds strange and out-of-control," his family's enemy is driven back, but not before taking a tragic toll on his village and life. Grimm returns to his home after the experience to discover his parents’ fate, only to find his blood-splattered father leaning over the bloodied corpse of his mother, knife in hand. On first sight, Grimm immediately recognizes his father also has the "curse of the beast" and assumes the worst: That his father lost control and killed his mother while under his "beastly" berserker influence. Grimm, devastated and disgusted by what’s inside of him, runs away, vowing to never return or acknowledge his family again. While destitute, starving, and barely surviving in the woods, a young girl comes upon Grimm, and immediately implores her parents to take Grimm under their wing and foster him. Grimm is immediately taken with the little girl, Jillian, and they grow up together happily until Grimm realizes he's falling for the beautiful and blossoming Jillian. At 22 he leaves the 16 year old Jillian behind, as he fears the "curse of his beast" will end up hurting her as his father did his mother. Jillian is crushed, as she has known that she's in love with Grimm for a very long time, and she feels ultimately rejected by his abandonment.

Six years later, Jillian, refusing to marry, is on the verge of spinsterhood and her parents have concocted a plot to reunite Grimm, along with two other possible suitors to force her to accept a marriage proposal from one. Grimm returns under the guise of a note from her father stating "Jillian needs you." Having vowed to always protect her, he can’t get back to her fast enough, only to do a 180 and completely reject her and his feelings again, shoving her toward the other two men who’ve arrived as well. And once again he’s begun the process of crushing her completely.

These two can’t stop “hating to love each other.” I’m not sure how much was KMM’s writing (always good for me) or Phil’s reading (again, more than “yummy”), but I’m so glad I gave this last book in one of my favorite series another shot. My usual “heart-pang” is the test of any romance novel that is a worthy read for me (multiple heart-pangs on this one), and when added to an interesting “fairytale” romance, I can’t lose. Plus I was treated to some of KMM’s trademark humor she did so well in the other books. She also ties the story in nicely with the H/h from “Beyond the Highland Mist,” not a fav for me, but still a decent book. If all of that wasn’t enough, Grimm and Jillian are just two really likeable people, despite all their “bickering,” which is really good writing, since I normally hate that kind of romance. Here, KMM included enough thoughts of love and reasoning for each of the characters actions, that I understood all their emotions and insecurities. A good solid love story. I’m glad I didn’t miss a “last” possible visit for me to the Scottish highlanders of KMM! [*sigh*:]
K.
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Feb 05, 2011

Stef rated it

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Shelves: paranormal-romance

>> A man so hot, even you'll go a lil berserkers <<

To Tame a Highland Warrior is book 2 in Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series. It packs more heat and a more complex storyline than the first instalment.

Book 2 is all about Grimm, who we were introduced to in Beyond the Highland Mist as Hawk’s right hand man. Grimm leads a mysterious life with many secrets from the few people he’s ever come to care about. He’s a godly warrior, surpassing any humanly battling...more>> A man so hot, even you'll go a lil berserkers <<

To Tame a Highland Warrior is book 2 in Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series. It packs more heat and a more complex storyline than the first instalment.

Book 2 is all about Grimm, who we were introduced to in Beyond the Highland Mist as Hawk’s right hand man. Grimm leads a mysterious life with many secrets from the few people he’s ever come to care about. He’s a godly warrior, surpassing any humanly battling skills along with healing speed and has a seriously messed up past leaving him with some major daddy issues. Like anyone with a big case of daddy issues, Grimm has closed himself off emotionally from any romantic connections out of fear, but that doesn’t mean his primal urges are as controlled as he would like them to be. Grimm’s stubborn and shut off ways are tested when the man, Gibraltar St. Clair, took him in and cared for him, calls on him to return to the lowlands to tend to his daughter, Jillian. Jillian St. Clair has romanticized after Grimm ever since her family took him in, but Grimm fought off any advances she attempted on him and eventually ends up leaving once he feels responsible for putting Jillian and her loving family in harm’s way. Grimm and Jillian are different and very much alike all at the same time. They both fight off their feelings for each other which makes every single interaction intense and emotionally and physically explosive. Now Grimm has to try to overcome his ghostly past and together with the guidance and sometimes unwelcome love of the beautiful and hot tempered Jillian, they try to salvage the promising, but still unstable future.

Grimm’s story was a sensual and explosive one. Moning really has a talent for writing captivating couples and, I must say, she really lives up to her name.. “moning” couldn’t be more accurate. I really did love this book more than the first. There were more twists and turns and heated interactions packed full of hot sweet details to keep you warm on even the coldest of these winter nights. The pace was perfectly set and I had a hard time pulling my nose out of this one If you’re looking for one of those larger than life and walking sex type men.. these are the books for you.
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Jan 27, 2011

Bee rated it

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Shelves: men-in-kilts, passion-erotica, other-paranormal, romance, fantasy, survival, paperback

I'm happy right now because the second book in the series is SO much better than the first! There are still some problems with time-appropriate language and such, and the bits that once again are about Adrienne (heroine from last book) are a tad annoying.

However, this time I love the story! The magic element in this one is contained to one mythical creature, the Berserker, and that is quite enough for me!! I love Grimm, in the last book he didn't make much noise so I had no real image...more

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To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander #2)

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