To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander, #2)

by Karen Marie Moning

book data

1,718 ratings, 4.11 average rating, 78 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		39%
4		37%
3		18%
2		4%
1		0%

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published

December 1st 1999 by Dell (first published 1999)

details

Paperback, 416 pages

characters

Gavrael McIllioch (Grimm), Jillian St. Clair

isbn

0440234816 (isbn13: 9780440234814)

description

Only her love could gentle his savage soul--

He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and h

…more

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 2,290)

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Feb 25, 2008

Eastofoz rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: highlander, time-travel

Read in March, 2008

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.

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

2 comments

Aug 30, 2009

Vale rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: pnr-romance

Read in September, 2009

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. I mean the first one was good, but this one was awesome. I know that this will be another series to add to my favs list. Although 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 in that list because this one almost did.

I really liked the "Berserker" thing. It was som...more

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Aug 03, 2009

K. rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: audiobooks

Owns a copy — Read in August, 2009

[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.
(less)

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6 comments

Dec 14, 2008

Whitelady3 rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: not-own

Read in December, 2008

I was somewhat disappointed by the previous volume so I wasn't expecting much from this one. We follow Grimm, whom we met on Beyond the Highland Mist, friend of Hawk and who, by the end of said book, was worried by Adrienne's wish upon a star on his behalf. We learn Grimm's origins and if Adrienne's wish came true.

The story is better than that from the previous book and the characters, though still flat, are more likeable. Grimm, unlike Hawk and other characters, really has an interi...more

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Jan 29, 2010

Kathy rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: fantasy, fantasy-romance, romance

Read in February, 2010

Gavreal aka Grimm McIllioch... a Bezerker... just like it sounds... I wonder if Bezerkers are a real part of Celtic legend? He is of superhuman strength and senses... especially when in a blood rage... at the age of 15 he overreacts to seeing his mother dead in his father's arms (thinking he killed her) and first summons the bezerker when he sees his townspeople under attack by the McCains... he hides in the mountains, is adopted by the St.Clairs... grows to manhood, into a man of integrity,...more Gavreal aka Grimm McIllioch... a Bezerker... just like it sounds... I wonder if Bezerkers are a real part of Celtic legend? He is of superhuman strength and senses... especially when in a blood rage... at the age of 15 he overreacts to seeing his mother dead in his father's arms (thinking he killed her) and first summons the bezerker when he sees his townspeople under attack by the McCains... he hides in the mountains, is adopted by the St.Clairs... grows to manhood, into a man of integrity, and strength... and falls in love the Jillian St Clair. He is ashamed of his bezerker side, afraid for her to see it... and when the McCains track him down at the St Clairs, he heroically fights them off but runs away so as to protect 16 year old Jillian - who does not understand, but with a promise to her father to be available if he needs him.

And when Jillian is 25, her father decides it is time to marry.... so he &his wife leave her at the castle, inviting Grimm, Quinn - an international merchant & childhood friend, & Ramsey - a clan cheiftan, who needs money - 3 large, handsome men to 'protect' her - and to vie for her hand.

Grimm tries his best to keep his distance... he so loves her, she so tempts him... but he fears she could never accept his bezerker side, that he may end up to be crazy like his father and hurt her, and that she would be hurt in a McCain attack.

There are some attacks on him (poisoning - fire in the barn - an ambush...

Grimm finally succumbs to her charms, and they have a few nights of passion... but after another mcCain attack, he tells her to marry Quinn and he leaves again.

Her father/mother return, and force her to marry Quinn, with posting the banns all over the countryside in 3 weeks - but with the plan that it will spur Grimm to action.

And it works.. he storms the church on his stallion, sweeps her into his arms... and takes off with her.

And with a little manipulation by Jillian, she helps him to face the demons of his past by returning home after 15 years. His father & uncle (both bezerkers), and a prospering castle & town welcome him... Between the three of them, he sees the reality of what happened in his youth... comes to peace with himself & his father & what it means to be a bezerker... and after betrayal by Ramsey, and becoming a full bezerker in front of Jillian to save her... he finally sees that she does love all of him.

And they marry, and live happily ever after. (less)

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Oct 27, 2009

Michelle B rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: 2009-read-list, paranormal-romance

Read in November, 2009

Ms Moning has done it again. Another wonderfully written and enticing highlander tale. I liked Grimm from Beyond the Highland Mist and was glad that this book would be about him. And boy was it ever!! Ms Moning has a delicate way with words that just makes you melt and fall for the highlander men. I would say I prefer Grimm over Hawk just for the fact that he left his true love years before to "save" her from himself and the beast within him. Is that not romantic or what?! I rea...more

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Dec 18, 2009

Tara rated it:

bookshelves: 2010, karen-marie-moning, romance-paranormal

Read in January, 2010

Och! Every time a read a book about Scottish men, I just have an urge to fly there immediately and experience them for myself. They are just sexy in a way I can't even explain. Ok, anyway, I liked this book. Not too surprising, it was pretty much a straight forward HEA type of novel, but enjoyable all the same.

Grimm, the hero was plagued by a past and a heritage he didn't understand. He must learn to trust himself, his friends, his family and his love.

I like a str...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

1 comment

Apr 16, 2009

Karen rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

Read in April, 2009

Although this is the second book by Karen Marie Moning and the follow-up to Beyond the Highland Mist, this is actually the last book of the series that I read. I normally don't read out of order if I can help it (this book was lost in the mail), but I'm glad that I read the other books before I read this one. I'm not sure I would have continued the others with the same enthusiasm had I read this sooner.

I was really disappointed in Grimm's character. He doesn't have the same fire and...more

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Aug 02, 2009

Helen marked it as didn-t-finish (review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: didn-t-finish

Read in August, 2009

recommended to Helen by: jameslhelena@bellsouth.net

I enjoyed Moning's The Dark Highlander, so I checked out the others in the series from the library, but I found that I just wasn't interested in what would happen and I was forcing myself to read just to say I finished. It is similar to the way I felt when I read Darkfever, which I did finish but didn't continue the series. I can't put my finger on what it is that loses my interest after I start these, but it seems to be the repetition of problem-solution-problem-solution without much expositi...more

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Jul 25, 2009

~DemonLover~(Kelly) rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: historical-pnr

Read in July, 2009

I can not seem to put these down when I start them.

This book you will find yourself in love with GRIMM, no that's not his real name, it's actually Gavrael. He has a secret, something is in those peircing un-natural ice blue eyes... He's a Berserker. I know, what is that? Well you must read the book and find out his path that lead him to Jillian as a child and later brings him back to her Keep when she is a woman.
A keep, well that's a castle.
This book can only be defined ...more

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Jan 22, 2010

Margot rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: fantasy, romance

Read in January, 2010

Gavrael McIllioch is a great classic romantic manly-man character—stoicism borne of painful childhood memories, self-loathing, communication issues, etc. that inevitably reel in the heroine (and reader!)—but there was something lacking in this book that seemed to be in spades in the first book Beyond the Highland Mist. I can't quite put my finger on it, but maybe it had to do with the suspense and lead-up in the storyline. There just wasn't the same level of tension that gave way via a smoot...more

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Jul 10, 2009

penelopewanders rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: historical-romance

Read in July, 2009

This is the second in the series and I kept waiting for the time travel to kick in, but it didn't. That was fine too -maybe the berserker theme was enough. I had high expectations for this series and was a bit disappointed by the first in the series. This one was closer to what I was hoping for. Jillian is a bit of a non-starter, but not irritatingly so. She is, after all, very young - or at least certainly seems so. Now I look forward to reading the next in the series, which wasn't really the c...more

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May 18, 2009

Kaleigha rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

Read in September, 2009

In the second installment of the KM Moning Highlander series, we focus on the story of Gavreal "Grimm" Roderick. As a young boy, he witnessed the destruction of his people by the enemy McKane clan. When, in the midst of his rage, Gavreal calls on the mythic power of the Berserker, he becomes a warrior without equal. Both feared and worshipped, the Berserker has extra-ordinary powers, but the price is almost uncontrollable violence and rage. To escape this legacy, Gavreal leaves his...more

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Dec 09, 2008

Kathy rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: 2009, highlanders, historical-romance

Read in February, 2009

I loved this book, but I can't get enough of Highlanders and Karen Marie Moning. The character, Grimm, was introduced in a previous KMM book and I was thrilled to learn a little more about him.

Gavreal McIllioch, or Grimm, is a Berserker, which means, when he goes to battle, he REALLY goes to battle. He's a superhuman dude when it comes to beating a foe senseless. He is asked to go back to a place where he was brought up after the death of his father to care for Jillian St. Clair.
...more

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Mar 05, 2010

Stephanie rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: fiction

Read in February, 2010

"only her gentle love could tame his savage soul"

Haha. Why do i read this stuff? This is set in the 1500s or something; historical books are not always my cup of tea but this wasn't too bad. It was odd reading the words with the pronunciation included "aboot" vs "about" (not an actual example-they're Scottish not Canadian) but it was an okay book.

Another smut book loaned to me by stef.

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Aug 16, 2009

K rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

Read in August, 2009

As with the first book, I loved this book/story as well. Not only did I like revisiting Hawk and Adrienne, I liked finding out more about Grimm (Hawk's captain of the guard from Beyond the Highland Mist), and Jillian St. Clair, the woman he loves but can not have. I loved the strength of Jillian and her determination to fight for what she wants, and the fierce, but loving nature of Grimm. Add to it humor, magic, and the legend of the Berserker warrior, and you have a great story that I think m...more

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Dec 22, 2009

Sharon rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

Read in December, 2009

recommended to Sharon by: Amanda

I just finished reading this book. Not a hard read, I finished in an evening.

I have been on a Scottish Highlander kick in the last year or two, and this series was recommended by a friend. I quite enjoyed it, although, I didn't find it as "authentic" as it could be. No one really spoke in a Scottish burr, or in a more old fashioned language.

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Apr 05, 2009

Netanella rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: paranormal-romance

Read in April, 2009

Pure escapist fantasy - exactly what's called for when the reader is stressed out by daily life. This book features Grimm, the Berserker who was first introduced in the first Highlander book, and Jillian. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and especially liked the interactions of Grimm with his father Ronin and uncle Balder - I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue. I would recommend this book to fans of romance in general and KMM in particular.

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Mar 16, 2010

Trissa White rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

Read in March, 2010

recommended to Trissa by: Luvmyfamily

Although I still do not recommend this book to most of my friends I will say that it had far fewer romance scenes than book one.

I like how the author values children in this book. The warriors are lendendary yet their hearts desire still seems to be to find ONE woman and cherish their children.

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Jan 08, 2010

pianogal rated it:

(review of isbn 0440242177)

bookshelves: historical-fic

Read in January, 2010

I didn't think this one was a good as the first one in the series. There was too much tension. The Berserker thing was kinda cool, but other than that, it left me flat. I keep waiting for how this ties into the Fever series, but maybe I'm not far enough in yet. We'll see how the next one goes...

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