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Cree & Dawn #1
Highlander Unchained
The infamous warrior Cree is paraded before the village Dowell and though shackled and wounded he walks with arrogant pride, meeting all the curious and fearful stares of the villagers with a fierceness that has them quickly turning their heads away... all but one woman.
Dawn cannot keep her eyes off the captured warrior, though tales of his exploits suggests he’s more devil than man. When his eyes meet hers, she wonders if the notorious tales are true for only the devil himself could be that sinfully handsome.
Dawn is summoned by the liege lord Colum and ordered to tend Cree, in all ways possible, while he awaits his fate, and please him she must or suffer the consequences. Colum laughs when he issues his orders. He’s sending not only a plain woman to please the mighty warrior in his final days, but one he’ll find no pleasure with. After all what man wants a woman who cannot utter a sound?
But no shackles can hold Cree and when he breaks free he returns to claim the voiceless woman who found a way into his silent heart.
Dawn cannot keep her eyes off the captured warrior, though tales of his exploits suggests he’s more devil than man. When his eyes meet hers, she wonders if the notorious tales are true for only the devil himself could be that sinfully handsome.
Dawn is summoned by the liege lord Colum and ordered to tend Cree, in all ways possible, while he awaits his fate, and please him she must or suffer the consequences. Colum laughs when he issues his orders. He’s sending not only a plain woman to please the mighty warrior in his final days, but one he’ll find no pleasure with. After all what man wants a woman who cannot utter a sound?
But no shackles can hold Cree and when he breaks free he returns to claim the voiceless woman who found a way into his silent heart.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 28, 2024
Part 1/3
2 🙄🙄⭐️s
“Me hard, you wet!” should have been the title of this series…
(I have been definitely struck by the evil eye. 🧿🤦🏻♀️)
2 🙄🙄⭐️s
“Me hard, you wet!” should have been the title of this series…
(I have been definitely struck by the evil eye. 🧿🤦🏻♀️)
November 11, 2012
So I found out about halfway through this book that it is part of a trilogy featuring the same couple in each book. Are you kidding me? This seems like a ploy to get $15 for a mediocre medieval book (at $5 for each book). There is no freaking reason for this to be a trilogy, it's a wallpaper medieval without a lot of depth to the story or characters. It could easily have been told in one book.
For the story itself, the heroine's inability to talk is interesting but it seemed a bit unrealistic the way everyone understood her so easily. Then they would repeat everything she was "saying" so we would know too. The hero was a tough warrior who came off kind of cold sometimes. I was a little confused at the way the heroine seemed to want a child out of wedlock (getting mad when he pulled out) because I thought that wouldn't be a good situation for her or the baby back then.
So now I have read one third of a mediocre wallpaper medieval and I am supposed to spend $10 and more of my time to finish it. Sorry, no thanks. I wish authors would stop doing this to us readers, I had no clue it was happening in historicals too until I read a few reviews after I already started.
For the story itself, the heroine's inability to talk is interesting but it seemed a bit unrealistic the way everyone understood her so easily. Then they would repeat everything she was "saying" so we would know too. The hero was a tough warrior who came off kind of cold sometimes. I was a little confused at the way the heroine seemed to want a child out of wedlock (getting mad when he pulled out) because I thought that wouldn't be a good situation for her or the baby back then.
So now I have read one third of a mediocre wallpaper medieval and I am supposed to spend $10 and more of my time to finish it. Sorry, no thanks. I wish authors would stop doing this to us readers, I had no clue it was happening in historicals too until I read a few reviews after I already started.
July 11, 2025
Second Rating (after 4th re-read): 5 / 5
So, um...after reading this four times in slightly over a year...I think this deserves the full five stars from me. I just love this book and series and will no doubt return to it many, many times in the future, as I already have been doing.
Kind of like Cree and Dawn with each other, now that I think about it. 😊
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Like many others, I don't exactly understand why this has to be a trilogy focusing on the same couple, but...
I like both Dawn and Cree, so I'm not exactly complaining.
So, what's the story? Er...it takes place in Scotland, for starters. Yup, there's that. Also, it takes place in the middle ages, so there's that as well. (Note that neither of these facts are really prominent in the story as this could be any village during any time period anywhere in Europe, but yeah, let's go with 1200s Scotland and fill in the cultural and time-period gaps with our imaginations.)
Anyway, the story starts off with the capture of a strong warrior, Cree, and how he's paraded through the village that Dawn, a mute "plain" woman, lives in. Dawn is assigned to see to Cree's needs in any and all ways, in a bid to find out stuff from him while she's at it. Now, as Dawn communicates through signs, it's reasonable to believe that her best friend understands her perfectly; but readers will have to suspend disbelief for just how quickly Cree catches on to her signs and understanding her.
Putting this aside though, I found it really interesting how Cree and Dawn do communicate, and I liked how the progression of their relationship wasn't quite insta-lust, though a lot of their interactions afterward are lust-filled. If asked to determine how their relationship goes, then I'd say that a good 50% is lust for sure, but the author also dedicates time to showing how Cree and especially Dawn have admirable qualities that allow for them to admire and respect one another.
Mmm....mostly.
The ending is rather abrupt to the story, thus making up my .5 stars off, but since I can immediately just move on to Book 2 of the series (which I plan on doing), it's fine and I can find out what happens next.
Perhaps and just maybe this isn't the best book in terms of some of the decisions made or the writing--according to some reviews that I've read, though honestly I don't have any problems with the writing--but for some reason I really like it. Maybe it's just cause I really like Dawn and Cree and now what I need is a mushy, lustful romance to read.
We all need what we all need at certain times, eh?
So, five stars it is and on to the sequel!
So, um...after reading this four times in slightly over a year...I think this deserves the full five stars from me. I just love this book and series and will no doubt return to it many, many times in the future, as I already have been doing.
Kind of like Cree and Dawn with each other, now that I think about it. 😊
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Like many others, I don't exactly understand why this has to be a trilogy focusing on the same couple, but...
I like both Dawn and Cree, so I'm not exactly complaining.
So, what's the story? Er...it takes place in Scotland, for starters. Yup, there's that. Also, it takes place in the middle ages, so there's that as well. (Note that neither of these facts are really prominent in the story as this could be any village during any time period anywhere in Europe, but yeah, let's go with 1200s Scotland and fill in the cultural and time-period gaps with our imaginations.)
Anyway, the story starts off with the capture of a strong warrior, Cree, and how he's paraded through the village that Dawn, a mute "plain" woman, lives in. Dawn is assigned to see to Cree's needs in any and all ways, in a bid to find out stuff from him while she's at it. Now, as Dawn communicates through signs, it's reasonable to believe that her best friend understands her perfectly; but readers will have to suspend disbelief for just how quickly Cree catches on to her signs and understanding her.
Putting this aside though, I found it really interesting how Cree and Dawn do communicate, and I liked how the progression of their relationship wasn't quite insta-lust, though a lot of their interactions afterward are lust-filled. If asked to determine how their relationship goes, then I'd say that a good 50% is lust for sure, but the author also dedicates time to showing how Cree and especially Dawn have admirable qualities that allow for them to admire and respect one another.
Mmm....mostly.
The ending is rather abrupt to the story, thus making up my .5 stars off, but since I can immediately just move on to Book 2 of the series (which I plan on doing), it's fine and I can find out what happens next.
Perhaps and just maybe this isn't the best book in terms of some of the decisions made or the writing--according to some reviews that I've read, though honestly I don't have any problems with the writing--but for some reason I really like it. Maybe it's just cause I really like Dawn and Cree and now what I need is a mushy, lustful romance to read.
We all need what we all need at certain times, eh?
So, five stars it is and on to the sequel!
January 16, 2016
Sigh, Donna Fletcher is one author who I repeatedly allowed to disappoint me. God knows why.
This is a trilogy featuring the same couple. I was curious about how Donna Fletcher would make it work. Would it just drag on?
Well the thing is, Dawn is described to be a "plain" woman. I never get why writers do that. It's fiction. Why can't we have someone who is attractive? She doesn't have to be Helen of Troy. But why do writers go out of their way to say that the heroine is "plain of features"?
It usually works like this: we are told the heroine is plain. But guess what, the hot guy has the hots for the plain woman. Now I am in a bind. My brain cannot reconcile: so the writer drilled it in us that she is not attractive but we are to imagine her having wild sex with a hot guy?
Speaking of sex, Cree and Dawn did nothing except for having sex. It gets old fast, really. You'd be surprised how quickly sex gets boring and irrelevant, if that's all that's holding a relationship together. And because of all the wonderful sex, Cree must be crazy about Dawn and this was supposed to make the book great.
I did not buy the relationship or the sex. It was like watching animals in heat reading this book.
I actually wanted to read book 2 because Cree's bride arrived in book 2 and so began Cree's wife-mistress dilemma. I wanted to see how that would pan out but Donna Fletcher's writing is.............so boring.........I hate to bad mouth a writer's writing prowess. I feel so disrespectful. It's just after reading quite a few books by this author, I regret to say that they are all of mediocre caliber. Superficial writing, lots of telling and cheap sex. I would like to see more depth in characters before I am forced down their sex life. That's always sorely lacking in Donna Fletcher's books.
This is a trilogy featuring the same couple. I was curious about how Donna Fletcher would make it work. Would it just drag on?
Well the thing is, Dawn is described to be a "plain" woman. I never get why writers do that. It's fiction. Why can't we have someone who is attractive? She doesn't have to be Helen of Troy. But why do writers go out of their way to say that the heroine is "plain of features"?
It usually works like this: we are told the heroine is plain. But guess what, the hot guy has the hots for the plain woman. Now I am in a bind. My brain cannot reconcile: so the writer drilled it in us that she is not attractive but we are to imagine her having wild sex with a hot guy?
Speaking of sex, Cree and Dawn did nothing except for having sex. It gets old fast, really. You'd be surprised how quickly sex gets boring and irrelevant, if that's all that's holding a relationship together. And because of all the wonderful sex, Cree must be crazy about Dawn and this was supposed to make the book great.
I did not buy the relationship or the sex. It was like watching animals in heat reading this book.
I actually wanted to read book 2 because Cree's bride arrived in book 2 and so began Cree's wife-mistress dilemma. I wanted to see how that would pan out but Donna Fletcher's writing is.............so boring.........I hate to bad mouth a writer's writing prowess. I feel so disrespectful. It's just after reading quite a few books by this author, I regret to say that they are all of mediocre caliber. Superficial writing, lots of telling and cheap sex. I would like to see more depth in characters before I am forced down their sex life. That's always sorely lacking in Donna Fletcher's books.
June 4, 2024
Once in a while, a book hits your heart with how beautiful the story is, how captivating the characters are and how engaged you find yourself within the world.
This was one of those books
I've read this a long time ago, maybe in 2014 (since the book was published in 2012) as a borrowed book
I looked for my own copy ever since until I was fortunate to get it via Amazon
Highlander Unchained is a Historical Romance that tells the timeless love between Dawn and Cree.
Dawn, a simple MUTE servant girl, described by the village people as plain and dumb (which she is anything but) captures the heart of the Highlander Lord Cree with her kindness and intelligence.
Cree fights his affection and attraction to Dawn for as long as he can because he was bound by his duty and status as Lord to take a suitable wife
What captures your heart is the way Cree perceives Dawn's disability. Even though she is mute and can express herself with gestures he always says to her "tell me", "speak" "I can hear you" not dismissing her condition but emphasizing that she is strong, able and equal to anyone not despite her disability but because of it.
While reading this first book of the trilogy, we see Dawn flourishing under the care of Cree. She shows her courage and resourcefulness that were hidden due to the oppression of the previous Lord. Dawn is kind to others and never harbors ill will to anyone even when they do not do the same to her.
The other thing I loved about this book is that it stayed true to its era. It is set in the old times of Highlanders so the wordings and language are suitable to this time such as "coupling and poking" and best of all there wasn't the fateful mistake some writers do when they insert words such as "ok" in historical fiction.
In my opinion, the love between Dawn and Cree is one of the most perfect ones I've read
making this book in my top best romance books.
This was one of those books
I've read this a long time ago, maybe in 2014 (since the book was published in 2012) as a borrowed book
I looked for my own copy ever since until I was fortunate to get it via Amazon
Highlander Unchained is a Historical Romance that tells the timeless love between Dawn and Cree.
Dawn, a simple MUTE servant girl, described by the village people as plain and dumb (which she is anything but) captures the heart of the Highlander Lord Cree with her kindness and intelligence.
Cree fights his affection and attraction to Dawn for as long as he can because he was bound by his duty and status as Lord to take a suitable wife
What captures your heart is the way Cree perceives Dawn's disability. Even though she is mute and can express herself with gestures he always says to her "tell me", "speak" "I can hear you" not dismissing her condition but emphasizing that she is strong, able and equal to anyone not despite her disability but because of it.
While reading this first book of the trilogy, we see Dawn flourishing under the care of Cree. She shows her courage and resourcefulness that were hidden due to the oppression of the previous Lord. Dawn is kind to others and never harbors ill will to anyone even when they do not do the same to her.
The other thing I loved about this book is that it stayed true to its era. It is set in the old times of Highlanders so the wordings and language are suitable to this time such as "coupling and poking" and best of all there wasn't the fateful mistake some writers do when they insert words such as "ok" in historical fiction.
In my opinion, the love between Dawn and Cree is one of the most perfect ones I've read
making this book in my top best romance books.
March 8, 2016
Re-reading for the millionth time. By far my favourite Highlander book series. I've read all of Cree and Dawn in the trilogy and their short stories multiple time and don't care.
I'm still on my search to find a hero like Cree in any highlander books or similar themed story, but my search has been futile. I've read some of Donna Fletcher's other stories and have been disappointed... I want another CREE!! :(
I'm still on my search to find a hero like Cree in any highlander books or similar themed story, but my search has been futile. I've read some of Donna Fletcher's other stories and have been disappointed... I want another CREE!! :(
May 6, 2019
This book could have been really good but why this couple had to have sex every time they looked at each other is beyond me! Why not develop the characters instead. A sex coupling is great once or twice in the story but all the time it gets really boring!! It's a pity as it had lots of potential. I won't be reading more from this series.
December 13, 2017
Book-1 = 4.2 stars
Book-2 = on hold
Book-3 = may be
So i really enjoyed first book and it really held my intrest.
H was amazing and h was fine too
Story was well told and everything was making sense...
But then came book 2 and i started to get annoy with hero's " i love her but can't marry her" bulshit and heroine's "i love him so i have to accept my life as his mistress even if its basically cheating" drama
Fuck it i was already annoyed with this but after writer somehow and let me clear it was totally unsatisfying solution but yeah somehow this mess got cleared but then came h's family drama aaaaaand m out!
Yup after reading half of the second book i decided i can't handle this anymore.
So now on that unsatisfying solution-
Little spoiler ahead!
Hero could'nt mary heroine because he wanted political marriage to keep himself in power so later heroine turned out "somehow" royal and then he decided he can finally marry her...
OKAY!
You did'nt tell me you can make the half book fictional with unicorn's and rainbow and other half with reality bullshit...
So yeah on the last note i decided to put this on hold as my mind could'nt handle this soap opera anymore!!
Book-2 = on hold
Book-3 = may be
So i really enjoyed first book and it really held my intrest.
H was amazing and h was fine too
Story was well told and everything was making sense...
But then came book 2 and i started to get annoy with hero's " i love her but can't marry her" bulshit and heroine's "i love him so i have to accept my life as his mistress even if its basically cheating" drama
Fuck it i was already annoyed with this but after writer somehow and let me clear it was totally unsatisfying solution but yeah somehow this mess got cleared but then came h's family drama aaaaaand m out!
Yup after reading half of the second book i decided i can't handle this anymore.
So now on that unsatisfying solution-
Little spoiler ahead!
Hero could'nt mary heroine because he wanted political marriage to keep himself in power so later heroine turned out "somehow" royal and then he decided he can finally marry her...
OKAY!
You did'nt tell me you can make the half book fictional with unicorn's and rainbow and other half with reality bullshit...
So yeah on the last note i decided to put this on hold as my mind could'nt handle this soap opera anymore!!
October 16, 2012
The Highlands of Scotland 1200
Dawn lives in a village where she merely exists. Having been born without a voice, and arriving in the village around the age of nine with her mother, she never has fully been accepted by all. Of course some would call her infirmity evil, and that she is touched by the devil, or that she is simple, but that is far from the truth. Dawn can in fact get her point across very well when she needs to, many times using her best friend Lila as her translator.
As soon as she sees him, Dawn cannot keep him out of her thoughts. Cree, the Devil as he is called by the multitude, arrives in her village in shackles, defeated by Colum, who is basically the overseer. His liege lord is Roland Gerwan, the Earl of Carrick and Colum does his bidding. Believing that he has the upper hand, Colum imprisons Cree in a hut under guard, then comes up with the brilliant idea to find out all Cree's secrets by sending the mute, Dawn to care for him. Not only is she to care for him, but she is do do anything Cree wants, including being bed by this highlander if he so wishes.
At first, Dawn finds Cree frightening, but she soon realizes that the warrior is kind and fair and she is torn between reporting all back to the hated Colum, or protecting Cree. When Cree escapes the hut and his warriors join him to take over Dawn's village, he immediately seeks her out to protect her if not something more. Will Cree overcome and be the great leader he is destined to be? Will Dawn have a bright future surrounded by those she cares for? Read Highlander Unchained to find out!
It's hard to not give too much away with this great story. There are so many ups and downs. So many secrets and so much mystery. Nothing is as it seems to be and that just adds so much to Highlander Unchained. Dawn's inability to speak only makes you adore her more and the fact that Cree understands her and actually considers her communication speech makes the reader love him. Such a great story! Definitely one that I highly recommend. My only suggestion to the reader is that you also have Forbidden Highlander at hand, because Highlander Unchained has a cliffhanger, and I had to IMMEDIATELY begin Forbidden Highlander for my own sanity.
~KIMBERLY~
February 1, 2017
Aw hell...cliffhanger! Annoying & unnecessary.
The mystery dragged out. I got annoyed.
The mystery could have been solved in this book. The sex scenes got boring. Added to avoid solving the mystery.
Also annoying...the hero and heroine's names. Cree and Dawn are modern names not medieval names.
And the hero such a pansy not willing to marry the heroine...I want warrior hero to be so into the heroine he binds her to him with marriage!
Damn I'm so annoyed.
Giving 3 stars not one star cause I gots to find the conclusion...sigh.
The mystery dragged out. I got annoyed.
The mystery could have been solved in this book. The sex scenes got boring. Added to avoid solving the mystery.
Also annoying...the hero and heroine's names. Cree and Dawn are modern names not medieval names.
And the hero such a pansy not willing to marry the heroine...I want warrior hero to be so into the heroine he binds her to him with marriage!
Damn I'm so annoyed.
Giving 3 stars not one star cause I gots to find the conclusion...sigh.
October 22, 2019
Por fin lo he terminado!! Hice una pausa bastante prolongada a la lectura porque no es de las que me gusta en demasía, aunque suelo leer de este género el libro no fue de mi agrado totalmente a pesar de tener cosas originales o distintas a otros está lleno de clichés.
Tuvo un final muy abrupto, abierto totalmente, pero no creo que lea la continuación.
Tuvo un final muy abrupto, abierto totalmente, pero no creo que lea la continuación.
March 4, 2025
loved it - easy to read, semi-unique premise, hot warrior hero and lovely, strong, mute heroine. i was surprised that this wasn’t a standalone and didn’t love the abrupt end, especially because i was waiting for that happy ending but this was so entertaining. 4.5 stars
October 13, 2017
one word - painful.
Now, I usually enjoy reading about a MC that has a physical impairment - it usually makes their HEA that much sweeter to me. HOWEVER, in this book, the heroine's complete lack of voice - couldn't even grunt or cry - made this a very frustrating read w/me doing a LOT of eyeball rolling.
After spending only a few hours in the heroine's presence when he is locked in jail the hero inexplicably falls under her spell - but why??!!!! She is unattractive and doesn't say a single word to him. In addition, she comes across as a scared mouse. I just did't buy the insta-lust and his rabid pursuit of her throughout the book.
On top of all this the hero was a complete dick. Not in a sexy alpha sort of way, but a brusque, neanderthal who wouldn't garner anyone's favor or affection IRL. Just to clue you in, the hero takes the heroine as a mistress and she only finds out at the end that his wife to be is arriving at the end of the book. And by this time the heroine is preggers w/the "hero" bastard. Not that he cares since he keeps sending the healer to give her a potion to abort any unwanted pregnancies - how romantic - NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And what was up w/the ending, or complete lack thereof? Literally ending in mid-sentence/mid action. Then I learn I have to read THREE FUCKING BOOKS to find out what happens to the MCs?
Think I will pass.
Now, I usually enjoy reading about a MC that has a physical impairment - it usually makes their HEA that much sweeter to me. HOWEVER, in this book, the heroine's complete lack of voice - couldn't even grunt or cry - made this a very frustrating read w/me doing a LOT of eyeball rolling.
After spending only a few hours in the heroine's presence when he is locked in jail the hero inexplicably falls under her spell - but why??!!!! She is unattractive and doesn't say a single word to him. In addition, she comes across as a scared mouse. I just did't buy the insta-lust and his rabid pursuit of her throughout the book.
On top of all this the hero was a complete dick. Not in a sexy alpha sort of way, but a brusque, neanderthal who wouldn't garner anyone's favor or affection IRL. Just to clue you in, the hero takes the heroine as a mistress and she only finds out at the end that his wife to be is arriving at the end of the book. And by this time the heroine is preggers w/the "hero" bastard. Not that he cares since he keeps sending the healer to give her a potion to abort any unwanted pregnancies - how romantic - NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And what was up w/the ending, or complete lack thereof? Literally ending in mid-sentence/mid action. Then I learn I have to read THREE FUCKING BOOKS to find out what happens to the MCs?
Think I will pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2012
This was an enjoyable read. A lot going on, but I am very drawn in to the story.
Heroine Dawn is a lovable non-beautiful character. Hero Cree is kick-ass.
Only problems, so far: my copy has some serious editing issues. Like your/you're, past/passed, then/than confusion. Thunderbolts attack my brain when I see crap like this. The cover of this book touts the author as a "USA Today Bestseller."
Learn your damn homophones.
I don't say this to be mean. But, come on.
Also - this is a series. A three part series.
Seriously. Techno-Viking wants you to wrap that shit up.
Otherwise... on to the next one.
Heroine Dawn is a lovable non-beautiful character. Hero Cree is kick-ass.
Only problems, so far: my copy has some serious editing issues. Like your/you're, past/passed, then/than confusion. Thunderbolts attack my brain when I see crap like this. The cover of this book touts the author as a "USA Today Bestseller."
Learn your damn homophones.
I don't say this to be mean. But, come on.
Also - this is a series. A three part series.
Seriously. Techno-Viking wants you to wrap that shit up.
Otherwise... on to the next one.
January 9, 2016
Loved reading this book. Not a fan of historicals but this H was everything I want in a hero. He was so possessive, jealous, protective, and obsessed with the h. He was feared by all and never lost his tough guy attitude. The h was IT for him and I loved how he was so crazy about her. Can't wait to continue this series.
November 9, 2012
the book is a good read. but what annoys me is, couldn't she finish one story in one book and make it a "lord of the ring trilogy". i don't know if i want to spend $ 4.99 on another book and there is one more.
September 10, 2014
Creeeee! OHHH~ *swoon*
November 21, 2024
1st re-read: 23/7/16
2nd re-read: 6/11/16
3rd re-read: 19/2/17
4th reread: 22/11/24
Downgrade from 5 stars to 4.5✨
2nd re-read: 6/11/16
3rd re-read: 19/2/17
4th reread: 22/11/24
Downgrade from 5 stars to 4.5✨
June 3, 2024
No desire to read rest of series for some reason. I just didn't get the feels on this. I'm sorry too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
For some reason, I was in a Highlander mood in May. I think every book I read was a Highlander book. Who knew?
Anyway, this one was good. The Chapter 1 heading tells us this takes place somewhere in Scotland in the 1200s. This is good because without knowing that, it just reads like a vaguely historical romance during medieval times in a place where there are Lords and a Keep and an unnamed king. So the actual history-time-place really would have felt really vague without the note.
But the story was engrossing and Cree was very much all ROWR alpha warrior strong with his numerous band of warriors at his beck and call. The heroine, Dawn was that sort that has built in jeopardy. She is bullied and a bit of an outsider because she has a disability (she is mute) and is kinda low on the pecking order.
As the book opens Cree (who has a ROWR alpha warrior fearsome reputation across the entire land) is taken prisoner and paraded through the village by the smarmy villain of the book. He is imprisoned and for reasons, Dawn is the one who is tasked with looking after him. All is not as it seems.
Things happen... tables are turned... Dawn intrigues Cree... they fall in love... she gets attacked and or kidnapped a few times.
This is one of those books that don't have a lot of plot-plot but events happen that carry the protags along. There is a mystery of sorts that develops, namely someone really wants Dawn dead. And then we get a couple of twists. There are a lot of very convenient things that happen, naturally, so that things can fall into place neatly. But I am not too mad at it. As I said, the story was engrossing and entertaining and the romance/chemistry was very well done.
And one other thing I really liked, was that Dawn was not miraculously cured of her muteness. The book makes it clear it is not selective mutism but some sort of genetic thing that is inherited. She can't make any sound whatsoever. I was so sure we'd get some miracle cure, but was gratified we did not.
This is the first book in a series and a bunch of novellas that follow Cree and Dawn along even after they marry.
Anyway, this one was good. The Chapter 1 heading tells us this takes place somewhere in Scotland in the 1200s. This is good because without knowing that, it just reads like a vaguely historical romance during medieval times in a place where there are Lords and a Keep and an unnamed king. So the actual history-time-place really would have felt really vague without the note.
But the story was engrossing and Cree was very much all ROWR alpha warrior strong with his numerous band of warriors at his beck and call. The heroine, Dawn was that sort that has built in jeopardy. She is bullied and a bit of an outsider because she has a disability (she is mute) and is kinda low on the pecking order.
As the book opens Cree (who has a ROWR alpha warrior fearsome reputation across the entire land) is taken prisoner and paraded through the village by the smarmy villain of the book. He is imprisoned and for reasons, Dawn is the one who is tasked with looking after him. All is not as it seems.
Things happen... tables are turned... Dawn intrigues Cree... they fall in love... she gets attacked and or kidnapped a few times.
This is one of those books that don't have a lot of plot-plot but events happen that carry the protags along. There is a mystery of sorts that develops, namely someone really wants Dawn dead. And then we get a couple of twists. There are a lot of very convenient things that happen, naturally, so that things can fall into place neatly. But I am not too mad at it. As I said, the story was engrossing and entertaining and the romance/chemistry was very well done.
And one other thing I really liked, was that Dawn was not miraculously cured of her muteness. The book makes it clear it is not selective mutism but some sort of genetic thing that is inherited. She can't make any sound whatsoever. I was so sure we'd get some miracle cure, but was gratified we did not.
This is the first book in a series and a bunch of novellas that follow Cree and Dawn along even after they marry.
August 31, 2023
A low 4 stars it is a very long book. It started off great but then it seemed hundreds of pages where the same scenario just slightly changed kept happening. The H and h where like rabbits so that lost its appeal after episode 71 😩 anyway I am sure I will keep reading because medieval romances are few. Plot 5.5 steaminess 6.5(1-10)
February 22, 2025
*1.5 stars*
I was bored with the romance. They barely knew each other, so it was all very insta-lust. They just walked around being aroused all day. The storyline was so repetitive and predictable. Why couldn't Dawn write out her messages or even mouth out the words? I've read other books with mute characters and they all had a variety of ways in which they communicated. Cree was very one dimensional and so was Dawn. She was such a Mary Sue it was so annoying! I have no interest in reading the second book.
I was bored with the romance. They barely knew each other, so it was all very insta-lust. They just walked around being aroused all day. The storyline was so repetitive and predictable. Why couldn't Dawn write out her messages or even mouth out the words? I've read other books with mute characters and they all had a variety of ways in which they communicated. Cree was very one dimensional and so was Dawn. She was such a Mary Sue it was so annoying! I have no interest in reading the second book.
June 5, 2018
یکی از ضعیف ترین رمانهای تاریخی که خوندم.
January 2, 2013
This is a book that really breaks the romance novel mold and I feel it does it in a very interesting and GREAT way.
NOTE: I knew going into this book that it was in fact a continuous story that would span over multiple books and YOU should go into it knowing this as well. The story is NOT completed in just one book. In fact it ends in a spot that leaves you just dying for more and THAT is why I am in love with this book and I am sure I will be with this series.
To many times in romance novels, I find that I don't want the story to end. I fall in love with the characters and I want to know more about them beyond just one book, especially ones that have complicated relationships. I hate seeing a good pair with a good story just rushed though in 300 or so pages.
The fact that this story and this couple is explored and developed over the span of TWO books gives them and the reader time to take it all in and watch their love grow in what feels like real time. There are no holes. There are not time skips. You are with them every single step of the way and you feel like you are there with them. You are seeing EVERY passing moment between them because the story takes it's time to developed love. It's not just "oh look at us we are in love now" like SO many romance novels do. It's slow, it's taken with care. It's genius to me!
I suppose I should talk a bit about the plot and the characters. Dawn is a woman that was born with no voice. She can make no sound what so ever. Her whole life she has been looked down upon as an outcast because she is not like normal people. Those that know her though know she is a truly extraordinary and special young woman. Enter Cree, a warrior considered to be the devil himself and heartless to boot. He is a man that has plans for his future that certainly don't involve falling in love with any woman, let alone a voiceless one.
Just like how the story spanning over two books is breaking the mold, so is this pair. At least Dawn is. I never thought I would ever see a woman that can make no sound in a romance novel. It seems so out of place but I loved her. Dawn is likely one of my top heroines of romance now. She is so odd and out of place as the romantic heroine that she is just plain lovable to me. I am routing for her from page one and I'll be rooting for her in the next book as well. She has lived such a sad life and had such obstacles to face that I just want her to be happy. She deserves happiness. Cree is a more cookie cutter romantic leading men, but the fact that he falls for Dawn and protects her because no one else ever has is what makes me love him and sets him apart from others in my book.
Now, I have read other reviews here so I felt the need to bring up some common issues people had with the book and comment on them. First, I don't find the fact that Dawn's 'dialogue' is all gesturing that the other characters then translate to be an issue. In fact, it only helped me to be able to visualize the scenes easier. I could see Dawn as I read and much like Cree learning to speak with her, I felt like I was learning to listen just as he was.
The other thing was the editing. Yes, there are issues with whoever proof read this or typed it up to be distributed, but I found the story to be so good I didn't even notice it that much. An occasional comma out of place here or there, but it wasn't a big deal to me. I found that only spoke to how good the plot was for me. If I could totally ignore the typo issues, it was because I was so into the story I did not even care. I just wanted to read more.
I loved this book. I love the idea of this book. I wish more authors had the balls to end on a cliffhanger like this. If you are looking for something totally different than any other cookie cutter romance novel, go get your kindle or your nook or whatever you have (or buy it if this ever goes into print) and get this AND the second half of the story "Forbidden Highlander."
I am going to start the second half of this love story that breaks all the rules RIGHT NOW.
NOTE: I knew going into this book that it was in fact a continuous story that would span over multiple books and YOU should go into it knowing this as well. The story is NOT completed in just one book. In fact it ends in a spot that leaves you just dying for more and THAT is why I am in love with this book and I am sure I will be with this series.
To many times in romance novels, I find that I don't want the story to end. I fall in love with the characters and I want to know more about them beyond just one book, especially ones that have complicated relationships. I hate seeing a good pair with a good story just rushed though in 300 or so pages.
The fact that this story and this couple is explored and developed over the span of TWO books gives them and the reader time to take it all in and watch their love grow in what feels like real time. There are no holes. There are not time skips. You are with them every single step of the way and you feel like you are there with them. You are seeing EVERY passing moment between them because the story takes it's time to developed love. It's not just "oh look at us we are in love now" like SO many romance novels do. It's slow, it's taken with care. It's genius to me!
I suppose I should talk a bit about the plot and the characters. Dawn is a woman that was born with no voice. She can make no sound what so ever. Her whole life she has been looked down upon as an outcast because she is not like normal people. Those that know her though know she is a truly extraordinary and special young woman. Enter Cree, a warrior considered to be the devil himself and heartless to boot. He is a man that has plans for his future that certainly don't involve falling in love with any woman, let alone a voiceless one.
Just like how the story spanning over two books is breaking the mold, so is this pair. At least Dawn is. I never thought I would ever see a woman that can make no sound in a romance novel. It seems so out of place but I loved her. Dawn is likely one of my top heroines of romance now. She is so odd and out of place as the romantic heroine that she is just plain lovable to me. I am routing for her from page one and I'll be rooting for her in the next book as well. She has lived such a sad life and had such obstacles to face that I just want her to be happy. She deserves happiness. Cree is a more cookie cutter romantic leading men, but the fact that he falls for Dawn and protects her because no one else ever has is what makes me love him and sets him apart from others in my book.
Now, I have read other reviews here so I felt the need to bring up some common issues people had with the book and comment on them. First, I don't find the fact that Dawn's 'dialogue' is all gesturing that the other characters then translate to be an issue. In fact, it only helped me to be able to visualize the scenes easier. I could see Dawn as I read and much like Cree learning to speak with her, I felt like I was learning to listen just as he was.
The other thing was the editing. Yes, there are issues with whoever proof read this or typed it up to be distributed, but I found the story to be so good I didn't even notice it that much. An occasional comma out of place here or there, but it wasn't a big deal to me. I found that only spoke to how good the plot was for me. If I could totally ignore the typo issues, it was because I was so into the story I did not even care. I just wanted to read more.
I loved this book. I love the idea of this book. I wish more authors had the balls to end on a cliffhanger like this. If you are looking for something totally different than any other cookie cutter romance novel, go get your kindle or your nook or whatever you have (or buy it if this ever goes into print) and get this AND the second half of the story "Forbidden Highlander."
I am going to start the second half of this love story that breaks all the rules RIGHT NOW.
January 26, 2016
It was not perfect but four stars doesn't express the fact that I was gripped by this story. I really like stories where there is a hero or heroine who is somehow handicapped. It makes the story more interesting.
Cree is an interesting guy. He is so male I found myself laughing whenever he responded to "feelings" by getting angry. Men want to be in charge of everything and feelings are a conundrum. Poor Dawn. She doesn't understand this about men in general and Cree specifically. I do fault Cree for thinking he can have a mistress he cares about AND a wife he doesn't care about. But then we know he's not thinking with his brain anyway, he just thinks he is. Which is why he's frustrated and, therefore, angry.
Dawn is a saint. What she isn't is a pushover. She has very little, if any, status in the clan but she makes decisions that support self-respect. I have an idea where the story is going and am excited to see how the pathway weaves.
I'm glad I waited to start reading until the entire trilogy was published as I'm going to start the next as soon as I'm done writing here. I am disappointed that Kobo has sold me an unedited copy. There are so many errors. I will look into this.
Donna Fletcher is one of my favorite authors and I am grateful to her for her insights into the human condition. Characters are why I love to read and she writes great characters.
Cree is an interesting guy. He is so male I found myself laughing whenever he responded to "feelings" by getting angry. Men want to be in charge of everything and feelings are a conundrum. Poor Dawn. She doesn't understand this about men in general and Cree specifically. I do fault Cree for thinking he can have a mistress he cares about AND a wife he doesn't care about. But then we know he's not thinking with his brain anyway, he just thinks he is. Which is why he's frustrated and, therefore, angry.
Dawn is a saint. What she isn't is a pushover. She has very little, if any, status in the clan but she makes decisions that support self-respect. I have an idea where the story is going and am excited to see how the pathway weaves.
I'm glad I waited to start reading until the entire trilogy was published as I'm going to start the next as soon as I'm done writing here. I am disappointed that Kobo has sold me an unedited copy. There are so many errors. I will look into this.
Donna Fletcher is one of my favorite authors and I am grateful to her for her insights into the human condition. Characters are why I love to read and she writes great characters.
November 22, 2013
Beautiful story about the love between a mute woman named Dawn and a fierce warrior named Cree. Both have been thrown together by circumstances beyond their control and love blossoms quickly.
Dawn has been silent her entire life. She was born without a voice and has had to learn how to communicate without words. When she if forced to attend the mighty warrior Cree in order to gain information, she finds someone who is not what he seems. As he learns to communicate with her and they spend time with together, she finds herself falling in love with him.
Cree has one objective and that is to take the village Dowell and the keep for his warriors and himself. He does not have time to be distracted by a female, and especially not Dawn. But as he spends more and more time with here he finds he cannot get her off of his mind. After he suceeds in taking the village he must decide if he can keep his distance from her.
The first in a trilogy of books that revolve almost entirely around Dawn and Cree. The final book you are introduced to Wintra and Torr and their story, but you still have Dawn and Cree in it very heavily. Great books and I would recommend to anyone who loves highlanders.
Dawn has been silent her entire life. She was born without a voice and has had to learn how to communicate without words. When she if forced to attend the mighty warrior Cree in order to gain information, she finds someone who is not what he seems. As he learns to communicate with her and they spend time with together, she finds herself falling in love with him.
Cree has one objective and that is to take the village Dowell and the keep for his warriors and himself. He does not have time to be distracted by a female, and especially not Dawn. But as he spends more and more time with here he finds he cannot get her off of his mind. After he suceeds in taking the village he must decide if he can keep his distance from her.
The first in a trilogy of books that revolve almost entirely around Dawn and Cree. The final book you are introduced to Wintra and Torr and their story, but you still have Dawn and Cree in it very heavily. Great books and I would recommend to anyone who loves highlanders.
May 26, 2014
Link: http://lit4ladies.com/2013/04/07/mont...
Rating: 5 Teacups / 5 Handcuffs
Why we gave it 5 Teacups:
Donna Fletcher has created an extremely rare and well written novel. One of our favorite aspects of this books is the heroine has a handicap. She was born with the inability to speak, but is still able to express herself clearly. The book deals with the preconceived notions 13th century society has on people that are different. She was able to articulate Dawn’s thoughts and feeling even though she does not have a voice. She brings life to Cree’s struggle to come to terms with his love for Dawn and his ability to understand her form of communication. As the characters’ love grows so does his understanding of her.
This is first of three novels written about Cree and Dawn.
Why we gave it 5 Handcuffs:
There is A LOT of sex, and sexual discussion. Cree is a hot alph Highlander, in a sexy kilt, who loves a good shag. Whenever these two are in a room together they can not keep their hands, and other body part off one another.
Rating: 5 Teacups / 5 Handcuffs
Why we gave it 5 Teacups:
Donna Fletcher has created an extremely rare and well written novel. One of our favorite aspects of this books is the heroine has a handicap. She was born with the inability to speak, but is still able to express herself clearly. The book deals with the preconceived notions 13th century society has on people that are different. She was able to articulate Dawn’s thoughts and feeling even though she does not have a voice. She brings life to Cree’s struggle to come to terms with his love for Dawn and his ability to understand her form of communication. As the characters’ love grows so does his understanding of her.
This is first of three novels written about Cree and Dawn.
Why we gave it 5 Handcuffs:
There is A LOT of sex, and sexual discussion. Cree is a hot alph Highlander, in a sexy kilt, who loves a good shag. Whenever these two are in a room together they can not keep their hands, and other body part off one another.
December 1, 2014
I have to say this is my favorite series. Besides Donna being one of my favorite authors, she really does write well and keep you sucked into her books.
This one is no different. It is a start of a series about Cree and Dawn. Someone is out to get Dawn, they want her dead. She has no idea why either. Being mute and a peasant makes for everyone to wonder what she truly knows to have this target on her back.
Cree is only there to get what he has wanted for a very long time. A title and heirs. What he doesn't realize is he finds something more in Dawn. A mute woman who has got him and he will do all he can to find and kill the person trying to hurt his Dawn.
It is an absolutely great plot, and so much twists, and turns. Who dunnits, and in the process learning who you are as a person. I cannot say enough about this series. I would recommend this to all who want to disappear into another world of mystery in the Scottish highlands of medieval times. I am off to read book two for the 5th time.
This one is no different. It is a start of a series about Cree and Dawn. Someone is out to get Dawn, they want her dead. She has no idea why either. Being mute and a peasant makes for everyone to wonder what she truly knows to have this target on her back.
Cree is only there to get what he has wanted for a very long time. A title and heirs. What he doesn't realize is he finds something more in Dawn. A mute woman who has got him and he will do all he can to find and kill the person trying to hurt his Dawn.
It is an absolutely great plot, and so much twists, and turns. Who dunnits, and in the process learning who you are as a person. I cannot say enough about this series. I would recommend this to all who want to disappear into another world of mystery in the Scottish highlands of medieval times. I am off to read book two for the 5th time.
January 1, 2015
totally enjoyable read
while it is unrealistic that someone can make no sound at all... assuming it was true the story was well written.
I agree that it was uncanny how many people can understand her signs given how it is natural for people to assume that they won't understand and hence not try. But the people who did understand her were usually (more often than not) those who respected and hence paid attention to her.
I'm happy to finish this series.
I don't agree with some reviewers that this book was stretched to cause us to pay for more books... at least so far all that was included in this book was necessary to the story IMHO.
while it is unrealistic that someone can make no sound at all... assuming it was true the story was well written.
I agree that it was uncanny how many people can understand her signs given how it is natural for people to assume that they won't understand and hence not try. But the people who did understand her were usually (more often than not) those who respected and hence paid attention to her.
I'm happy to finish this series.
I don't agree with some reviewers that this book was stretched to cause us to pay for more books... at least so far all that was included in this book was necessary to the story IMHO.
February 8, 2019
2 and a half stars. I always love a Highlanders story, but I grew more impatient with this book the more I read. It was interesting at the start with a mighty warrior and an unconventional, mute heroine, but how many times can you read that he grows hard and she is wet? Come on! three or four times, sure, but here is closer to thirty! Enough already! And how many times does he say that she shouldn't leave her hut and she does the opposite? This book needs a ruthless editor and the first two books of the trilogy should definitely be combined in a much shorter one. I'm presently struggling through the 2nd book and I won't read the 3rd for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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