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Duncurra #3

Highland Intrigue

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"A wonderfully written Scottish romance and is a must add to your list of books to be read." - Amazon Review "Ceci Giltenan has written another outstanding story of Highland adventure and intrigue. This story is about love and justice. I found this book difficult to stop reading. I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. I would recommend it to anyone." - Amazon Review Lady Gillian MacLennan's clan needs a leader, but the last person on earth she wants as their laird is Fingal Maclan. She can neither forgive nor forget that his mother killed her father, and, by doing so, created Clan MacLennan’s current desperate circumstances. King David knows a weak clan, without a laird, can change quickly from a simple annoyance to a dangerous liability, and he cannot ignore the turmoil. The MacIan’s owe him a great debt, so when he makes Fingal MacIan laird of clan MacLennan and requires that he marry Lady Gillian, Fingal is in no position to refuse. In spite of the challenge, Fingal is confident he can rebuild her clan, ease her heartache and win her affection. However, just as love awakens, the power struggle takes a deadly turn. Can he protect her from the unknown long enough to uncover the plot against them? Or will all be lost, destroying the happiness they seek in each other’s arms? Highland Courage is a romance about a married couple and thus contains several mildly explicit love scenes, as one might expect to occur in married life. If you want more steam than that, you might be disappointed. If you prefer to stay out of the bedroom this title is available in an Inspirational version. DUNCURRA Highland Solution Highland Courage Highland Intrigue

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2014

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346 people want to read

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Ceci Giltenan

36 books184 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Севдалина.
861 reviews57 followers
November 26, 2021
Фингал Масиан и Джилиън Макленън

Бащата на Джилиън е братовчед на леърда на клана Макленън. Когато Майл Макленън решава да се опита да завладее крепостта на клана Масиан, заедно с любовницата си, бившата лейди Масиан, плана му се проваля и той, заедно с много от войните си, намира смъртта си в битката. Бащата на Джилиън също губи живота си. Клана Макленън е изправен пред криза и избират за водач лелята на Джилиън, а след като и тя умира след броени месеци, сега на плещите на Джилиън пада товара да бъде водач на клана си. Когато в дома й пристига вестоносец на краля, заедно с двамата братя Масиан, които носят дикрет от Краля, Джилиън е готова да се бори с всички сили срещу него.

Целият свят на Фингал се преобръща, когато научава, че майка му е била бременна, когато се е омъжила за мъжа, който е смятал за свой баща. Фингал научава, че злият леърд Макленън е истинският му баща, но няма никакво намерение да признае връзката им или да има каквото и да е общо с клана. Докато краля не решава, че като единствен пряк кръвен наследник, Фингал ще е идеален да заеме мястото на баща си и да бъде леърд на Макленън. Освен това той иска от Фингал да се омъжи за Джилиън Макленън и така да стопи съпротивата на клана. Ако Джилиън не желае да се омъжи за него, тя трябва да отиде в манастир, а той да се ожени за някоя от двете й сестри.

Макар и двамата да не желаят този брак, Фингал и Джилиън са решени да извлекат най-доброто от ситуацията и когато нещата изглежда започват да се нареждат, започват да се случват някои инциденти, които подозрително приличат на опити за убийство.

Още от първа книга съм фенка на Фингал, той е толкова чаровен, позитивен и верен герой. Джилиън направи геройски опит да му устои, но просто нямаше никакъв шанс. Още щом започнаха "инцидентите" знаех, че някой се опитва да се отърве от героите ни, но разгадах злодеят, когато Въпреки, че беше предвидима, историята ми хареса. Обожавам Фингал, той беше прекрасен герой. Срещнахме се отново с Катрин и Найл, запознахме се с някои нови герои, и мисля да се поразровя да видя дали няма да намеря и книга за някой от тях. Доволна съм от прочетеното и мисля, че Сеси ще стане една от любимите ми авторки.
Profile Image for Moonlight &#x1f338;.
672 reviews97 followers
November 4, 2019
Firstly I want to comment on how unattractive this book cover is! Lol! I only forged on cause it’s not good to judge a book by the cover.

Secondly why’s the author trying so hard to make Fingal look so perfect. I understand he’s to be a kind, considerate and fair man but geez, it’s almost like the author is kissing her own character’s behind! Might as well have added a violin for effect.

Over time though it becomes easier to overlook how too perfect Fingal is. I was also able to bear with Gillian’s prickliness.

I feel the plot would’ve been great if the book wasn’t written like a tales-by-moonlight story. It felt like I was seated and the author was telling me a story instead of a book smoothly woven to feel like I was experiencing the events. I feel once the author can work on her delivery, it’ll be much better - although I’ve only read this book from her but I’m nervous to try another one. I didn’t really enjoy the storytelling style.

All together it was a nice book. 3/5.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,124 reviews60 followers
September 7, 2016
I've enjoyed every book in the Duncurra series and this one was no different. While Gillian and Fingal may not have gotten off on the right foot, they both did what they had to for their clan. Watching these two fall in love and overcome the obstacles before them was incredibly sweet.
443 reviews
September 11, 2017
The clan needed a strong leader, Lady Gillian MacLennan knew that. Then King David arranged to have Gillian marry Fingal MacLan. The son of the woman who killed her father. They both are in no position to refuse the King David. In spite of the challenge Fingal is sure that he can rebuild their clan, ease her heartache, and the win her affections, however, there is someone out to destroy their new found happiness.
Profile Image for Boundless Book Reviews.
2,242 reviews79 followers
December 12, 2016
Fingal MacIan has been commanded by the King to become Laird of Brathanead. His birth father, Malcolm, had deceived the MacIan clan and for years had kept the secret that he was really Fingal's birth father. Now, Brathanead is under a woman's leadership and the clan is falling apart. Gillian MacLennan, the current Leader of the clan is in no way prepared to care for her clan alone. When the King orders her to marry Fingal she is less than thrilled at the prospect, but to help the people of her clan she accepts. Bitter memories of her father's death at the hands of Fingal's mother causes her to hate him.  They enter into marriage as a business deal, not for love. Will they be able to get past all the past hurts and make a good life and marriage that will help their clan be great again? Soon Gillian falls ill and bad things keep happening to Fingal. Someone unknown is trying to cause them both harm or worse...death. The truth quickly comes to light.

I was really glad to read about Fingal's side of the story. You originally meet him in Book 1 of the Duncurra series and he was a great character. I had hoped one of these books to follow would contain his story. Overall this book was awesome. Fingal and Gillian have both been hurt in the past by people they love and trust. They form a union for their people and become a great set of leaders together. I really enjoyed this story. From the ashes comes a love that is just amazing. This book was written very well and I enjoyed it. It had the drama, romance, and action that I have come to love and expect in books by Ceci Giltenan. Overall, this was an awesome read.....Stormi

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Profile Image for Claudia.
3,037 reviews109 followers
January 19, 2015
This is the third book in this series and Ceci Giltenan gets better with each book. nearly everything I did not really like in the first two books was improved in this one and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I definitely hope it is not too long till it will be published.
although the first two books have their weaknesses, they are also very good reads and this third book would not be as much fun as it is without knowing the characters from the other books

Fingal is the hero I hoped he would be. he is not only handsome and strong but also open, charming, not afraid to show his feelings and has a wonderful sense of humor.

Gillian is a very strong heroine. that is also the reason why she is sometimes very stubborn and refuses to let go, but it is very well done.

the plot in this one was much better paced and although I suspected the villian after the first third, it was nevertheless interesting to read.

all in all, a very good read, which I enjoyed immensely

2,102 reviews38 followers
April 10, 2018
It has all the necessary tools to make it a good solid read. Though I take issue on the herbs that Lana keeps on insisting Gillian to brew and drink. Never mind that said herbs came from Rhiannon, as long as those herbs passed through Lana's hands and given that Fingal and his close allies already suspect Lana (even if they have no idea about Rhiannon yet), it follows that whatever she is giving Gillian must also be looked into. This portion of the story seems a bit lame. Other than this, the story is a Good one.
Profile Image for Jeanne Johnston.
1,605 reviews15 followers
April 14, 2018
I found the damned tisane annoying, especially as Gillian continued to worsen taking it. How did no one have a clue they should look into it? This crap dominated three-fourths of the book, yet they blindly continued to dose her? The rest was fairly saccharine, including the infinitely patient bridegroom. The choice of "Fingal" as the hero's name irked me, as well. How can you imagine a guy with a name like that as appealing? Add in the selfish bitch of a mother, and I was tempted more than once to bail. Harmless read in general, but there was an annoyance factor for me.
Profile Image for AWB.
843 reviews12 followers
September 29, 2015
Gillian was hard headed to the point of stupidity. Her hatred of the H was annoying, and her inner monologue was frustrating. Someone needed to shake the stupid out of her. Fingal was great, however about half way though the book I felt like he would have been better off shoving the h off a cliff and moving on to anyone else.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,934 reviews65 followers
February 25, 2016
3.8 stars! . These 3 books were amazing. Loved all the characters, the Romance (G rated but good) , the mystery and the continued characters from story to story. Female leads were great no annoying females here. HEA, epilogue s, set in highlands of Scotland. So if historical romance s are your cup of tea one click buy, but recommend read in order.
Profile Image for Wild_irish_rose.
494 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2020
It was fun to find out what happened to Fingal and Gillian was a good match.
Profile Image for Barbee.
797 reviews21 followers
May 15, 2015
Ceci Giltenan continues to leave me spellbound weaving her trail of exceptional books that are absolutely magnificent the ones that stay with you long after you have read it. Yes, Highland Intrigue is definitely one of those kind of books.

In this book fan of Ms. Giltenan's will remember the endearing character Fingal MacIan from her debut book Highland Solution. Fingal is the brother of Laird Niall MacIan. When Fingal found out he and Niall had different fathers. Fingal was devastated and heartbroken by his evil greedy mother Eithne and biological father, the former Laird Malcolm MacLennan. Both are now deceased, after plotting to destroy Niall and take over Castle Duncurra. Now Malcolm's brother's Duncan who is also dead, and currently his daughter the inexperienced 19 year old Gillian MacLennan, is the Lairdess in charge until they pick a husband for her to become Laird MacLennan.

The King of Scotland is not happy about this demands an audience from the MacIan brothers Laird Niall and Fingal. King David says a weak clan without a Laird can turn from a simple annoyance to a dangerous liabilty. He demands Fingal being the only living heir of Malcolm even though Fingal wants nothing from the evil dead parents that sired him, the King reminds him he is law and demands he marry Gillian MacLennan and if she refuses she will be sent to a cloister. Also the Kings full wrath would come down on Clan MacLennan and Clan MacIan if any of them refuse. Therefore the Kings names Fingal Laird MacLennan of Brathanead right then and there before they even approach Clan MacLennan.

Gillian MacLennan is not happy when she finds out she has to marry the one man she hates, one Fingal MacIan whose mother had murdered her Da Duncan, the brother of Malcolm MacLennon. There was a time MacLennan and the MacIan clans were allies and now they would be again after all the mistakes her Uncle had made when Laird. They were now a suffering clan and needed to rebuild and and warriors to be retrained as all the best warriors had been killed a year ago. Many wanted this Union and yet some did not. Fingal gave beautiful Gillian a choice him or the cloister, as she was a smart lass as well a beautiful and he even understood her hate, again because of his self serving mother that ruined so many lives.

The clan is some what divided as who they want as Laird and this book is so entertaining to read how Fingal's wins them over and eventually wins Gillian's respect, forgiveness and eventually love. Fingal wants a real wife but promises to give her time to accept the marriage, but it must be in secret. This book is quite breath taking as you watch Fingal woo and treat Gillian as an equal partner and Gillian's cold heart toward him begins to melt. Yet there is also evil at work as someone who wants vengeance and a few murder attempts on Fingal. Could it be his new wife, his not so friendly mother in law or a clan member who want to be rid of him? You will have to read this fabulous book to find out. Also fans of Highland Solution will see a few familiar character's revisiting in Highland Intrigue as well.

There is a lot of awe moment in the books too, the younger chatty sister Ailsa and a few furry critters it was so very adorable. Any animal or dog lover will be enchanted. Of course there are a lot of OMG, nail biting, oh no she didn't moments too! I love that this book was so fast paced not knowing what was going to happen next there was plots within plots and I was really surprised by the ending.

I read this book in two sitting as I honestly just couldn't put it down and needed to know what would happen next. It is extremely well written and had my complete attention from the beginning right through the epilogue. Expect some heart pulling moments too not unusual for this author as there is a lot of tension between the mother and Gillian, how the mother favors the middle daughter is heartbreaking too. Also I loved the bond between all three sisters, even with all the turmoil and heartbreak since their father's death the bond between the three sisters is extremely strong.

I highly recommend Highland Intrigue as I am a big fan of Ms. Giltenan as your can see from my previous reviews on Highland Solution and Highland Courage and I have absolutely loved them all. I think this author writes beautifully and has this knack of how draw the reader in and making us crave more. Also she keeps all her stories really fresh and exciting. Plus she has all the the elements and emotions you could possibly want in a superbly written Scottish historical romance, honor, hate , betrayal, suspense, conflict, adventure, mystery, mayhem and of course love. You can read Highland Intrigue as a stand alone book or in series order. I choose the later, but that's a personal choice of the reader. I like to connect the dots from the previous book characters but that's just how I roll. ;)

"Highland Intrigue" by Ceci Giltenan as I have been waiting for Fingal's story since her debut in Highland Solution as I think any reader would fall in love with this handsome,charming warrior of male perfection! Ceci Giltenan did write an exceptional story for one of my favorite characters in this series. All these book sites only allow 5 stars as maximum for books you really love, I have would have given a thousand stars if allowed as this book is definitely a masterpiece and I couldn't be happier for how this book turned out. It was absolutely perfect and one definitely for my keeper shelf that I plan to be revisit and read again. I look forward to future books from this author as I know it will always be a fun, fast paced, page turner that has me hooked right from the beginning until the very end.

Highland Intrigue both touched my heart and soul and that is a rarity when that happens to be honest. I know anyone who reads and devours this read as I did will absolutely and unequivocally love this book! ~B ❤️❤️❤️


Books by Ceci Giltenan

1.Highland Solution
2.Highland Courage
3.Highland Intrigue
4.Highland Revenge*Scrolls of Cridhe - Highland Winds box set novella's with six other amazing authors coming out in November.

Profile Image for Heather.
950 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2022
Good

Fingall has been made laird of his blood father clan. With the fact he must marry Gillian the lass who be in charge of her clan but whom father was Malcolm commander that Finally mother killed. With hate for Fingall and his brother clan she don't wish to be his wife nor enter the religious life so she decides to marry him as the kind ordered. While Gillian deals with her marriage fixing the clan and her annoying mother their is a traitor amount eat her clan whom wishes her and Fingall harm the betrayal is where she least expected it


Good book
327 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2019
Loved it! Next book please.

Great story of a woman who is commanded by the king to wed the son of the woman who killed her beloved father. Title is apt for this tale of intrigue, jealousy, hate, and true love. I love her strong characters. I will be seeking a family tree to follow all the interwoven clans however. I had to stsrt keeping my own notes by the end of book 2 so I can continue with the series which is wonderful.
Profile Image for Debbie Odachowski.
491 reviews
January 27, 2020
Love in the Highlands

I loved this story. I came in at #3 in the series so I need to go back and see what happened before. This book can stand alone if you choose but you will miss what came before. Gillian and Fingal's love story is not an easy one. You will enjoy the twist and turns that their story brings. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Holly.
878 reviews
August 13, 2017
I enjoyed the book and found it just as sweet as the first two in the series. I think that I am getting a bit bored with the repetitive theme, and will take a break from further books in this series. I may revisit one day
689 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2017
Highland Intrigue

Having met Fingal in book one, I was pleasantly surprised to find him back at the MacLennan keep. Gillian was acting Laird of this weakened clan. When married, both were beset by accidents. It took
two clans to get to the bottom of the accidents.

6 reviews
Read
January 27, 2021
It was a decent read.. but became very confusing in the first part with all the names and had to re read a few times to figure out who was who. But in general a good story.. found that they dragged out the later part of the story too much. But an enjoyable read none the less
Profile Image for R.L.S..
Author 5 books42 followers
April 12, 2018
Reasonably fun historical romance. Plot and characters similar to a number of other books I've read, but still an OK read.
6 reviews
May 4, 2018
There is nothing like a good Scottish book for good ole fashion gusto! Enjoyed reading about clans and their families medieval drama plus the development of a live story.
225 reviews
May 5, 2018
Great

I follow this author and enjoy all her books. This book was wonderful with no wars or gore. Romance hails.
14 reviews
December 13, 2018
Loved this story!

Loved it! Great story! Story was resolved wonderfully, no cliffhangers. Characters were very engaging. Can't wait to read more by this author.
52 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2019
Took a little bit longer...

Ok, I've fallen in love with Mrs. Giltenan, her stlye of writing & storytelling! Once again, I'm headed to the next book! Can't wait!
2,472 reviews10 followers
September 18, 2019
Eh

Not a bad story. Got frustrating at times for how lax they are after all the drama. But I was entertained.
206 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2019
This book was way better than the first one and the character of the hero and heroine was well set and I loved the family bond that was shown in this book which lacked in book 1
Profile Image for Emma.
4,966 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2020
I was worried I wouldn't enjoy this because of Gillian and how she blamed Fingal but after a brief (hour pause) I read the book in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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