L'étoile des Highlands

Clan Mackenzie #2

by Juliette Miller

In the midst of a clan divided, two unlikely allies must confront the passion that binds them...and the treachery that may part them forever.

To secure her family's alliance with the powerful Clan Mackenzie, Stella Morrison has no choice but to wed the notorious Kade Mackenzie. Unable to ignore the whispers that surround him, she resigns herself to a marriage in name only. Yet, as the fierce warrior strips away Stella's doubt one seductive touch at a time, burgeoning desire forces her to question all she holds as truth.

Leading a rebellious army should have been Kade's greatest challenge...until conquering the heart of his reluctant bride becomes an all-consuming need. Now more than ever, he's determined to find victory both on the battlefield and in the bedchamber. But the quest for triumph unleashes a dark threat, and this time, only love may prove stronger than danger.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Scotland, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2013

About the author

Juliette Miller is an incurable romantic and an acute sufferer of wanderlust. She began writing romance soon after she met the man of her dreams in a smoky bar on a Greek Island.

www.facebook.com/juliettemillerbooks

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

* 4.5 Stars!!*

I really enjoyed the second book in the Mackenzie brothers series! Kade was such a fierce warrior and yet he had such a soft spot when it came to Stella!
I will admit I was shocked with the kinky side to Kade, especially because this was a Historical romance!!! Their sex scenes had major heat though, so no complaints from me!!!!

Another HR that I highly recommend!!!

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. I may write a review later.

[Hana ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

I really enjoyed this book but it didn't leave an amazing lasting impression like the first book. I liked that it was a realistic arranged marriage that wasn't a crazy love at first sight/ inst-love, and that the couple gradually formed a love for each other. I just think that after all that gradual build up the story just ended so abruptly and I didn't have time to truly appreciate the couple once they found out the love they had for one another. Kade was very sweet, caring and protective and I really liked his character, Stella annoyed me a bit but I understood that her past affected her behavior and personality.

Another reason for my rating is that the first time they had sex was at 95%. Which kinda got me annoyed because after a while I just wanted them to fricken do it!


But the endless foreplay kept me interested enough to finish the book. Kade was a highlander and a closeted Dom so he kept things interesting in the bedroom...


On to brother #3! Looking forward to Knox's story :)

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Set Up
Stella Morrison and her four sisters accompanied their father to the Clan Mackenzie keep, prepared to form an alliance through the marriage of Laird Mackenzie's brother Wilkie and her younger sister Maisie. After their arrival plans quickly change and in the blink of an eye, Stella was chosen to marry the youngest MacKenzie, Kade, a notorious fierce warrior. Her heart was still with Caleb, the young blacksmith in her clan who was exiled when her father learned of her feelings.

The Issues
Stella suffered much physical abuse at the hands of her father and his first officers and expected the same from the intimidating Kade. She was terrified and was distraught at the idea of a loveless marriage. Kade actually chose Stella as soon as he realized Wilkie needed to break his agreement and then he saw her for the first time. He had no intention of forcing his marital rights until she was ready, willing and begging. There was also much dissension in the Morrison clan and resentment that Kade was now the Laird-in-waiting to the ailing Laird Morrison.

What I liked About the Story
It's a really interesting and compelling story that sucked me in from the start. The dance between Kade and Stella was pretty sensual and it didn't take long for her to emerge from her shell and gain strength from her new husband. The lifestyle is gritty, appropriate for the period and you always sensed the danger and brutality just beneath the surface. There was quite a bit of action and the romance between Kade and Stella was pretty wonderful. The ending was harrowing, keeping me on edge to the very end.

What I Didn't Like As Much
The first person narrative was often a challenge as alternate points of view would likely have improved the pacing of the story. The flowery language, heavy at times with endless description of the same thing or emotion, also bogged down the narrative. I often just skimmed over all that prose.

Bottom Line
Despite some of the issues, I really liked this story and Stella's courage and spunk. She took some risks and opened herself to Kade in the midst of her fear. I loved Kade, a brawny and brainy warrior who was absolutely fearless and quite the lover. You'll be pleasantly surprised at his creativity under the furs. The action and suspense was the real highlight, making for a very satisfying Highlander tale and addition to the series. Bring on Knox's story!

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 2 out of 5]

05/02/2013 --

Overall Rating = 2 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 2 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 1 Stars [$7.99 on Amazon after May28 release]

Rarely have I read a more meandering story. I kept reading thinking the story would solidify for me, but nope ... did not happen.

A few things I did like:
1 -- Kade was intriguing. His commitment to himself seemed to mean quite a bit to him and then eventually it just became meaningless and tedious. Too bad.

2 -- I love the Highland backdrop. Unfortunately, there was too little of it.

3 -- Nope. Nothing else really.

Everything else was pretty much a miss for me.

You may really like the authors style. For me, it just did not work.

Happy Reading

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

[Lynsey is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was certainly rather taken by this Highlander.

After enjoying the steamy, emotional rollercoaster that was book one of this series, I immediately snapped up my review copy of HIGHLANDER TAKEN as soon as I spotted it. And I'm certainly glad I did! I positively flew through it; reading up to the 70% mark in the first sitting before I even realized what was happening.

HIGHLANDER TAKEN follows middle Mackenzie brother Kade, who as you may recall, stepped up when Wilkie (hero of the last book) could no longer honour his agreement to enter into an arranged marriage for clan alliance with the Morrisons - not after he'd met the beautiful Roses. So Kade volunteered in his place, which sounds very altruistic, doesn't it? Well, wait until you read his reasons why. :)

Kade was a great hero. He was very misunderstood in the beginning - by everybody, but most especially by his bride-to-be - but he was actually a really nice guy once you got to know him. I'm definitely liking these Highlanders that Miller is dreaming up for us so far. They're a great blend of heart-pounding masculinity, and heart-melting sweetness. And, really, what more can you ask for in your heroes than that?

Stella was a great heroine, too. Not quite as timid as I thought she was going to be; this lassie had hidden fire! A fire that matched Kade's flame for flame. They were great together, and as with the last book, the heat was certainly on when it came to the bedroom!

I found the book engaging. Mostly just because I really liked the main characters. But actually, the plot itself was quite gentle. Especially in the first half. It was more about Kade and Stella getting to know each other and building a trust between them. However, the conflict that arrived in the last quarter of the book was thrilling and definitely made it end with a bang. Quite literally. ;)

4 Stars ★★★1/2

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this romance! Highlander Taken was a great read, an absolutely brilliant highlander romance.

Stella was a wonderful heroine. She hasn't had the best life and the fact that she got through it showed her strength. Not to mention, she could be very clever when she needed to be. I liked how the author portrayed Stella getting over her past. Being abused by one's father isn't something that can disappear overnight and the way it was shown was realistic. Overall, Stella was a thoroughly likable character.

Kade was equally amazing. Despite his formidable appearance-and the arsenal of weapons he keeps strapped onto himself-he was such a sweetheart. His gentleness helped Stella move on from her past. He was the perfect hero, the kind that you sigh over throughout the entire book.

Stella and Kade were a great couple. They were so sweet together; I loved watching how their relationship healed Stella's old wounds. And they had some serious sparks flying.

The plot was fast paced and I was totally hooked the whole time. There were surprises and thrills as Clan Cameron threatened to attack the Mackenzie's and Morrison's. And the ending was a perfect happily ever after.

Highlander Taken was a brilliant historical romance! Lovers of the genre, you should check this one out.

*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for a copy!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the series "Clan Mackenzie" and another great book by Ms. Miller. For me I did read the books in order but I feel they are stand alone book, so don't worry if you are not. Our heroine, Stella Morrison was sent to marry into the Clan Mackenzie. Stella is trying to have a marriage in name only but with her new husband they are both find that a hard goal to meet. Kade Mackenzie is our hero and finds that he can't resist his new wife. This starts the story of their battle to find true love. I so enjoyed this book and hope that you do too!

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

I was so impressed with JMillier’s debut novel, Highlander Claimed, I was quite impatient to read the next in the series. I loved her writing, her intense hero and sweet heroine in book 1. But, sadly, Highlander Taken was a big disappointment for me, even though JMiller’s writing was as beautiful as ever. Maybe I had really high expectation, I don’t know but I liked neither the characters, nor the storyline.

In book 1, we meet the Mackenzie clan. Three brothers, Knox, Kade and Wilkie are introduced. Knox is the broody laird, Wilkie is the most beautiful of the siblings. They also have two sisters, the eldest Ailie and youngest, Christie. But Kade was said to have his own quirk. He likes to armed himself to teeth and that is how he has been since he was a child. Knox’s wife died in childbirth some years before, and he still hasn’t re-married. It seems like he has given up on finding love again because his wife was that to him. As the story begins, Wilkie suddenly meets Roses, who was running away from the laird of her adoptive clan, where she was nothing but a servant. Roses’s fair, ethereal beauty stole Wilkie’s heart on spot. He becomes obsessed with her as the story progressed, which blossomed into love. Clan Ogilvie, where Roses has resided so far, was no home to her. Yet she gradually becomes a part of the Mackenzie clan, more so when she saves Wilkie from a near fatal injury and the subsequent fever. Wilkie stakes his claim on her from the beginning. Even though his brothers thought Roses will be one of his conquests, Wilkie proves that Roses means more to him. He even breaks off his unofficial engagement to one of Laird Morrison’s five daughters, Maisie. The union with the Morrisons was necessary for the Mackenzies to fight against the Campbells. It was hinted that Wilkie had slept with her, maybe on Maisie’s encouragement and would’ve married her if he hadn’t met Roses. In the middle of the story, the whole Morrison clan comes for a visit, also to make plans for Wilkie and Maisie’s marriage.

Maisie shows quite the possessive streak where Wilkie is concerned. She’s a brash, somewhat outspoken girl who would resort to meanness to get her way. Of course she noticed Wilkie’s obsession over Roses, which made her extremely unhappy. Logic, what girl would be happy to find her almost betrothed pining away for another? It was also hinted that no love was lost between Maisie and Wilkie, but because of Wilkie’s manly beauty she wanted to have him. Wilkie had no particular feelings for her either. Anyway, Maisie is mean to Roses, calling her ‘whore’ (something I couldn’t condone, no matter) etc. in front of everyone. Then Knox is determined that Wilkie will be marrying Maisie or another Morrison girl because Roses is nothing but a kitchen servant. Who would take her seriously? But Wilkie defies it all because they were in love. He saves Roses more than once when the laird of the Ogilvie tries to kidnap her to marry her. Why exactly he was so crazed for that, is revealed at the end. No one knew Roses’s real identity before this revelation.

Stella is the second eldest Morrison daughter. She’s said to be the beauty of the lot. Stella is reserved, maybe a little timid. It’s said that she was in love with someone beneath her station, something her father the laird prohibited, breaking her heart in the process. It was interesting, if not unexpected, to find Kade stepping forward to marry her to solidify the union. But surprisingly enough, it’s revealed that Kade has seen Stella before. He has wanted her from afar, and now that the fate has given him a change, he’s going to take the full advantage of it.

Book 2 starts in the midst of the same gathering given by the Mackenzies in honor of the Morrison’s visit. We find Stella’s side of the story as this is narrated first person POV, much as book 1. She’s feeling depressed, missing Caleb, her lost love who used to be the blacksmith’s apprentice. She knows she will be forced to marry one of the Morrisons. Feeling restless, Stella goes out the garden to take fresh air. Someone follows her, and she feels that man’s presence in the dark. She doesn’t recognize his voice, as it was low and when he kisses her at one point, she is dumbstruck. She never felt anything that can be called ‘desire’ for Caleb. He was a solace of sort from her abusive father’s dictatorship. She ran to Caleb when she needed comfort, nothing sexual, but talk and touch. But this man set her blood on fire, she doesn’t understand what’s happening until he murmurs that he will make her his.

So yes, the starting was promising. Stella runs back in but can’t pinpoint the stranger on anyone there. The stranger becomes her ‘garden phantom lover’ and she begins dreaming of him at night. Then she finds out that she’s to marry Kade Mackenzie, the brother everyone is afraid of for his weapons and his savage beauty. He looks like a brute... Stella is plain horrified of him. I could sympathize with some of it because all her life Stella and her sisters, along with two female cousins have been under her father’s bad reign. The man blamed his girls for his wife’s death, couldn’t stand them at all. Stella bore the brunt of his anger every time because she looked the most like their mother. I was like wtf?? Morrison is ofttimes drunk and unable (also insane no doubt!). In his stead, the head of the Morrison army, Aleck, runs everything. This man is ambitious, cruel; the perfect person, it seems, to step into her father’s shoes after he passes. Aleck also has strong hatred for Stella because when they were young, she taunted him and then rejected his kisses. He apparently still held the grudge and would act on it on any given chance. Morrison prefers beating his daughters up for the slightest of reasons and many-a-time, Aleck has done the deed on his behalf. And he particularly enjoys beating Stella. He also has lascivious intents, after all Stella is beautiful. He asked for her hand in marriage, which was spurned by the laird for a higher bidder. So Aleck can beat up his girls but he’s not good enough for marriage. Wow!

I wasn’t sure what to do about all these revelations but at times those felt a bit overblown. When, after an incident, Aleck tried to put his rough hands on Stella while at the Mackenzies, Kade caught him and warned him never to try that ever again. Stella is stunned by his words. She somewhat begins feeling comfortable with Kade, yet she’s always haunted by the thoughts; what if Kade turns out to be the same. Could she endure a lifetime of abuse and beating? The deal is, Kade would live with the Morrisons as the laird-in-waiting. Since Stella’s eldest sister Clementine is going to the convent (she’s plain looking and has been unable to find a husband thus far, been left behind by two men... poor girl!), Kade will be the laird after Morrison’s passing. Kade concedes to it all because basically, all he wants is Stella for himself.

Now, I didn’t know all these at the beginning. It seemed like a MOC. Stella is resigned to her fate. After a few weeks, we find her on the morn of her wedding; with her sisters (including Maisie) and cousins. And they were ANNOYING. SO VERY ANNOYING. They had NO care for Stella’s feeling, like she’s a puppet. So they kept on chattering about stuff, aka Kade and I wanted to slap each of them hard. According to the gossip Kade is a... beast. They are all scared of him and so, they keep saying things to scare the sh!t out of Stella too, their main concern the marriage bed. About this Stella had no one to talk to and Maisie tries to give her some information as the ‘experienced’ sister. She kept mentioning Wilkie. Every f*cking time sex and her experience came up in the story, she would mention Wilkie. OMG I absolutely HATED it!!! She was obsessed with Wilkie, just to what extent I’ll tell you soon enough.

On the way to the church, the marriage bed conversation kept going. One of the cousins mentions some gossip about Kade. Apparently he’s been to the Buchanans (who are known to be the wild bunch) a few months ago and slept with one of their cousins. He also did some ‘unspeakable things’ to her that needed ‘binding her to the bed’. That he did ‘those things’ to her ‘all night’, which she obviously bragged about to everyone. That the experience was ‘spiritual’... huh? Seriously, why would the author think that a girl would be thrilled to know such information about her would-be husband on her wedding day? WHY? While I was fuming at all these, Stella started cowering. She got the picture that Kade is a mean brute, and ‘binding to bed’ meant he’s going to do some horrible things to her. She’s sure Kade would turn out to be just like Aleck or her father. And her sisters DO NOT help. They kept chattering away about this particular thing all the way.

So, I was VERY pissed, the first bad taste of the story. I wish it ended there, but sadly it didn’t. It got pretty bad as the story progressed. Stella and Kade’s marriage goes uneventful. Even though Stella finds him very handsome in a rugged way, she’s still terrified of what he might do to her. She kept thinking of the things her sisters told her and the ‘incidents’ etc. This also left a bad impression on me because she kept on comparing herself with that woman and came off lacking, self-doubting every step of the way. This showed because she’d act as a scared doe whenever Kade tried to get closer to her. He notices it, which in turn makes him uncomfortable. Kade decides not to consummate the marriage. He needs to figure out what has happened to Stella before they have sex. He was also aware of his so-called competition, her ‘love of life’ and jealous of the unseen man. Yet, Kade was thoughtful enough to make sure everyone thinks their marriage is consummated.

Kade also starts taking inventory of things. He can see that the clan isn’t faring well and that Morrison isn’t an able laird. The men don’t listen to him, and Kade had to take steps to show them who’s the boss because he realized unless it’s made clear, he’d have a difficult time with his lairdship. Kade is enthusiastic about it all, but his wife particularly isn’t making him happy. She still stays away from him. One of the reasons was, Maisie putting doubts in Stella’s mind about her ‘abilities’ to pleasure Kade, Kade’s so-called brutishness. After a few incidents such as this, I decided that Stella lacks a strong personality. She’s too wishy-washy, too easily manipulated by the words of others. But Kade was good to her no doubt. He was sweet in his way. If I wasn’t reminded of the first revelation that should’ve never been mentioned or at the very least, repeated more than half of the story, I’d find him superb.

The servants of the Morrison keep don’t take the girls seriously, neither do they respect them. Of course, after seeing how they’re treated by own father, why would they? The girls have basically been put away, couldn’t even go out on their own, let alone doing anything else. When Kade asks Stella to take hold of the situation, starting with the kitchen that produces horrible meals, she’s in a fix. Stella is humiliated by the servants there. Later we find Kade very tactically handling the servants, guessing that they haven’t also been rewarded well enough for their work. The servants soon start doing their chore because of the rewards announced by Kade. Stella was once manhandled by some staff when she goes to pick some vegetables. Aleck and her father come in to take her away... to punish her for going out alone. Kade hears of the news later and though, Stella wasn’t punished, Kade makes sure Aleck knows that anything happening to Stella will result in something bloody. He was beginning to see the picture and why exactly Stella was scared of him. Kade was incensed on her behalf.

In between, Maisie makes her move. And whatta move it was! First, after Caleb returns, she tries to manipulate Stella to cheat on Kade with him. Then She actually had the nerves (or idiocy, whatever you call it) to proposition Kade. She already guessed that Stella and he weren’t having sex. I was SO grossed out by this. How could she have done that to her own sister, I don’t know. I found it really creepy when Maisie mentioned, more than once, that she did this because Kade resembles Wilkie. What.the.f*ck?! Stella was at first incensed by this, but she NEVER once speaks a piece of her mind, forgiving Maisie too easily; after all, they’re sisters, right? How nice (Not)! That was another thing about Stella I thoroughly disliked. In later parts of the story, there were lame attempts to show that Maisie is not as bad as she was said to be. Also that she was indeed in love with Wilkie. So what am I supposed to think now? Maisie is basically a good girl, only misunderstood? She’s been unfairly treated by Wilkie and that Wilkie is a BIG JERK? Or Maisie is as bad as she has been narrated? Honestly, I only felt a gradual dislike for Wilkie and thought Maisie needed to be kicked out of the story.

Back to the story, thankfully Kade thwarts Maisie’s advances. Later on, when Stella is mad at him, he takes initiative to show her that he only wants her. Kade does that a lot in the entire story, up until the end. He’s aware of Caleb’s return too and becomes quite scary when Caleb so much as comes near Stella, let alone touching her. Kade starts writing to Knox, to keep him updated about situation here. One day, Stella finds one of his letters and reads it. It was full of her praise, which made Stella look at Kade in an all new light. She begins realizing that her sisters basically know nothing about Kade and starts softening up towards him. She begins daydreaming of what it might be like to have Kade touching her and doing those ‘unspeakable’ things to her. *eyeroll*

Kade soon gives in but he won’t have sex. Just kissing, fondling. I already was aware what Kade might be up to: light bondage, spanking etc. Let me tell you, those scenes were hot. I would’ve enjoyed them more if I wasn’t already starting to slip away from the story, but also, those went on for too long. Because when Kade promises something, he keeps it. At all cost. He’d decided on a few months of waiting so that Stella can adjust to his presence, and he’ll uphold it. Much help it did since not consummating their marriage made a whole new trouble for them at the end of the story. So I thought the entire point of waiting, even when Stella was mad for consummation, was really idiotic. And frustrating. All tease, without the finish; certainly didn’t make me happy!

Then, Stella starts falling for Kade (or was it his sexual expertise? Can’t tell since I never believed in her thought process). She begins convincing herself that Caleb pales in comparison to Kade, that she has never really loved Caleb that way. So why was she putting up the drama in the beginning about her ‘lost love’? Bah!

I could go on and on and on but the fact of the matter is, the rest of the story was as much frustrating. Now, I have to mention something about Aleck that kept niggling in my mind. Somehow, I didn’t find him to be a justifiable villain. Yes, he betrays Morrison because he always wanted to be the laird but knew he’ll never even be considered for that position. Aleck was treated unfairly and terribly all his life. It takes toll on a man’s psyche at some point. He may have handled things badly, and has done some nasty stuff in the story, even then his ghastly death in Stella’s hand was a pure horror to read. Yah, she does that unthinkable! That whole scene plain made me gag. Glad that Stella turned out to be some long-lost ‘warrior princess’ and doesn’t even blink after that, straight running to save Kade from the Campbell men who raided the Morrison keep earlier. And she takes Maisie’s help who was trying to make amends for her bad behavior. La-di-da! Not that I cared. I just hope I don’t have to read her book at some point.

My most favorite part of this whole book must’ve been the epilogue because it was beautiful. There was something about it that I couldn’t deny.

Finally, I’m intrigued about Knox’s story. Not much is mentioned about that but some hints at the end about a mysterious red-head. Knox is a broody guy, a type I generally like. I’m hoping that his story will be a fun read. I also want to know more about Ailie and Christie, so there are plenty of characters who may have their own stories told. It was also great to see Clementine not sent off to the convent. I still have hopes for her having a man of her own. I just want to see her happy, that’s all. 3.5 stars.


This ARC was provided to me by Harlequin/HQN via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Detailed Review***

I am so glad that I impulsively bought HIGHLANDER CLAIMED, book one in the Clan Mackenzie series because now I have another great highlander series that I can definitely count on!

HIGHLANDER TAKEN was another tale of a rough, untamed warrior who meets the one person in the world that can take him to his knees without even knowing.

I loved how this story begins by backtracking to how Maisie and Stella Morrison learn that Wilkie Mackenzie would not be marrying Maisie; instead Stella was going to marry Kade.

Fast forward two weeks and Stella has resigned herself to her fate. Her sisters, although they try to support, end up spreading the rumors surrounding Kade when it comes to the bed. A warrior through and through, Stella is sure that she may not survive the encounter.

Their marriage marks the end of the Mackenzie brothers being together. Wilkie and Roses take off for her inherited lands while Kade and Stella make their leave as well. However the impending confrontation/rebellion from clan Campbell has the brothers on alert in case one comes under fire.

Kade is in for a surprise over the state of Morrison manor, the clan’s refusal to accept him and his wife’s fear of him.

Kade first move is to give Stella his word the he’ll give her one month before they become intimate. He wants her to learn him and trust him before they move on. His honor is very important to him and he won’t take his wife against her will.

His next is the upkeep of the keep. He appoints Stella in charge, but she finds the women rather like their lazy days and isn’t use to taking orders from the Morrison girls, whom their father kept secluded. Kade finds the same result from the warriors, who are highly untrained with weaponry lacking.

Lastly, is dealing with the sick Laird Morrison and his right hand man, Aleck, who covets the lairdship for himself. Laird Morrison ruled with an iron fist, not only with his clansmen, but also with his daughters as Kade learns the reason behind Stella’s flinching away from him. Although the sickness is taking its toll, Laird Morrison isn’t happy with the Kade is undoing his loyalty through harsh ruling. He, alongside Aleck, are trouble waiting to happen.

As their month counts down, Kade steadily breaks down Stella’s defenses. The brute warrior she once thought he was is now the husband she can be proud of. I loved when she read his letter he was writing to his brother. It showed the depth of his strength while dealing with the struggling with the clan and his love for her. He really did want to earn her trust and love. Finally seeing his thoughts really pushed her into accepting him He’s fierce, loyal and affects her like no one else could, not even her old flame that makes a return and causes a little bit of drama. Although Kade doesn’t force her, he does pull his husbandly rights and push her into admitting the feelings and needs her body clearly yearn for.

However, when Aleck begins pursuing her, she accidentally implies she’s still untouched and it sets in motion Aleck’s attack with the Campbells. Trying to take out the question of their marriage being legal, Stella ties Kade up to drive him crazy enough to break his word to her. But just as they are about to seal the deal, Aleck and his men burst in.

With Kade tied up, it isn’t possible to fight. With Cambell’s sword inches from Kade’s heart, Stella pretends to betray Kade to convince Campbell to take Kade as a bargaining chip against his brothers.

Getting Aleck alone with the plan to marry her himself, Stella uses the knife and technique Kade taught her to kill him. She now sets off to save the husband she loves, who believes she betrayed him.

With some help, Stella is able to free Kade who takes her roughly against a tree to figure out her loyalty. There, Stella declares her love and wish for him to kill her if he doesn’t believe her. All her actions were for him. Seeing the truth and love, these two finally consummate their marriage.

The arrival of the Mackenzie clan puts an end to this battle and puts a cap on the talk of rebellions.

Now, 10 months later, Stella rejoices in the changes that have overcome the clan, herself and her husband. Many of their siblings have also found their matches and weddings became plentiful.

With her impending delivery, Kade has paid special attention to Stella, fear in his eyes over potential complications. However, Stella delivers a son…..and daughter with no complications.

The epilogue really seemed to tie up a lot of loose ends. Not sure why so much time was skipped.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the trilogy and just as good! Stella doesn’t know it but Kade wanted to marry her. She thinks their marriage arranged in order to secure an alliance between the two clans. Kade’s brother previously refused to marry Stella's sister (see Highlander Claimed). Kade is one, hot, highlander. Armed with a sword and multiple knives, he’s a very masculine, sexy, erotic guy; with such a soft center. Total drool material. I liked his honesty in asking Stella what was bothering her and truly wanting to know and make it right. It’s a reflection of his self-confidence.

I need to take a deep breath...now on to the third in the series.

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I saw this on the new book shelf and only saw :A stunning debut" and did not reas further. If I had I would have seen Reviews of "Highlander claimed". So read book #2 wondering how I was supposed to know the back story. Was an OK story, but I really disliked the sister, well actually the whole Morrison Clan.Also would have appreciated a time frame. Hero was OK and it was kind of cute how he fell in love so fast, but I didn't really enjoy the story. Don't know if I will read #1, but knowing my inability to know what happened first, I may look for it anyway. Fortunately I am a fast reader!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't decide if the first or second book of this trilogy is my favourite. I loved them all. Kade is complex and irresistable and could be my favourite of all the Mackenzies. Stella is a worthy match and I loved her. Could not put this book down as with the other two. Highly recommended.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laird Morrison meets with Laird Mackenzie and his brother Kade Mackenzie to finalize the marriage between Kade and Stella Morrison. The arranged marriage is to secure alliance against the fierce Campbell clan. After their marriage, Kade tells her he will not force her and will hold off on consummating their marriage until she is ready. Kade leaves his Mackenzie family to go live at the Morrison keep and she realizes how much he is giving up as she sees the closeness between his family members. The Campbells are closing in on the Morrison keep and Kade knows there is a traitor within and hopes he can send for his family in time. As Laird Campbell comes at Kade with a sword, Stella knows there is one way to keep him alive although he will think she’s betrayed him. She cringes at the fury and hate she sees in his eyes but it is the only way to keep him alive.

I liked to see the growing love between Kade and Stella. Kade is a warrior with a soft side he shows his wife. He was attracted by her beauty but loves her for her feistiness and dedication to her sisters. She feels his love and protection and tells her sisters she has never been so happy.

[Cinzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eyes dropped accidentally on this book, but when I refer to the word Highlander nothing is too accidentally, indeed are my favorite stories and so I'm always on the hunt for some book that for me is unknown and have been awarded.
Highlander Taken is the second book of the Clan Mackenzie trilogy, but as often happens in this kind of series, the books dealing with stories of different pairs and you can read the books as singular if you want; There are small references to the previous book, which of course I'm now curious to read soon.
In this book, however, is told the story of Kade Mackenzie and Stella Morrison.
Stella's father wants to forge an alliance with the powerful Clan Mackenzie and to achieve bis purpose he forces his daughter to marry Kade, one of Clan's brothers against her will.
The girl is terrified to marry a man, a warrior, that looks so wild and with a Mercurial temper; all the rumors circulating about his reputation aren't even so reassuring, and naturally are reported to Stella.
Yet the man so scary with her proves to be patient, he slowly try to knock down all her fears and reservations, conquering her trust, showing that all thevthings said from others perhaps are unfounded.
Kade has a difficult task. He must fit into the Clan Morrison, gaining the respect of the men but they don't want him as leader , he must to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Clan, which in the future will be under his leadership and at the same time faces mistrust and rejection from his wife that she didn't want an imposed, unwanted marriage.
During this course there will be plots and attempts of betrayal by those who cannot accept the arrival of a Mackenzie and only the fragile relationship of trust and love with Stella will help Kade to defeat an enemy that lurks within the Clan.
I liked very much thevtwo characters of Kade and Stella. I can say he's almost perfect, a man of great character and pride, he try to build a relationship of trust with his wife, discovering her secrets and the origin of her behaviors and fears. His patience with his sensuality are an irresistible mix.
Stella, as abused in the past, has preserved her fighting spirit and slowly she acquires security, trust and she pulls her claws out to support her husband.
She is in thrall by this rude man who at the same time puts her at the center of his attention and continually proves that she is important as a person.
The love scenes written by the author are very hot, and steamy, well written, a very good thing for the book.
A really nice romance.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the preview.

Mi è cascato per caso l'occhio su questo libro, caso è un termine un po' fasullo quando mi riferisco alla parola Highlander, infatti sono i libri che preferisco e quindi sono sempre a caccia di qualche libro che mi è sconosciuto e sono stata premiata.
Highlander Taken è il secondo libro della trilogia del Clan Mackenzie, ma come capita spesso in questo genere di serie, i libri si occupano di storie di coppie diverse e si possono leggere come libri autoconclusivi se si vuole; ci sono dei piccoli riferimenti al libro precedente, che naturalmente mi hanno incuriosita per leggerne la storia prossimamente.
In questo libro, invece, viene raccontata la storia di Kade Mackenzie e Stella Morrison.
Il padre di Stella vuole stringere un'alleanza con il potente Clan dei Mackenzie e per raggiungere il suo scopo non si fa scrupoli nell'obbligare la figlia Stella a sposare Kade, uno dei fratelli del Clan, contro la sua volontà.
La ragazza è terrorizzata dal dover sposare un uomo dall'aspetto così selvaggio e dal carattere mercuriale; non sono nemmeno rassicuranti tutte le voci che circolano sulla sua reputazione, che vengono inclementemente riportati a Stella.
Eppure quell'uomo così spaventoso con lei si dimostra paziente, onorevole e pian piano tenta di abbattere tutte le sue paure e riserve, conquistando la sua fiducia, dimostrando che tutte le voci riferite dagli altri forse sono infondate.
Kade ha un compito difficile:deve inserirsi nel Clan dei Morrison, conquistare il rispetto di uomini tutt'altro che disponibili nei suoi confronti, per rafforzare le capacità di difesa quasi nulle del Clan che in futuro passerà sotto la sua guida e al tempo stesso deve affrontare la diffidenza e il rifiuto di una moglie a cui è stato imposto un matrimonio non desiderato.
Durante questo percorso non mancheranno complotti e tentativi di tradimento da parte di chi non accetta l'arrivo di un Mackenzie e solo il fragile rapporto di fiducia e amore con Stella potrà aiutare Kade a sconfiggere un nemico che si nasconde all'interno del Clan.
La storia mi è piaciuta molto soprattutto grazie ai personaggi di Kade e Stella. Lui è oserei dire perfetto, un uomo di gran temperamento e orgoglio, che però tenta di costruire da subito un rapporto di fiducia con la moglie, tentando di scoprirne i segreti e l'origine dei suoi comportamenti. La sua pazienza insieme alla sua sensualità sono un mix irresistibile.
Stella, per quanto maltrattata in passato, ha conservato il suo spirito combattivo e pian piano acquisisce sicurezza, fiducia e sfodera anche lei i suoi artigli per sostenere il marito.
Viene conquistata da quest'uomo rude e che al tempo stesso la mette al centro delle sue attenzioni e le dimostra continuamente quanto lei sia importante come persona.
Le scene d'amore scritte dall'autrice sono molto hot, al limite dell'incendiario, ben scritte, una marcia in più per il libro.
Veramente un bel romance.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Harlequin per la gentile preview.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again with singular narrative.

When Stella read her husband, Kade's letter to his brother. When the words were read. It was like a fresh breath of air. Finally words that cames from Kade. I wanted to know his thoughts and how he felt.

Why didn't Stella tell her husband about Aleck?! Or more that she kept it to herself?? Good grift!

OMG I hated Masie! But she redeem it in the end. I'm glad Stella forgive her. (Sorta) But if I was her, I'll still be wary.

It took me days to finish this book probably because I drag it on. It didn't inspired me to finish it sooner. But I wanted to know what happened in the end. So, of course, I'll finish it. And I have. But....


Kade♥️ Stella

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first moments, I just knew I was in for a beautiful, very different listening experience. The narrator, Gemma Johansson, was superb as she masterfully injected excellent tone, and voicing for the males & females, alike. She created the mood that brought this story to life and in a way that complimented the beautiful writing of the author, Juliette Miller.

This story is unraveled through the lens of the heroine, Stella Morrison, one of the younger daughters (out of 5) of Laird Morrison. In this book, the reader is channeled through a labyrinth of emotions and experiences that make you feel like you are living and breathing the story of the leads within the lively, and dangerous backdrop of the Scottish, Highlands.

I was equally fascinated by both the Hero and Heroine. Yet, Stella's life story really touched me. I felt pain through her abuse and elation during her triumphant moments.

HEROINE:
Stella is a rare beauty, and does not know her effect on men. Aside from being beautifully captivating, she is innocent, but wounded within her spirit. Stella has lived a very isolated existence that bothers her more than it does her sisters and female cousins (7 young ladies in total). Stella's father rules over her life with an iron fist, and his physical abuse is carried out through his sinister top officers. Alec, the main officer, is fascinated by Stella and wants her as his wife (even though he's below her station), yet he has beaten her countless times (and seems to like it) as a part of orders from the laird. Due to this abusive history, Stella feels uncomfortable around men (especially strong men) and comes across to them as distant, mysterious, and quite alluring. In fact, at a social gathering, the warriors are somewhat intimidated by her beauty and even fear her rejection. Yet, little did Stella know how much her life would change in her forced marriage to Kade Mackenzie.
Stella did not know it, but she needed a hero and Cade was just the man to bring her world to life and release her from her caged existence.

HERO:
OMG!! Kade Mackenzie (3rd son of Mackenzie brothers) is freaken amazing!!! What impressed me most about the hero is his unquenchable, undeniable, love for the Heroine from the MOMENT HE LAID EYES ON HER. So, from that moment on, he was committed, in love, and determined to make her his…at all costs. I thought that was a unique quality because most heroes (even though they are attracted to the heroine) have to conquer their fear of love, at some point. Yet, Kade never fears love…he never fears his attachment and need for Stella.

As the 3rd son of the MacKenzie clan, Kade is part of a close-knit, healthy family. His brother is Laird over a thriving, very rich & prosperous clan and through his marriage to Stella he becomes the "laird in waiting" set to succeed Laird Morrison upon his death. This means, Kade leaves his beloved home only to settle into the dysfunctional Morrison clan which is laden with challenges and treachery at every side.

THE LOVE STORY:
Kade's love for Stella is a binding force that takes root and allows her to grow in every aspect of her person. Stella is forced to marry Kade by her father and not only was she frightened by his hulking figure, mercurial temperament, but, in addition, stories surface about his sexual escapades & she's even more freaked out. Let's just say that Kade has a sexual repertoire that is very mature, and skilled. In modern words, he has an affinity for BDSM in the bedroom. But, if you can believe it, Kade is more than just a sex god, he is introspective and sensitive. And, because he is aware of how much he frightens his new wife, he vows to allow 1 month to pass before they consummate their marriage in order to build trust and allow Stella to acclimate to the marriage.

However, by the 2nd day of marriage, Stella is like, "I'M READY."….LOL, but Kade is insistent on this vow being carried through as a way of proving his love to her (in light of her abusive background with men). So, if you would think that this means no sexual interaction between the couple, you would be DEAD wrong. Because this book is super sensual. Kade awakens a sexual appetite in Stella that builds upon each sensual experience. And, my feeling was like, OMG…what's the big deal about waiting to consummate the marriage??---Kade leads her into so many sensual experiences that I'm like…Oh right already just seal the deal!!! [and that reflects Stella's feeling as well]LOL

Yet, even though the marriage was consummated before the 1 month vow…OMG, what a ride to the end it was! There are countless challenges, adventures, treachery, fighting and moments of courage that will leave you breathless! (well, at least I was left breathless)…And, I have to admit that I felt a little ruthless as I cheered the heroine on, in her absolute defeat of the villain.

But, the sweetest part was the bond and love that was poured out through the Hero's steady flow of gestures and words of affection for the Heroine. I have already listened to this audiobook twice and I just bought it! So, this will be a favorite in my audiobook library.

Lastly, the epilogue was an absolute delight and my only sadness is that the book is over….(If only the first book was available through audio). :-(

[Jes Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. The men were sexy, the women spirited, and the sexy times? the sexy times were hot. The problem with these Highlander books, (surprisingly except for Outlander series) is that the women are ALWAYS virgins. I know it would've been highly improper for a women not to be 'pure' for her husband, but come on.
Regardless, great series!

[Carrie Bringhurst · Rating 2 out of 5]

TOOK ME FOREVER TO READ!!! Why you might ask? no clue. I had a hard time keeping my interest with this book. I noticed a few days would go by and that would be fine by me. Sheesh. Conflicts in the book were very predictable. Maybe that is why I lost interest so many times? But I did it! I finished the book! AND!! It had my HEA ending that I loved.

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this.
I loved the hero apart from when he was a bit slow on the uptake at the end but then no-one can be perfect.
He is amazing and patient with the heroine and so understanding.

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Cindy Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I read it out of order. Now will have to get the others.😁

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so good! I read this book in one day, I just couldn't put it down. I love Kade, and Stella was a super in a very good way. My favorite so far of the series.

[KirTheDrink · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing historical about it

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 69 Shades of Kade

Oh there are spoilers...

Let me just start out by saying I absolutely hate first person narrative. It is so one dimensional and very lacking in giving a full picture of the story being read. Now I read the first book in this trilogy, Highlander Claimed, and hated it so very much that I rated it a single solitary star. That one was in first person narrative as well and Roses was poke me in the eye, Jeanie in the bottle stupidly vapid. Luckily for Highlander Taken it is less painful to read. We did lose a lot of the vapid "warrior" said in annoying breathy vapid speak and slipped in a lot less "husband" in the same tone.

Here are my problems with the book, and there are many. First off book two (this) starts at the same ball where Wilkie (book one) decides he cannot live without Roses and negates his un-contracted verbal betrothal to Maisie, Stella's sister. In book one we are lead to believe neither wanted the wedding but there was allusion to them getting the get on before vows. Well in book two we learn they did and Wilkie walks away from the given word betrothal leaving Maisie heartbroken and a lot jaded. This gives a lot of subject matter to be used in this book.

At the same ball Kade decides to make a bid for Stella since an alliance needs to be had and Wilkie is busy chasing someone else. So a wedding is on the horizon. Everyone wants to marry Stella; the poor kind stable boy, the guard, and Kade. Let me cut to the wedding. On the way to the wedding Stella's sisters talk a lot of smack about Kade and how fearsome he is and how he hooked up with a friends cousin describing scenes of kinky sex and so on. They have absolutely no respect for Stella and just keep on insipidly gossiping about her husband to be, so much so that they completely terrify her. Not that it takes much to terrify Stella. Her dad has been beating or having her beaten by his guard for years so she sort of has some trust issues. I dunno, makes sense, right?

Kade decides on their wedding night that he is going to give Stella one months reprieve before they seal the marriage via the marriage bed. One month for him to get Stella to want him and to trust him. So, naturally since Kade is Wilkies brother Maisie decides if she can't have Wilkie, why not go for the brother. Stop. Wait. What? We have a father that beats her, sisters that talk over her like she doesn't exist, and a sister after her husband? What a horrid family! Naturally Stella finds out about Maisie's offer to Kade and she actually forgives her sister. Forgives her. Given the time period I'm surprised she didn't have her carved up and served at the evening meal. Ok, I know that is harsh and extreme but my point is that would be one dead sister.

Meanwhile, Stella seriously has an itch that needs scratching and Kade has his honor. So let's write some kinky sex scenes. I'm guessing Juliette Miller wanted to capitalize on the 50 Shades phenom and wrote a very scintillating scene ala red room of pain for horny as all get out Stella and not willing to go there Kade. But let's play shall we? The not-sex-sex scenes were pretty steamy and I had to hand it to Kade for not going there and sticking to his word. This alone I give an extra star for.

The rest of the story is built around this one month of trust period. BUT Stella wants go start her groove and Kade keeps telling her no, one month baby. Naturally this becomes a plot point and evil traitorous things happen (which are so unbelievably obvious I won't even comment on them here) and then a few days from the month all of Kades words of honor turn out to be just that, words. They get to it before the month is over and for the simple reason he has been preserving his honor over and over, I find this repugnant. So neither brothers have honor. Wilkie basically says, why by the cow... and Kade says I think I'm ready to consummate those 69 shades... Um, yeah.

I give this three stars because it was not as annoying as the first in the series and the author has shown growth in her writing style, and the not-sex-sex scenes were pretty steamy. I just seriously wish she would let go of the first person narrative. Highlander Mine is due in December and this one promises to be about Knox a "A fiercely guarded and staunchly moral warrior" we'll see...

I was given the free ARC by Amazon Vine for my honest review.

[Love Reading Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Stella is forced to marry Kade Mackenzie to fulfill a clan marriage alliance, she resigns herself to the knowledge that her life is not her own. She must forget about her feelings for the blacksmith Caleb, and do her best to simply survive her marriage. After all, she's heard gossip about her new husband that leaves her with no doubt he is a vicious brute. She's a little surprised, therefore, when he will not consummate their marriage against her will, and promises to teach her to trust him, in and out of bed.

OK. I admit it. I have a teensy-weensy obsession with highlander heroes. But let's be honest, who doesn't? They're just so swoon worthy, and Kade Mackenzie is no exception. Although he barely knows Stella, he is in love with her from the start and despite their marriage being necessary for political purposes, he has no regrets, only desire for his new wife.

Unfortunately, Stella is terrified of Kade, so convincing her she is safe and that his desire is genuine love takes some work. He refuses to give up on Stella though, determined to prove himself to her, while also showing that she also has her own strength to own. Believing in herself, however, is as hard for Stella as trusting a man such as Kade, as she has been treated terribly by her father and his men. Stella might have had a difficult past, but with Kade's assistance she has the chance to find herself as well as a passion she never thought possible.

Although she takes some time to realise it, Stella is as spunky as Kade is sexy, so when they get together the heat level in this novel sets fire to the pages. The story line of Kade coaxing Stella's trust before he consummates the marriage is ostensibly one of delayed sexual gratification, as he refuses to take her virginity until she is ready. However, there's more to sexual satisfaction than the requirements of consummation and Kade soon shows Stella just how much he can pleasure her. In her words:

"...I entered a state of physical transcendent enlightenment..."

Only in a romance novel and only with a highlander hero could such a statement be taken as a face value description of a climax. I admit, some readers might find Juliette Miller's writing overly flowery, which it is, but I loved it, just as much as I loved the first person narrative. First person in historical romances is pretty rare, and I am often very dubious about its use, but I loved hearing this story direct from Stella's perspective. It made it so easy to understand the changes she went through, not to mention really amped up the heat of the sex scenes. While we're on the topic, it's also worth noting that these sex scenes included light bdsm, which was pretty incredibly delicious with such an alpha highlander hero.

Along with the romance in Highlander Taken, there is also an action packed plot of clan intrigue. While Kade attempts to seduce his wife, he is also busy trying to establish himself as the laird-to-be of her clan. A rebellion is in the works, however, and Kade (with the assistance of Stella!) must ensure that the clan remains secure.

I could say a lot more about this story, but I'll stop before spoilers slip out! While it appears to be a simple historical romance, there is a lot more to this novel, most especially the interesting characters (including Stella's sisters). This romance is super sexy, with a strong heroine and a hot-as-hell hero. Highlander Taken definitely gets my highest recommendation for those who love highland heroes, as ready to sweep you off your feet as they are to tie you to the bed in the process.
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com

[Cherise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stella Morrison is known throughout Scotland for her beauty and her rebellious ways. She has spent the better part of the past few weeks morning the loss of the man she loved, the man her father sent away. Stella has been living under the brutal ruling of her father, the Morrison Laird. His health is deteriorating and when her sister’s marriage into the MacKenzie Clan doesn’t pan out he forces Stella to do so, creating an alliance between Morrison and MacKenzie.

Kade is as entranced by his new wife as she is terrified of him. He longs to gain her love and trust, while she only sees what he is physically capable of and that scares her.

I loved the first book in this series, Highlander Claimed, and had high hopes for this one. Kade and Stella are intriguing characters and I was looking forward to seeing how their romance played out. I can’t say that I was disappointed, yet I wasn’t fully impressed, either.

The sparks between the two are believable and as they slowly gain each other’s trust you could feel their bond growing. It was a nice and natural progression. There were two things that kept me from loving it fully. Number one was the way Kade kept holding that one month deadline marriage consummation over his wife’s head, even though clearly she was ready for him, begging him in fact. He claimed it was an honor thing; I was beginning to get as frustrated as Stella was.

The second thing that irked me was the mystery on who was the traitor working with the enemy Campbell Clan. It was so obvious, from the start and to everyone, yet nothing was done about it until it was almost too late. It didn’t seem very realistic and it went against Kade’s warrior nature.

Even with those two gripes, I still enjoyed the tale. I love the MacKenzie family and I look forward to the next chapter in their lives. The books are hard to put down and her sex scenes are a little steamier than what is usually in historical romances. I hope the next one is even better than the first!

Cherise Everhard, June 2013
Book provided by and reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program

[Debra Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was absolutely wild about the first book in the Clan Mackenzie series. I found myself adoring this second book even more.
Stella Morrison balked at marrying the fierce warrior Kade Mackenzie. She had some good reasons not to trust cause she'd had a very hard life. Controlled and abused by her father and his lackeys, Stella didn't trust her new husband. Imagine her surprise at his kindness in allowing her time to get to the trusting part before the intimacies. But things aren't right in the Morrison clan and a conspiracy is afoot. Some of the people were downright nasty and needed put out of their misery. Stella's crazy father for one. The situation grows more dangerous as Stella and Kade grow closer.
As much as I loved the first book, I enjoyed this one even more. The writing is excellent, with the story overflowing with intrigue and suspense. The story flowed just right with Stella and Kade slowly developing the romantic relationship. Building that trust and making their relationship more credible. The writer kept the plot tight even as she competently carried the story on several fronts. There was a lot going on here. Still the main focus remained on the romance part for the most. Last but not least, the cover is absolutely stunning and it caught my eye right away.
I loved this one and recommend it to all historical romance readers. Can't wait for the next one.

ARC received courtesy of the publisher

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first novel I have read by Juliette Miller, but it will definitely not be the last. This incredible story follows the marriage of Kade Mackenzie to Stella Morrison. While it is love at first sight for Kade, Stella feels trapped into a marriage that she did not want. Early in the novel you find that Stella and all her sisters have be beaten to get their compliance by either their father or his men. Stella receives the bulk of this due to her tendency to rebel. Now she is being forced to marry another brutish man and she expects more of the same.

Stella quickly learns that Kade while extremely fierce looking, would never raise a hand to her. He offers her a reprieve in their marriage in order to gain her trust. From here you find Stella drawn more and more to her husband. Their relationship grows more and more intense, but will they survive the fact that traitors are among their clan? And can they trust one another enough to know that they can believe in each others love?

I am looking forward to the next novel in this series. I am also going to go back and read the first novel in the series as well. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a Scottish historical novel.