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The Highland Lords #3
The Irresistible MacRae
To avoid a scandal that would devastate her family, Riona McKinsey has agreed to marry the wrong man -- though the one she yearns for is James MacRae. Had she not been maneuvered into a compromising position by a man of Edinburgh -- who covets her family's wealth more than Riona's love -- the dutiful Highland miss could have followed her heart into MacRae's strong and loving arms. But alas, it is not to be. A man of the wild, tempest-tossed ocean, James MacRae never dreamed he'd find his greatest temptation on land. Yet from the instant the dashing adventurer first gazed deeply into Riona's haunting gray eyes, he knew there was no lass in all of Scotland he'd ever want more. The matchless lady is betrothed to another -- and unwilling to break off her engagement or share the reason why she will marry her intended. But how can MacRae ignore the passion that burns like fire inside, drawing him relentlessly toward a love that could ruin them both?
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2002
27 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ranney
100 books947 followersI’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 13, 2019
I thought the first half of The Irresistible MacRae was very good, but the second half dragged for me. I was hoping for a quicker resolution to their problem, or at least something a bit more creative or exciting. 3/5 stars
April 29, 2010
Fiona is enticed into the garden by a lie about her sister needing her, and since she was alone out there with a man, she has now been 'ruined', and the only way to protect her family is to become betrothed to the man who set her up for ruin (gotta love those rules
This part of the storyline was a little weak to me, since her family lives in the country and she couldn't care less about town society. Her sister, however, did want her season and her chance, but how many women should condemn themselves to a lifetime of misery with a controlling cad who has blackmailed your family, and what loving mother should allow it, much less encourage it?! But that's the situation when the MacRae shows up. This is a romance, so needless to say, she doesn't marry unhappily, but it takes a while for James to work his magic and figures out a solution to the dilemma.
This part of the storyline was a little weak to me, since her family lives in the country and she couldn't care less about town society. Her sister, however, did want her season and her chance, but how many women should condemn themselves to a lifetime of misery with a controlling cad who has blackmailed your family, and what loving mother should allow it, much less encourage it?! But that's the situation when the MacRae shows up. This is a romance, so needless to say, she doesn't marry unhappily, but it takes a while for James to work his magic and figures out a solution to the dilemma.
May 1, 2025
Highland Lords, Book 3
A very good and easy read. While not as poignant as Books 1 & 2 it is a tale of perseverance, fortitude, and love that takes place one year after the events of Book 2.
James MacRae is everything you’d want for a MMC. Likewise, Riona is a spirited and somewhat freethinking MFC though she does tend to grate on the nerves whilst lamenting the fact that she, herself, is the one who got herself into the pickle of being engaged....long before she meets James MacRae.
While there isn’t a lot of swashbuckling action and adventure, it’s at least a seven out of ten.
A very good and easy read. While not as poignant as Books 1 & 2 it is a tale of perseverance, fortitude, and love that takes place one year after the events of Book 2.
James MacRae is everything you’d want for a MMC. Likewise, Riona is a spirited and somewhat freethinking MFC though she does tend to grate on the nerves whilst lamenting the fact that she, herself, is the one who got herself into the pickle of being engaged....long before she meets James MacRae.
While there isn’t a lot of swashbuckling action and adventure, it’s at least a seven out of ten.
August 5, 2019
Riona is forced into an engagement by an unscrupulous fortune hunter. When handsome, kind, capable James MacRae appears at her family’s estate, she must force herself to avoid temptation, just as he has to keep reminding himself that she’s betrothed to another. Naturally, this works very well.
The plot was somewhat contrived. As much as I liked Riona and James, as well as not one but two secondary romances around them, the whole thing didn’t hold together extremely well.
The plot was somewhat contrived. As much as I liked Riona and James, as well as not one but two secondary romances around them, the whole thing didn’t hold together extremely well.
December 26, 2023
I loveeeeeeeed this so much. He’s such a green flag and such a gentleman and she’s so reasonable.
I love the characters so much and the fact that Mister sir used his brain properly.
I’ve reread this 4 times in 2 different languages.
I love the characters so much and the fact that Mister sir used his brain properly.
I’ve reread this 4 times in 2 different languages.
June 17, 2017
Enthralling
Riona and James are immediately drawn to each other, but she is betrothed to a cad . Karen Ranney spins a great tale. Every time.
Riona and James are immediately drawn to each other, but she is betrothed to a cad . Karen Ranney spins a great tale. Every time.
June 23, 2024
Too slow movie a plot.. this is beyond slow burn.. Riona is too noble for such a minor infraction.
February 10, 2023
To avoid a scandal that would devastate her family, Riona McKinsey has agreed to marry the wrong man -- though the one she yearns for is James MacRae. Had she not been maneuvered into a compromising position by a man of Edinburgh -- who covets her family's wealth more than Riona's love -- the dutiful Highland miss could have followed her heart into MacRae's strong and loving arms. But alas, it is not to be.
A man of the wild, tempest-tossed ocean, James MacRae never dreamed he'd find his greatest temptation on land. Yet from the instant the dashing adventurer first gazed deeply into Riona's haunting gray eyes, he knew there was no lass in all of Scotland he'd ever want more. The matchless lady is betrothed to another -- and unwilling to break off her engagement or share the reason why she will marry her intended. But how can MacRae ignore the passion that burns like fire inside, drawing him relentlessly toward a love that could ruin them both?
A man of the wild, tempest-tossed ocean, James MacRae never dreamed he'd find his greatest temptation on land. Yet from the instant the dashing adventurer first gazed deeply into Riona's haunting gray eyes, he knew there was no lass in all of Scotland he'd ever want more. The matchless lady is betrothed to another -- and unwilling to break off her engagement or share the reason why she will marry her intended. But how can MacRae ignore the passion that burns like fire inside, drawing him relentlessly toward a love that could ruin them both?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2010
I really should not take such a long break from series, it took a while for me to remember who the hell all the characters were...Anyway, right away I like how it takes Riona sometime to agree to marry Harold and only for her sisters sake. Her mom tells her "sometimes we have to do things we don't like to insure other peoples happiness", geez thanks mom!
When Riona and James meet for the first time I got tingles up my spine. Nothing really happens between them, but for some reason the author writes the scene so I feel powerful undercurrents between Riona and James. And when James looked back, I couldn't help thinking, "Oh boy, here we go!"
Well Riona's mom redeems herself in my eyes when she comes up with a plan to get James and Riona together!
For some reason as I read this story the song "Collide" by Howie Day keeps coming into my head, the song could be playing in the background for many of Riona and Jame scenes.
I loved the character of "Old Ned" and how he tells James "Herself(Riona's mom) told me to help you, but she didn’t tell me to solve the riddle for you. I’m thinking you’re smart enough to do that on your own."
I thought it was a beautiful piece of writing when Ranney has Maureen (Riona's sister) describe how she sees Riona. Maureen sees Riona for who she truly is. It seems to be very rare to read a romance book where the two lead characters come from loving homes. The family dynamics between Riona, Maureen, and their mother are written so the reader can clearly see and feel the love, humor, connectedness, and disconnectedness between them.
Ranney does a wonderful job of showing how much can be felt with just a little said or not said and gives the characters little nuances that give away their feelings without once again coming right out and saying it.
This book is probably not for everyone. Some might describe it as boring, the story is not told in actions but in thoughts that Riona and James wish they could put into action. I will however, argue with anyone who says this book lacks passion. Like I said before, the undercurrents between Riona and James are powerful and sizzle with sexual tension.
The wealth of emotion between Riona and James is so fierce I simply ached for these two to get together.
The library scene where Riona and James simply touch fingertips has more passion in it than full blown sex scenes I have read.
I do have a complaint about how Rionas mom sets up Riona and James then towards the end tells Riona there is no hope for them, wtf? Make-up your mind mama!
This was a great book and addition to the "Highland Lords" series, but something held me back from quite making it a keeper. (I seem to remember thinking the same thing about the second book in this series "When the Laird Returns" another one close to being a keeper)
B-
When Riona and James meet for the first time I got tingles up my spine. Nothing really happens between them, but for some reason the author writes the scene so I feel powerful undercurrents between Riona and James. And when James looked back, I couldn't help thinking, "Oh boy, here we go!"
Well Riona's mom redeems herself in my eyes when she comes up with a plan to get James and Riona together!
For some reason as I read this story the song "Collide" by Howie Day keeps coming into my head, the song could be playing in the background for many of Riona and Jame scenes.
I loved the character of "Old Ned" and how he tells James "Herself(Riona's mom) told me to help you, but she didn’t tell me to solve the riddle for you. I’m thinking you’re smart enough to do that on your own."
I thought it was a beautiful piece of writing when Ranney has Maureen (Riona's sister) describe how she sees Riona. Maureen sees Riona for who she truly is. It seems to be very rare to read a romance book where the two lead characters come from loving homes. The family dynamics between Riona, Maureen, and their mother are written so the reader can clearly see and feel the love, humor, connectedness, and disconnectedness between them.
Ranney does a wonderful job of showing how much can be felt with just a little said or not said and gives the characters little nuances that give away their feelings without once again coming right out and saying it.
This book is probably not for everyone. Some might describe it as boring, the story is not told in actions but in thoughts that Riona and James wish they could put into action. I will however, argue with anyone who says this book lacks passion. Like I said before, the undercurrents between Riona and James are powerful and sizzle with sexual tension.
The wealth of emotion between Riona and James is so fierce I simply ached for these two to get together.
The library scene where Riona and James simply touch fingertips has more passion in it than full blown sex scenes I have read.
I do have a complaint about how Rionas mom sets up Riona and James then towards the end tells Riona there is no hope for them, wtf? Make-up your mind mama!
This was a great book and addition to the "Highland Lords" series, but something held me back from quite making it a keeper. (I seem to remember thinking the same thing about the second book in this series "When the Laird Returns" another one close to being a keeper)
B-
September 19, 2007
To avoid a scandal that would devastate her family, Riona McKinsey has agreed to marry the wrong man -- though the one she yearns for is James MacRae. Had she not been maneuvered into a compromising position by a man of Edinburgh -- who covets her family's wealth more than Riona's love -- the dutiful Highland miss could have followed her heart into MacRae's strong and loving arms. But alas, it is not to be.
A man of the wild, tempest-tossed ocean, James MacRae never dreamed he'd find his greatest temptation on land. Yet from the instant the dashing adventurer first gazed deeply into Riona's haunting gray eyes, he knew there was no lass in all of Scotland he'd ever want more. The matchless lady is betrothed to another -- and unwilling to break off her engagement or share the reason why she will marry her intended. But how can MacRae ignore the passion that burns like fire inside, drawing him relentlessly toward a love that could ruin them both?
This is the third book in a trilogy.
A man of the wild, tempest-tossed ocean, James MacRae never dreamed he'd find his greatest temptation on land. Yet from the instant the dashing adventurer first gazed deeply into Riona's haunting gray eyes, he knew there was no lass in all of Scotland he'd ever want more. The matchless lady is betrothed to another -- and unwilling to break off her engagement or share the reason why she will marry her intended. But how can MacRae ignore the passion that burns like fire inside, drawing him relentlessly toward a love that could ruin them both?
This is the third book in a trilogy.
January 9, 2016
This was lovely little story. It was a nice quick read with a few touching moments.
I honestly teared up with some parts, jousting thinking about how suffocatingly horrible it would be to be desperately in love with someone that you couldn't be with and sentenced to life that you know deep down that you would hate, all for the sake omg protecting someone you loved.
I was,also, kinda frustrated with some parts because I felt like the story was being dragged out; the solution could have been found so easily! And there was so many times when I wanted to slap Riona for not just calling out Harold for his lies and for not clarifying why James tore her dress to save them from the fire!! ugh!!
But all in all, I did enjoy the story!
Lovely read!
I honestly teared up with some parts, jousting thinking about how suffocatingly horrible it would be to be desperately in love with someone that you couldn't be with and sentenced to life that you know deep down that you would hate, all for the sake omg protecting someone you loved.
I was,also, kinda frustrated with some parts because I felt like the story was being dragged out; the solution could have been found so easily! And there was so many times when I wanted to slap Riona for not just calling out Harold for his lies and for not clarifying why James tore her dress to save them from the fire!! ugh!!
But all in all, I did enjoy the story!
Lovely read!
August 3, 2013
It was really good, but MAN! I could have used about 75 pages less of I-want-you-but-I-can't-have-you. And I wish the relationship between the sisters had been... ummm... existent. That would have been nice. I mean, I get that Riona loves her sister, but it would have been nice to SEE that. If we'd gotten to know Maureen a bit better, maybe I wouldn't have spent those 75 pages going, "Your sister hasn't even noticed (and maybe doesn't even care) about your obvious hatred of your fiance or that you're completely in love with another man! Screw her and her dip-stick boyfriend and dump the lying bastard you're 'supposed' to marry!" Just saying...
July 30, 2015
I loved Riona and James. They were the perfect H and h. I loved their personalities, they were the kinda of people I would want as friends. I really disliked Susanna, on one hand she is throwing James at Riona and on the other she is telling Riona that she must marry Harold and can't get out of it. But I really despised Maureen, she would let her sister marry a man that was contemptible and live a lifetime of unhappiness, just so she could marry a man who hadn't even declared for her. What a spineless, selfish milksop!
Great story, definitely on my re-read list.
Great story, definitely on my re-read list.
September 21, 2007
Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I love romance novels-as long as they're well written. Yes, this was predictable, but I still like the Scottish Highlands. This novel didn't have as much history as I'd like, but its characters were believable and likable. This is a 3rd book in a series; however, the other 2 do not need to be read ahead of time.
August 14, 2011
Riona McKinsey has agreed to marry a man she does not love. When she goes to visit relatives, she meets James MacRae and is immediately drawn to him. Whenshe finds out her fiance only wants her money, she still feels compelled to honour the brtrpthal. But James is determined to stop the weeding somehow. As it gets down to the last day, suspence mounts, and makes this a great read.
April 27, 2010
3.5 stars. Decent romance. A little slow towards the end. Pretty formulaic but ok
August 4, 2011
verträumt und ziemlich schottisch.. ;)
da kann man sich richtig fallen lassen...
da kann man sich richtig fallen lassen...
November 11, 2011
What a good book. Didn't have all the drama as other romance books. And while I like it, this was a nice step away from that. Great read for the weekend.
December 23, 2016
I enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews