Forbidden Night with the Highlander

Warriors of the Night #2

by Michelle Willingham

The handsome Highlander who seduced her…

…is the very man she must marry!

In this Warriors of the Night story, Lianna MacKinnon seeks to avoid her betrothal to a Norman lord by giving herself to an intriguing stranger. But afterward, she discovers her sensual lover is none other than Rhys de Laurent—her betrothed—in disguise! They’ve already had their wedding night… Now there’s no escaping their marriage vows!

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Medieval

283 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 16, 2018

About the author

Rita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by Michelle Willingham! This is the second book in the “Warriors of the Night “ series! I really enjoyed the main couple... they both had been promised to one another at birth. Of course, neither one of them wishes to be stuck with the other, and they both feel like they have no freedom... Rhys figures he can maybe give Lianna to his brother; but their first meeting happens and there is no looking back for either one!

My only problem with this story was that Lianna was way too hard on Rhys. He tried hard to give her time to adjust to the idea of marrying him; but she remained firm in her hatred. I will say this; Rhys and Lianna were explosive together in the bedroom!!! Woo- eeee!!! Their intimate scene were sizzling!

This has turned out to be a wonderful mini- series! I’m eager for the third and final book in this series! It is about Rhys’s sister who believes she is doomed to be alone for the rest of her life. Time to get started and finish the series!

For readers who enjoy historical romances, then definitely give this author a try!

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average read.

At times I lost interest in the storyline. I liked the hero but found the heroine frustrating.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Forbidden Night with the Highlander”1}
by Michelle Willingham
Series: Warriors of the Night, Book #2

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Scotland 1171
The heroine of this story is Lianna MacKinnon. She thinks if she gives her innocence to a total stranger it will resolve her problem to marry a hated Norman Lord! Yet her father, Alastair advises Rhys to pretend he is another Scottish highlander and get to know his true daughter. As he knows his daughter won’t even give him a chance if she knows he is the Norman she is being forced to marry. Rhys does not feel right about this dishonesty but understands her prejudice against Norman’s. Plus her selfish gambling brother does not feel right about Rhys getting all the titles and lands he desires.
Rhys de Laurent and Lianna had been betrothed and a match since before Lianna was even born. Lianna knows most of her kin and clan think her ways as unusual, odd and different. As she keeps everything clean and tidy and in order.Some nowadays might call it obsessive compulsive disorder, known as OCD. She always has made sure she has known every clan member by name and what they need and cares for everyone. Her clan is starving and if this marriage does not happen it could be their destruction and exile! As the castle and lands belong to Rhys de Laurent.
The Normans have every right to throw the entire clan off the land. As Rhys father made an alliance that depended on this marriage. His father could of exiled The MacKinnon Clan long ago. However, since his mother and Rhys’s grandmother loved her second husband, Fergus MacKinnon and her life in Scotland, he did not. Rhys Grandfather owned the lands. Plus Alastair knew his son would of been a horrible leader due to his dangerous habits and selfish needs. Yet is Lianna we’re born a male she would of made a wonderful leader. Like her father, Lianna always puts the clan first, even when she is being mistreated by her own clan members!
The Now Lianna is duped by the stranger who is actually Rhys de Laurent her dreaded betrothed. Now she is caught in the very web she weaves and there is no turning back! Lianna has no choice but to marry this villain Norman bastard! What will she do? Abandon her clan to a
life of starvation and being homeless? How can she even let a filthy Norman touch her...again? Will she ever see Rhys and his people for whom he truly is? A fair and good leader who cares for his people. A good fighter with an intelligent mind, a passionate lover, a man that can’t go of his pride with a few skeletons in his past.
I highly recommend you read this gripping emotional story about betrayal, lies, prejudice, pride, forgiveness, faith, trust, joy, passion, love and so much more! You can read as a stand alone but I highly recommend you read in series order. For example book #1 Forbidden Night with the Warrior is a actually about Rhys’s younger brother Warrick De Laurent and Rosamund de Beaufort.
OMG have those tissue ready! Another Michelle Willingham emotional winner that I could not put down or stop sobbing through! If I get that attached in a story well it means it’s an absolute masterpiece in my opinion. I have been a fan of Michelle Willingham books since her debut, she still blows me away with each and every book she writes and releases!
A delightful action packed emotional novel with all the elements romance readers love! Plus with phenomenal settings, many faceted characters and emotional plotting! I never know what to anticipate next...which is totally brilliant!
I can’t wait for the third novel in this amazing Forbidden Night series. Book three is titled “Forbidden Night with the Prince”. I have absolutely and unequivocally loved this emotional heartstring pulling series! It is definitely one you don’t want to miss!
I received an advance readers copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest and fair ‘review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
Warriors of the Night Series
By Michelle Willingham
1)Forbidden Night with the Warrior - Warrick & Rosamund
2)Forbidden Night with the Highlander - Rhys & Lianna
3)Forbidden Night with the Prince - TBR 8/1/2018
https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Nigh... ref=nodl_

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was awesome!

Lianna MacKinnon is besides herself with worry she’s betrothed to a Norman and she has no way to break this betrothal. Until she meets a handsome Highlander who makes her yearn for more than an arranged marriage.

Rhys de Laurent has been betrothed to Lianna since she was a babe, he doesn’t need a wife or the emotional heartache, maybe he can persuade his brother Warrick to marry the girl.
A meeting and a kiss later Lianna has fired his blood. The marriage will take place but not be easy. Both have trust issues, their attraction is all consuming.

As with all of Michelle Willingham ‘s stories this was captivating! Rhys certainly had some issues with women that his evil step mother had inflicted on him.
Lianna was in my opinion a woman that had issues with disorder she needed order in her life to think calmly and Rhys kept on pushing her boundaries. A definite must read, I fell in love with Rhys and Lianna and can’t wait for Joan’s story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Se fino a poco prima Rhys aveva pensato di scambiarsi con Warrick, dandola in moglie a lui, dopo quel bacio aveva decisamente cambiato idea. Un bacio dato solo per soddisfare una curiosità, per vedere se sotto quei capelli rosso fuoco ci fosse uno spirito altrettanto incandescente e indomito. E, di nuovo, era stato sorpreso. Lianna era innocente, imbarazzata, impaurita. Il bacio era stato piacevolmente inesperto, come fosse il primo. Dopo qualche istante, però, la giovane si era scaldata sotto il suo tocco, e Rhys aveva compreso che sarebbe stata una buona moglie per lui. Dio del cielo, quel bacio l’aveva eccitato oltre ogni immaginazione."
.
Lianna sa da tutta la vita di essere promessa al Normanno Rhys, ma da tempo trama affinché l’uomo desista dal portare a termine il contratto che li lega. Non è disposta, infatti, a sposare quello che considera un nemico della sua gente, nonostante sappia che il clan risiede sulle terre che gli appartengono.

Neanche Rhys è felice di questo matrimonio. Erede del padre, non intende vivere in quella terra selvaggia e per questo motivo sta pensando di fare in modo che sia il fratello minore, Warrick, a sposare la fanciulla al suo posto. Questo fra l’altro metterebbe il giovane, che Rhys ama moltissimo, al riparo dall’astio che il genitore riversa su di lui, a causa di una donna meschina e crudele.

Ma una volta raggiunto il clan, spinto dal padre della sua promessa sposa, che lo invita a conoscerla senza rivelarle il nome, si incontrano durante una delle solitarie passeggiate della ragazza e la bacia. Basta solo questo a fargli decidere di non lasciare che quella donna, focosa e dalle strane manie, sposi il fratello.

Ma se Lianna non vuole sposare un Normanno, suo fratello Sìan, erede del Laird McKinnon, non intende farsi portare via quello che ritiene a torto, suo di diritto. Durante la notte, infatti, farà qualcosa che metterà il clan in una situazione disastrosa. Ora la sua gente può contare solo sulla magnanimità di Rhys, per non essere cacciata, e Lianna dovrà acconsentire al loro matrimonio, se vuole salvarli. Eppure, quello che sembra il peggiore matrimonio di sempre, renderà per la prima volta Lianna cosciente delle sue qualità e dei suoi meriti e quello che considera un nemico si rivelerà tutt’altro.

Il matrimonio imposto è uno di quei temi che io adoro e questo libro lo tratta davvero molto bene. Lianna è una ragazza bellissima, a cui nessuno ha mai fatto un complimento. Le sue manie per la pulizia e l’ordine, il ripetere la stessa sequenza di azioni tutti i giorni e la sua incredibile memoria per i dettagli, ha permesso al fratello di renderla lo zimbello della sua gente. E questo nonostante il padre abbia sempre saputo che la figlia sarebbe stata un Laird molto migliore del fratello, ladro e bugiardo, nonché capace di ogni viltà. Istigati da Sìan, gran parte degli uomini del clan la deridono apertamente, eppure a Rhys basta pochissimo per rendersi conto del suo valore. Di come conosca ogni membro della sua gente e le esigenze delle loro famiglie, come si adoperi per riuscire a sfamarli, nonostante la miseria in cui sono e la mancanza di viveri. Ciò che però è stato costretto a fare, dopo il vile attacco del fratello, lo ha fatto odiare dalla giovane donna. Lianna è decisa a non cedere alla passione che quel marito, imposto e sempre incredibilmente gentile, le suscita, ma diventa sempre più difficile. Giorno dopo giorno, infatti, si rende conto di come quell’uomo che lei vede come un nemico, la stimi e sia disposto a lottare perché le vengano riconosciuti i suoi meriti.

Rhys è un personaggio maschile che incanta, nonostante sia deciso a non permettere mai più ad una donna di averla vinta su di lui. Non si impone mai con la forza verso Lianna così ostinata e testarda. Nel suo passato una donna ha fatto del male sia a lui che al fratello, e ha fatto in modo che il padre si rivoltasse verso il più giovane dei suoi figli, nonostante Rhys abbia tentato di farlo ragionare. Prova sentimenti di orgoglio per il modo in cui sua moglie riesce a farsi amare dai suoi uomini, e non sopporta di vedere come invece la sua stessa gente la sminuisca e non si renda conto di quanto lei faccia per loro.

Su una trama letta più volte, la Willingham ha intessuto una storia che personalmente ho adorato e che vede anche alcuni accenni sul destino di Warrick. Se il personaggio vi piace, nel libro precedente della serie “Illecita tentazione”, di cui trovate la recensione, potrete scoprire cosa sia successo a lui e al suo contrastato amore per Rosamund.

I personaggi sono splendidamente tratteggiati e si fanno amare immediatamente, le scene passionali sono intense e romantiche. La trama regala, inoltre, anche molta azione fra agguati e battaglie, mentre la scrittura dell’autrice è come sempre incredibilmente scorrevole e capace di tenere desta l’attenzione, fino all’ultima pagina. Per me davvero una serie bellissima, che vedrà come prossima protagonista la sorella di Warrick e Rhys, Joan, una ragazza che ha visto morire i suoi tre fidanzati e che si è convinta di essere maledetta. Ma nel suo futuro vi è niente meno che un principe.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. This one is about Rhys de Laurent, older brother of Warrick from the first book in the series (Forbidden Night with the Warrior). Parts of this book take place at the same time as the first book, filling in a few blank spaces. In this book, it is time for Rhys to follow through on the long-standing betrothal between himself and Lianna. He doesn't want to live in Scotland, so far away from his home and family, but he is a man of honor and will do what he must - though he does contemplate getting his brother to marry her instead. His qualms are not eased when he speaks to her father and learns that Lianna wants no part of marrying a Norman. He goes along with her father's suggestion that he get to know her without revealing his identity, but he doesn't like the deception. Lianna is an unusual woman and is considered odd by her clansmen. She loves her people and constantly worries about their health and welfare. She knows that if she doesn't go through with the marriage, it could mean starvation and exile for them. When she meets a handsome stranger, she is nervous at first but also attracted. Part of her feels that he may be the answer to her prayers.

The development of the relationship between Lianna and Rhys was very turbulent. The sparks flew between them from the moment they met. Rhys was as fascinated as he was attracted, and no longer thought of giving her up. Lianna was attracted but also felt guilty because of her betrothal to Rhys. She was also desperate to escape the marriage, and when she sees the opportunity to do so, gives in to the passion she feels for her stranger, thinking she will no longer be wanted by Rhys. I liked Rhys's discomfort with his deception and how he tried to tell her the truth before passion took over. To say that Lianna wasn't happy when she found out the truth would be putting it mildly. Things go from bad to worse when Lianna's older brother attempts to kill Rhys and his men and is killed himself. Lianna is beside herself with grief and anger, making her even more set against her marriage.

I ached for Rhys, who had begun to care for Lianna. I loved the way that he saw how much she did for her people and how disturbed he was by the way they treated her. He tried in so many ways to treat her well and show her the respect he thought she deserved. When they left to go to his home in England for the wedding, Lianna still treated him like pond scum. I was very frustrated with her during their time in England. She held herself away from everyone and was pretty rude to people who wanted to make her feel welcome. Even though she could see that Rhys was a good man who cared for his people, just as she cared for hers, her stubbornness would not let her give in. Eventually, the attraction between them worked a bit of a truce, and Lianna finally began to loosen up. By the time they returned to Scotland, things were looking up for them. Unfortunately, her people hadn't forgiven him for the death of her brother, and Lianna found herself caught between the two sides. Some ill-spoken words by Lianna were overheard by Rhys, putting them at odds once again.

Another trip back to England gives Lianna the opportunity to make things right with Rhys, but now he is the one resisting. His pride has been hurt and he doesn't want to risk being hurt again. Rhys also has some trust issues stemming from some things that happened when he was a child. When Lianna's behavior towards him changes so drastically, he doesn't know whether to believe it or if she is trying to manipulate him. I loved seeing the difference in her attitude and seeing her make her own mark on her new home. I liked the progress she made toward repairing her relationship with Rhys, especially with what happened in the cellar and how it brought them closer together. When a crisis in Scotland sends Rhys riding to the rescue, Lianna must decide whether to follow her heart or her husband's orders. The conclusion was intense, with some very surprising and satisfying twists.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it wasn't for the sweet ending, this would've been 2 stars for me. That payoff was great, and I can tell it really meant a lot to the characters. What almost ruined it for me were the questionable ethics , and the pacing was all over the place. I swore the book finished at the 55% mark. Alas, there was a lot more to go, and it just dragged.

One of my least favorite romance novel plots is when the hero and heroine aren't honest with each other. There was so much "she did this because she thought he wanted that" and "he did that because he misheard her" that I almost threw my kindle across the room. Instead of being cryptic all the time, if they just said what was bothering them, the entire book would've ended a lot sooner.

I was also disappointed in Willingham's heroine. Lianna started out as an interesting character with a strong case of OCD. Her emotions, fears, and anger were all justified, and I was curious to know how Rhys was going to overcome them. The answer is to get kidnapped. Seriously, Lianna was pretty TSTL, and it was enraging. This also meant Rhys had very little character development because he realized he loved her when she went missing for the gazillionth time.

I don't know what's going on with this series, but there's a lot of violence against the heroines and kidnappings because the women couldn't have a guard for five minutes. Usually, Willingham is more creative than this, and while I like a good hero saving the heroine situation, this is starting to get ridiculous and redundant. Hopefully the third is better.

[Effi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Πολύ ωραίο, ανυπομονώ να διαβάσω κ για την Τζοαν την αδελφή του Ρις!!!!

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fancy being betrothed to someone you don't want to be betrothed to, then meeting a stranger and giving yourself to him to avoid said betrothal, then finding out the stranger is in fact your betrothed, well that's what happens to Lianna and Rhys. They both didn't want marriage until that meeting, they both have issues, can they overcome them and find true love.

This was a fabulous story and It grabbed my attention from the beginning, the story was well written and the characters well developed and very likeable, in fact I fell in love with Rhys.

I received a copy and voluntarily leave my own thoughts

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was a fast paced story, full of adventure and intrigue. Two very different people, Rhys de Laurent and Lianna MacKinnon are to marry, one Norman and one Scot, although Rhys has a Scottish grandparent. Lianna finds the different cultures difficult to adjust to, there is also some secrets in Rhys’ past. There is also the attraction to each other that Lianna tries to avoid. This is a thoroughly entertaining book that you won’t want to put down. I received a copy and I have voluntarily reviewed it.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Hero

This is my first Wallingham book. I enjoyed it.

The heroine was a bit immature and illogically stubborn. I did not entirely like her character but it was a good thing she redeemed herself towards the end. It was the hero that carried this book. He is noble, dashing, handsome, mature and everything that is ideal in a hero. So maybe I guess it balances out. The love scenes were steamy but not crude or graphic. The plot is well-written. The epilogue is a nice touch.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wedding after the wedding night

This book grabs you from the start. A Norman Knight with honor hopes to woo his betrothed, a Scottish lass. Rhys is a number one super sexy, hot and sweet hero, but he also has his issues of trust. His pursuit of Lianna will make your heart break for him, but she has many insecurities. I enjoyed the way Willingham worked Rhys and Lianna's self doubts together for an HEA.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book much better than it's sibling book, "Forbidden Night with the Warrior." The hero in this book is the brother to the hero in the other. At the beginning of this book, I could almost imagine the heroine as the red haired girl in Disney's "Brave," but the two heroines are quite different from each other in personality and motivations.

[Laurie Sand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pacing issues in second half.

I enjoyed the first half of the book, but things started to lag a bit in the second half. The tension just seemed to evaporate. And WHY did Lianna keep getting captured? Things just became sappy and ridiculous. That said, the book was fluffy and I enjoyed it.

[DarkAthena59 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une histoire qui a été longue à démarrer pour moi. J'ai eu un peu de mal avec l’héroïne que je trouvais trop égoïste. Finalement, l'histoire se lit. On se laisse prendre par le problème de communication des deux têtes de mules.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Found de Laurent quite likeable, it that was about it.

[Veronica H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helt ok historisk romance. Gillar hur författaren låter första boken & den här andra liksom utspela sig parallellt istället för de mer vanliga efter vartannat.

[Rachelle Hinkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting and enjoyable but a typical romance novel none the less.

[June Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical saucy romp.

[Miranda]

DNF at about 50%. It’s boring.

[Harlequin Books]

"Michelle Willingham writes wonderful warriors that are always strong, sexy and stubborn. Book two of her Warriors of the Night series pairs a proud Norman warrior against a rebellious Scottish lass. Fans of Scottish romances will have a new warrior to fall in love with and a new maiden to root for. This battle of the sexes is fierce, with neither party willing to surrender. Willingham out does herself with a new book with authentic characters, lots of action and a passionate love story" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Warriors of the Night

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pleasant and easy read. I was able to immersive myself within the context of the book and sympathize with the characters. I found this book calm and enjoyable.

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Warriors of the Night