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MacEgan Brothers #1
Her Warrior Slave
Kieran Ó Brannon is no ordinary slave—defiant, daring and dangerous, he is untamable! Iseult MacFergus is drawn to this powerful man with the strength of a warrior and the honor of a king. She trusts him to help find her lost child….
Kieran sold himself into slavery to save his brother's life, but Iseult, with the face of an angel, gives him hope that he can again be a free man. Determined to find her child, Kieran may finally have his freedom—although now his heart is tied to Iseult's forever….
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
84 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
199 books624 followersRita® 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 22, 2015
This was another great read from the MacEgan series.
Kieran is a slave, but he is proud, defiant and a man of integrity who can't seem to forgive himself for a tragic event that he had no control over.
Iseult is the betrothed of the man who bought Kieran at a slave auction. She is instantly drawn to Kieran, and even though she tries to ignore the feelings he stirs in her, nothing can keep her from wanting to be with him.
A series of events have given them a common purpose, and so they find themselves having to work together, against the odds of obtaining that which they seek and and more importantly, that which they desire - each other.
I'm going to continue reading this series as I just keep falling in love with those sexy, honorable MacEgans.
March 2, 2025
Nice read got better the more you read it. Single parent child goes missing in the night.
Chieftain son is caught by vikings and sold into slavery.
He promised to help her find her son.
Chieftain son is caught by vikings and sold into slavery.
He promised to help her find her son.
August 15, 2014
I closed this book with a satisfied sigh and it brought a smile to my lips. Michelle Willingham can write historical romances so well!
This story is set back in Ireland in 1102 AD and definitely one plagued with hardships. But trails and tribulations are expected in any romance, right? If you love a good medieval romance, you've got to give this one a go.
There are many characters in this story. It has a great storyline, plenty of action, many forbidden kisses, and lots of untamed passion enough for hours of entertainment.
The story starts out with Kieran O'Brannon a slave. He's proud and stubborn but he's also a man with integrity. Naturally, I pictured him looking like this...
*sigh* He's absolutely yummy.
Iseult MacFergus is betrothed to the man who bought Keiran at a slave auction. She is drawn to Keiran instantly and cannot stay away from him no matter how hard she tries. He's unlike any man she's ever met before.
Iseult is also trying to find her son. She believes that although he was taken from her, he might still be alive. She desperately searches for him to no avail. Eventually she confides in Keiran about him. They find themselves having to work together and both try to ignore the feelings they have for one another.
Keiran's self-control was about to snap. The scent of her surrounded him. Like wild honey, he craved the taste of her. She enslaved him with invisible chains of need.
"Iseult," he breathed, kissing her palms, "is this what you want?" He wanted nothing but honesty between them. "I am a man without a tribe. There is nothing I can give you. No home, no future."
She moved so close, the rigid tips of her breasts brushed against his chest. He ached with the sweet torment, exhaling sharply.
"Then give me yourself," she whispered. "It will be enough."
He didn't deserve her, couldn't possibly become the man she wanted him to be. And yet somehow none of it mattered this night.
Yep, it's good...and gets even better. Really. Give this one a read.
And really, who doesn't love a happy ending?
This story is set back in Ireland in 1102 AD and definitely one plagued with hardships. But trails and tribulations are expected in any romance, right? If you love a good medieval romance, you've got to give this one a go.
There are many characters in this story. It has a great storyline, plenty of action, many forbidden kisses, and lots of untamed passion enough for hours of entertainment.
The story starts out with Kieran O'Brannon a slave. He's proud and stubborn but he's also a man with integrity. Naturally, I pictured him looking like this...
*sigh* He's absolutely yummy.
Iseult MacFergus is betrothed to the man who bought Keiran at a slave auction. She is drawn to Keiran instantly and cannot stay away from him no matter how hard she tries. He's unlike any man she's ever met before.
Iseult is also trying to find her son. She believes that although he was taken from her, he might still be alive. She desperately searches for him to no avail. Eventually she confides in Keiran about him. They find themselves having to work together and both try to ignore the feelings they have for one another.
Keiran's self-control was about to snap. The scent of her surrounded him. Like wild honey, he craved the taste of her. She enslaved him with invisible chains of need.
"Iseult," he breathed, kissing her palms, "is this what you want?" He wanted nothing but honesty between them. "I am a man without a tribe. There is nothing I can give you. No home, no future."
She moved so close, the rigid tips of her breasts brushed against his chest. He ached with the sweet torment, exhaling sharply.
"Then give me yourself," she whispered. "It will be enough."
He didn't deserve her, couldn't possibly become the man she wanted him to be. And yet somehow none of it mattered this night.
Yep, it's good...and gets even better. Really. Give this one a read.
And really, who doesn't love a happy ending?
March 4, 2017
Esperaba maaaas. El final lo arruinó todo. Todo. Tan... básico. Pudo haber sido mil veces mejor. Y Davin rayaba en lo masoquista.
August 23, 2010
A rich, emotional read. Both the hero and the heroine are not only grieving, but feel guilty, yet I didn't feel the book got depressing or maudlin. I felt bad for the man she was supposed to married and I felt one of the threads of the story was wrapped up a little too quickly, but overall a very enjoyable read.
August 6, 2016
In the hopes of saving his brother's life from the raiding Normans, Kieran agrees to sell himself as a slave for his brother's release. But the raiders slit Egan's throut. Iseult is intrigued by the new slave her betrothed has purchased. The new slave has a talent as a wood carver and is commisioned to finish a chest but first he must create a carving of Iseult's likeness. Spending time together is torturous for Kieran as he's not fit to love any woman and Iseult is confused by her burning desire for this warrior slave. Their's is a forbidden love and a hard earned HEA! I loved how this lovestory ties in with the MacEgan clan!
September 10, 2009
Excellent. I know I should say a whole bunch more but that one word encompasses it all for me. I loved the story. Was surprised by how things played out. Totally loved the way things played out. It brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion, both happy and sad. And I loved that it had an epilogue. Rounded things out perfectly. This is a must read.
July 2, 2012
Michelle Willingham is a favourite author of mine and I was so pleased to get to read this MacEgan series. I don't have a detailed review to give because I was too keen to keep reading on in this series I omitted to write one....I can just say if you like historical romance set in the early 1100's then you must just love this series.
April 18, 2011
It was a pretty good book, plot lines went smoothly, action, romance and human issues. I just had a hard time with the whole thing that she was engaged to a man and basically cheated on him with the other guy. It was also sucky that she goes back to him preggers and he takes her back.
September 1, 2019
Disappointing
Well, not much really happened in this story. I really didn't care for the way Iseult treated Davin, she was quite callous, particularly after the second occasion he offered to marry her.
Well, not much really happened in this story. I really didn't care for the way Iseult treated Davin, she was quite callous, particularly after the second occasion he offered to marry her.
August 14, 2011
This one hits all the right notes - a beautiful romance, a tender alpha hero, babies and family reunions. Very nicely done.
June 9, 2015
This is a great beginning to the MacEgan Brothers series!
December 9, 2020
Kieran Ó Brannon um dia foi um guerreiro e futuro líder de sua tribo. Mas tudo mudou quando sua família foi atacada e ele teve que se vender como escravo para tentar salvar a vida de seu irmão. Assombrado pela culpa, ele encara a escravidão como forma de penitência, mas não significa que aceita realmente a situação, se mantendo insubordinado e rebelde, um homem perigoso de fato.
Iseult MacFergus está de casamento marcado com um dos líderes de sua tribo, mas ela está longe de ser uma noiva feliz, pois há quase um ano, seu filho foi roubado e as buscas por ele não alcançam nem mesmo uma pista. Desesperada e sem o apoio do noivo para encontrar seu filho, Iseult acaba encontrando em Kieran um símbolo de força e determinação, e uma atração inegável, mas que pode ser perigoso demais para ambos.
Duas almas feridas, que tentam se apoiar um no outro para seguir em frente. Mas será que um amor proibido assim pode ter alguma esperança de futuro?
▫️
Vocês sabem que eu amo romance de época, né? Mas percebi que ainda estou engatinhando no que se refere a romances medievais, porque esse livro todo foi uma grande novidade pra mim: desde à ambientação e os costumes até o ritmo do livro. Mas não digo isso como algo ruim não, viu? Por sinal, eu achei super legal ele ter me tirado da zona de conforto!
É uma história muito dolorida e sofrida, os dois passaram por coisas muito difíceis e ainda vão ter que superar muita coisa se quiserem ficar juntos.
Todo o enrosco desse amor proibido entre um escravo e uma mulher prometida a outro me deixava angustiada, e eu não conseguia desgrudar da história! Os dois constroem uma paixão verdadeira e muito bonita. Não tem como não torcer pra que tudo dê certo.
A carga dramática é alta, como podem imaginar, porque além do romance ainda tem toda uma questão familiar dele e dela, e também de luta entre tribos! Mas calma que temos cenas fofas e sensuais pra dar um fôlego também hahahaha
Minha única crítica é que o começo da história é bem enrolado, até as coisas acontecerem demora um pouco. Mas é uma história muito bonita, diferente e que vale a pena ler e conhecer! Recomendo ❤
Iseult MacFergus está de casamento marcado com um dos líderes de sua tribo, mas ela está longe de ser uma noiva feliz, pois há quase um ano, seu filho foi roubado e as buscas por ele não alcançam nem mesmo uma pista. Desesperada e sem o apoio do noivo para encontrar seu filho, Iseult acaba encontrando em Kieran um símbolo de força e determinação, e uma atração inegável, mas que pode ser perigoso demais para ambos.
Duas almas feridas, que tentam se apoiar um no outro para seguir em frente. Mas será que um amor proibido assim pode ter alguma esperança de futuro?
▫️
Vocês sabem que eu amo romance de época, né? Mas percebi que ainda estou engatinhando no que se refere a romances medievais, porque esse livro todo foi uma grande novidade pra mim: desde à ambientação e os costumes até o ritmo do livro. Mas não digo isso como algo ruim não, viu? Por sinal, eu achei super legal ele ter me tirado da zona de conforto!
É uma história muito dolorida e sofrida, os dois passaram por coisas muito difíceis e ainda vão ter que superar muita coisa se quiserem ficar juntos.
Todo o enrosco desse amor proibido entre um escravo e uma mulher prometida a outro me deixava angustiada, e eu não conseguia desgrudar da história! Os dois constroem uma paixão verdadeira e muito bonita. Não tem como não torcer pra que tudo dê certo.
A carga dramática é alta, como podem imaginar, porque além do romance ainda tem toda uma questão familiar dele e dela, e também de luta entre tribos! Mas calma que temos cenas fofas e sensuais pra dar um fôlego também hahahaha
Minha única crítica é que o começo da história é bem enrolado, até as coisas acontecerem demora um pouco. Mas é uma história muito bonita, diferente e que vale a pena ler e conhecer! Recomendo ❤
October 15, 2019
Kieran is purchased as a slave after he sold himself to save his brother - but he is not a complacent slave at all. He's prideful and strong and unwilling to bow to others commands. But he has skill in woodworking, which his new owner, Davin (a chieftain's son) plans to use him for. Iseult MacFergus is betrothed to Davin, but doesn't love him...she's far more concerned with finding her missing son. She's drawn to Kieran and despite knowing they have absolutely no future together and that she's betraying her betrothed, the two fall in love. When Vikings attack, Kieran becomes a hero and earns his freedom, which means Iseult is now free to be with him...only he doesn't feel he deserves her.
This really wasn't bad at all - a good start to a MacEgan series. Some of this felt a bit lacking in historical accuracy since I doubt anyone purchasing a slave would put up with Kieran's insolence and rebelliousness, but we wouldn't have a story without it. I like the fact that there's a sort of love-triangle (but not one in which you doubt who the heroine will end up with). She doesn't love Davin, but she feels obligated to him and knows he'd give her a comfortable life. Still, that loyalty to him really creates some angst for poor Iseult. Davin was an interesting character - I really enjoyed the fact that he wasn't wholly good or evil - he was simply obsessed and a pretty self-interested (especially his unwillingness to help out with searching for Iseult's son), but he was still kinda sympathetic with his unrequited love. The plot moves at a steady rate, but isn't exactly fast paced - I think I could have used a bit more action or something. And in the end, Kieran needed to be smacked upside the head for his own idiocy, what with his wishy washy feelings about being with Iseult. It bothered me that no-one stopped to appreciate just how close he came to losing her forever to another man because he left her thinking he didn't want her. The epilogue was definitely a good ending to the story and on the whole I liked it. I'll be continuing on.
This really wasn't bad at all - a good start to a MacEgan series. Some of this felt a bit lacking in historical accuracy since I doubt anyone purchasing a slave would put up with Kieran's insolence and rebelliousness, but we wouldn't have a story without it. I like the fact that there's a sort of love-triangle (but not one in which you doubt who the heroine will end up with). She doesn't love Davin, but she feels obligated to him and knows he'd give her a comfortable life. Still, that loyalty to him really creates some angst for poor Iseult. Davin was an interesting character - I really enjoyed the fact that he wasn't wholly good or evil - he was simply obsessed and a pretty self-interested (especially his unwillingness to help out with searching for Iseult's son), but he was still kinda sympathetic with his unrequited love. The plot moves at a steady rate, but isn't exactly fast paced - I think I could have used a bit more action or something. And in the end, Kieran needed to be smacked upside the head for his own idiocy, what with his wishy washy feelings about being with Iseult. It bothered me that no-one stopped to appreciate just how close he came to losing her forever to another man because he left her thinking he didn't want her. The epilogue was definitely a good ending to the story and on the whole I liked it. I'll be continuing on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
(Explícito). Me gustó, es emocionante. No pude dejar de leerlo hasta que lo terminé de una sola. Con solo leer el título te puedes dar una buena imagen acerca de lo que tratará el libro. Yo me esperaba algo diferente, en el que ella liberaría al esclavo y así, lo normal, pero fue mucho más. No es tan corto como pensé que sería ... final feliz. Kieran tuvo problemas (comprensibles) en aceptar de que no fue su culpa lo qué pasó en su clan en la pasado. Tampoco me gustó mucho la decisión de Iseult y Davian e para el final, no me gustó que estuvieran a punto de casarse, se me hizo exagerado pero algo comprensible por la época. Todo eso se resolvió al final. Narrado en tercera persona y ofrece los puntos de vista de varios personajes.
April 16, 2021
Michelle Willinghamin Salakavala sydän kertoo irlantilaisen soturin Kieran Ó Brannonin tarinan osana MacEganin veljekset-sarjaa.
Kieran saapuu sidottuna Iseult MacFergusin kotikylään jonka sulhanen Davin on ostanut tämän orjamarkkinoilta. Iseult ja Kieran tuntevat kuitenkin kiellettyä ja toivotona vetoa toisiaan kohtaan ensi hetkestä lähtien.
Iseult on onneton kadonneen lapsensa vuoksi eikä ole oikein sydämellään mukana kihlauksessaan Daviniin. Kieran puolestaan kokee ettei voi antaa naiselle minkäänlaisia tulevaisuuden lupauksia sillä hän on vannonut ettei koskaan palaisi oman heimonsa luo.
Mutta kuten näissä kirjoissa usein käy, rakkaus on esteitä suurempi mahti ja kirja saa onnellisen lopun.
Kieran saapuu sidottuna Iseult MacFergusin kotikylään jonka sulhanen Davin on ostanut tämän orjamarkkinoilta. Iseult ja Kieran tuntevat kuitenkin kiellettyä ja toivotona vetoa toisiaan kohtaan ensi hetkestä lähtien.
Iseult on onneton kadonneen lapsensa vuoksi eikä ole oikein sydämellään mukana kihlauksessaan Daviniin. Kieran puolestaan kokee ettei voi antaa naiselle minkäänlaisia tulevaisuuden lupauksia sillä hän on vannonut ettei koskaan palaisi oman heimonsa luo.
Mutta kuten näissä kirjoissa usein käy, rakkaus on esteitä suurempi mahti ja kirja saa onnellisen lopun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
Kieran and Divan both want Iseult. Kieran is a slave and Divan his owner and the son of the chieftain. Divan loves Iseult and they are betrothed but Iseult doesn’t feel the same way about Divan. Kieran falls in love with Iseult and she with him. I’m not a big fan of this type of plot, especially when both men are good people. Divan’s only flaw, and I guess it’s a big one, is that he does not want Iseult to find the son who was stolen from her. It’s not his son. Kieran, on the other hand, is willing to search for her son once freed.
I found the ending rushed.
Iseult
I found the ending rushed.
Iseult
January 2, 2026
Love the back story
Nice to know how the MacEgans came about. The love story was great 🥰 and made me smile and cry. The barbarity of the Norse was real and crazy. What a life it was back then. Not sure how much is fact and what is fiction. What is the deal with fostering?
Great book to read on vacation! On to the next!
Nice to know how the MacEgans came about. The love story was great 🥰 and made me smile and cry. The barbarity of the Norse was real and crazy. What a life it was back then. Not sure how much is fact and what is fiction. What is the deal with fostering?
Great book to read on vacation! On to the next!
May 27, 2025
Enjoyed this story!!
This was a good story with a very sweet ending. Ms. Willingham has delivered a historical Irish romance that has a good storyline, plenty of peril for Ysult, but she does get her happy ending. I'll be reading the next book in this series for sure!
This was a good story with a very sweet ending. Ms. Willingham has delivered a historical Irish romance that has a good storyline, plenty of peril for Ysult, but she does get her happy ending. I'll be reading the next book in this series for sure!
May 18, 2018
3.5 stars
August 23, 2018
I spent most of this book wanting to hate Kieran for his coldness and pride, but I was as helpless to resist him as Iseult was.
Another solid Highland romance from Michelle Willingham.
Another solid Highland romance from Michelle Willingham.
April 9, 2025
Her Warrior Captive
This was a very good book. It kept me reading. I couldn't put the book down. I gave up television to finish it.
This was a very good book. It kept me reading. I couldn't put the book down. I gave up television to finish it.
September 25, 2021
Despite the title and the weirdly photoshopped cover, Her Warrior Slave is actually a very heartfelt romance between a man and a woman who are both believably grieving for their own reasons. While there isn't really a villain in this book, the conflict tearing the two apart was believable, and the two separately need to overcome their separate griefs to find true love.
Iseult is depressed because her baby son has been missing for over a year. All of her spare time is devoted to riding around to neighboring tribes trying to find him. Her betrothed Duncan half-heartedly joins her because the kid isn't his, and he wants her to start over. Other than this, he's pretty affectionate, but Iseult cannot warm to him. Even to Kieran, the hero of the story, she takes a while to soften up, which I appreciated it. I find it frustrating when the heroine is presented with a decent rival but then magically becomes entranced by the hero for no explicable reason. Here, Kieran's listening skills are what disarm Iseult and his utter devotion to her cause to find her son endear him to her.
For his part, Kieran is punishing himself for his baby brother's death. He sells himself into slavery and tells himself he must endure 13 weeks of bondage. Haunted by memories of Egan's death, Kieran distances himself from both his family and Iseult, but he's eventually pulled in by her. He genuinely wants to help her, and his helping to bring her out of her shell also eventually brings him out of his.
Overall, this is a very poignant love story that's a little slower paced and very emotional. If you're looking for a romance like that, then I highly recommend this book.
Iseult is depressed because her baby son has been missing for over a year. All of her spare time is devoted to riding around to neighboring tribes trying to find him. Her betrothed Duncan half-heartedly joins her because the kid isn't his, and he wants her to start over. Other than this, he's pretty affectionate, but Iseult cannot warm to him. Even to Kieran, the hero of the story, she takes a while to soften up, which I appreciated it. I find it frustrating when the heroine is presented with a decent rival but then magically becomes entranced by the hero for no explicable reason. Here, Kieran's listening skills are what disarm Iseult and his utter devotion to her cause to find her son endear him to her.
For his part, Kieran is punishing himself for his baby brother's death. He sells himself into slavery and tells himself he must endure 13 weeks of bondage. Haunted by memories of Egan's death, Kieran distances himself from both his family and Iseult, but he's eventually pulled in by her. He genuinely wants to help her, and his helping to bring her out of her shell also eventually brings him out of his.
Overall, this is a very poignant love story that's a little slower paced and very emotional. If you're looking for a romance like that, then I highly recommend this book.
November 13, 2009
This was one of the first historicals I've read in a long while and I really enjoyed Kiernan and Iseult's story. It was definitely one plagued with hardships as she was betrothed to another and he was that man's slave. I loved that both hero and heroine were very strong willed. Even Davin her betrothed was very likeable and in this kind of story you would think that he would be a more difficult character to have feelings for, but he was kind and willing to give Kiernan his freedom even when there was great jealousy involved.
Even the characters that you couldn't like, which were the two mother's Iseult's and Davin's you could almost understand the reasoning for their behavior, however misguided it was.
Definitely a wonderful read, especially if you like the Medieval historicals. Don't miss this one.
Even the characters that you couldn't like, which were the two mother's Iseult's and Davin's you could almost understand the reasoning for their behavior, however misguided it was.
Definitely a wonderful read, especially if you like the Medieval historicals. Don't miss this one.
July 4, 2010
This is a really heart-wrenching book. Kiernan sells himself into slavery in order to save his stolen brother who is killed anyway. He is finally sold to a man who is betrothed to Iseult. The unexpected friendship between Iseult and Kiernan is beautiful and heart breaking. He is a true hero and she is a good person in a bad situation. Trials and tribulations are expected in a romance, especially a medieval one, but the troubles just kept coming and coming. This is the first book I've read by Ms Willingham but certainly not the last. I really like these tortured heroes who become lovers and spectacular husbands to damsels in distress.
August 2, 2011
I was a little weary of this one because of the cover and the title... The story sounded good, but the cover and the title just seemed a little corny. But I ended up loving it. Iseult's betrothed, Davin brought home a slave from the slave auction. Unlike most slaves Kieran was not submissive at all, and he exuded confidence and power. Iseult didn't like him, and yet she kept finding reasons to be around him.
I just fell in love with this story, and I couldn't put it down. Kieran was an angry man, angry with himself. He was punishing himself for his brother's death. I loved watching him soften under Iseults love and attention. I'm eager to read the rest of this series.
I just fell in love with this story, and I couldn't put it down. Kieran was an angry man, angry with himself. He was punishing himself for his brother's death. I loved watching him soften under Iseults love and attention. I'm eager to read the rest of this series.
July 29, 2014
Hero "Kieren" is a warrior with a high status that was sold into slavery How ? Why ? You'll find out. He become a slave to the Heroine betrothed and then after a while not immediately a spark happens between them.
Heroine "Iseult" is a blacksmith daughter she had a child with a man before that was stolen and now she is betrothed to another man a chieftain son. At first she dislikes this high spirited mean warrior and it begins to change ..
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There is a misconception the child appeared in the book very later on
I loved the 2 other children
January 30, 2012
Another wonderful book by Michelle. This is how the MacEgan's find their beginning and it is wonderful, insightful, and another sexy love story. We take a walk with Kieran and Iseult learning of their very different struggles and the bumpy road they walk before they come together. This story was more intense for me but I could not put it down. Ms. Willingham puts so much feeling and emotions into her character you feel as though you have walked a lifetime with them.
June 26, 2014
This book didn't really do it for me. It was an ok read but I wasn't able to really root for the characters and I did not feel any emotional connection. The plot was interesting which made it an ok read but it really felt like the characters were going through the motions, then lusting after one another, then going through the motions again. It is a book to pass the time but not one I will read again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews