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Highland Brides #2
Highland Wedding
From "New York Times" bestselling author Hannah Howell comes a spellbinding tale set in the majestic Scottish Highlands, where an arranged marriage becomes a true joining of hearts....
The vivid scar that spans Sir Iain MacLagan's cheek is a daily reminder of the wife he lost - and of the enemy that still stalks him. Commanded by Scotland's king to remarry in order to unite two powerful clans, Iain reluctantly weds Islaen MacRoth, a woman whose delicate appearance belies a playful, seductive nature that proves dangerously attractive to a man who has vowed never to jeopardize his heart, or his loved ones, again...
Raised with eleven boisterous brothers, Islaen has little time for foolish romantic notions. Even so, she hoped for more than a forced marriage to a man who shares her bed, but not her life. Step by step, Islaen sets out to wear down Iain's defenses. But can her ruggedly handsome husband learn to give her his love freely as he bestows his passion?
The vivid scar that spans Sir Iain MacLagan's cheek is a daily reminder of the wife he lost - and of the enemy that still stalks him. Commanded by Scotland's king to remarry in order to unite two powerful clans, Iain reluctantly weds Islaen MacRoth, a woman whose delicate appearance belies a playful, seductive nature that proves dangerously attractive to a man who has vowed never to jeopardize his heart, or his loved ones, again...
Raised with eleven boisterous brothers, Islaen has little time for foolish romantic notions. Even so, she hoped for more than a forced marriage to a man who shares her bed, but not her life. Step by step, Islaen sets out to wear down Iain's defenses. But can her ruggedly handsome husband learn to give her his love freely as he bestows his passion?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
285 people are currently reading
1485 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,643 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 28, 2013
Highland Wedding by Hannah Howell
2 stars
While this book was very well-written, I didn’t like it at all. I found it too heavy for me, with a very large dose of realisticness. My inner critique says that that is what made the story so amazing, but my inner hopeless romantic hated that it was like that. I want a sweet, fluffy story that will pull me into its world. It’s not that I don’t want my characters to be perfect; imperfection is good, I love imperfections, but I don’t want those imperfections to be things like cheating (the hero almost having sex with his ex-love, WHILE HE’S MARRIED) and having less-than-platonic thoughts about your husband’s friend (heroine curious about knowing what having sex with Alexander would feel like).
Before these two events, I swear, I loved this book SO MUCH. I was LITERALLY laughing with joy. It was because of the sweet beginning that this book gets an extra star. It started off exactly the way I want a book to start off; with the heroine and hero attracted to each other, the heroine half in love with the hero already, and the hero a tortured, brooding and cynical soul. But it went downhill from there.
I really hated how much of a coward whatshisface was being (I forget his name; I read it a couple of days ago) about childbirth, and I hated how he told the heroine that he wouldn’t have sex with her until she used the sponge (a contraceptive). While I loved him in the beginning, I really didn’t find him hero material at all. And this coming from a heroine-hater, a person WHO IS ALWAYS ON THE GUY’S SIDE NO MATTER WHAT.
I had no objection whatsoever to the heroine, just the fact that she *ahem* was curious about sex with Alexander, AFTER SHE WAS MARRIED. But seriously, she was so much better than the hero. AT LEAST SHE DIDN’T ACT UPON THE CURIOSITY, UNLIKE THAT WIMPY UNDESERVING HUSBAND OF HERS. She was the strong one in their marriage.
Now about the writing. Can I just say HOW AMAZING AN AUTHOR HANNAH HOWELL IS??? GOD, SHE IS JUST SUPERB. I don’t know why I waited so long to read her. The writing, the flow, the dialogue, was incredible. So very professional. She carried the story through with such a pleasing ease that it was a crying shame that I didn’t like the plot. Even the secondary characters were beautifully constructed. I might check out more of her books when I get in the mood.
2 stars
While this book was very well-written, I didn’t like it at all. I found it too heavy for me, with a very large dose of realisticness. My inner critique says that that is what made the story so amazing, but my inner hopeless romantic hated that it was like that. I want a sweet, fluffy story that will pull me into its world. It’s not that I don’t want my characters to be perfect; imperfection is good, I love imperfections, but I don’t want those imperfections to be things like cheating (the hero almost having sex with his ex-love, WHILE HE’S MARRIED) and having less-than-platonic thoughts about your husband’s friend (heroine curious about knowing what having sex with Alexander would feel like).
Before these two events, I swear, I loved this book SO MUCH. I was LITERALLY laughing with joy. It was because of the sweet beginning that this book gets an extra star. It started off exactly the way I want a book to start off; with the heroine and hero attracted to each other, the heroine half in love with the hero already, and the hero a tortured, brooding and cynical soul. But it went downhill from there.
I really hated how much of a coward whatshisface was being (I forget his name; I read it a couple of days ago) about childbirth, and I hated how he told the heroine that he wouldn’t have sex with her until she used the sponge (a contraceptive). While I loved him in the beginning, I really didn’t find him hero material at all. And this coming from a heroine-hater, a person WHO IS ALWAYS ON THE GUY’S SIDE NO MATTER WHAT.
I had no objection whatsoever to the heroine, just the fact that she *ahem* was curious about sex with Alexander, AFTER SHE WAS MARRIED. But seriously, she was so much better than the hero. AT LEAST SHE DIDN’T ACT UPON THE CURIOSITY, UNLIKE THAT WIMPY UNDESERVING HUSBAND OF HERS. She was the strong one in their marriage.
Now about the writing. Can I just say HOW AMAZING AN AUTHOR HANNAH HOWELL IS??? GOD, SHE IS JUST SUPERB. I don’t know why I waited so long to read her. The writing, the flow, the dialogue, was incredible. So very professional. She carried the story through with such a pleasing ease that it was a crying shame that I didn’t like the plot. Even the secondary characters were beautifully constructed. I might check out more of her books when I get in the mood.
December 9, 2025
Remember when I said I needed to read one more book by this author to judge if I liked her or not?
Well, how about I go back in time and hit myself over the head to get over that stupid idea?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Well, how about I go back in time and hit myself over the head to get over that stupid idea?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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October 10, 2017
3 Estrellas. Me ha gustado algo más que el anterior, pero tampoco pasará por ser un libro muy memorable.
Algo que me ha gustado más de ésta historia es que tiene una mayor seriedad, y por lo tanto la veo más madura. El primer libro tenía partes muy divertidas, pero también muy incoherentes para tratarse de una novela histórica de highlanders. "Matrimonio a la fuerza" me ha atrapado, y me la he creído más que "La novia rebelde".
En éste caso tenemos a Iain, el segundo hijo del clan MacLagan. Hace poco enterró a su esposa y a su hijo, muertos en el parto. Él se vio como culpable de dichas muertes, y juró no volver a casarse para no ser responsable de la muerte de inocentes. Pero el rey tiene otros planes para él.
Islaen es la única hija de la larga prole de los MacRoth. Ha cumplido de sobra la edad de casarse, y su padre acude a la corte con ella con el fin de que encuentre un esposo. Islaen enseguida pone sus ojos en el melancólico y misterioso Iain, y sabe que sólo quiere estar con él. Cuando así se lo hace saber a su familia, su padre se lo comenta al rey, y éste ve la asombrosa ventaja de semejante unión. Sus clanes son leales al rey, están muy próximos entre ellos y en la frontera, e Islaen tiene una dote lo suficientemente sustanciosa como para atraer a los mejores candidatos. De modo que el rey "obliga" a Iain a desposarla.
Iain no puede negarse a los deseos del rey, no desea una esposa, y no desea hijos, y así se lo hace saber a Islaen. En principio acepta la petición de Iain para no dañarle, pese a saber que no puede esperar amor de su unión, pero Islaen quiere llegar a su impentrable corazón y hacerle saber que pese a su menudo cuerpo puede dar hijos y superar el parto.
Me ha gustado más el romance en éste libro que en el otro. Islaen prácticamente desde el principio quiere a Iain, pero a él le costará mucho más aceptarlo y abrirse. Ésta decisión no es sólo su miedo irracional a que a ella le pase algo, y que él no pueda soportarlo, si no que pende una amenaza de muerte sobre la cabeza de Iain y en cualquier momento pueden acabar con él. No será ésa la única amenaza que conocerán los protagonistas en ésta historia, y aunque es cosa de poco, le ha dado algo de vidilla.
Como conclusión, un libro entretenido, pero no demasiado memorable. Creo que leeré algo más de ésta autora cuando me apetezcan libros de escoceses.
Algo que me ha gustado más de ésta historia es que tiene una mayor seriedad, y por lo tanto la veo más madura. El primer libro tenía partes muy divertidas, pero también muy incoherentes para tratarse de una novela histórica de highlanders. "Matrimonio a la fuerza" me ha atrapado, y me la he creído más que "La novia rebelde".
En éste caso tenemos a Iain, el segundo hijo del clan MacLagan. Hace poco enterró a su esposa y a su hijo, muertos en el parto. Él se vio como culpable de dichas muertes, y juró no volver a casarse para no ser responsable de la muerte de inocentes. Pero el rey tiene otros planes para él.
Islaen es la única hija de la larga prole de los MacRoth. Ha cumplido de sobra la edad de casarse, y su padre acude a la corte con ella con el fin de que encuentre un esposo. Islaen enseguida pone sus ojos en el melancólico y misterioso Iain, y sabe que sólo quiere estar con él. Cuando así se lo hace saber a su familia, su padre se lo comenta al rey, y éste ve la asombrosa ventaja de semejante unión. Sus clanes son leales al rey, están muy próximos entre ellos y en la frontera, e Islaen tiene una dote lo suficientemente sustanciosa como para atraer a los mejores candidatos. De modo que el rey "obliga" a Iain a desposarla.
Iain no puede negarse a los deseos del rey, no desea una esposa, y no desea hijos, y así se lo hace saber a Islaen. En principio acepta la petición de Iain para no dañarle, pese a saber que no puede esperar amor de su unión, pero Islaen quiere llegar a su impentrable corazón y hacerle saber que pese a su menudo cuerpo puede dar hijos y superar el parto.
Me ha gustado más el romance en éste libro que en el otro. Islaen prácticamente desde el principio quiere a Iain, pero a él le costará mucho más aceptarlo y abrirse. Ésta decisión no es sólo su miedo irracional a que a ella le pase algo, y que él no pueda soportarlo, si no que pende una amenaza de muerte sobre la cabeza de Iain y en cualquier momento pueden acabar con él. No será ésa la única amenaza que conocerán los protagonistas en ésta historia, y aunque es cosa de poco, le ha dado algo de vidilla.
Como conclusión, un libro entretenido, pero no demasiado memorable. Creo que leeré algo más de ésta autora cuando me apetezcan libros de escoceses.
May 24, 2025
Overall: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖 📖 📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (There are 9ish scenes but they are very short and vague and not really countable....)
Humor: Yes
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
I didn’t and this book was fine. Book 1 is about Storm and Tavis, who do appear on page here. It wasn’t anything that I felt like I was missing out.
Basic plot
Islaen is finally ready to search for a husband at 19. Still quite small, her family was hoping she would grow more before her come out. Once she meets Iain, she shows she wants him and with the aid of the king and her father, an arranged marriage is settled between them.
Give this a try if you want:
- Scottish Highlands setting – I don’t know the year for this but another one in the series is listed as 1375 so around there
- Lower steam – there are a shocking NINE scenes in this book, but none of them were too explicit. Most were super short – like a few sentences to a few paragraphs. Blink and you miss it.
- A bit of an age gap – the hero is 34, heroine is 19
- Arranged marriage trope
- Heroine is spunky but sweet, hero is a widower
- Scarred hero – not a huge plot point, but he’s scarred from his eye to his mouth
- Lots of danger throughout the plot
My thoughts:
I started off enjoying this book. It had quite a bit of good banter and humor in the beginning. The heroine is quite tiny and has been told her huge breasts are ugly and she needs to bind them so no one knows how hideous she is. Once the marriage is arranged, she cannot live with this lie and goes to tell Iain her sin. He is so overcome by her glorious huge boobs, he can only say “Oh, God” and grab them repeatedly. Kiss them repeatedly. This part was fun. I quite liked the beginning.
Then it kind of spiraled off into everything I haven’t been liking about Deveraux’s old books. The sex is popping up kind of out of nowhere – I didn’t really have the tension building I wanted. And it's only a couple sentences. Lots and lots of drama and danger starts interrupting frequently through the story and for me, the romance got lost.
There is also a conflict they are having about having children. The hero doesn’t want them but the heroine does. Some deception goes on here that I was not in love with, not at all. Content warnings abound, so please check those if you are sensitive.
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖 📖 📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (There are 9ish scenes but they are very short and vague and not really countable....)
Humor: Yes
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
I didn’t and this book was fine. Book 1 is about Storm and Tavis, who do appear on page here. It wasn’t anything that I felt like I was missing out.
Basic plot
Islaen is finally ready to search for a husband at 19. Still quite small, her family was hoping she would grow more before her come out. Once she meets Iain, she shows she wants him and with the aid of the king and her father, an arranged marriage is settled between them.
Give this a try if you want:
- Scottish Highlands setting – I don’t know the year for this but another one in the series is listed as 1375 so around there
- Lower steam – there are a shocking NINE scenes in this book, but none of them were too explicit. Most were super short – like a few sentences to a few paragraphs. Blink and you miss it.
- A bit of an age gap – the hero is 34, heroine is 19
- Arranged marriage trope
- Heroine is spunky but sweet, hero is a widower
- Scarred hero – not a huge plot point, but he’s scarred from his eye to his mouth
- Lots of danger throughout the plot
My thoughts:
I started off enjoying this book. It had quite a bit of good banter and humor in the beginning. The heroine is quite tiny and has been told her huge breasts are ugly and she needs to bind them so no one knows how hideous she is. Once the marriage is arranged, she cannot live with this lie and goes to tell Iain her sin. He is so overcome by her glorious huge boobs, he can only say “Oh, God” and grab them repeatedly. Kiss them repeatedly. This part was fun. I quite liked the beginning.
Then it kind of spiraled off into everything I haven’t been liking about Deveraux’s old books. The sex is popping up kind of out of nowhere – I didn’t really have the tension building I wanted. And it's only a couple sentences. Lots and lots of drama and danger starts interrupting frequently through the story and for me, the romance got lost.
There is also a conflict they are having about having children. The hero doesn’t want them but the heroine does. Some deception goes on here that I was not in love with, not at all. Content warnings abound, so please check those if you are sensitive.
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
February 14, 2020
I always do a mental bounce in my seat when I'm about to read a HR containing a highlander, but bloody hell this book, the hero had me more than a little annoyed and the ridiculousness with the heroine's just didn't tickle my funny bone.
I've enjoyed Hannah Howell's books in the past but wish I hadn't picked this up.
Potential Triggers:
I've enjoyed Hannah Howell's books in the past but wish I hadn't picked this up.
Potential Triggers:
September 26, 2013
Wow! Amazing Scottish romance. Lots of angst, drama, adorable and batshit crazy secondary characters, intrigue and scandal!
Islaen a young girl is sent to court to find a husband. Our hero is a very tormented brooding man whose wife died in childbirth. He does not want to marry Islaen, he doesn't want children and he doesn't want her love and devotion. The problem is that for Islaen it is love at first sight. As his wife she is determined to break down his walls, open his heart and expose his feelings. Iain tries desperately to keep her at a distance but Islaen won't take no for an answer. She craves his love and she is going to get it.
I really adored this heroine. She is innocent, naive honest to a fault, funny and she has more strength and courage than all the men in this story. She is brave, patient and her love for Iain endures all things. Will Iain let Islaen into his heart? Can he get past his fears and give love a chance?
Islaen a young girl is sent to court to find a husband. Our hero is a very tormented brooding man whose wife died in childbirth. He does not want to marry Islaen, he doesn't want children and he doesn't want her love and devotion. The problem is that for Islaen it is love at first sight. As his wife she is determined to break down his walls, open his heart and expose his feelings. Iain tries desperately to keep her at a distance but Islaen won't take no for an answer. She craves his love and she is going to get it.
I really adored this heroine. She is innocent, naive honest to a fault, funny and she has more strength and courage than all the men in this story. She is brave, patient and her love for Iain endures all things. Will Iain let Islaen into his heart? Can he get past his fears and give love a chance?
November 12, 2020
1,5 estrellas (porque la he leído hasta el final)
Un error al elegir esta novela. No ha sido lo que esperaba, no me ha devuelto ese aire de las Highlands que tanto necesitaba tras , no me ha llevado a esos rudos escoceses que hacen lo correcto aunque a veces de manera no correcta y no me ha traído esas conversaciones que se convierten en lucha dialéctica entre los protagonistas y que yo tanto esperaba.
Quizá los temas eran algo manidos y antiguos. Es verdad que sería lógico asociar a la mujer en esa época con un objetivo vital centrado en tener muchos hijos para conseguir la vida plena, y seducir al marido para satisfacer las necesidades físicas de él, quien buscar estar saciado y tener descendencia. Se habla mucho en la novela de esa «necesidad» y de que sería un pecado no desear muchos embarazos. Esto encaja con el siglo XIV pero no es lo que yo buscaba en una novela de este tipo. Es lo que llamamos un argumento muy viejuno.
Para mí es una historia inconsistente, que no consigue el efecto deseado en el lector y que me ha decepcionado.
Si no sueles leer este subgénero, no empieces con esta historia. Las hay muy buenas y esta se queda en floja, facilona y viejuna. El ser una novela de 1988 se nota, y mucho.
Un error al elegir esta novela. No ha sido lo que esperaba, no me ha devuelto ese aire de las Highlands que tanto necesitaba tras , no me ha llevado a esos rudos escoceses que hacen lo correcto aunque a veces de manera no correcta y no me ha traído esas conversaciones que se convierten en lucha dialéctica entre los protagonistas y que yo tanto esperaba.
Quizá los temas eran algo manidos y antiguos. Es verdad que sería lógico asociar a la mujer en esa época con un objetivo vital centrado en tener muchos hijos para conseguir la vida plena, y seducir al marido para satisfacer las necesidades físicas de él, quien buscar estar saciado y tener descendencia. Se habla mucho en la novela de esa «necesidad» y de que sería un pecado no desear muchos embarazos. Esto encaja con el siglo XIV pero no es lo que yo buscaba en una novela de este tipo. Es lo que llamamos un argumento muy viejuno.
Para mí es una historia inconsistente, que no consigue el efecto deseado en el lector y que me ha decepcionado.
Si no sueles leer este subgénero, no empieces con esta historia. Las hay muy buenas y esta se queda en floja, facilona y viejuna. El ser una novela de 1988 se nota, y mucho.
May 11, 2021
This book could have been more interesting to read if it did not have all these different dilect in between. Ever time I felt I am reading in a flow these dilects would stop me there. I wish this book was written in a single dilect.
April 11, 2012
Had to give this one a "meh." It was a pretty good read, but there were lots of logic issues, mostly having to do with the hero's contrived excuses to keep himself apart from the wife the king made him marry.
Islaen is a tiny thing with the figure of a little boy, or at least that's what everybody thinks, but she's hiding something. Simon's first wife died horribly in childbirth so he reckons (apparently) that his seed is just too potent for mere mortal females, and especially for his tiny wife, who he cares more for than he would like. He doesn't want to engage her emotionally and refuses to bed her unless she agrees to take steps to prevent pregnancy. As I say, his excuses for holding her at arm's length wear thin, and I was pleased when one of his friends pointed out that he was a coward.
But there's lots of danger from various sources to spice things up, which keeps the story from being too focused on the complications of the relationship.
If you're a Howell fan you'll have to read this, but she's written better.
Islaen is a tiny thing with the figure of a little boy, or at least that's what everybody thinks, but she's hiding something. Simon's first wife died horribly in childbirth so he reckons (apparently) that his seed is just too potent for mere mortal females, and especially for his tiny wife, who he cares more for than he would like. He doesn't want to engage her emotionally and refuses to bed her unless she agrees to take steps to prevent pregnancy. As I say, his excuses for holding her at arm's length wear thin, and I was pleased when one of his friends pointed out that he was a coward.
But there's lots of danger from various sources to spice things up, which keeps the story from being too focused on the complications of the relationship.
If you're a Howell fan you'll have to read this, but she's written better.
June 25, 2019
A diferencia del primer libro, no note la química entre los protagonistas, como la unión fue "forzada" e Iain le dejo bien claro las condiciones de su matrimonio, a Islaen quien no pudo defenderse debido a esto, y tuvo que mostar una actitud sumisa y tolerante a los deseos de su marido, no hubo nada resaltante en la historia...
November 26, 2017
I liked the story. Islain was adorable. I totally loved how her brothers & father loved her. I also liked how they were so protective toward her..Iian didn't want to remarry but he had to..I liked how he was attracted towards her. I really didn't like when he really thinks of going to bed with his cheater ex. Atleast, he doesn't do the deed & take that idiot to bed .I totally loved when her brothers strike him for doing that to their sis. Islain was too too sensible, I loved her..She never ever giveup on him. I felt too bad for her at times..She starved for his love but, he tried to maintain distance bcz of his fears..But, I could understand his fears, too. I loved how Islain makes him understand that staying away from her also hurts her..Wow! She has triplets. I was delighted..In the beggining she tells him that she will have twins with her hubby & see now she has triplets with him..
Atlast, ofcourse he realises his mistake & they confess their love which made me happy..
Atlast, ofcourse he realises his mistake & they confess their love which made me happy..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2018
The vivid scar the mars his face as a reminder of the wife he lost, Iain MacLagan has no time seek a wife. With an enemy who stills stalks him. Raised with eleven brothers, Islaen has no time for foolish romantic notions. Scotland'ss King has declared that they marry for the good of the country. Hoping for a man to share her life, not just her bed, Islaen sets out to wear down Iain's defenses. Can Iain learn to give Lalen his love and heart freely as he bestows his passion for her, also stop the enemy who is stocking them both?
March 21, 2016
Good read. I wish I could read in a Scottish accent!!!
April 6, 2018
3.5 stars
March 2, 2024
It's one of my favorites!
It may have it's corny moments but I love re reading this book over and over again. One of Howell best!
It may have it's corny moments but I love re reading this book over and over again. One of Howell best!
February 13, 2020
Лейди Ишлин е дребничка и всички я мислят за дете, въреки, че е вече на 19 години. Тя знае, че е пълноценна жена, и може да бъде съпруга и майка, защото собствената и майка е била дребна и деликатна като нея, а е родила 11 силни сина и само една дребна дъщеря. Сега баща й я отвежда в кралския двор с намерението да й намери съпруг. Ишлин се надява мъжа, който й намерят да не е прекалено стар или зъл, но който и да й намерят, тя е сигурна, че няма да е доволна, защото сърцето я влече към сър Ийън Маклаган. Мъж, който гледа на нея като на дете и който няма никакво намерение да се жени повторно.
Ийън е мъж, който не вярва, че ще преживее следващите няколко години. Приел брак с жена, която е влюбена в друг мъж, той преживява тежко начина по който жена му го отхвърля непрестанно и това, че за нея брачното ложе е огромно изпитание. Щом забременява жена му го прогонва от спалнята си, а след това по време на раждане умира, заедно с детето му и проклятие на устните си. От този момент мъжа, в който е била влюбена жена му се заклева, че ще го убие. Полудял от мъка, неговия враг отново и отново прави опити над живота му, като при един от тях обезобразява лицето му.
Сега обаче краля нарежда на Ийън да се ожени за дребното девойче, което не може да откъсне поглед от него. Ийън се заклева, че няма да се сближава с жена си, защото не иска тя да страда за него, и освен това е решен никога да нямат деца, карайки Ишлейн да взима предпазни мерки, защото се бои да не умре по време на раждане. Това което дори не подозира е, че Ишлейн е влюбена в него и е готова да лъжи и мами, но да му даде всичко от което се нуждае, дори той да не знае, че има нужда от него.
Ох, Ийън беше много скапан герой. Ама наистина скапан. Гледаше на Ишлейн като на хлапе, докато не я видя гола, и вече по някаква сбъркана негова логика, щом има големи гърди значи е перфектната жена. След това обаче се появи жената, която е обичал преди и той буквално забрави за съпругата си. Не й обръщаше никакво внимание, влачеше се след бившата си любов и дори бе на крачка да преспи с нея. Беше адски неприятно, че той намираше изневярата след само няколко дни брак, за нещо нормално. Това, че Ишлейн му прости беше истинско чудо. Но по-късно, когато отидоха в дома му, начина по който я пренебрегваше, отстъствайки постоянно и връщайки се само, за да си начеши крастата, показваше колко е слабохарактерен. Ишлейн от своя страна се примиряваше с огризките, които й подхвърляше, само защото беше решила да не се пази, и беше гузна задето е забременяла въпреки желанията му, а факта че отъства до някъде й позволяваше да скрие тайанта си. И все пак, Ийън ми беше много безгръбначен. Свикнала съм героите на Хана да са силни, смели, умни... Ийън не беше такъв, и е много жалко, защото с правилно изграден герой, книгата щеше да стане бижу. Сега давам 4 звезди при реални 3,5.
Ийън е мъж, който не вярва, че ще преживее следващите няколко години. Приел брак с жена, която е влюбена в друг мъж, той преживява тежко начина по който жена му го отхвърля непрестанно и това, че за нея брачното ложе е огромно изпитание. Щом забременява жена му го прогонва от спалнята си, а след това по време на раждане умира, заедно с детето му и проклятие на устните си. От този момент мъжа, в който е била влюбена жена му се заклева, че ще го убие. Полудял от мъка, неговия враг отново и отново прави опити над живота му, като при един от тях обезобразява лицето му.
Сега обаче краля нарежда на Ийън да се ожени за дребното девойче, което не може да откъсне поглед от него. Ийън се заклева, че няма да се сближава с жена си, защото не иска тя да страда за него, и освен това е решен никога да нямат деца, карайки Ишлейн да взима предпазни мерки, защото се бои да не умре по време на раждане. Това което дори не подозира е, че Ишлейн е влюбена в него и е готова да лъжи и мами, но да му даде всичко от което се нуждае, дори той да не знае, че има нужда от него.
Ох, Ийън беше много скапан герой. Ама наистина скапан. Гледаше на Ишлейн като на хлапе, докато не я видя гола, и вече по някаква сбъркана негова логика, щом има големи гърди значи е перфектната жена. След това обаче се появи жената, която е обичал преди и той буквално забрави за съпругата си. Не й обръщаше никакво внимание, влачеше се след бившата си любов и дори бе на крачка да преспи с нея. Беше адски неприятно, че той намираше изневярата след само няколко дни брак, за нещо нормално. Това, че Ишлейн му прости беше истинско чудо. Но по-късно, когато отидоха в дома му, начина по който я пренебрегваше, отстъствайки постоянно и връщайки се само, за да си начеши крастата, показваше колко е слабохарактерен. Ишлейн от своя страна се примиряваше с огризките, които й подхвърляше, само защото беше решила да не се пази, и беше гузна задето е забременяла въпреки желанията му, а факта че отъства до някъде й позволяваше да скрие тайанта си. И все пак, Ийън ми беше много безгръбначен. Свикнала съм героите на Хана да са силни, смели, умни... Ийън не беше такъв, и е много жалко, защото с правилно изграден герой, книгата щеше да стане бижу. Сега давам 4 звезди при реални 3,5.
May 2, 2017
Me gusto mas que el anterior pero sigue sin matarme
Estoy por agradecer a Dios no haber nacido en esa época, donde los hombre más o menos pensaban que en la guerra y en el amor cualquier hueco es trinchera, veían a una mujer y ya se la querían comer... no sé si fue así como tan salvaje tan animales.
Yo creo que mejoraría un poco si tuvieran epilogo, pero bueno son entretenidos
Estoy por agradecer a Dios no haber nacido en esa época, donde los hombre más o menos pensaban que en la guerra y en el amor cualquier hueco es trinchera, veían a una mujer y ya se la querían comer... no sé si fue así como tan salvaje tan animales.
Yo creo que mejoraría un poco si tuvieran epilogo, pero bueno son entretenidos
June 28, 2014
I have never read a bad story from Hannah Howell and this one was a pretty good one. It was previously published as "Promised Passion" back in 1988 which means it's one of her earlier works. It dose stand up to the test of time.
Here is a write up on the story from her own website:
From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell comes a spellbinding tale set in the majestic Highlands, where an arranged marriage becomes a true joining of hearts. . .
The vivid scar that spans Sir Iain MacLagan’s cheek is a daily reminder of the wife he lost–and of the enemy that still stalks him. Commanded by Scotland’s king to remarry in order to unite two powerful border clans, Iain reluctantly weds Islaen MacRoth, a woman whose delicate appearance belies a playful, seductive nature that proves dangerously attractive to a man who has vowed never to jeopardize his heart, or his loved ones, again. . .
Raised with eleven boisterous brothers, Islaen has little time for foolish romantic notions. Even so, she hoped for more than a forced marriage to a man who shares her bed, but not her life. Step by step, Islaen sets out to wear down Iain’s defenses. But can her ruggedly handsome husband learn to give her his love as freely as he bestows his passion?
Here is a write up on the story from her own website:
From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell comes a spellbinding tale set in the majestic Highlands, where an arranged marriage becomes a true joining of hearts. . .
The vivid scar that spans Sir Iain MacLagan’s cheek is a daily reminder of the wife he lost–and of the enemy that still stalks him. Commanded by Scotland’s king to remarry in order to unite two powerful border clans, Iain reluctantly weds Islaen MacRoth, a woman whose delicate appearance belies a playful, seductive nature that proves dangerously attractive to a man who has vowed never to jeopardize his heart, or his loved ones, again. . .
Raised with eleven boisterous brothers, Islaen has little time for foolish romantic notions. Even so, she hoped for more than a forced marriage to a man who shares her bed, but not her life. Step by step, Islaen sets out to wear down Iain’s defenses. But can her ruggedly handsome husband learn to give her his love as freely as he bestows his passion?
October 4, 2015
This review will sound snarky, and I honestly don't mean it to. There are all kinds of books for all kinds of people, but the purpose of a review, at least in part, is to explain why a particular book did or didn't work for that reader. Having said that...
I started this book for a challenge, got over 50% of the way through and, when I no longer needed it, decided it wasn't worth finishing. It reminded me of why I rarely read Highland romances. The characters are unrealistic and act in stupid ways that always work against their own best interests. The plot only makes sense if you don't actually think about it. The writing is decent though there are some POV problems that should have been corrected.
If you want to read about two people who torture themselves for no real reason, are desperately in love but take several hundred pages to admit it, and you don't care that nobody talks that way in real life or ever did, then help yourself. :) But it's not for me, and next time maybe I'll remember that.
I started this book for a challenge, got over 50% of the way through and, when I no longer needed it, decided it wasn't worth finishing. It reminded me of why I rarely read Highland romances. The characters are unrealistic and act in stupid ways that always work against their own best interests. The plot only makes sense if you don't actually think about it. The writing is decent though there are some POV problems that should have been corrected.
If you want to read about two people who torture themselves for no real reason, are desperately in love but take several hundred pages to admit it, and you don't care that nobody talks that way in real life or ever did, then help yourself. :) But it's not for me, and next time maybe I'll remember that.
January 17, 2012
Not a bad read but it wasn't fantastic. Usually I'm over Highland books but this one just seemed too everywhere for me. Considering it took a span that covered 2 or so years, it went ridiculous quick in some places (Islaen's pregnancy) but moved quite slowly in others dragging the parts on that probably didn't need to be dragged on. The general basis of the book was mostly Iain and his inability to deal with wanting another dead wife or making her a widow -- good concept but it really got tedious fast. It just didn't have that much meat to sink into. And finally, while I always appreciate a book that tries for authenticity in regards to the location and time, the use of the language really made it frustrating. I almost wish Ms. Howell had taken a few liberties instead of having passages that required double/triple readings to ensure that you got the gist of what the characters were speaking of.
August 8, 2021
I was not sure about this one for quite a ways into it, but it grew on me post wedding.
Flagging this review for spoilers because I just have to get this off my chest, pun not intended: What the HELL was that boob plot? The most ridiculous, contrived idea I've read in quite some time, it almost made me give up on the book right there. "Oh future husband, I have something terrible to tell you, I am cursed with a terrible deformity....my boobs are just TOO BIG in proportion to my teeny tiny waist. I understand if this is too much for you to bear and you can't marry me :(" what in the shit. Ridiculous. I had to just sit there and process the nonsense for a solid 5 minutes before I could go on.
After...whatever that was, the book gets better! It's actually surprisingly dark for a romance novel, but not so much as to be depressing. I enjoyed the banter between the heroine and hero a lot.
Flagging this review for spoilers because I just have to get this off my chest, pun not intended: What the HELL was that boob plot? The most ridiculous, contrived idea I've read in quite some time, it almost made me give up on the book right there. "Oh future husband, I have something terrible to tell you, I am cursed with a terrible deformity....my boobs are just TOO BIG in proportion to my teeny tiny waist. I understand if this is too much for you to bear and you can't marry me :(" what in the shit. Ridiculous. I had to just sit there and process the nonsense for a solid 5 minutes before I could go on.
After...whatever that was, the book gets better! It's actually surprisingly dark for a romance novel, but not so much as to be depressing. I enjoyed the banter between the heroine and hero a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2018
Hannah Howell writes very detailed, very accurate historical novels. Sometimes the book is too accurate and too detailed. The accuracy and details of every day life of the mid ages took away from the story, plot, and romance of the book. There were times when it adds to the story and then there were details that just there for no reason. Then there is the juxtaposition of this in that she uses a very accurate word for the dress of the day, but doesn't explain in any detail of what that garment is or what it looks like or even what color it is. The plot is great and I love her heroines and heroes but there is something about her writing style that just puts this book at a 3 star rating.
January 29, 2008
This book is about Iain and Islaen who are married early in the book. Islaen is in love with Iain while Iain is just attracted to Islaen but fights this attraction. Iain has two enemies after him that makes the story interesting. Also and old love that is an aggraviating witch.
Islaen is very tiny woman in stature. But strong in personality. She has eleven brothers who are very protective of her. And a father that thinks the world of her. But she wants this marriage so they allow her to marry. But warn Iain not to break her heart.
I enjoyed it.
This story is a re-issue. It was previously issued titled "Promised Passion".
Islaen is very tiny woman in stature. But strong in personality. She has eleven brothers who are very protective of her. And a father that thinks the world of her. But she wants this marriage so they allow her to marry. But warn Iain not to break her heart.
I enjoyed it.
This story is a re-issue. It was previously issued titled "Promised Passion".
October 20, 2008
Iain made it clear that he didn't want to wed and had a fear of children as his first wife died in childbirth. However, he was more or less forced into a marriage with Islaen (although there was an instant attraction). As you get farther in the story things get taken a bit far. We are hit over the head with Iain's fear and Islaen's defiance of it. Also, the fact that Iain almost goes to bed with a past flame and then sees her instead of his own wife whom he claims to love while she takes care of the kids. It had its good moments, but overall not one of Howell's better books. You could skip it and not really miss anything.
July 12, 2019
I hated everything about this book. Like every single thing. Hannah Howell is usually a safe bet for when I want a light,funny highland romance but this was horrid. The male MC was one of the most terrible hero’s I’ve ever read. He reluctantly married her. That’s fine he didn’t want it. But a week or 2 later her tried to sleep with someone else right in front of her and her family. And SHE WAS JUST AS BAD. She kept forgiving every thing he did. I know times were different blah blah. I don’t want to read about a romance where the husband openly admits that he thought about have sex with someone else to ease his lust while he purposely kept his wife away.
July 1, 2010
Sir Iain McLagan & Islaen MacRoth. I gave this one three stars; I've read several Hannah Howell books and have enjoyed most of them, however, I did have a problem with this one. Sir Iain is, at first, very, very cold to Islaen because he's forced to marry her by order of the king. While this is understandable and logical, the turn of him towards her evolves a litte quick, considering the depth of his coldness to her in the beginning. Still it was a good read that I enjoyed and, other than I mentioned above, the characters are well written and interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2014
3.5 stars
A generally smooth, tension-free story between a good, decent man and a woman with the patience and wisdom of saints. Such uneventful stories are not my cuppa however, and that along with the heavy brogue used in the dialogues makes me hesitant to pick another Howell romance anytime soon. Still, it was very well done and well written if a bit flat.
A generally smooth, tension-free story between a good, decent man and a woman with the patience and wisdom of saints. Such uneventful stories are not my cuppa however, and that along with the heavy brogue used in the dialogues makes me hesitant to pick another Howell romance anytime soon. Still, it was very well done and well written if a bit flat.
August 15, 2010
I've read quite a few of Hannah Howell's novels now and find them very hit and miss. Highland Wedding I really liked. I found it slowed a little towards the end, but certainly didn't drag on. If you like Hannah Howell's novels or a romance set in the Scottish Highlands (a favourite genre of mine) then give this one a go.
April 10, 2012
Not Howell's best, but it was okay. The plot is a little weak and drags on a bit much - it does get annoying when the mysterious assassin KEEPS getting away, and Iain's fear of childbirth is a little over-dramatised, but hey, it's a highland romance - and I'm always going to enjoy them.
July 25, 2012
love how islaen was able to help Iain over come his fear of child birth and able to clear things up from the past and keep tht gold digger women away from once and for all. they sure do got their hands full
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