Thursday, May 24, 2018

TBT Review: Seduced by a Highlander



Seduced by a Highlander was my introduction to the sweeping, adventure-filled, sensual, romantic historical romances of Paula Quinn. I fell hard for Tristan MacGregor, the hero of this book, and he's been the standard by which I've measured all other Quinn heroes. To be sure, there have been many wonderful heroes over the fifteen books in this world of Quinn's creation but none has surpassed Tristan in my reader's heart...until now. Laird of the Black Isle, which releases May 29, 2018 tells the story of Lachlan MacKenzie and it's only fitting that the hero who finally equals Tristan in my affections should fall in love with Tristan's beloved daughter, Mailie. But more about that later. First, let's take a look back at Tristan and Isobel and Seduced by a Highlander.




Seduced by a Highlander
By Paula Quinn
Children of the Mist - Book #2 
Publisher: Grand Central - Forever
Release Date:  September 1, 2010 

Reviewed by PJ - October 3, 2010






Where have I been that I haven’t read a Paula Quinn novel before now? I love medievals, especially those set in Scotland. I love deeply emotional stories, simmering with passion, heart-felt romance and delightful humor, a heroine who will fight to protect her family, a hero who will go to any lengths to surround her with his love and clan feuds that threaten to tear them apart – all key elements in Seduced by a Highlander, a superbly written story by my newest “go to” author, Paula Quinn. 

Tristan MacGregor adored his uncle, Robert Campbell and grew up wanting to be honorable and chivalrous, just like his uncle and the knights of old in his stories. He never imagined that a youthful scuffle with Alex Fergusson would lead to Robert's death, a dark moment that broke Tristan's heart and changed the course of his life. 

For ten years, Isobel Fergusson has hated the despicable MacGregors, ever since they avenged Robert Campbell's death by murdering her father and leaving Isobel and her six brothers orphaned and penniless. When she and two of her brothers travel to England for the Duke of York’s coronation, the last thing Isobel expects to find is romance. She’s much too busy caring for her family to be bothered but a chance encounter with a charming rogue leaves her enchanted…until she discovers that the rogue is a member of her family’s most hated enemy…the MacGregors. But Tristan is equally enchanted and determined to convince Isobel that he’s not the enemy.

     “My name is Tristan,” he said, wanting her to see the man she had seen in the garden when they first met. “And if we had no’ been interrupted the other night, I would have told ye that I dinna’ approve of what our kin have done.”
     She laughed, but the sound of it left only anger drifting across the damp courtyard. “Ye are the son of the Devil.”
     “But I was reared by another man.”

Returning home to their small farm, Isobel tries to put Tristan out of her mind but he, and the single kiss they shared, refuse to go away, especially when Tristan arrives at the Fergusson farm determined to convince Isobel to give them a chance despite the many obstacles in their way. Obstacles that include the six Fergusson brothers, especially the youngest brother whose mischievous ways just may end up killing Tristan before he can prove that he means them no harm.  I love the interaction between Tristan and Isobel's brothers where Quinn uses the humor and determination of young boys to show us the type of man Tristan is beneath the carefree, charming rogue. Rather than detract from the story, the brothers add another dimension that only makes it more satisfying.  

Will Tristan and Isobel find a way to heal one another’s hearts? More importantly, will they succeed in healing the deep hatred between the families that are so important to them or will one of them be forced to turn their back on their own clan in order to claim the love that is more important than their next breath?

Paula Quinn has created a deeply romantic, sweeping story of Highland feuds and everlasting love that went straight to my keeper shelf.  I have no doubt though that it will be pulled down many times for re-reads over the years to come, if for no other reason than to visit with Tristan, a hero who makes my heart sigh.  Who wouldn't love a man who says to his heroine...

     "Lookin' at ye is like baskin' in the summer sun after a long, cold winter.  'Tis like seein' home after a battle that's left ye empty and alone."  He kissed her mouth, her nose, her eyes.  "I dinna' know how 'tis possible, but each time I see ye, ye grow more beautiful to me."

If you want a story that will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone and leave you sighing with pleasure, pick up a copy of Paula Quinn's Seduced by a Highlander!


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Have you read any of Paula Quinn's highlander novels? Do you have a favorite book? A favorite couple? 

Do you have a favorite romance hero who is the standard by which you judge all others?




9 comments:

  1. I too loved Tristan. Seduced By A Highlander was another Paula Quinn favorite. I've read many of her books. Love the Highlanders and humor in her stories.
    Carol Luciano
    Lucky4750 at aol dot com

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    1. Tristan was my first Quinn hero and has remained my favorite throughout the rest of the books in the series but Lachlan (hero of the upcoming Laird of the Black Isle) stands shoulder to shoulder with him.

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  2. I've enjoyed all the stories that I've read by her. My favorite is usually the one I'm currently reading !

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    1. That's usually the case with me with most books, catslady but some stand the test of time.

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  4. I've read some of Paula's books, and have enjoyed them. I read so many books and it's hard for me to remember specific heroes. Each hero appeals to me in a different way, be it by their strength, devotion, love, loyalty to family, etc.

    I'm looking forward to Paula's new book, "Laird of the Black Isle" which is due out soon.

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    1. It's funny how so many of the heroes I read fade from my memory while others are still clear as day eight years after reading their story. Tristan made quite the impression on me when I read his book in 2010.

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    2. I think the heroes we remember are the ones who appeal to us in real life. I could not be attracted to a man who did not see the humor in life. This sounds like a lovely book. Thanks for the review.

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  5. I'm familiar with the author, but I haven't read her books, yet.

    denise

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