{Historical Romance Review} In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks

Maya Banks' beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and to surrender their hearts to love.

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan's clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land. (Blurb via Goodreads)

 

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{Details} Mass Market Paperback, 351 pages. Published August 30th 2011 by Ballantine Books. Source: won in a blog giveaway

{Rating} 5/5 - I loved it!

{Review}

"Mairin Stuart knelt on the stone floor beside her pallet and bowed her head in her evening prayer." (page 1, line 1)

I liked Mairin. Brave, impulsive,  charming, reckless, stubborn, with a tendency to blurt out her thoughts, Mairin. I felt for her. She's without family, without a home, destined to be a pawn, to be used for her inheritance. Even when she does find a home she still struggles to find her place, to figure out how to fit in.

Ewan is all alpha male. He's bossy, protective, a devoted father, a fierce warrior, and he's just as stubborn as Mairin. I thought Ewan and Mairin were a good match. I liked their banter and they way they challenged each other. Banks did a good job in showing Ewan and Mairin's developing emotional connection but their sexual chemistry fell flat. Their relationship was definitely more exciting outside of the bedroom.

I loved the secondary characters, Ewan's brothers Alaric and Caelen (I can't wait to read their stories), Maddie and Bertha, and dear small Crispin.

The storyline was exciting. There was always something happening, danger and escapades - I couldn't put it down.