Highlander Most Wanted (2013) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“This historical romance was a very captivating story. The heroine's torture brought on pretty strong emotions but I felt satisfied with the resolutions at the end. Some inconsistent behavior unraveled too slow and I peeked ahead. Bowen is sent to run captured clan and encounters Genevieve who bears an ugly scar on her face.
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• Rated 5 stars

“Never Seduce a Scot was my favorite listen for 2012 so my expectations were super high for this new entry, and WOW! This was emotional, sexy and just everything a good Highland romance should be.

Kristen Potter once again brings this story into awesomeness territory; from her accurate portrait of the charters and accents to the incredibly touching emotions her interpretation of this novel is nothing short of fantastic! ”

• Rated 5 stars

“I've been having a rough few weeks, and most of last week and this past week, I've just wanted to veg with movies rather than read.  This book was just what I needed, and I inhaled it in a matter of hours. 

While this cover made me think 'bodice ripper' -- lots of heaving bosoms, sex in every chapter, silly scenarios that could have been solved with a two-minute covo -- what I got instead was a fun historical romance with a complicated heroine, a bohunky hero, and only two (albeit graphic) sex scenes. (The first sex scene didn't arrive until more than 200 pages into the story!)

[Note: The following plot summary may be triggering for some.] Set in some ambigu-historical era in Scotland, the novel follows Genevieve McInnis, a young woman kidnapped on the way to her wedding and  held hostage for more than a year, repeatedly raped and abused by her captor, Ian McHugh. Marred by a scar across one side of her face -- another gift from her captor, to make no other men want her -- Genevieve is loathed by the residents of the keep where she's trapped, seen as a collaborator with their evil laird. 

Friendless and alone, Genevieve is briefly relieved when members of the Montgomery and Armstrong clans capture the McHugh keep.  (We learn that McHugh kidnapped another woman, Eveline Armstrong Montgomery, the story of which is detailed in Banks' previous novel, Never Seduce a Scot.)

Sure that her 'sullied' status will make her unwelcome to anyone as a bride, Genevieve begs Bowen Montgomery to send her to a convent, a demand Bowen agrees to.  Moved by her story, he finds himself falling into lust -- and perhaps love -- with her just as Genevieve struggles with her own surprising interest in him.  There's an obstacle or two, some revelations, and a satisfyingly happy ending.

While the plot itself isn't that unusual -- kidnapped heroine, handsome liberator -- I was pleasantly surprised by the handling of Genevieve's experiences.  Even now, victims of sexual violence are blamed for what happened to them, and historically, Genevieve could have been abandoned or exiled for something out of her control.  Worse, victims blame themselves, and I had zero interest in wallowing through a novel with that element.  Happily, Banks instead gives Genevieve the space to heal, men who weren't total pigs, and opportunities for Genevieve to exert her own agency.

There's two sex scenes, romance novel-y graphic, but no more so than any Phillipa Gregory novel (I'm thinking Wildacre in particular -- which is like the V.C. Andrews of hist fic.). 

I'm definitely now a Banks fangirl for when I need a historical romance -- this was quick, romantic, emotional escapist fun.”

• Rated 4 stars

“A heartbreaking story

Wow, this book had me crying so early on, it has to be some kind of world record. If you're in the mood for a weepy, this is a great one.

So, you may recall from the first book in this series, NEVER SEDUCE A SCOT, when the Montgomery Laird stormed McHugh keep, it was a mysterious hooded figure that helped him by showing him the way to the dungeons. That hooded figure was Genevieve, the heroine of this story. Her tragic tale and pitiful existence will break your heart. I don't want to spoil it for you, but suffice it to say she has been through more than any one person should be asked to withstand, and is, in fact, still suffering at the McHugh Keep, even after the demise of her main tormentor.

In steps Bowen Montgomery, younger brother to the Laird, to oversee the takeover process at McHugh keep after their own cowardly leader has fled. He finds a shambles of a clan to clean up, a clan that for some reason, displays unbelievable cruelty towards Genevieve. Accusing her of all manner of hateful things. Once Bowen learns the true extent of Genevieve's many trials before his arrival, he is beyond furious. That fury soon turns into a profound admiration of her strength, and of her tremendous beauty, despite the horrific scarring that covers one side of her face.

I also found Genevive's strength admirable, and although it was horrible to read, her story was engrossing and affecting, causing me to blub rather pathetically before I was even a quarter way into the book. That sad side to the story did overshadow the romance aspect, however. Usually, when I finish a romance, I'm feeling uplifted and all "aww, how cute was that?" But with this one, there remains a shadow that hangs over it, tarnishing it, because no matter what good things may have come, Genevieve will always bear her scars, both on the inside as well as the outside. So there's this feeling of wanting to rewrite her a happier story, because she deserves one. I am sure Bowen will be able to heal her wounds eventually, though, even if he can never make her forget them. He was certainly a patient and attentive hero, with a much calmer temperament than many Scottish heroes.

All in all, another great read for Maya Banks fans, with a hero and heroine worth championing.
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“My love for previous book had me on Highlander Most Wanted and it was worth the wait! I couldn't put it down the moment I started it and I loved it! This book is wonderful!

I loved Bowen and Genevieve. They are truly a perfect match, perfect couple. Love didn't happen on instant between them but it was, is slowly building until it formed and finally, held a firm grip between two hearts. When that happened, it turned out to be so intense! The romance, the passion - made me sigh a lot.

The very sad part that almost got me shed tears - no scratch that, I did shed a tear! - was on Genevieve's part. Her past was so tragic! Despite that, she's a strong lady. She's also very lethal. She could kill with cold-heartedly. There was a scene of her, of what she did that made me jumping with joy. Oh yeah, I was bloodthirsty at the moment. I was hoping for more action scenes with Genevieve but sadly, there wasn't but still I was content with one.

Next book will be released on September 24, 2013. Oh hell that is going to be a long, long wait and it's killing me. Ms. Banks, I hope for more historical romance novels, specifically the highlanders in the future, yeah? Please write faster too. I can't wait for the next book!

Highly recommended.”

• Rated 3 stars

“I was really disappointed in this book. I felt the story dragged on too long and it only started to get really good ¾ of the way through.

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• Rated 5 stars

“~Reviewed by ANGELA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

“Maya Banks has quickly became a favorite author of mine not only for her contemporary but her historical novels as well.” ~Under The Covers

Whether its contemporary-erotica, romantic suspense or historical, Maya Banks do not miss a beat. Her novels will always consist of romantic love stories, good action, good conflict and a wonderful out come. And she never fails to bring out the tears, the never ending sighing and swooning over her heroes.

If you have read Never Seduce a Scot, you know that McHughs clan was defeated. This novel tells the “ever after” of that story. Graeme Montgomery’s Brothers Bowen and Teague are in charge of the McHugh keep. They are trying to fix issues and settle the people of the clan. It was quiet a mess when they first took over. There were betrayals, trust issues and a lot of politics. But one person’s trust Bowen wanted was Genevieve McInnis. Though, not the prettiest, Bowen is taken a back by her. I was too. Genevieve is an amazing heroine. This girl came from a well off family but she was kidnapped, used, abused by the McHughs and she did what she can to survive. She is a survivor and she went above and beyond for others. Well, Bowen sure as hell wanted her and he did everything possible to woo her. And woo her he did. The moment he decided to rescue Genevieve from the hell she is in, I was done for. He is a savior, a knight in shining armor a true hero. Bowen saw her for who she is, not her looks or past. He saw to her well being, and he gave and demanded respect for her . I love that he took his time to earn her trust and really get to know Genevieve. And let me tell you, the courtship was very sweet.

Maya Banks has quickly became a favorite author of mine not only for her contemporary but her historical novels as well.

Favorite quote:

‘“Breathe, lass, and hold on to me tight. I’ll be gentle and move slow. I want it to feel good”…he pushed forward, entering her inch by inch. Never had he taken it so slowly or been so careful. “~Bowen Montgomery

ARC provided by publisher
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• Rated 5 stars

“Sometimes love blooms when we least expect it.
This author is superb at setting the mood of a story through her descriptive language and beautiful imagery. The first words that come to mind when I think of a Highlander are rugged, deep, and dangerously beautiful. These words not only describe the hero of our story, but the landscape as well.
The heroine has to face pure evil everyday in the form of her captor, a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in her pain. She is basically treated as nothing more than an animal and a hated one at that for over a year. What really got to me was that despite all of her mistreatment her will was strong as ever. Her body may be broken, but never her spirit. Genevieve really made the story for me and my heart went out to her. Seeing her finally gain her freedom was one of the highlights of this book.
Bowen never intended to fall in love, but that is exactly what happened. Meeting Genevieve changed him and he never wanted to let her go. I really liked his character. He wasn’t the traditional Prince Charming and definitely had his less than charming moments, but he was there for Genevieve when she needed it the most. He was patient and kind which is exactly what Genevieve needed. I also didn’t fail to notice the amount of chemistry between these two.
This story will put you through a roller coaster of emotions and make you believe in the power of love.
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• Rated 5 stars

“HIGHLANDER MOST WANTED does not disappoint when it comes to the high expectations with a Maya Banks highlander book.

The story of Bowen Montgomery and Genevieve McInnis is warm, heartbreaking, and full of a brighter future.

Although I felt the story started with a slower pace (although it was NEVER boring), it quickly captured my attention just as highly as NEVER SEDUCE A SCOT did.

The shadowed figure that lead Graeme and his men to Eveline when she was captured by Ian McHugh turns out to be Genevieve McInnis and her story is heartbreaking.

Captured a year ago by Ian on her way to her arranged marriage, Genevieve has suffered torture at his hands. Taken his pleasures with her body, Ian scarred Genevieve in more ways than just the jagged knife mark he left on her cheek.

When Bowen Montgomery and his men arrive at the McHugh keep, Genevieve hopes it means she’s finally free. She also suffers greatly through the women of the keep, like Eveline did, who call her nasty names despite her captivity.

Bowen takes instantly to Genevieve and sees past her scar and into her guarded soul. He learns he has much work to do to bring the McHugh clan under rule while planning a way to find the laird Patrick McHugh who took off in cowardice and left the clan in poor supply.

When rumors of Genevieve aid in Ian capturing Eveline surface, Bowen is horrified to see the guilt of her face. Just as he’s getting his answer, they fall under attack and Genevieve saves his life with her bow and arrow skills.

Only after days healing does Bowen get the true story of her abuse and how she set Ian on the path to capture Eveline as her last resort that the Montgomery men would come to her rescue.

Despite his forgiveness, Bowen knows it will be a hard sell to convince Graeme and others to do the same. Still, Bowen finds himself falling in love with the shy beauty as he slowly pulls her into the world of pleasure.

At Graeme’s arrival, Bowen fears he may have to choose Genevieve over his family if Graeme doesn’t give his blessing. But as more of Genevieve selflessness comes out, she gains favor.

After a stoning attack, Bowen finally decides to take Genevieve back to the Montgomery keep. There, she takes instantly to Rorie and Eveline. But at the arrival of her family, their time is cut short.

A month a part is all it takes for the babe they made to make itself known. Though Genevieve and her parents are happy together, she knows her true place is with Bowen for complete happiness.

At her arrival and reveal of the news, Bowen knows he’s never letting her go again.

I am even more excited for Brodie and Taliesan’s story now after reading about them. They will be such a great couple!
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• Rated 4 stars

“Genevieve McInnes was abducted by Ian McHugh over a year ago and suffered unspeakable degradation and cruelty at his hands during that time. When he had the audacity to kidnap Eveline, the wife of powerful laird Graeme Montgomery, he was killed when they came to rescue her. Genevieve helped them locate Eveline and it brought an end to her own suffering. They were unaware that she was the daughter of an infamous laird with ties to the king and she hides her identity for a time. Now she wants to just be allowed to join an abbey and live out the rest of her life rather than have her parents experience the shame of her experience…they believe she’s dead and she wants to keep it that way.

I must admit I fell in love with this series from the first sentence in the first book, with it’s highly appealing warriors and intriguing women. This story has less action than the first but is packed with highly charged emotion and romance. Genevieve’s situation was really tragic and Bowen Montgomery’s sensitivity to her having been abused by not only Ian but the members of the McHugh clan helped transition this into a love story. Their romance was a tough one given her circumstances (yes, you’ve got to suspend reality a bit to accept her quick recovery, but why not). I loved their story, Genevieve’s courage and Bowen’s honor. There are also secrets that threaten to upend both Genevieve and Bowen, which only served to make it more interesting.

While it lacked some of the spark of the first book, this was still a great story with lots of conflict, steamy romance and interesting characters. I had a hard time walking away from it until I finished. There’s an interesting set up for the next book and I am already anxious to read it. I don’t ever want the series to end.
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