I was asked to read and review A Highlander’s Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. The story is set in 14th century Scotland, a time when hostilities were high among the various Highland clans. The heroine of the story is the young and beautiful Arabella MacKenzie, daughter of the chief of clan MacKenzie. While on a sea voyage to a set of islands, Arabella I forced to abandon ship. The following day, she is found offshore of an island owned by the clan MacConacher. Darroc, the hero of the story, is happy to help her, until he learns her name. The MacConachers hate the MacKenzies for atrocities committed against their clan in the past. Unfortunately for Darroc, he falls for the one woman he knows he should hate.

Think of this book as a Scottish rendition of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet- feuding families and a love that seems doomed from the beginning. I enjoyed this book! It was a quick and easy read, and the story kept me interested throughout. There was certainly no shortage of action or drama! This book has a smattering of everything- battles, magic, paranormal activity, and romance. I became very attached to characters, and even caught myself getting a bit misty-eyed at one point in the story.

I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the MacConacher men. Whenever Arabella was around, they had fun picking on Darroc (A lot of that wink-wink-nudge-nudge sort of humor, if you know what I mean!). The crazy old woman who helped around the castle was also very amusing- she was convinced she was helping when often the men had to go behind her and correct the wreckage she was causing! The author did a nice job of developing the characters, even the minor ones who only played supporting roles to the storyline. By doing this, the author develops an entire community of which the reader is able to become a part.

Something that caught my attention was that some of the names were a bit silly in this book. A Viking with the name Olaf Big Nose would certainly not inspire his foes to go running with their tails between their legs! There's also a relic in this story that the clans call the "Thunder Rod". Can you guess what sort of power it has? No? Think hard! Thunder. Rod. Have you got it now? My mind had wandered into that gutter long before they explained the extent of its powers later in the book! I understand the purpose behind the names used, however it was difficult to take them seriously each time they arose in the book.

I wasn't a particularly big fan of the paranormal aspect of the storyline. Essentially, the ghost of a jaded female haunted the castle and enjoyed meddling in the affairs of Darroc and Arabella. However, in the end, her role had absolutely no bearing on the storyline aside from being a relic of a tale they told around the castle about a girl who had been left to die there long ago. I normally enjoy the paranormal aspect of stories, however I think in this situation that the story would not have been any different without it.

I will say I was a bit disappointed towards the end. Clan MacConacher and Olaf Big Nose's warriors headed off to sea battle, and without giving too much away, I would have to say I felt it was incredibly anticlimactic! It almost seemed as if the author rushed towards the end of the book. To remedy this, it's as if she created situations in which everything was able to happen in an expedited manner. That being said, I will say I appreciate her brevity in some cases. I do not feel the need to experience days of wallowing in self-pity when I can just as easily catch the gist from the statement, "He had been miserable for days."

All in all, this was a good book. It didn't take long to read, and didn't have a complex plot. If you're looking for a nice, light romance novel, definitely give this one a try! ( )

Arabella MacKenzie is the beloved daughter of Duncan MacKenzie, the long ruling and well-feared leader of the MacKenzie Clan. Arabella wants nothing more than to be married but her father has refuted every attempt, finding something wrong with each suitor leaving her alone and craving a family and love of her own. She convinces him to let her travel to the Seal Islands, which are part of a marriage dowry she has yet to use, and he unwillingly relents realizing he will need to let his daughter go sometime.

During the voyage, the ship is attacked and wrecked upon the shores of the Hebrides Islands, home to Clan MacConacher. Arabella is spared and rescued by Darroc MacConacher, leader of the clan. He falls hopelessly in love with her not knowing who she is only that she is the love he has been waiting for. When Darroc finds out she is a MacKenzie, he realizes their love cannot be but Arabella has other plans. She spent her life waiting for a man like Darroc and refuses to give up now.

I don't read many paperback romance novels; I can count the number on my left hand. I read a few reviews for this one several weeks back and, while browsing the bookstore, decided this would be a good distraction for a long plan ride. I have to admit that I enjoyed it. Darroc and Arabella have good chemistry, and while I did giggle out loud in a few places, found a few things here and there awkward, and sort of formulaic, overall it was a fun and very fast read.

Set in 14th Century Scotland, the setting is harsh, lovely, romantic, and really a very good setting for a love story. In the acknowledgments, Welfonder talks about her love of Scotland, and it does shine through in this story. ( )

Darroc MacConacher spends sleepless nights dreaming of a raven-haired beauty. His dream comes true when the lady of his dreams appears shipwrecked on his shores. Darroc immediately recognizes her and is drawn to her strength and beauty from the moment he lays eyes on her.

Lady Arabella MacKenzie is in search of an adventure. And adventure she finds when she washes up on an unknown shore and finds herself in the arms of one dreamy highlander. But theirs is a forbidden love - for the MacKenzies and MacConachers are destined to be enemies. It is up to Darroc to either use this sapphire-eyed seductress to shatter his foes and deny the passion that burns between him and Arabella - or will he be the better man and quash the clan’s skirmish and accept the gift that fate has bestowed upon him?

I love me a Scottsman!

Arabella was such a likeable heroine - she was strong, feisty and opinionated. Darroc, although set on vengeance towards the MacKenzies, is given the opportunity of finding love even if it is within his enemy’s embrace - will he take the chance? I enjoyed all the supernatural elements in the story - you can’t read about a Scottish castle without a meddling ghost working behind the scenes. Ms. Welfonder whisks you away to the turbulent waters surrounding the Hebridean Isles off the coast of Scotland - you can practically smell the salt in the air. This is a story about love, hope and forgiveness. If you enjoy a fun, highlander romance, then this is one you should definitely pick up. Plus, can you really turn down a man in a kilt? Yea, didn't think so. ( )

Somehow Darroc has found the woman of his dreams, literally. He has spent many nights dreaming about a woman who is everything he wants and needs. When her ship wrecks and Darroc sees this woman that he can't seem to get out of his, he feels he's hit the jackpot. Nothing in life is ever easy and they will soon find out what being together will cost them.

A true romance that will make you ache for more. ( )

Synopsis:

Arabella MacKenzie, the eldest daughter of Duncan MacKenzie a.k.a. The Black Stag of Kintail, yearns for an adventure of her own. Her younger sisters are wed to loving and wealthy warriors, but she seems destined to remain at home. Her father scares off most of her suitors and has increased her dowry expecting that the prospect of greater wealth will bring out more suitable men. With the help of her mother and her uncle Sir Marmaduke, Arabella is allowed a trip to the Seal Isles. Arabella's secret plan is to visit a hermit's shrine that is reputed to help women fall in love, bear children and find happiness. The ship is attacked and Arabella is washed ashore on MacConacher's Isle. But the MacConachers are blood enemies of the wealthy MacKenzies. Their laird Darroc MacConacher has plotted revenge against his enemies for years but he can't bear to be cruel to Arabella. Otherworldly spirits intervene to help Darroc and Arabella move beyond the past.

Review:

A Highlander's Temptation combines paranormal intrigue in a story of highlander love. A likable heroine, Arabella MacKenzie blossoms outside of her father's watchful gaze. Her reaction to learning the MacConacher's side of the feud is one of the highlights of the book. I tend to enjoy these highlander novels where the lovers have to overcome the prejudice of a longtime and bloody feud. If you're looking for a fun, highlander romance, I recommend A Highlander's Temptation.

Publisher: Forever (September 29, 2009), 400 pages.
Courtesy of the publisher. ( )