Ransom

I absolutely loved The Secret, the previous book in the series to Ransom, and didn't think it was possible that the follow up could be better. Garwood did it though! This book was absolutely spectacular. I was so worried that I might not love Brodick as much as I did in the previous one since so much changes when a character goes from a minor one to the hero of a story. Yet Brodick retained everything I loved about him in The Secret. I love how much fun he is to irritate and I really enjoyed seeing his loving/caring sides. He might just be my new favorite highlander, I would definitely let him whisk me away.

I nearly put the book down to read at a later time because the beginning was so dense and confusing. It was a lot longer than The show more Secret's introduction and I honestly thought I might have been reading the incorrect book. I cannot put into words how thankful I am that I kept reading though. Once I made it through the 'prologue'-eque scenes and Ramsey's scenes, the book really picked up and was intensely enjoyable. I actually came to like the beginning once I understood everything that was going on, I don't think it was the best way to start the book but I can't think of how else it could have been told.

I loved how similar this book was to The Secret. It has the same humorous, witty tone, which I absolutely love in historical romances since it's so rare. I loved the wedding scene in the previous book, it blew me away with how unique and funny it was. Ransom had nearly the exact same wedding yet the whole scene remained fresh and hilarious. Garwood is definitely a talented writer to take something she's done before and make it so interesting and enjoyable that the reader doesn't care.

I'm all about the characters for this book. I was especially excited by all of the returning characters, mainly Iain, Judith, Catherine Frances and Patrick. Judith was a little... blah but Iain was just as lovable as a minor character. It was interesting seeing the interactions with him from Brodick's POV. Brodick was the highlight of this story for me. I fangirled all over him in the last book so seeing him as a main character was amazing for me. I would definitely swoon had I been the heroine whenever he was around. I love how fierce, protective and possessive he is yet sweet (secretly). I'm so glad that he got a heroine that I felt was worthy of him, that was another concern for me after reading the beginning of the book. I was so worried that Gillian would be annoying and pathetic so I'd feel bad for Brodick the whole book. I fell in love with Gillian too though. It's hard not to after witnessing how caring and brave she was with Iain's son (another character I fell madly in love with.) I usually hate 'future' stories featuring the characters' children but I would be all over a book with him as the hero. The side hero and heroine, Bridgit and Ramsey, were cheated. I loved reading about Bridgit while see was adventuring and causing trouble with Gillian. Her love for Ramsey was heartfelt and believable despite how quickly it was forced to develop (pagewise). I liked Ramsey and enjoyable how put off he was by his horde of women followers. His side of the relationship with Bridigt was forced and happened in a matter of paragraphs which drove me crazy. If they'd had a whole book, or even a shot story, I think Garwood could have done wonderful things with them. Shoved in to, Brodick and Gillian's story just wasn't fair to their romance.

See my blog for quotes and my thoughts as I read: http://bitten-books.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-ransom-highlands-lairds-2-by.htm... show less

This story skipped ahead a couple times over scenes I wouldn't expect to be skipped. To the point I checked the audiobook to make sure I hadn't actually skipped a section. The scenes weren't entirely necessary obviously, but it just wasn't as seamless as it could have been. I really liked that the heroine was resilient. The hero made some sketchy choices without much regret and only the slimmest of apologies, which I wasn't crazy about. I'm glad I read it but I won't likely read it again.

When writing a review, I usually have a method to my madness. I start with some kind of hook to get the reader interested. Then I move into a brief synopsis of the plot. I then move on to some personal anecdotes outlining why I loved the book. Finally, I wrap it all up with some sweet thought that leaves the reader contemplating the values of humankind. Voila, my review! However, this time, I am doing things a little different. I'm just going to tell it like it is....I'm going to lay it on the line and just say WHY I liked this book. Somehow, I need to let you know what made me say, "Sorry, son, I can't make dinner right now. Mommy's reading. Go ask Daddy." or even "I can't help with your homework right now, can't you see I'm trying to show more finish this book? Go ask your dad." Wow....it's shameful, but it's the truth. Now why???

Reason 1: The setting. I've said this before and I'm sure I'll say it again, there is something about the Scottish Highlands that sweeps me away. I don't want to leave that magical, romantic place. Yes, it's cold and blustery, but it is also serene and epically beautiful with rolling mountains and heather-covered fields. Simply breath-taking.

Reason 2: The humour. I couldn't help but laugh out loud many times in this tale. The banter between the lovers had me giggling and I especially enjoyed the "talking to" that Brodick and Ramsey had to endure from dear old Uncle Morgan. Gillian's dear uncle was old and crotchety and very dear to Gillian. He had to endure the hysterics of both Gillian and Bridgid when the two women believed their men were not going to pledge their forever love. Uncle Morgan took his frustrations out on the two warriors, letting them know that they better be good to these women because he couldn't take their whining any more!

Reason 3: Hunky men. God....this book is filled with them! Iain Maitland is back. I fell in love with him in book 1 (The Secret). His dark, imposing figure sent me swooning then and now. And then there's the breathtakingly beautiful Ramsey Sinclair, described even by other men in the book as an "Adonis". Women flock to him in hordes, and I am sure that I would have been one of those fair maiden's chasing after this beautiful beast. And of course, our main hunk, Brodick Buchanan. His sheer size blocks out the sun and his long, flaxen hair and tanned skin take your breathe away. What more could a women want....beautiful, strong men and all of them wearing kilts, riding on horseback and carrying dirks!

Reason 4: Great female leads. I loved Gillian. She was a formidable woman, with a will to survive and a genuine love for others. She protected the young Alec Maitland from the evil Baron Alford with nothing other than courage and strength. She's my kind of gal....tough enough, yet gentle and knowing. The second strong female character that I enjoyed was Bridgid KirkConnell. She was a fiesty young beauty who was in love with Ramsey, but of course, kept her feelings a secret, until she befriended Gillian. I loved the way she would mutter how stubborn and arrogant Ramsey was one minute, and then suck in her breathe when she looked into his eyes. She sees his flaws, and still loves him. I know where she's coming from!

Reason 5: Action and mystery. This was a fast-paced book full of action and a bit of mystery that keeps the reader thinking. Who has that jeweled box and what is in it? I enjoyed the plot and the immediate adventure one takes from the very turn of the first page.

Reason 6: Love. Yes, I am a sucker for a good love story. Gillian finds herself unwittingly falling for a brute of a man, and even questions how she could fall so quickly. Love isn't supposed to happen so suddenly. Is it? The following quote is a question I have even asked myself. Can love grab you by the throat and leave you breathless.....or is it only a feeling that is nurtured with time? What do you believe?

"Love wasn't supposed to happen this suddenly. Gillian spent most of the ride to Ramsey's holding thinking about Brodick and wondering how in heaven's name he had managed to capture her heart so completely in so little time. The man had all but robbed her of her senses. She was well aware of his flaws, most of them anyway, but she still loved him all the same, and how was such a thing possible? Love was supposed to be nourished. It was a slow realization that occurred afer months and months of courting, and sometimes that awareness took years. Love certainly didn't strike like lightning." show less

Set in medieval Scotland, this captivating story about loyalty, revenge, and finding love is one of my all-time favorites. I first read 'Ransom' when I was in sixth grade, and I have cherished it since then, reading it time and time again. Feisty Lady Gillian is the perfect match for imposing but noble Brodick, Laird Buchanan. Their adventure brings them from England to the Scottish Highlands with plenty of action, sensual scenes, and lighthearted moments.

Puntuación: 7.00/10.00

Sinceramente siento que la protagonista era muy bipolar. Se enojaba con razones pero a los dos segundos cambiaba de opinión y humor. Odié que se hicieran cosas a sus espaldas y luego pasara como si nada. La trama en sí era buenísima y me entretuvo un montón, durante la primera mitad del libro. La segunda parte fue más tediosa para leer. Me decepcionó el personaje de Christen más que otra cosa, había mucho más potencial.

This is my favorite silly historical bodice ripper. Garwood's great sense of humour, strong (to a point) women and oafish, bumbling Liards are all in fine form. I often just open it up to a random page for a few minutes of sillines. As long as you can divorce yourself from realistic history, it is well worth the read!

One thing that's great about a lot of historical romances is that there's A Big Danger, but you know it's going to be all right. This story has just that, and it's exactly what I need right now. Brodick is really so soft-hearted, and Gillian has an iron will. I admired them so much and didn't even care that this was a longer book.