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In Bed with a Highlander
In Bed with a Highlander
In Bed with a Highlander
Audiobook10 hours

In Bed with a Highlander

Written by Maya Banks

Narrated by Kirsten Potter

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

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 or land.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 19, 2012
ISBN9781452676579
In Bed with a Highlander
Author

Maya Banks

Maya Banks is a #1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romances. She is the author of the Breathless Trilogy, the KGI series, the Sweet series, and the Colters' Legacy novels.

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Reviews for In Bed with a Highlander

Rating: 4.3578947368421055 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I finished reading this book a couple of days ago. While at a local library branch, I realized that I enjoyed the storyline enough to look for it's sequel, and... I was a little surprised. Why? Because I rarely pick up historical romances any more. I burned myself out after years of devouring them. Only the occasional is added to my "library;" usually in audio format to help stave off those laundry-room blues AND when no new contemporary stories can be found at the library!Rarely do I disclose the story's details in a review, as they are too easily obtainable from other reviews, Amazon.com, or the back cover. In reviewing this story, I continue that discipline, hopefully leaving the reader the chance at making a fresh read of it. However, in the spirit of a review's purpose, a few of observations are made.One reason I enjoyed this story (the first I've read written by Ms. Banks) was that it took a different turn from some standard romance formulas. Typically, romance story-lines don't allow for the Hero and Heroine to experience measurable amounts of sustained happiness. Not so here. Formulaic romance novels generally rely on grand epiphanies happening to both/either H&H. Often the divide between "neanderthal" and "intelligent man" behaviors are greater in the Hero, and likewise, between "simpleton" and "intelligent woman" behaviors in the Heroine. Another commonality not showing up in this storyline, is detail ad nauseam being provided as the H&H "find" each other. I guess I'm trying to convey that Ms. Banks tries harder to stay away from "tried and true and BORING" story line twists, and does it successfully enough that I'm interested in knowing how the other 2 brothers will fair in their story lines. Few historical romance writers do that for me nowadays.I am looking forward to 2012 when newer author Sherry Thomas (an LT Author) introduces a trio of new historical romance books. But in the meantime, Ms. Banks will more than adequately fill that empty space.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I have read most of Ms. Bank's books and I have liked/loved most. I went into this book looking forward to her style in the historical genre. This book was perhaps one of the worse books I have read. At first I honestly thought I had read it before, but as a Julie Garwood book. Scene after scene I called based on other books I had read.

    I finally just could not finish the book, thus the one star. If I wanted to have read a Julie Garwood book (who I love) I would have read one.

    Other people seem to have liked this book, so maybe it was just a case of different tastes.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I heard quite a bit of buzz about this series being very similar to some of Julie Garwood's early medieval novels. Since those are some of my favorite books, of course I had to read these. While I would agree there's much about this book that's reminiscent of early Garwood, there are also many differences. I felt like a lot of the humor from Garwood was missing. About halfway through the novel I stopped comparing the two and took this book on it's own merits. Once I did that I really fell into the story.

    Both Mairin and Ewan were very well written. Mairin is young and innocent, but she isn't stupid. She knows she must marry a strong man with a large fighting force, because he'll forever be defending her land and dowry. She'd been working with the abbess to find an acceptable husband, but hadn't settled on one when she was abducted. I liked that she wasn't silly or naive, thinking she'd hold out for love. She just wanted a place she could call her own, with a man who would protect her, her future children and offer her respect. Her practicality appealed to me.

    I think too often romance novels focus too much on the word love. The angst the couple goes through over one or the other of them not saying that four letter word can be kind of over the top. Banks did an excellent job of showing us that they were falling in love, instead of just having them obsess over the other not saying it.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What a great story! I enjoyed it immensley and plan to add Maya Banks right into my buy list. It caught my mind and I had a hard time to put it down long enough to go to work. There was conflict and romance and fighting and I loved that there are brothers who still have stories to tell. It is currently on my read it again shelf , so I can re-read it at a slower pace.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a thoroughly enjoyable romance. There was great chemistry between Maren and Ewen, the main characters. I enjoyed the supporting characters and the set-up for the trilogy featuring the three McCabe brothers was done well. The narrator of the audio was quite good.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    First, I have to say I was extremely disappointed in the publisher for the time it has taken to receive this book! I received it a month AFTER it was published. Moving on. . .No matter how angry I am with the publisher, the author did a wonderful job writing this book. Maya Banks was a new author to me and I have to say I was not disappointed in this book! She really brought the characters alive and made the story intriguing! Once I started reading I could not put it down! I won't give away the story, but anyone whose into romantic suspense, or drama will LOVE this, so go get it!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I must admit that I was reluctant to read this book at first after reading the plot summary on the back. I have read a half dozen Scottish romances in the last few months that have had similar plot devices and it just grew tired. However, this was a breathe of fresh air in the genre. While the plot was not unique - I actually would like to read a book set in Scotland that does not feature kidnapping and the need to marry the heroine for her money or connections - the writing was very refreshing and the characters were well developed. The characters were very real and while they had moments of foolishness or bad decisions, they were overall very mature and intelligent and thus the relationship development between the hero and heroine was very satisfying.I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series and future books by Maya Banks.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In Bed with a Highlander had an interesting story, was well written, had a good romance--all the things a great historical romance novel needs. If I hadn't read SO many highlander romance novels over the years i would say that is an excellent book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Tis a book with a title which t'would lead one to believe this is a tale filled with sex but twas not the case a'tall.

    I audio read this book and was impressed with the reader. She read in a regular, non-accented voice but when she gave voice to the characters, she did so with an amazing Scottish accent which made this very enjoyable to read. I have read another book by Ms. Banks that was shall we say, quite trashy, and that was not so much the case with this one. A sweet, historical fiction story really with some sex but only between a married couple. I happened upon this when trying to find something on my library's download site to listen to on a long ride and will likely now look for its sequels. With all the Scottish brogue that was in the audio version, I'm not sure how exactly the written version would be for reading though.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The female protagonist was very naïve and dumb. I didn’t really like her. Overall just ok.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Mairin has been in fear for over ten years ever since she was hidden away in a convent since she was a child, but then the convent is attacked and she is kidnapped and on the way to the Laird Cameron who wants to marry her to get access to her land, she saves a young boy, and they are later rescued by his father Laird McCabe, who scares her at first but when she knows she has no choice but to marry him and soon she will start to realize that there is nothing to fear from Ewan. There is a powerful desire that sweeps them both into a sweet world of ecstasy and soon only with their love for one another will they be able to withstand the dangerous tides that may sweep them both into danger...In Bed With A Highlander is the first in the series and I would have to say my absolute favorite book in the trilogy. I normally don't read many books from Maya Banks but I am so glad that I picked this trilogy up....definitely well worth the reading and and I just have the greatest weakness for Highland romances, but I would say this book is at the top of the list. I just loved how feisty Mairin was in the book and how Ewan could be so hilarious in his stubborn and protective nature. There were so many instances throughout the novel here that I just laughed harder than I have in a long time. The story plot was so full of surprises and twists and turns that almost could make one's head spin. There was such substance and a sense of fun throughout the plot and the characters. The romance and the love scenes were definitely at the top and full of heat and sensuality. I absolutely loved In Bed With A Highlander and one I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a romance that is full of delight and beautiful and tender scenes that will pull at the strings of your heart.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was most pleasantly suprised by this book. I went through a phase where all I read were Historical romances set in the Highlands and England. I became pretty burned out on them as they all seemed to be the same plot and same characters rewrittten by different authors. Ms. Banks has renewed my interest with this book. I found both Ewan and Mirian to be absolutely delightful. They grew up in two very different worlds, Ewan in the Highlands and Mirian hidden in an abby for most of her life. Ewan is a typical highland warrior grows into a well rounded man through his relationship wih Mirian. Mirian is a sheltered young woman in many ways however she has a strong will. The interact very well and there were many humorous moments. I was truly relieved that there were no "separations for their own good, separations because of lack of communications etc" chapter. There was one separation but it was one that was caused by people outside of their relationship and one in which they wereboth unwilling to have. The one note I will make was I did find the ending to be a bit rushed, however that did not effect my overall enjoyment of the book. This is my first read by this author and I can not wait to start reading the next book in this trilogy.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really liked this book and can't wait to read the other two in this series. It was hard to put this book down once I started.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved this book. Sizzling romance, political corruption, family drama, this book has it all! Marian is a spunky, fierce, and passionate heroine that will grab your heart from the very first scene. Definitely a MUST read for all historical romance fans!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a fun, heartwarming fluff novel. This is a good choice if you're looking for that typical historical romance with damsels in need of rescue, heroes that like to wave a big sword, and a quirky bunch of Scottish side characters for some local color.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the first of Maya Banks' series I've ever read, at first I wasn't sure if I'd like it. Well, it turns out, I've found 'tis a delightful read. Cute love story with chuckles. Maya Banks was bold and not holding back in the areas of passion and romance, don't think fans of historical romance will be disappointed, I wasn't. Plenty of sizzling erotica in kilt to satisfy the readers, I'm sure. Rich in cultures and customs of the Scottish Highlands, Banks did a good job at giving us the insight into the ancient time long gone of the "clan" societies and their ways of life, even the language usage. There's something to be said about highlands lasses and warriors, they're not only "fierce" in battles, it seems. You'll just have to read all three books in this trilogy because like me, once started I just couldn't stop at book -1. I like both characters, Ewan & Mairin, met under odd circumstances, one looks all rough, tough, intimidating from the outside, the other all fragile, small, innocent and seems helpless, but both are passionate, determine and fierce in their own ways. I ended up read all three books... nonstop, hard to put down, it was worth those sleepless nights. Think I'll add Maya Banks to my "Fav" HR writer list, and add this trilogy to my favorite collection.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Won from Library Thing's Early Reviewer ProgramOverall Rating 4.5Story Rating 4.5Character Rating 4.5NOTE: Totally irked over cover---don't describe a guy as long black hair (which I totally pictured) and then have a guy with short hair on the front. Sorry that is just a cover pet peeve of mine.What I Loved: The McCabe brothers---seriously these are some h-a-w-t highlanders. Actually, the thing I loved the most about In Bed with A Highlander was that it reminded me of why I wanted to time travel, visit the highlands, and fall in love with a laird. It took me back to reading as a teenager and have all those fantasies. FANTASTICALLY done Maya Banks!What I Liked: The detail in this book was done brilliantly. Maya gave you just enough description to feel like you were there but left enough of up to your imagination to insert your own scenery.Complaints: See the Note above---cover, cover, cover!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    First book by Maya that I have read and I have to admit after reading this book I went and bought the rest in the series!!!! Plenty of romance and the interactions between the main charactors keep you on your toes the whole time. If you like historical romance this is a must read!!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In Bed with a Highlander
    4.5 Stars

    Synopsis:
    The illegitimate daughter of a King, Mairin Stuart is nothing but a pawn to most men. When she is forced to marry the powerful and enigmatic Ewan McCabe, Mairin is fears that her worst nightmare may have come true. However, as they grow closer and danger lurks around every corner, Ewan and Mairin are surprised to discover that she is not only the salvation of his clan but also the woman who conquers his heart.

    Review:
    An enjoyable story with engaging characters.

    The characters are the strong point in the book. Mairin is feisty and adorable and, despite his bluster, Ewan is sexy, sweet and possessive of those he loves. They have great chemistry and their dialogue is very appealing.
    The secondary characters are intriguing, especially Ewan’s youngest brother, Caelen, who develops very quickly into my favorite – tortured - type of hero. Mairin’s interaction with Ewan’s son, Crispen, and the other women of the clan provide some exceedingly funny and memorable moments. Finally, the villain is suitable nasty and makes you want to cringe.
    The plot is the weak point, however, as it is predictable and lacks originality. The climax feels rushed and events are tied up a little too neatly at the end. Nevertheless, the action is well-paced and the narrative flows nicely.

    Overall, this is an entertaining historical romance, which I can easily recommend for those with a passion for highlanders. Personally, I am looking forward to reading the next book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    "In Bed with a Highlander", by Maya Banks, is the first book in a trilogy featuring three brothers, each a Highland Warrior destined to meet his soulmate through the twists and turns of fate. Ewan McCabe has waited eight long years to restore prosperity to his clan and to revenge the deaths of his wife and father. He will do whatever it takes to protect and preserve his young son's heritage. Ewan is a brave, brawny, battle-hardened Highland Warrior. The laird of his clan, and a leader among men. The unexpected arrival in his life of a spirited beauty with a royal dowry seems like the answer to the financial woes of his struggling clan. Mairin Stuart, illegitimate daughter of a king, his lived her life in the security of convent. Her property entitlement upon her marriage makes her a target for the most unscrupulous of suitors. When she is kidnapped from the convent, meant to become the bride of the ruthless Laird Duncan Cameron, her fate becomes intertwined with Ewan's young son, Crispen. Mairin is protective of Crispen, and when they are rescued by Ewan's brother, Alaric, she is given shelter by the McCabe clan. Once Ewan learns Mairin's true identity, he makes her options clear. She can marry him and have the family and security she has always craved, or she can fall prey to the avaricious Laird Cameron. Mairin agrees to become Ewan's wife, and she is quite surprised to learn that her fierce Highlander has a tender heart when it comes to those for whom he cares. As blazing passion grows toward a lasting true love, forces are at work to tear apart Mairin and her new-found family. It takes the might of a great Highlander and the heart of a very special woman to defeat their determined foe. This is an imminently readable and enjoyable historical romance. Having "met" Ewan's brothers, Alaric and Caelan, I look forward to reading their own stories in the upcoming books in the series. Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book is Book 1 of the McCabe Brothers trilogy, and it is a good one. The story involves Ewan, the oldest McCabe brother who is trying to rebuild his clan from a terrible ambush 8 years prior, and Mairin, the bastard niece of the king who has hidden from the world because her massive dowry causes bad men to want her for all the wrong reasons. She rescues Ewan's son (from his first marriage) after being abducted herself and he takes her to McCabe lands. Ewan marries her in part because her dowry will help rebuild his lands--never expecting to fall in love with her. For her part, Mairin agrees to the marriage to protect herself and because she finds Ewan to be an honorable man...who, it turns out, can melt her resistance with a kiss.I enjoy Maya Banks writing quite a lot. She manages to give you enough of a hint of Scotland in dialogue without burdening the reader with too many "och", "nays" and "bonnie lasses". I also enjoy her books because she stays away from the most common romance novel drama-inducing plot points. I hate when a lack of communication is used as a reason for later turmoil--and Maya Banks doesn't do that. All in all, I can't wait for Book 2!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Really liked this book lived that there is a strong heroine even during the time period when women had little rights. I really liked how she acted around crispen and ewan too. Ewan' s brothers stories are next and I am looking forward to their stories in the next two books.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I fell in love with Mairin since the first chapter. She's sassy, brave, loving and caring and she just want to be happy while following the guide of Mother Superior....until meeting Ewan McCabe, who proved her that she's wrong in the way things work.What starts as a promise made by a child, ends in the survival of the McCabe clan and a fierce love.This book is hot, sweet and sassy and I loved it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the others in the trilogy. The story line is definitely typical of the historical romance genre but I found the development of characters to be detailed and exciting. It reminded me of past Julie Garwood romance books. Mairin is abducted from an abbey by Duncan Cameron who is only after her for the dowry she will bring to a marriage through her first born child. She is able to escape Duncan and his cruelty but finds herself needing protection. Ewan is Laird of his own tribe that is in dire straits. He suggests that they marry knowing that he can protect her and her dowry lands as well as their future children. Definitely looking forward to the next two books.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It was a fun listen! The narration was very good and the characters were interesting! I laughed, bit my nails, and smoldered ❤️Mmmmm!!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A simple story but sweet.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    At first, I didn't care for the female protagonist because she was very headstrong. She was slightly annoying and the male protagonist was overbearing. The book picked up and the characters got better. I just really enjoyed this author. Her writing style and her character development was very refreshing. I became very involved with the characters and was infuriated at a particular scene, just like the characters were. I'm glad I discovered this author and already have two of her books coming in the mail.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fantastic story, lots of wit lots of love and a happy ending. Lairds, warriors, blade battles and strong women. absolutely wonderful book. Highly recommend
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really feel that I gave this a 4/5 because I just don't feel the same about this series as I do her contemporary erotica. I know it's not in the same league but I wanted to fall head over heels in love with this and I did not. That is not to say the book is bad, not at all but...it wasn't as amazing.



    First let me go into the ONE HUGE THING I hated about this book. They get married, he runs her up the stairs and proceeds to almost rape (ALMOST, she was willing, and there were extenuating circumstances) but it last five seconds and she is upset and crying when it's over. I didn't like this part one bit...I even said so in my Goodreads update something along the lines of "I did NOT like that AT ALL. WTF?" So yeah...hated that part. It did fit with the time period of the story but...NOPE, HATED IT.



    The rest of the sensual scenes were pretty good. Not up to the usual feel I get with Ms. Banks but not horrible either. I didn't feel as strong a connection to Mairin as I would have liked. I love that she is headstrong and willful but we wouldn't get along if she were a real person.



    I did heart Ewan until the whole "marriage bed" thing and the villian is pretty loathsome. Other than that I just really want to read more about Rionna, she is awesome and I can't wait to see her kick some more butt.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This historical novel is set in medieval Scotland. Mairin, a great heiress, is running away from Laird Cameron, a kidnapper trying to force her into marriage to gain control of her dowry and her lands. Along the way she develops an affection for a fellow victim, a little boy. The two escape to the boy's father, Laird Ewan McCabe, a widower who's had his lands decimated by Laird Cameron. The story is fairly predictable, but there is fun to be had in the characterizations and watching the plot unfold. All of the characters are well rounded, and the relationships absorbing. Banks, sets the stage to give an emotional edge to her sex scenes so that they have an impact instead of seeming by rote. The only real criticism is that some of her phraseology is a little too contemporary for a novel set in the middle ages, i.e. "what part of .... don't you understand?" or the ever popular "it's complicated". In spite of that, the book was enjoyable and an absorbing read. In Bed with a Highlander is a great start to the trilogy. The plot is filled with romance and suspense. It is fun to watch the conflict and attraction work between Ewan and Mairin. They are just two of the great characters in the book. I look forward to the next two books featuring Ewan's brothers Alaric and Caelen.