Review: Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Claimed by the Highlander 

Highlander Trilogy #2

by Julianne MacLean

Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages

Published March 29th 2011 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

ISBN 0312365322 

With his tawny mane, battle-hewn brawn, and ferocious roar, Angus “The Lion” MacDonald is the most fearsome warrior Lady Gwendolen has ever seen—and she is his most glorious conquest. Captured in a surprise attack on her father’s castle, Gwendolen is now forced to share her bed with the man who defeated her clan. But, in spite of Angus’s overpowering charms, she refuses to surrender her innocence without a fight…                                               With her stunning beauty, bold defiance, and brazen smile , Gwendolen is the most infuriating woman Angus has ever known—and the most intoxicating. Forcing her to become his bride will unite their two clans. But conquering Gwendolen’s heart will take all his skills as a lover. Night after night, his touch sets her on fire. Kiss after kiss, his hunger fuels her passion. But, as Gwendolen’s body betrays her growing love for Angus, a secret enemy plots to betray them both…

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My Thoughts:

The second novel in Julianne MacLean’s Highlander trilogy delivers a gripping tale of treachery, heartbreak, intrigue, and trust, where only the fittest survive.

Claimed by the Highlander starts two years after the events in Captured by the Highlander.  Angus ‘The Lion’ MacDonald has been living on the outskirts of civilization in exile when he learns about the death of his father and returns to reclaim his homeland. After winning the castle Angus claims the former laird’s daughter, Lady Gwendolen, as his bride in effort to unite the two clans living under one roof, but instead of finding a meek woman he can easily ignore he finds a stunning beauty refusing his claim.

To keep her clan safe though Gwendolen must accept her duty and marry the fierce warrior, but she will not bow down easily and sets her own terms. Just when their marriage seems to be more then one of mere conveyance a traitorous plan is revealed, one that could destroy their marriage, precious life’s, and the peace both of them long for. 

If you read the first novel, Captured by the Highlander (which you do not need to in order to read Claimed by the Highlander), then you know that Angus wasn’t the most likeable character and I fully expected to carry on those negative feelings towards him into this novel, but I was pleasantly surprised at what I found and got swept away by his story.

Angus is riddled with guilt over his past but because of it he has wonderful morals, especially when it comes women. You see a depth to his character that was lacking in the previous novel and is incredibly endearing. To say that I ended up loving this fierce Highland warrior would be an understatement. He is a conflicted hero scared to love and be weakened by it, but with a surprisingly gentle touch and a golden heart.

Gwendolen on the other hand is dealing with her own internal struggles, trying to balance her loyalties that are all at odds. She is a charming heroine, who is brave, fighting for her beliefs. She at first is leery of the terrifying Lion but easily succumbs to her physical attraction to him. When she starts to develop deeper feelings for Angus, she tries to prove her love and trustworthiness to him and that journey was both heart warming and heartbreaking.

The characters and situations in Claimed by the Highlander were believable, entertaining and enamoring with incredible twists at the end of the plot that kept me on the very edge of my seat and my gut in knots, not to mention seductive scenes between Angus and Gwendolen that captured my breath.

Claimed by the Highlander was a wonderfully written, captivating story, which I was unable to put down. A definite must read!  

Rating: 4 Wine Glasses - Loved It!!!