Sunday, May 2, 2010

Review and Giveaway! "Ravished by a Highlander"


Contest Closed! Thank you to everyone who entered!!

As part of the "Ravished by a Highlander" blog tour, I have my review of Paula Quinn's new historical as well as a 5 copy giveaway of the book, sponsored by Hachette! So read on to see my review of this fantastic Highlander romance and please enter for your chance to win!!

"Ravished by a Highlander"
by Paula Quinn

Source: ARC from Anna at Hachette Books

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My Review:

"Ravished by a Highlander" was a rare mix of in-depth historical and political details combined with a moving, emotional love story. It's pretty unique for an author to succeed so well at both ends of the spectrum.

Davina has been hidden away in a convent for her whole life in order to protect her from political plots to kill her. Everything comes to a peak when the entire abbey and the soldiers guarding her perish in an attack. Fatefully, the son of a Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor, and his clansmen happen by the siege and join the fray. Rob heroically rescues Davina from the fire, but she holds onto many secrets about the cause of the battle and why someone will go to such lengths to murder a nun in training. On their journey back to Rob's home, they develop feelings for each other, but will Rob ever know all of her secrets.

Rob is my favorite kind of hero, the always honorable, strong and protective warrior. He's been so busy training to be a laird and take care of his clan, he hasn't had time for love-until love finds him with Davina. Rob loves her at all costs and will defend her safety no matter what.

I loved that Davina was a bit of a free spirit and full of life once she saw the world outside of the convent. Her spontaneity and Rob's no-nonsense way didn't always mix, but they love and accept their differences and don't try to change each other.

I love complex secondary characters, and the men in Rob's clan just jumped off the page for me. After Davina's rescue, all of the men practically fell in love with her. Who doesn't want a handful of handsome, charming highlanders catering to her every whim? Of course, all of the men are complete gentlemen and the flirtations are so innocent, it makes for the perfect fantasy. All of the clansmen have unique, three dimensional personalities, and Davina has a unique friendship with each one. My personal favorite of the group is Finn. He's just too sweet and cute, as well as a little bit fragile, as he follows Davina where ever she goes like a puppy.

Sometimes, I preferred a bit less historical detail, because I wanted to read more about the vivid characters and their interactions than the politics. But the historical landscape was essential to the magnitude of the story, so I felt like it was a bit like eating my vegetables to get to dessert.


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5 (I can't wait to see them in their own books!)

Setting: 4/5

Romance: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5 (what's not to love?)

Writing: 4/5



Bottom Line:
This romance is for the reader who wants a deep, emotional love story with lots of historical details and action to fill out the story. i can't wait to read the rest of the series and see more of the MacGregor clan.



GIVEAWAY RULES:


Hachette books has generously provided FIVE copies of this awesome historical romance for readers of this blog! All you have to do is follow my blog and leave a comment on this review!

Extra Entries:
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Rules:
  • US and Canada only
  • No PO Boxes please
  • Must be a follower to enter
  • Extra entries are optional and can all be left in the same comment
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  • Books will be mailed out by Hachette
  • Ends May 16
Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

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