| Title | : | Highland Fire (Guardians of the Stone #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1495904822 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781495904820 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 332 |
| Publication | : | First published January 8, 2014 |
Highland Fire (Guardians of the Stone #1) Reviews
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I love accents. Especially Scottish ones right now.
Highland fire was one of those books that I honestly read for a reading challenge but ended up really liking it. I’m really happy I dove into it because now I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the next book of this series.
In it, you will meet aiden and Lili. You also meet other people but I just want to talk about them. I love them from the very beginning. Aiden was smitten with her from the very start. Whereas lili was shy and cautious because of her terrible reputation. Honestly, I felt so bad for her. I also didn’t like that his sisters basically told her that they didn’t approve of her to her face. However, Aiden swept is both of our feet because he gave zero fucks about what everyone else thought.
Overall, I really liked the little mystery about the stone. I also really enjoyed the smutty romance scenes. I can’t wait to dive into book 2! -
DNF ~ 37%
I didn't like this book. The curse, the misty Excalibur style cave scene (complete with crystal ball), the over-the-top evil brother in law and his poor, hopeful, evil mistress ALL annoyed me. AND! Details relating to textiles were incorrect. This is commonly a problem I have with historical books and I normally forgive them (with a huff) - but in the case of Highland Fire it just killed it.
Just so you know...
Knitting: there was a knitted blanket mentioned. This book is set in 1125. Knitting is known in Europe from around the 1300s.
Weaving: a half woven cloth draped over the back of a chair is mentioned. I'm a weaver and in my experience cloth is on the loom until it is finished. Once cut off the loom it would be impractical and probably impossible to get it back on the loom to finish weaving it (and we are talking warp weighted looms in Scotland in this period).
Whilst I'm on the subject.... It wasn't an issue with this one but books often get spinning wrong too. Spinning wheels were not in use in Europe until well after the 1300s (great wheel) and treadle wheels were much later and may not have become widely available until the 1800s (or later!) in some rural communities. And I know it is tedious to include these things in novels, but women were spinning like the clappers (on spindles) at every available moment in order to keep the family clothed and yet is rarely mentioned.
OK - I'll take my 'woolcraft dork' apron off now. -
Highland Fire ( Guardian's of the Stone #1) by Tanya Anne Crosby is a 2014 Oliver -Heber books publication. This was my Kindle lending library pick for March.
BLURB:
Scotland, 1125, the Legend Begins ...
For two centuries, Aidan dún Scoti's kinsmen have guarded Scotland's greatest secret, the real Stone of Destiny. Now King David seeks an alliance with the mountain Scot. But only one woman will tempt him--the accursed beauty whose father once betrayed his clan ...
Tempted by Revenge
Cursed by Aidan's people for the sins of her father, Lìleas MacLaren is the one woman Aidan believes he is immune to ... she is also the one woman who may bring the fierce chieftain to his knees.
Rich with history and lore, HIGHLAND FIRE brings back favorite characters from The Highland Brides and introduces you to new ones.
MY REVIEW:
Poor Lili has the worst possible reputation. It is said that any man that falls in love with her is doomed to die. Aidan and Lileas have a marriage arranged in order to bring about peace. Lili's father had once betrayed Aiden's father so Aiden is sure he will not have to worry about any curse. He won't fall in love with his new bride.
Lili also has to deal with leaving her son behind as she travels to wed a man she has never met. Heartbroken and afraid, Lili is pleasantly surprised that Aiden is a nice looking man. This will hopefully help when the time comes to perform her duties in the bedchamber. That is the only pleasant thing she encounters. Aiden's outspoken sisters are not shy about letting Lili know how they feel about her.
Aiden is also in for big surprise. He is smitten with Lili right away. But, that doesn't mean he trust her. However, when Lili shows a talent for healing and also shows she is capable of compassion and strength, Aiden begins to soften towards her a little. Although, he is still holds a grudge from two centuries past!!
This author is very adept at providing historical authenticity. I loved the rituals, the beliefs, the language and the traditions and the history. The romance was done exactly right and was realistic to the time period which was way back in the 1100's. The ending was just awesome and answers the age old question " Can love conquer all"? Well, of course it can!! -
An incredible narration of a fantastic Highland historical romance.
This is an epic tale of early Scottish history and the people who lived it. A sweet romance is woven throughout that brings us closer to the daily lives of these ancient people.
The narrator brought this world to life with his thick Scott's brogue. I want to keep listening to him read this series. The next book sounds even better. -
‼️⚠️free today on Amazon⚠️‼️
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Scotland, 1125, the Legend Begins ...
For two centuries, Aidan dún Scoti kinsmen have guarded Scotland's greatest secret, awaiting a worthy successor to arise and unite the Highland clans. His people are the last of the "Painted Ones," the guardians of the true Stone of Destiny.
A Struggle for Power
The Highland tribes are fractured. Scotland's King David seeks an alliance with the fierce mountain Scot. But only one woman will tempt Aidan dún Scoti--the accursed beauty whose father once betrayed his clan ...
Tempted by revenge
Cursed by Aidan's people for the sins of her father, Lìleas MacLaren is the one woman he believes he is immune to. Offered in marriage by David of Scotland as a guise for peace, she is also the one woman who may bring the fierce chieftain to his knees.
Rich with history and lore, HIGHLAND FIRE brings back favorite characters from The Highland Brides and introduces you to new ones..
This is a wonderful I have been reading books by Tanya Anne Crosby for over twenty years and I must says this is one one of my favorites, this story is just amazing as I absolutely loved it. If your addicted to Scottish history and lore like myself then this book is absolutely for you as it has that and plenty more.
Starts off with King David mac Mhaoil Chaluim trying to squash Scottish rebellion among the highland tribes. He wants to do this without war or bloodshed, but the most rebellious is the one high in the mountains beside Mackinnon another thorn in his side.
Talk about paying for the sins of the father, Padruig Caimbeul, yet it is predicted the cursed daughter, Lilieas,of the evil man who destroyed your clan will be its savior. Yet only love will be its true savior. There is evilness blackmail holding Lily's son for ransom as well to do these men's dirty work. Brother in law of first deceased husband Stuart Rogan is not a nice guy and has a mistress do her dirty work as well.
Aidan dún Scoti known to some as mountain people for David he is a threat to his throne, although he has shown no interest as of yet. His tribe still follows the old ways and keeps out of Scottish politics as they consider themselves Picts the only clan to still following the old ways painting themselves blue and white and even with woman warriors.
Of course the rumors just fly about these people as some even believe they pick their teeth with their enemies bones!
Lileas is a great healer, which comes to Aidan's clan during a mysterious illness will she be able to save them, earn their trust or will she comply with the evil King and his cronies and kill Aidan for the sake of her son?
This clan is also the guardians of the mysterious stone that is old as time, but no one except Aidan dún Scoti and his clan know where it is hidden the real reason they don't get involved in others politics as they are the guardians of the stone!.
This book is brilliant truly I just loved it and hated that it had to end. It has so many twists and turns plot and sub plots.
I fell in love with Aidan how could ye not - so bonny and I loved his family even the old crone and original who put the curse on Lily long before her birth.
Just loved this book and I can't wait to read the next one in this series! -
JUST OKAY!!
I usually love a Medieval Romance, but I felt a disconnect with the characters of Highland Fire. Especially with the romance between Lilias/Lili the heroine and Aidan the dun Scoti Laird of Dubhtolargg. I didn't feel the love between the couple and I didn't care anything about the other characters. The Stone of Destiny and Sword just never seemed to be fully explained and it was of very little use in the storyline, because King David and the villain of this story Rogan of Laird of Keppenach doesn't even know they exist. The author Tanya Anne Crosby seems to have a very good knowledge of the the Scoti, Scottish and English language used during ll12 this medieval era. The names had my tongue tied but I soon figured out that Caimbeul was Campbell. This also, left me with a disconnect because I had to figure out what the author was saying in certain parts of the story. I didn't like the heroine Lili at all, she never grew on me. I liked the hero a little better. Aiden was smart an caught on to Lili schemes pretty quickly. This was not a bad story nor a good story. I hope bk2 Highland Steel is better, but I must admit I am doubtful, because the heroin Lael I didn't like at all in Bk1 She is one of Aidans sister. Anyway I will give it a chance, since I already spent my money for it. -
Ouch, I think I am the only one to give this book such a low rating. This book was more of a history lesson than anything. The characters hardly seemed to have any dialogue, 98% of the book was just internal thoughts of the characters. Specifically each wondering if the other was going to betray the other. Or the heroine thinking to herself how wonderful it was that everyone in the clan loved each other. All these internal thoughts and history facts had to have been repeated 30 times each. Seriously, pages would go by and there would be no dialogue. The heroine I felt was an idiot for not confiding in her new husband sooner than she did. There just was no reason not to. Actually the whole plot was weak and the 'problems' avoidable. And... this was not a steamy romance at all. They have their wedding night and then the next chapter its already several weeks later and it is declared they are in love. (in their internal thoughts, of course) Pshct. I just felt there was so much missing from this story. Like that 80's commercial from Wendy's, "where's the beef?" Honestly, the only interesting part of the whole book was the last chapter ad the epilogue. There was: action, drama, suspense and... dialogue. Something the rest of the book lacked.
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After reading Crosby's Highland Brides series, I was hooked and happy to find yet another of her series that centers around 12th century Scotland. Highland fire is full of fascinating folklore, treachery, personal struggle, and enticing sexual attraction.
It is a suspenseful historic romance about a woman named Lileas who is forced to wed a reclusive pecht warrior, Aidan dun Scoti. As if an arranged marriage isn't difficult enough, her father murdered his parents. She isn't expecting much from Aidan other than perhaps him killing her on site and is unsure why he even agreed to the arrangement.
Two people desperate for peace in their lives and country - it is the story of personal challenges, mythic Scot legends, and political struggles that result in a well-deserved romance. People often turn their nose up at romance, but this is a story with bones. The romance is just a plus. Ms. Crosby's characters have life breathed into them in a way I have never seen. And her description paints a vivid Scottish village without boring the reader to death with explanations or unnecessary details. I love when a book can transport me and Highland Fire certainly did that. The character building also sets this up to be an entertaining series that worms the characters into your heart. I am already rooting for them all and anticipating what their fates will be. -
Intriguing!
Love conquers all in this intriguing story. Aidan and Lileas story is one that will sweep you away embellishing you with the clan’s pride, honor, and manners. The author does a great job showing the concepts of differences between the Northern and Southern Highlanders. The Northern are more political and snotty with their goals on conquering everything while the Southern are humble and concentrate on survival by keeping the old ways with the old gods.
The story’s drama kept me captivated throughout the book and the love scenes were decently described with just enough tease to give the reader an idea of the desire Aidan and Lileas had for each other.
I believe I have a new found love for the Southern Highlands, the people are more family oriented and all work together as one. Their characters were heart-warming and I grew fond of them instantly verses the Northern Highlands rudeness and judgmental assumptions.
The ending was an exciting climax as Aidan and Lileas true love breaks the curse and they become one. Aidan is a hero every woman wishes to have and in this story he is totally swoon worthy with his fierce action and Lileas is absolutely breath taking inside and out.
Great Story! -
Tanya has done it again!
Scotland 1125
Aiden dun Scoti, a fierce highlander whom the true blood of kings run through, a protector of a sacred stone, a leader of the last painted ones of old.
Lileas MacLaren, a woman who was cursed as a child for the sins of her father, sent on a mission against her wishes with her son's life held over her to insure her cooperation. This woman has spunk and continuously left me with a smile.
These two find themselves confused by their feelings. Attraction and distrust rage equally side by side. Their journey is smack full of treachery and longing that ultimately leaves them running basically on faith and what their hearts tell them is true.
I love the people introduced, Aiden's sisters and brother. Lael, especially. This woman is a handfull, a master with blades and she carries a temper that when angered even scares Aiden. Una, the woman who sent down the curse upon Lili, a wise woman and healer of the clan as old as time itself. A favorite of mine, Broc from Lion Heart, makes an appearance also which brought happiness to my heart.
Curses, secrets, myths, danger, sadness, laughter and a love that will squeeze your heart. The rugged highlands, with the magic in the mists and where the old ways hold strong, written in a way that will have you feeling and hearing the story instead of reading it. I am going to have a hard time finding the patience to await the next in the series. -
Not a review...
I've been tempted to read Tanya Anne Crosby's HR, but I'm just not sure... this one sounds very intriguing though, and it's just $1.99 for Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G...
I'm thinking I'll take the plunge. Can someone tell me how 'steamy' her books are? And will I need to read the Highland Brides series first?Scotland, 1125, the Legend Begins …
For two centuries, Aidan dun Scoti’s kinsmen have guarded Scotland’s greatest secret, awaiting a worthy successor to arise and unite the Highland clans. His people are the last of the “Painted Ones,” the guardians of the true Stone of Destiny.
A Struggle for Power
The Highland tribes are fractured. Scotland’s King David seeks an alliance with the fierce mountain Scot. But only one woman will tempt Aidan dun Scoti—the accursed beauty whose father once betrayed his clan …
Tempted by revenge
Cursed by Aidan’s people for the sins of her father, Lìleas MacLaren is the one woman he believes he is immune to. Offered in marriage by David of Scotland as a guise for peace, she is also the one woman who may bring the fierce chieftain to his knees.
Rich with history and lore, HIGHLAND FIRE brings back favorite characters from The Highland Brides and introduces you to new ones. -
This is a very fascinating story. The history is very rich and so well interwoven with the with the story of Aidan and Lili that I learned a bit without realising it. History is quite fun that way!
Aidan is the head of his tribe in the Red Hills of Scotland. He considers himself neither a king nor a lord. He is proud to be descended from the last of the Pechts (or Picts). His tribe is also the guardian of the True Stone of Kings.
Lili finds herself in the middle of politics as King David wants himself rid of Aidan and his tribe who only want to live on their land and not to be bothered by anyone else. Her father is the Scot who killed Aidan's father, and raped his mother. She is sent with orders from her brother-in-law to kill Aidan if he does not immediately kill her out of revenge for what her father did to his family.
It is a volatile situation for both Lili and Aidan but love will out. -
3.9 stars.
I did enjoy this but I found parts slightly strange. As with the Mackinnon bride I find I like the course of the books i read to happen over the course of some time. I found it a little if putting when you’re so far into a book and still only a day had passed. When the time did move on it had suddenly been months over the course of a paragraph.
It’s clear it’s been researched incredibly well. I didn’t mind the slightly mystical aspects of the story but I didn’t feel it need them.
TAC writes well and the characters are well drawn and their internal motivations were clearly presented.
I think I’ll maybe go back to the mackinnon series for now as I’m not sure about the next book in this series. Hard as nails heroines are not really my thing. -
Oh what a wonderful job you did on this book Tanya. I loved it from beginning to the very end. Can't wait for the next one in the series. I loved the interaction of all the character. Aidan dún Scoti and Lìleas MacLaren are a great couple. Highly recommend this book if you love highlanders, romance, intrigue, humor and of course a great tale by a amazing author.
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This is a fantastic prelude to an exciting series by Tanya, it is going to be a classic to just like the McKinnon Brides series. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest, you can just imagine being in the mountains and glens and being one with the characters.
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Scots
I just love them. What an amazing book. The ancient language was a bit of a struggle, but google sorted that out. Loved it -
Dada - per RFS
.
Gli era stato detto di essere un tenero amante, e lo era perché non eccitava solo per passione tenuta a freno. Qualunque guerra ci fosse al di fuori della stanza, non l’avrebbe continuata nel suo letto. “Io voglio vederti” ordinò “lascia andare il tuo scudo, guerriera”. (Tratto dal libro)
Care fenici,
se siete stanche del solito romanzo storico e cercate qualcosa di “diverso”, vi consiglio caldamente Fuoco di Scozia, primo volume della serie I guardiani della pietra sacra di Tanya Anne Crosby, autrice bestseller del New York Times e di USA Today.
Siete pronte a immergervi nelle desolate Highlands scozzesi del 1125, tra i clan in lotta per il potere? Aidan dún Scoti discende dall’antico popolo dei Pitti ed è a capo dell’unico clan che ancora rappresenta una minaccia al trono di re David di Scozia. Proprio per cercare un’alleanza, gli viene offerta in sposa Líleas MacLaren, una giovane e bellissima madre, rimasta vedova dopo la precoce dipartita del suo sposo. Ma Líli, oltre a essere la figlia dell’uomo che ha ucciso il padre di Aidan, è anche una donna maledetta: chiunque si innamori di lei è infatti destinato a morire. Il sortilegio le è stato scagliato proprio dal membro più anziano del clan di Aiden dún Scoti, la misteriosa vecchina che dalla notte dei tempi guida e consiglia il clan. Ma Aiden, dal canto suo, pur sentendo subito una forte attrazione per Líleas, non si fida di lei ed è sicuro di poter resistere all’avvenenza della futura sposa.
È la sete di potere, non l’amore, a muovere le fila dei popoli delle Highlands. A Líleas viene in realtà chiesto di uccidere Aiden, utilizzando a scopo di ricatto il giovane figlio. E se all’inizio è l’istinto di protezione materna a prevalere, per la povera donna diventerà poi difficilissimo attuare il suo piano.
Nonostante nella postfazione l’autrice abbia specificato che si è concessa qualche licenza nella ricostruzione del periodo storico, mi è piaciuta molto l’ambientazione creata dalla Crosby. Quando vi ho parlato di questo romanzo come di un libro “diverso”, mi riferivo proprio al modo in cui l’autrice ha miscelato la realtà con i miti e le leggende del mondo scozzese. Tra rituali, credenze e antiche lingue, troviamo il riferimento alla mitica Pietra di Scone, conosciuta anche come Pietra del Destino. Ed è proprio su questa leggendaria roccia che ha visto l’incoronazione di molti sovrani scozzesi e, più volte è stata rubata, nascosta e data per dispersa, che la Crosby ha creato la serie dei Guardiani della Pietra Sacra. Questo richiamo alla mitologia contribuisce, a mio parere, ad arricchire e a dare un tocco di originalità alla trama, oltre che a far apprezzare le caratteristiche “mistiche” di alcuni personaggi.
Ho particolarmente amato il personaggio maschile, Aiden, che rappresenta a pieno l’orgoglio dei popoli delle Highlands e il loro rispetto per le tradizioni. Il suo clan è, infatti, l’ultimo a conservare ancora l’antica usanza di dipingersi il corpo di blu e a rifiutare di riconoscere sia la Scozia che i sui re. È un uomo abituato a comandare ma a dispetto di quanto si possa pensare, non si tratta di un barbaro incivile: rispetta e protegge le donne del suo clan e lo stesso farà con la sua giovane sposa. Si tratta senza dubbio di un personaggio che una lettrice non può non amare.
Anche per questa ragione, per Líleas sarà impossibile portare a termine il suo intento. Riuscirà a far capitolare l’uomo più temuto delle Highlands e di fronte alla scelta tra suo marito o suo figlio, la madre e la donna che sono in lei si uniranno per salvare la vita di entrambi.
Un romanzo storico, Fuoco di Scozia, che mi sento senza ombra di dubbio, di consigliare. Buona lettura. -
I've had this series in my Kindle for a while now so I thought I would make a start on it. This was a very enjoyable read with some great characters and a storyline that will keep you interested.
Lili will do anything to save her son, even if it means having to kill Aiden, the new husband that she is forced to marry but when she meets him, her heart soon becomes involved and killing him is no longer an option. This author brings us on an adventure that is rife with danger, treachery, love and what it takes to be guardians of the stone!!
Nicely done! -
I do love a good Highland story, this certainly ticked all my boxes. Insight into the ancient traditions of the highland people. Bargains and betrayal, love conquers all.
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See. Here's the thing. This BookBub is killing me. Free/low cost books? Yay.
Except. Except. Except I end up with novels that are underwhelming. I mean, sometimes, you really do get what you pay for.
The heroine, Lili was supposedly cursed at birth and meant to be the ruin of all the men who love her. In fact at the outset, her cursed vagina has already taken out her first husband. Not only does her vagina have a curse but she is rumored to have all this "ancient" magic/healer/power that sets her apart from other women. Well, magic, a cursed vagina, and apparently some really big tits that all the men lust after, causing them to ignore the whole cursed vagina.
The thing is, Lili didn't work at her magic, she just kind of "had" it. It showed up once in a while like an after thought. And the other "old magic" character, Nan, who could have taught her about the old ways and how to harness the powers, didn't. She made prophetically and yet cryptic statements and then burrowed into some mysterious "seer" pit to guard some deep secrets which seem to be a big deal but only end up being tangentally important.
And Aiden? He knows about the curse and decides to avoid falling in love with Lili. But this is a romance and so he falls in love with her anyway. But it's kind of hard to tell why. I mean obviously she's got the really big tits that tempt the men. They just don't really talk or interact. Because he's all busy avoiding falling in love with her and she's all trying to find away to poison him even though she doesn't hate him. They boink a few times and she heals all the people in his tribe and then they are in love.
Villain Rogan? He holds Lili's son hostage until she agrees to kill Aiden, he pushes a Aiden's kid brother off a cliff, knocks up his leman and abandons her, and vaguely plots to get the super sexy Lili into his bed once he has her dispose of Aiden. Then he disappears and we don't really see him again until the last 30 pages or so where OF COURSE his dastardly plans are thwarted by his nemeses, Lili and Aiden.
This novel wasn't *bad* per se, but it wasn't amazing either.
I didn't hate the heroine.
I didn't hate the hero.
I was glad they got their HEA.
Whatevs.
Still, the elements that should have made this more interesting? Not enough. -
La Pietra di Scone o Pietra del Destino o Pietra dell'incoronazione è una pietra a forma di grossolano parallelepipedo in arenaria rossa sulla quale furono incoronati i sovrani scozzesi da Kenneth I di Scozia a Carlo II.
La leggenda la proclamava la pietra sulla quale Giacobbe aveva ricevuto una visione, e che la frattura che presenta fosse derivata dal colpo infertole da Mosè per renderla capace di portare acqua.
Si trovava a Scone, villaggio della Scozia centrale cui deve il nome, a nord-est di Perth: ha fatto ritorno in Scozia solo nel 1996, dopo che fu trasportata a Londra da Edoardo I nel 1296 e posta sotto il trono delle incoronazioni (coronation chair) nell'Abbazia di Westminster. Ora è custodita al castello di Edimburgo.
Tanya Anne Crosby ci trasporta nelle Highland del 1125: per portare la pace in Scozia, Lìlean deve sposare proprio il capoclan di coloro che la maledirono a causa di un tradimento del padre.
L'atmosfera che si respira è quella dell'alto medioevo, ma l'autrice spende più di metà del libro per descrivere lo stato d'animo dei due protagonisti prima del matrimonio combinato: «Lei è la figlia del mio nemico, non deve cedere al suo bel faccino, ma non vedo l'ora che apra le gambe per me» (Aidan, il capoclan); «Non devo innamorarmi, perché tanto poi devo ucciderlo, ma devo trovare il modo di non ucciderlo, però mio figlio ha la priorità» (Lìlean). Ora, mi pare giusto dotare di spessore i personaggi, però continuare a ripetere allo sfinimento la loro lotta interiore, riducendola di fatto a come cadere in piedi, mi sembra un po' eccessivo. Avrei preferito qualcosa in più sulla leggenda della pietra, e mi auguro, a questo punto, che se ne parli nei prossimi libri della saga. -
Won from a
Goodreads Giveaway.
The year is 1125 and the many tribes across Scotland are fractured.
After enduring a betrayal so deep, feared and revered Chieftain Aidan dún Scoti and his kinsmen have no interest in the games of politics, preferring to lead quiet lives deep in the remote parts of the Scottish highlands instead. However, a handful of years after that fateful night that claimed the lives of his parents and decimated half of his people, their peace is disturbed when King David sends a missive proposing a betrothal between Aidan and the daughter of his clan's greatest enemy. Justifiably angry and suspicious, Aidan is nonetheless intrigued and accepts.
The Bride in question is shocked, afraid and angry when she is shipped off to the mountains, expected to marry the rumoured barbarian Chief as if she were a lamb being sacrificed. Lìleas MacLaren wants nothing more than to be left alone in peace with her beloved son, but sadly, King David has other ideas.
What neither Aidan and Lili expect is the fierce and unrelenting passion that will consume them both, skewering all of their preconceived notions about one another...
Highland Fire is one of those books I could not put down. The biggest reason? Aidan. He is the epitome of a sensual, sexual, take-charge, kick-ass Highland male. Highland Fire satisfied my every need: delightful leads, charming secondary characters (UNA!), smoldering passion, appealing Scottish history, mysterious ulterior motives, and an enchanting touch of magical curses. 5 stars! -
I received this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. At first, when I saw the cover, I thought "ok, another mindless romance novel." But I was impressed with how well written and interesting the story line was and quickly changed my opinion of the book.
Cursed for the sins of her father, Lileas MacLaren is pressured by her former brother-in-law to agree to an arranged marriage to Aidan dun Scoti, leader of a mountain clan, including the woman who cursed Lileas. The marriage is introduced as a way to bring peace throughout the different clans who were under the rule of King David. Lileas brother-in-law, Rogan, has his own devious plan and forces Lileas to become an ambivalent pawn.
From there, it is the classic, boy meets girl, girl saves a couple of townspeople, boy marries girl, boy and girl have sex, and somewhere down the line, boy and girl start to fall in love.
Interwoven in the always classy love story is a tale of magic, political plotting, and the struggle between being accepted into a new clan and remaining loyal to an old one.
The only criticism I had about the book was the two-month span that was summed up within less than a chapter. Within that time, there was major growth in the relationship between Lileas and Aidan, Lileas' role changing within the clan, and how she struggled with having a family member being held with someone that she didn't trust. I wanted to know more about the progress of those, but it seemed to skip ahead to the "action" portion of the story. But it was just a small grievance, I still enjoyed the rest of the book immensely. -
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Lileas is a beautiful widow who was cursed as a child for the sins of her father. The curse states that anyone who loves her will die. The curse seems to have been borne out since her husband's tragic death. Now she has become a pawn in the power struggles between the clans. The leader of her clan, David, offers her hand in marriage to the leader of the dun Scoti clan, Aiden, ostensibly as a gesture of alliance and peace. However, they hope that the curse comes true again, and Aiden will die. If that doesn't work, they will kill him by other methods. To convince Lileas to agree to this, they hold her son hostage until the deed is done.
A large part of the book centers around the days leading up to the wedding. As Lileas and her small entourage arrive, the tension is thick and ratchets up as the two sides eye each other suspiciously. Lileas, an outcast in her own village due to the curse, is surprised and heartened by the welcome she receives from this new clan. She and Aiden are immediately attracted to one another, but neither one can trust the other, as they are truly sleeping with the enemy. As Lileas' feelings for Aiden grow, she struggles with her mission to kill Aiden vs her need to get her son back.
This was a page turner that held my interest throughout. -
I enjoyed this story set in the early history of Scotland. I liked how the author incorporated the ancient history, language, and customs. In fact, Aidan dun Scoti's clan of Highlanders, don't even consider themselves Scots, which they think of as a product of English influence and interference. They cherish their Pict heritage and cling to the old ways. Aidan's clan has a secret to keep and a legacy to hold until the next rightful king is crowned.
King David of Scotland wants to unite all the clans, and he thinks Aidan's clan is standing in his way. He doesn't want all-out war, so he goes along with a plan to get Aidan to marry his greatest enemy's daughter to forge a new peace. He thinks it's a win-win situation, since the girl has been cursed and whichever man loves her is supposed to die. Lileas has already buried one husband. So if Aidan dies from the curse, so be it. If not, Lileas is supposed to do the deed herself in order to ensure the safety of her young son.
Lili expects the Highlanders to be barbarians, as their reputations are known far and wide. But they turn out to be hard-working, decent people, whom she comes to care for. Aidan and Lili are immediately attracted to each other, but can they trust each other to have a real marriage and not just seek revenge for past wrongs? -
Tanya Anne Crosby does it again! This time it is the story of Aidan and Lili. Aidan stays out of politics and holds a secret held for two centuries. The time has come that is forced to marry outside the clan. King David seeks an alliance and sends Lili to Aidan's clan to marry and to fulfill a secret mission. The more the two get to know each other, their relationship grows closer. But is there really a trust between them or are their too many secrets between them? This book is full of mystery and growth. I enjoyed how Tanya writes, with much love that comes through her writing. Highland Fire is the first of the Guardian series captivating Scottish romance. I will be continuing with this series as I am hooked on Tanya's writing and this series. The mystery of the Guardian of the Stones continues.
