ARC Review: In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks

 

In Bed with a Highlander is the first in a new historical romance trilogy by Maya Banks. First off, the covers of this trilogy are amazing, not to mention they all feature the hottie that is Paul Marron. Cue swoons.

But there is more! Banks introduces three McCabe brothers who are simply delicious. In Bed with a Highlander is Ewan McCabe’s story. Ewan is the laird of his keep, where his brothers Alaric and Caelen are his second in command. While Ewan himself is strong and mighty, his keep and clan are not. They are dwindling in resources and food and a war is threatening to rise among clans.

The book starts off with Mairin Stuart, the niece of King David, praying that her enemies do not find her. However, her prayers are not heard because Duncan’s men find and capture her, bringing her unwillingly to his keep where he commands her to marry him. Mairin bears the crest of Alexander on her thigh, which was placed upon her at birth so that no one would ever mistake her identity. With a wealthy dowry and power, Duncan wishes to wed her immediately and consummate their marriage, thus gaining power and an advantage. But Mairin is a tough woman who doesn’t go down easily. She fights with all her might, even using her body as a shield to cover a young eight-year old boy who had the unfortunate luck of crossing paths with Duncan.

The young boy turns out to be Ewan McCabe’s son and when Mairin and the boy escape Duncan’s keep for McCabe’s, that’s when the story really begins…

I was really surprised with how quick I read this book. Banks crafts an intriguing story with her strong characters and fast-paced dialogue. So much happens within the first few chapters that I didn’t really have the chance to put the book down. It was that good.

Mairin, for me, was the stand-out star. I loved her tenacity and wit. She seemed to never show fear, even in the face of Duncan who beat her mercilessly. And I have to admire a woman who is able to keep a man like Ewan on his toes. As a Laird, Ewan is certainly arrogant and is not used to being disobeyed. Mairin matches him well and while it took me awhile to get into the romance, it was all worth it in the end.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Banks sets up Alaric’s book perfectly in this one. Rionna is from the McDonald clan, a clan that had possible alliances with McCabe. And so, to strengthen that alliance, Gregor McDonald wishes for her daughter, Rionna to marry Alaric. I am dying to know how this plays out since Alaric isn’t too keen on the idea of marriage and Rionna is a warrior herself.

Bottom line? READ THIS BOOK!

*ARC provided by author

[about-author author=”Maya Banks”]