Highland Destiny

The book was advertised in very good condition. I was disappointed to get this book, as many many pages had fallen out of the binding.

With the love of the Highlands of the past, this is just another one to add to the collection as I found all of this author's books. Romantic, strong willed characters, with passion for life this one is true to form, leaves you with the wanting of more to complete each players life. Can't wait for the next one.

The year is 1430 and we are introduced to the Murray clan, headed by Balfour Murray, the laird of Donncoill. After hearing the news that the family enemy, Sir William Beaton, captured his younger brother Eric, he sets out to Dubhlinn intent on getting Eric back. But when they are met by defeat, they head home planning another attack when a woman steps out on the road. When she offers to tend to his brother Nigel's wounds, he finds that she had a real gift of healing and offered his hospitality in return for nursing his brother back to recovery. Maldie Kirkcaldy knows that Balfour's kindness would change had he known of her true identity. However, seeing that they are both intent on exacting vengeance from Beaton, and knowing that she could use some shelter and food while planning her revenge, she journeys back to Donncoill with the Murrays, even though she is aware that Balfour's interest in her goes beyond her healing skills for deep down, she is also aware of her shared attraction with the laird and it doesn't take long before she finds herself disgusted by her weakness to his seduction. Soon the passion they share lead to deeper feelings for each other. But in spite of their growing love, both are tormented by their secrets and doubts. Balfour knows that Maldie isn't exactly who she claims to be and he is intent on knowing the secrets of the elusive and skittish woman who has captured his heart. Maldie on the other hand is torn between revealing the truth to Balfour and risking everything they had shared, while still planning to fulfill the vow she had made to her dying mother. And when his suspicions of her betrayal forced her to escape and rescue Eric to prove her innocence, Balfour soon realizes his mistakes and now seeks another victory: Maldie's heart. Although it lacks the humor of the other books in the Highland series, Highland Destiny features good leads and secondary characters. Balfour is not your typical alpha-male for he is plagued with insecurities about his looks and even feels threatened by his brother, Nigel, who also falls in love with Maldie thus adding to a bit of competition. And Maldie isn't your usual well-bred lady having been born illegitimate and having endured a harsh life with a bitter mother who nearly forced her to a life of prostitution. HIGHLAND DESTINY is the first in Hannah Howell's trilogy set in medieval Scotland featuring the Murray brothers. Filled with deceit, misunderstandings and passion, it is a good introduction to the Murray brothers who would surely capture your heart. The other two books are HIGHLAND HONOR featuring Nigel and HIGHLAND PROMISE with Eric.

I love a romance about a strong woman who when faced with a problem, jumps in and takes charge. Mauldie does just that and more. The struggle they both go through with their feelings reads very real and by the end I felt I knew these people. The other characters added a wonderful dimension to the story and I couldn't wait to read the next two in the series.

The hero (Balfour) and heroine (Mauldie) are enemies -- yet the hero doesn't realize this right away -- he believes he's found a nursemaid (of course she's a stunning beauty and on a secret mission for vengence) for his battle wounded brother (Nigel)...Mauldie soon realizes who the handsome warrior is...but decides to hide her identity as he's the one she'd swore vengence against. She grudgingly nurses his brother, while all the time warding off seductive advances from Balfour... Through a series of dangerous events and intrigue, the prideful couple realizes their strong love for one another -- but are stilled separated by deceit and misunderstandings...Mauldie & Balfour seems well matched, strong characters and this story ends beautifully. I would recommend this title.