Highland Thirst

Hannah Howell and Lynsay Sands reunite for their third collaboration continuing the MacNaughton/MacAdie clan saga, keeping their streak alive with two more wonderful romances. The format here is the same as the previous books. Set in 16th century Scotland there is a prologue that introduces our two gorgeous hunky cousins who are off on a quest to find out why the hunters of their people are suddenly more organized. The pair are ambushed, kidnapped and imprisoned separately to be tortured until they reveal the secrets of their clan's unusual powers. Then each author takes a hero and weaves a passionate tale of how he gains his mate. The tales are connected but separate and both authors do an excellent job of developing the couples and building their relationship from like, trust and respect to desire and love. The handoff between the stories works really well, the author's styles are compatible so the switch isn't jarring. But, since there are two authors, we get very distinct characters and no blurring of personalities. Finally, at the end there is an Epilog with an encore by both couples to tie the stories back together. One fun part of Highland Vampires is the shared theme of the two romances, both these powerful immortals, Heming and Tearlach, are weakened by their imprisonment and it is the damsels in distress, Brona and Lucy, that plan and execute the rescues. Although they take the heroic lead, both ladies' actions remain true to this time period. They use their femaleness to an advantage as the villains underestimate them, not expecting the intelligence and determination that they employ. Another fun part of reading the stories is that, if you've read the other highlander immortal stories by Howell and Sands, you'll recognize Heming's parents -- Efrica and Jankyn from "Kiss of the Vampire" by Howell in the Highland Vampire anthology (this one's not with Sands) - and Tearlach is the son of Eva and Connall from "The Highland Bride" by Sands from The Eternal Highlander, the first book in the series. If you love the sexy brogue and you love paranormals, you will love these sexy Scottish Vamps. Give Highland Vampire a try and then go out and get the earlier books too.

I just love all of Hanna Howell's Highland stories. I alway can't help it and just transfer my spirit to those times of love and challenge. She has this heart to write about love and sex that really helps me sleep better. I recommend her books with all my heart.

Highlander cousins Heming MacNachton and Tearlach MacAdie are mixed-blood (born of Clan and Outsider parents) which has given them mixed abilities as well as limitations. They are drugged and captured in a Northern English pub while searching out hunters who consider them soulless, blood-sucking demons and intend to use them to learn how to eradicate their clans. Taken to separate castles, they meet the extraordinary women who are destined to save their lives and share their destiny. Although summarized in 3 short sentences to avoid spoilers (see book blurbs for details), these stories contain so much more that you need to experience. You must read the book as you will wish to share the thrill of the escape and adventures of Hemming with Brona Kerr ("Blood Feud") and Tearlach with Lady Lucy Blytheswood ("The Capture"). It is my impression that each book has improved their foundation of working together as well as their ability to make the combination of paranormal and historical feel real. For those who have read the previous 2 HIGHLANDER Duets, you know that these authors do an excellent job in combining Historical romance and paranormal elements with their own unique flair to blend their stories. I highly recommended this book and the series to all who enjoy paranormal romances as well as those who like vampire romance not on the side! Although written to stand alone, I know once you've read the book you will wish to read the others [THE ETERNAL HIGHLANDER and MY IMMORTAL HIGHLANDER] to meet other MacNachton and MacAdie clan members. These authors and their duets are on my "auto-buy" list as they have never disappointed for reading enjoyment and I do not wish to miss their `worlds' or their wit even in unrelated titles. Reviewed by Cy Korte For PNR REVIEWS

"Blood Feud" by Hannah Howell. In 1511 England, Lord Hervey Kerr captures Sir Heming MacNachton, whom he plans to torture until the Scotsman reveals his clan's secret for long life. The odious Englishman also holds prisoner his wealthy cousin Lady Brona Kerr whom he plans to force into marriage to his right hand man Angus. Brona frees Heming and with a few other prisoners begin a trek to safety even as he realizes she is his soulmate. "Capture" by Lynsay Sands. At the same time his cousin Hervey was incarcerated, Tearlach MacAdie finds himself in chains in a dungeon. Also in chains is Lady Lucy Blytheswood whose brother was murdered by Lord Wymon Carbonnel. Like Heming Wyomon wants Tearlach's secret of long life, but he also plans to wed his other prisoner and frame the Scot as the killer of her sibling. Although Tearlach is not much help due to injuries, Lucy enables them to escape the dungeon. They flee for his home hoping to elude the outraged Wymon Though clearly occurring concurrently, by keeping each tale separate the two authors make HIGHLAND THIRST an easier read. Refreshing this historical paranormal romance is the heroines are not only courageous risking their lives, they save the male leads. The smooth blending of vampires within the Scottish historical romance adds to the uniqueness of a delightful tale. Although the villains are too stereotypical vile even as each differs (they are the monsters not the vampires), readers will appreciate this fabulous collaboration between Hannah Howell & Lynsay Sands. Harriet Klausner

Set in Northern England, 1511. Heming MacNachton and Tearlach MacAdie are cousins from Scotland. Their clans are not entirely human. They have some abilities that most do not and are long lived. Rumor has reached the clans that some men were gathering in groups to hunt them down. Thus, Heming and Tearlach have come to England, stopping at various inns, fishing for information. Word of the two Scots asking questions gets around. The cousins are ambushed at one of the inns. First half is titled BLOOD FEUD by Hannah Howell. Sir Heming MacNachton regains consciousness to find himself in chains. Hervey Kerr, laird of Rosscurrach, is determined to force Heming into revealing the location of his clan and the secret of his long life. Hervey also plans to force his cousin, Lady Brona Kerr, to wed Angus, a vile and crude man she hates. Brona has no love for Hervey either. After all, Hervey beats her for the smallest reason. Therefore, Brona is not too shocked to find out that the prisoner is not a "monster" at all, even though he drinks blood. Brona releases Heming, and a few other prisoners, before beginning their trek to Heming's people. Brona is very attracted to Heming and, unknown to her, Heming intends to claim Brona as his mate. Second half is titled CAPTURE by Lynsay Sands. Tearlach MacAdie regains consciousness to find hemself in chains. In the dungeon across from him, also in chains, is Lady Lucy Blytheswood. Wymon Carbonnel wants Tearlach's secret of long life. But Wymon also used Tearlach's ambush as the prime opportunity to murder Lucy's brother. Lucy can either go along with Wymon's plans to frame Tearlach for the murder and marry him (thereby making himself lord of Blytheswood) or die. Tearlach is too weak from torture to even plan how to escape. Good thing Lucy and her brother used to play in dungeons. With the skills taught to her long ago by her brother, Lucy and Tearlach escape. Now the race is on. Will Lucy reach the court before Wymon recaptures them? ***** This is one of those rare books where two authors cooperate with each other to create one fabulous novel. Each author takes a cousin, directly after the ambush, and tells what happens to each. Two heros, two heroines, and two supernatural romances. A very well done effort! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.