In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks

Ewan and Mairin's Book 




In Bed with a Highlander


by Maya Banks


Book Blurb:

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Wow just wow. I absolutely loved Maya Banks' debut Scottish Highland romance In Bed with a Highlander. 

I read a lot of posts where people where comparing In Bed with a Highlander to Julie Garwood's writing style. I'll be honest and say I wasn't too sure what to make of that claim. Julie Garwood is one of my most favourite historical romance writers and I also adore Maya Banks.  Now that I've read In Bed with a Highlander, I understand what people were referring to. It isn't the writing style per-say but rather that the protagonists get married near the beginning of the book instead of drudging out a long drawn romance drama that ends with a happily ever after marriage. I am a complete fan of this get married at the beginning of the story plot line and one of the reasons I am such a fan huge of Julie Garwood. 

But this is a Maya Banks' story make no qualms about it. The fact that the protagonists get married at the beginning is a Garwood trademark but Maya Banks owns this story. It was her style 100% and I loved it. There is a heavy comparison with the female protagonist Mairin protecting a young boy and suffering a brutal beating that mirrors Julie Garwood's Ransom (one of my favourite books of all time) but I am sure that that plot bunny has been used in many other stories as well.

Mairin was lovely to read about. One of my favourite things in the book was that Mairin was constantly thinking private thoughts but had a embarrassing habit of blurting out those personal thoughts. I must have giggled at those moments over and over again. She seemed oblivious to those outbursts until the people around her would answer her or scowl.  

She endured a lot of hardship but never lost herself or back-downed. Mairin was strong willed and so full of life. A little hot tempered and a wee bit out of place for the time period. I adored her.

Ewan was an excellent male romance lead. As a Laird he was fair and as a warrior he was not to be trifled with.  He had a strong sense of duty to do the right thing and Mairin was a perfectly written match for him. They complimented each other and it was pure joy to read how they fell so in love with each other. 

There were plenty of angsty moments that had me flipping the pages and holding my breath. I loved it all and I will definitely re-read. 

Maya Banks did an absolutely awesome job setting up the next book. Luckily I only have to wait until the end of month to rush out to buy it.