A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS - Paula Quinn
The Highlander, Book 2
Grand Central Publishing's Forever
ISBN-10: 0-446-61913-2
August 2008
Historical Romance

Scotland and England - 1659

Graham Grant is a commander in Clan MacGregor. His handsome face, strong body, and wicked charm make him one of the most sought after men in Scotland (the lasses do enjoy his company). However, it's his current task, protecting Lord Robert Campbell as he searches for Connor Stuart (leader of Royalist forces in Scotland) that brings him face to face with a bonny lass who will change his perspective on women for all time, Claire Stuart.

Claire is a warrior through and through. When her twin brother, Connor, was struck down, most women would have fallen apart. But not Claire. Determined to avenge her brother's death, Claire first has to rescue their sister, Anne, who has fallen into the clutches of the very man who betrayed Connor. Incredibly, General Monck (the man who has Anne) thinks to save both of the sisters from the dastardly fellow who attacked Connor (he of course insists he's innocent). He also plans to marry them both off as Connor wanted. Huh! Claire settling down to be a biddable wife is as likely as Graham turning aside the scores of lovely wenches who seek his bed in favor of just one for all time. Then again, anything could happen, and when Graham and Claire meet, it very likely will.

Ooh, if ever a man met his match it's in A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS. Poor Graham has no idea what he's facing when he meets Claire. Determined never to fall in love (it takes a man's mind off of fighting, never good for one's continued health in the midst of battle) and quite frankly, it seems to turn men into pansies. Picking heather for their women and spouting poetry. No thank you. A man can get along quite well in life with the affections of many different and special women. Claire is not your typical miss. Having spent her childhood training with Connor, she never developed the skills and interests most women of her station have. Fighting, honor, the fierce thrill of defeating her enemies, these are the things that Claire lives for. In fact, no man has touched her heart, until Graham. Trust me; it's not something she'll thank him for. Will these two stubborn Scots allow their hearts' desires to be known, or will they deny their feelings to the death? You'll find yourself wondering until the very end.

Anne is Claire's gentle, loving, and very ladylike sister. Once preferring to be called Guinevere, she'd make a perfect match for Graham's friend, Robert Campbell. He's very much a knight in the old sense, honorable and true. Kate, Robert's sister, and her husband, Callum MacGregor (their story was told in LAIRD OF THE MIST, December 2007), make an appearance in this book. Their union seems to be working out beautifully. General Monck is a man with high aspirations. Highly intelligent, his motives are suspect, at least to some. James Buchanan was Connor's best friend. Currently the leader of Connor's men, he'd like to be Connor's brother-in-law (preferring Claire as his bride). The last secondary character I must mention is the setting. I know, a setting can't be considered a character. However, when an author does such a fabulous job of taking history and making it come alive, how can you not consider it such? Even if you have no particular interest in this period of history, you'll find yourself caught up in the intrigue and may even find yourself wanting more information about the Roundheads and the Royalists.

With plenty of humor, romance, and characters you can't help but fall in love with, this charming story is sure to please and leave you sighing for more. Get your copy of A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS and fall in love with history and romance all over again.

Lori Ann