Highland Wolf (The Murrays Book 15)

I did it again, I requested a book in a lengthy series when I had not read any of the previous books. Not only that, but this is a re-release of a book published in 2008. Well, it proved to be a good decision. I had no problem following this story, in fact it can be read as a standalone story.

Sir James Drummond, foster son to the Murray clan, has lost everything. He was the Laird of Dunncraig Keep, the father of a young daughter and a married man, who was betrayed by his wife. Three years ago his wife was found burned to death and her cousin Sir Donnell MacKay accused James of her murder. He was declared an outlaw and Donnell took over Dunncraig Castle while James went into hiding. He has told everyone that Margaret (Meggie) is his daughter, and has brought his illegitimate sister Annora to the keep to be her nursemaid. James, has decided that it is time to return, clear his name and reclaim Dunncaig Keep.

This is a well written, fast paced book, with more steamy love scenes than I am normally comfortable with. There is also some violence, abuse and rape, so if these are triggers for you, you might want to pass on this book. I enjoyed the characters in the story. Meggie was a precocious young thing who seemed a lot older than her 4 years. Annora was a devoted woman, who was trying to keep Meggie safe as well as keep away from some of the randy men in the castle. Donnell and his men were written as characters to detest and that was achieved quite well. Of course James was the hero. He was willing to get caught and sacrifice himself to reclaim his daughter as well as bring peace, fortune and comfort back to his home. I found that there was a good mix of action, love, mystery, deceit and characters to make this an enjoyable story. Of course there is going to be a happily ever after for James, but how will that play out? Read this story to find out. The publisher, Zebra, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

It wasn’t until I started reading my recent NetGalley ARC, I picked up on the fact this is a re-release, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. So check your shelves and memory banks for the previous 1/8/2007 first publication. If you are a fan of this popular Scottish romance author, you might have verra well already read this tale already.

One handsome, hot for revenge, and just as eager to claim what was taken from him, Laird James Drummond (aka Rolf Levengeance) dons a disguise and master plan to earn his honor, freedom, and clan back. An unexpected obstacle though is a verra bonny lass known as Annora, the loving caregiver of his young daughter, who was also stolen from him. Knowing her abusive, evil cousin was likely behind all the allegations James claims only bonds this couple even more closer together.

No, you don’t have to speak French to pick up on the irony of the last name the author choose for James coverup identity. I had a momentary eye-roll but then just went with it, folks.

What was uncomfortable for me to witness was James giving in to his blinding attraction for Annora and becoming biblical with her around 40% into. Knowing it was going to cause problems for her, sensing her hesitation but continuing to seduce her left me rather unsettled. I wanted to tap him on the shoulder and say, “Hey, I think the lady is trying to tell you this isn’t such a good idea right now, buddy. Back off for now. Save it for later.” However, after that first smexy encounter Annora seemed to be all on board for a sneaky, behind closed doors affair, regardless of thinking they would never likely have a HEA. So, really, if she was OK with it, who am I to be overly concerned, right? Good thing for her James was determined from then on to keep her forever.

Another silver lining is we find James was not in love with his deceased wife, who’s past history became pivotal to the storyline.

At 50% into it, the repetitive, lengthy conversations among a growing list of cameo appearing characters popped up rehashing the same topics in thick Scottish brogue. It started to keep the plot from progressing, folks. From then on it mostly moved at a snail’s pace until the inevitable, nail biting, smackdown conclusion. Not that I didn’t enjoy seeing the bad guys get what was coming to them, it just caused me to zone out at times until the showdown finally started to happen.

Overall, I did like the main couple and were glad they got their HEA. It was just more drawn out and at a slower pace than I expected.

Title: Highland Wolf, Series: Murray Family (Book 15), Author: Hannah Howell, Pages: 384, re-release with new bookcover, stand-alone but part of a series, very graphic steamy scenes, some violence, attempted rape scene, mention of previous deceased wife, strong/resilient virgin heroine, perilous situations. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

This is book 15 in the series and Ms. Howell dose not disappoint.
Annora's love for a little girl in her care keeps her from fleeing a horrible environment and James's desire to reclaim the home, lairdship and child that was stolen from him bring these two characters together and into a fight for their lives.
You can always count on Ms. Howell for adventure, romance and passion.

This is the 15th book in the Murray series. James is trying to get his lairdship that was stolen back along with his daughter and his property. He comes in disguise as a woodcarver to be able to see what is going on. He is also wanting to win Annora. This is a 5 star read.

I use to read Hannah Howell's books all the time I love the Murray family. Somehow I missed this one and it is such a good story. I have never read one of her books that is not exceptional (I don't read her or any vampire story's)
I am going to check and hopefully find another one I missed. I couldn't recommend this Author and this book more they are both fantastic.

Ok, this one started a little slow for me but after the first couple chapters i was hooked. This book features James who was wrongfully accused of murdering his wife and has been on the run for years. Now he's back and he's looking to take back what is rightfully his. He just needs the proof. Annora has gone to her cousins keep to help take care of Meggie, while there she realizes something isn't quite right and she sets out to find out what it is. The two grow closer trying to uncover all the mysteries of Dunncraig. This story was good but a little slower than other books by this author.

The Murrays #15, Originally published in '07 this edition has a new cover, I love the new cover. I liked this one more than the last Howell book I read. This one was just fine to pick up and read even though I haven't read the first 14 books. I truly enjoyed how this one played out and the characters were well written. Three years ago James Drummond was accused of murdering his wife; cast as an outlaw he went into hiding biding his time before he can come back prove his innocence and claim his land and his daughter. Annora MacKay the poor relation who was born on the wrong side of the sheets was moved Dunncraig Keep to take care of her cousin's daughter.

Donnell MacKay is a selfish brute of a man who worries more about fancy living than the tenants of the Keep and village, his second is no better. Annora knows something is not right with Donnell's story and even though he tries to alienate her from the rest of the people they still like her and trust her more than they like Donnell. James needed access inside the keep to search for proof that he was framed. Under the disguise of a French woodcarver he easily gains entrance. With the help of Big Berta, the cook, James starts his search but Annora is there to tempt him. Once Annora finds out the truth about James she starts to help which pays off for they soon discover the truth but they still need concrete proof for the King's man to take action against Donnell. Their timetable is forced to move up when Donnell announces that Annora has to marry his second in command. James having already fallen in love with her won't let that happen.

Overall, it was a good read. I liked the characters and the plot. The romance between James and Annora pretty much instintaneous the sparks flew and by the time they gave in the chemistry between was combustible. Meggie, James' daughter, was adorable and wise beyond her years. Big Berta is a force to be reckoned with. It had a heartwarming and funny ending. ARC review is, as always, Honestly and Voluntarily Given

Sir James Drummond is a wanted man for murdering his wife. He has been on the run, in hiding for three years for crime he did not commit because a disreputable man wanted what he had. James has had enough, he is ready to take back his property, but more important to him, his five year old daughter. He has a plan, a plan to enter Dunncraig in disguise to find proof of the villain, Donnell's guilt. Only be did not plan on Annora. Annora is Donnell's cousin, though raised as a lady, She is illegitimate. She acts as nursemaid to James' daughter, Meggie. Annora and James are attracted to each other almost immediately. Can James find the evidence he needs to free himself or will Donnell and his henchman catch him first? The run lays a great storyline, but then I have never read a Hannah Howell book that was not great. I love revisiting this era and the wonderful Murray family (yes, James is an adopted Murray). I did read this when it was first out in print. It was a delight to reread and well worth the time.

Wolf finally returns to reclaim his birthright and his daughter. On arrival he finds something else he wants to claim, the Bonnie Annora. Theirs’ is a relationship that is fraught with danger, but their passion for each other override everything. Eventually with the help of his family and friends the enemies are vanquished and they are able to bring their relationship into the light and make their family whole.

Highland Wolf is a laird who has had everything taken from him and in the worst way. James’ wife dies in a fire of which he is accused of setting. Accused of killing her. He ran for his life staying away for three years. Disguised, he finds a way back into his home to try to find a way to prove his innocence. His deceased wife’s cousin, Donnell, has been granted James’ home, his child and his lands.

Another cousin of Donnell and James’ wife, Annora, was brought to the castle to care for James’ daughter, Meggie. She truly loves little Meggie, protecting her from cruel Donnell. The two of them, Annora and Meggie, are guarded constantly and not allowed to speak to any one inside the keep or in the village without it being reported back to Donnell and his cruel first, Egan.

James spends his time in the castle looking for some proof that Donnell was the murderer, not James. He and Annora become close as they can without getting caught. She is, also, looking for how her cousin became the owner of Dunncraig. Annora senses there is something evil about her cousin having ownership of the castle.

This is quite an intriguing story as it unfolds with James looking for the proof and Annora protecting Meggie. Annora is beat by Donnell and Egan. James causes himself trouble as he tries to protect Annora. There is a bit of mystery as to how all of the ‘takeover’ took place so easily. Highland Wolf is another genuine Hannah Howell Scottish romance.