I thoroughly appreciate a well written book and I’m amazed at the intriguing plot, the highly developed characters, and emotional depth of this story. ~ Slick, Guilty Pleasures
Description:
In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.
Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.
Most people know I’m a contemporary reader most of the time, but I read the first book in this series, Never Seduce A Scot, and I became immediately enthralled with this series. So much so, I requested this one for review and I’m so glad I did. Highlander Most Wanted is a superb sequel 
yet it can easily be read as a standalone novel. Like its predecessor; the characters make the story but the plot is equally engaging and thus it’s a very well rounded book.
Genevieve McInnis has been living in hell for the past year. On her way to her betrothed, her party was ambushed and all were killed but her. She was taken hostage and has been both mentally and physically abused by Ian McHugh and his clansman for the past year. Now Ian is dead and his father, the laird of their clan, is on the run and she knows it’s only a matter of time until she and the rest of the clan meet their death. Her only regrets, that Ian didn’t suffer in his death and his father is still alive.
Bowen Montgomery along with his brother,Teague, and their brothers in law, Aiden and Brodie Armstrong have been sent to deal with the McHugh clan especially their leader. When they arrive they find the keep flying flags of surrender and a young boy flying one on a sword and their laird gone. When Genevieve appears and takes charge, Bowen is immediately attracted and then horrified by the scar on her face.
There is so much I love about these characters. Genevieve despite being harassed and bullied by this clan continues to champion for them, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and she fully expects to be punished for what she’s done. She expects no special treatment and in fact, when treated with kindness she’s often unsure how to react. There is no doubt she’s suffered a lot and it’s affected her immensely, but it’s also evident that her spirit hasn’t been broken and her mind and body begin to heal with each passing day. It’s hard not to like Bowen who immediately decides Genevieve needs protection from her clan. Even when he doubts her, he is still fair and he does not hold things over her head. I like that he takes the time to listen and hear her side of everything. He’s patient and kind, yet he has no problem wielding his authority when necessary. They share a unique bond and while Bowen could have easily taken Genevieve and used her like the men before him, he realizes he’s not that man anymore. He wants to be a better man, and sets out to woo her and man does he give good woo!
While the love story of Genevieve and Bowen is front and foremost in this story, there is the ongoing danger involved with taking over a rival clan and maintaining control. There are battles, injuries, deaths, and some startling revelations. The revelations are where the story truly is and they make for some very interesting and entertaining reading.
It was good to see Graeme settling in to his role as laird and how happy he and Eveline are together. I very much enjoyed seeing Teague taking control and becoming a leader. Eveline’s brothers especially Brodie, intrigue me very much and I’m looking forward to his story. Rorie, the much younger sister, of Graeme, Bowen, and Teague, is a delight as always and the world better watch out when she’s grown! Most of all though, I was impressed with Bowen’s ability to see past Genevieve’s scars both physical and emotional and reach out to her and make her understand that she was absolutely worthy of love and his attention.
I thoroughly appreciate a well written book and I’m amazed at the intriguing plot, the highly developed characters, and emotional depth of this story. Highlander Most Wanted is a wonderful addition to this series and I’m already anxious for the next book.
5 comments
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Maria D.
March 18, 2013 at 11:11 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Good review – I have the books in this series but just haven’t had the time to read them yet …sigh
Lori Meehan
March 18, 2013 at 12:46 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I can not wait for this book. I love the highlander books by Maya Banks. I highly recommend them to everyone.
Thanks for the review Slick.
Sharlene Wegner
March 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thank you for the enthusiastic review! I am going to read the series based on your recommendation.
Kathleen O
March 18, 2013 at 4:11 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I am so waiting of this book… I just love Maya’s Highlanders.
Timitra
March 19, 2013 at 2:01 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I’m looking forward to reading this…loved the first in this series!