Claiming the Highlander (The MacAllisters)

I enjoyed reading this a lot and I didn't expect to like the characters, but with the author's excellent writing style, it was a fast read for me and it provided the entertainment I was looking for. The first few pages about Braden made me instantly dislike him, he's portrayed as a shallow and hedonistic man who hops from one woman's bed to another; but as I read on, I realized his character had...more

I enjoyed reading this a lot and I didn't expect to like the characters, but with the author's excellent writing style, it was a fast read for me and it provided the entertainment I was looking for. The first few pages about Braden made me instantly dislike him, he's portrayed as a shallow and hedonistic man who hops from one woman's bed to another; but as I read on, I realized his character had depth, and like all people he's afraid of trusting a woman, wary of a broken heart. His affairs are fleeting and impersonal, but he's a good diplomat and when it comes to family, his loyalty pegs no question. It's the same way I didn't instantly warm up to Maggie's character until I read further. She's one of the youngest (having a twin brother) and the only female in of seven children. It was touching how her eldest brother loves her, the one who perished in the squabble between the MacAllisters and MacDouglases, and it was a very good plan Maggie hatched, until some women were attacked by the males. The author lay a good foundation for Maggie and Braden's relationship, since they've known each other when they were very little. The development was there, both of them trying to fight it, but with the guidance of the most unlikely character, they each realized that they have to take a risk for that love. The little flashbacks helped in understanding the characters, and the horse as a gift, and Braden's comment about having a sister was really touching. The love scenes were written very well, both of them shared themselves in the present, not thinking of anyone or the repercussions, and it was noble of Braden not have taken advantage of Maggie out in the woods, and I admired Maggie for her resolve in fighting for Braden, the man she wants and the one she would only love. I agree with the saying, "one doesn't know what s/he has until it's gone", because it makes one realize the value of something or someone when it's not there anymore. I'm looking forward to reading the next!   hide