Highlander Most Wanted: Maya Banks

by - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

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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.
Kim's Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars

Kim's Review:
This is the 2nd in Maya Banks Montgomerys and Armstongs series and features Graeme's brother Bowen and Genevieve who was seen briefly in the first book when she aided Graeme in locating his wife Eveline in the McHugh dungeon where she was imprisoned. Graeme killed the evil Laird Ian McHugh at the end of book one.

Genevieve McInnis had been kidnapped and  held prisoner by Ian McHugh for a year and had suffered mental, physical, and sexual abuse from him. The Montgomery and Armstrong brothers come to the McHugh keep to attempt to kill Ian McHugh's father and gain control of the keep. Instead they find the clan abandoned by Patrick McHugh and without many provisions. Genevieve is a complete outcast to this clan. They sought out any opportunity to torture her and malign her. Even though they knew that she had been held prisoner and used by their Laird, it was easier to condemn Genevieve and call her a whore rather than take any blame for not helping her. 

Genevieve is strong despite being completely broken down by abuse and continued disdain. Every time she gets to what seems like her lowest point, she finds some inner strength. Bowen is immediately drawn to Genevieve despite her facial scar and her stubborn, brooding, and erratic behavior. He is determined to figure out why she is treated so harshly and understand what has happened to her. 

Their story is not an easy one. Genevieve is treated unfairly and taunted for much of the book. Bowen becomes a light in her darkness and her champion. There are trials and tribulations with an ugly secret, danger from other clans, and dissention with his own family over Genevieve. 

Their bond is a deep and emotional one. Bowen teaches her what a loving touch can feel like and gives her the only affection he has known in a long time. She makes Bowen realize what was missing in his life. But sometimes love is not enough and sacrifices have to be made to ensure the other person's happiness. 

I adored Bowen. He was strong, patient, caring, and fair. He did not judge Genevieve  by her marred face or the abuse she had suffered. He was willing to do what was needed for Genevieve when others cast her aside. Genevieve was brave, strong, and fierce when she needed to be despite times where she was nearly broken or worn down to where she almost lost her spirit.  It was wonderful to see how she began changing and healing during the story. I loved the new character of Genevieve's friend Taliesan and I am hoping that we will see more of her along with perhaps Brodie... or even Teague in a later installment. 

I really enjoyed this inspiring story of love, hope, and healing. 

Book 1 of this series: Never Seduce a Scot and you can read my review here.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Tammy's Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars

Tammy's Review:
I am a huge fan of Maya's. I think I have pretty much read all of her books. So I was excited to see her second series of books featuring Highlanders. 

I have enjoyed this series so far, but it did feel a little lacking. I wanted more. No let me correct that I NEEDED more. One of the things I love most about highlander series in general is the drama to them. They are usually action packed with a super alpha male chasing after the girl. This is were I felt things were missing. Bowen was not really alpha like. Yes, I loved him and his character, but I wanted more from him. He was way too sweet in my eyes to be a alpha male. Although I get why Maya made him that way. Genevieve suffered brutality and needed to know she was worshiped and cherished. Bowen did an amazing job at this! He was perfect in this part of his role. He was fierce in the protection of his girl. I sighed many times over when they were in a scene together. he had me rooting for him at the end with the hard decision he had to make. I wish I could put it into better words what I am trying to say when I write it felt like it was missing something for me with our hero. 


Maya nailed Genevieve however, her character was inspiring. Loved her as the female lead. She suffered horrible brutality at the hands of a crazy mad man and his clan. By all means she should have been beyond broken. Nope, she was strong, she was loyal and she was so courageous. I found myself smiling for her and rooting for her happy ending. I loved watching her blossom under Bowen's attention. It was easy to believe in them and their love story. 


Overall, this story was sweet and a quick easy read. It is a story of love, second chances and forgiveness of one's self. You learn that a loving touch and kind words can help ease even the harshiest memories of wrong doing and pain. Maya presents us with fierce loyalty and major decisions that are based off of this loyalty. Does love and past torture out weigh the punishment for a decision that put an innocent (one of their own) in harms way?


I was provided with this book from the publisher for free via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

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