This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
Marian Robertson rescued a child and destroyed her reputation. Now, to keep her family safe, she must marry the stern, dark-eyed warrior negotiating a truce between their clans – and risk her heart to protect the truth.
Manipulated into marrying the exiled “Robertson Harlot,” Duncan, peacemaker for the MacLerie clan, finds his new wife’s courage and spirit make it impossible to resist her. But will he put his honor at stake to free her from her past – and claim her love forever?
My Review
First Impressions
Possessed by the Highlander was one of those random picks that I just wanted as I was browsing my library digital catalog and they have such a fun mix of historicals. Terri Brisbin is an author that I have really enjoyed in the past and I found that I had so much fun with this one here. The writing was a bit different than I had expected from it so it took some getting used to at times, but I really loved the way that this author wrote the plot and the way that the romance is developed, there is a sense of mystery all the way through the story that will really pull you further into the story ad keep you invested into it. It’s a very solid romance even if it’s not going to make the top lists for you.
He was a confusing, complicated man—one who deserved better than to be dragged into the middle of this family debacle and one who it would take years to know fully. Years she did not want and did not have.
Summary
Duncan has come to negotiate a truth with clans and is known as the “peacemaker” and then he meets the lovely Marian Robertson who is being attacked by a man and defends her and finds himself being charmed by Marian and her charming little girl that is in love with Duncan and forms a quick bond with him. But through a set or events, where they are compromised, and in order to keep the peace treaty, Duncan and Marian agree to handfasting. Even though Duncan is ready to marry her, Marian is determined to protect Duncan and insists on a handfasting. When he takes Marian and her child with him they discover something more between them. But there is a past that Duncan needs to uncover because Marian is so fearful of what would happen if the truth would be revealed, but through a steadfast love, Duncan will show Marian he is worthy of her secrets and her heart…
One of the best things about being married is having another to share the good and the bad with, Marian. Two carrying the same burden lessens its weight on each
What I Loved
I had so much fun with this book and it just really pulled me into the story fairly quickly, especially with all the mystery that surrounds our heroine. I was so curious to see why she was rumored to be the “whore” of the clan, and why she let it happen, of the truths about her and her daughter, and why her brother would work a situation to bring Marian ad Duncan together. I really loved how authentic feeling this book is without a huge overload of historical information being delivered. I was also really fascinated by the handfasting type of the plot and seeing how they would work in the end for them to find their HEA. Duncan was such a determined honest hero, I just loved how devoted and kind he is to Marian and genuine in his feelings for her, Marian is living in fear, but we don’t quite know the details for a while and slowly it’s built into the climax of the story. We also see the fun bond between Duncan and his family and it just made me want to read more books in the series. This was a quick read though one where I didn’t know how much I was reading until I got to 90% and I was shocked by how well I was into it and how easily its read. The romance has an unrequited feeling to it because of how guarded Marian is and I love a pining hero who is trying to build trust with her, Seeing how tenacious he is to prove himself to Marian was beyond charming and I really enjoyed that aspect. This story was such a roundabout solid win.
That’s what I want in my husband, Duncan. I want a man who will choose me above all else
What I Struggled With
I really had a struggle with our heroine, the way she keeps things from Duncan was too drawn out and could be really frustrating and it was like this all the way through the book.
Overall View
Possessed by the Highlander is an endearing romance, with an intriguing mystery, a delectable romance, and fun family element to charm your heart!
You said you wanted a husband who chose you above all else, Marian.” He guided her to stand and pulled her close. “I am that husband. You are first in my heart and in my soul and more important to me than my honor.
Title: Possessed by the Highlander
Author: Terri Brisbin
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Length: 288 Pages
Book Links
Amazon| Barnes and Noble| Kobo| Goodreads| LibraryThing| StoryGraph| Literal Club
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 4
Story Itself: 4
Character Development: 4
Writing Style: 3.5
World Building 4
Feels + The Romantic Heart 3.75
Pacing 4
Plot 4
Cover Art 4
Ending 4
Book Ratings
Overall Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warm- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
The Maclerie Clan
Taming the Highlander-Pub 2006 #1 in the Series
Surrender to the Highlander-Pub 2008 #2 in the Series
Possessed by the Highlander-Pub 2008 #3 in the Series
The Earl’s Secret-Pub 2007 #4 in the Series
Taming the Highland Rogue-Pub 2012 #4.6 in the Series
The Highlander’s Stolen Touch-Pub 2012 #5 in the Series
At The Highlander’s Mercy-Pub 2013 #6 in the Series
The Highlander’s Dangerous Temptation-Pub 2013 #7 in the Series
Yield to the Highlander-Pub 2014 #8 in the Series
The Highlander’s Inconvenient Bride-Pub 2021 #9 in the Series
About The Author
Terri Brisbin is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than 50 historical, paranormal and fantasy romances and her books have been released in more than 20 languages and 25 countries around the world since 1998. She’s been published by Berkley/Jove, Harlequin, Kensington Books, NAL/Signet and SMP Swerve. Terri has also self-published her works and will be working with Dragonblade Publishing and Oliver Heber Books on new series for 2022 and 2023!
When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a married mom, a grammy and a dental hygienist while plotting and planning future stories and trips to Scotland .
Thanks so much for your lovely review!