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toni_lee's review
5.0
Wonderful start to a series!! I can't wait to read even more :) So excited to have discovered Ruth Ryan Langan
wildflowerz76's review
3.0
I picked this one up when a GR friend posted that it was free. I'm a sucker for free, so there ya go. :)
It was alright. I detest it when the male "hero" forces himself on the heroine, even if we're just talking a kiss. I mean, we (the reader) know she's attracted to him, but all she's shown him has been revulsion and fear. So, you kiss her? Um, no. Once we got past that, we get a series of inane, lame escape attempts and with the "heroine" running off to get herself into danger, needlessly. What an idiot. Still, overall, it was alright, but it was nothing spectacular.
It was alright. I detest it when the male "hero" forces himself on the heroine, even if we're just talking a kiss. I mean, we (the reader) know she's attracted to him, but all she's shown him has been revulsion and fear. So, you kiss her? Um, no. Once we got past that, we get a series of inane, lame escape attempts and with the "heroine" running off to get herself into danger, needlessly. What an idiot. Still, overall, it was alright, but it was nothing spectacular.
xakyr's review
3.0
I had read this book several years ago, and remember absolutely loving it. However, I just re-read this book for a challenge in one of my groups, and was surprised to find that my opinion of it had changed when I finished it. It wasn't anything specific, just that I was no longer "in love" with it like I had been when I was younger. Perhaps the book wasn't in depth enough with the feelings of the characters for me, but I do know that after re-reading the book this time, this is one book series that I won't be paying a lot of money to port over to my Kindle, if I port it at all. While I enjoyed the read enough to say I like the book, I honestly would not recommend this to someone wanting a Scottish Romance. I'd be more likely to recommend Julie Garwood's [b:The Secret|107770|The Secret (Highlands' Lairds #1)|Julie Garwood|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312123398s/107770.jpg|734169] than this book.
cneywendleton's review
4.0
Overview: Lowlander Meridith MacAlpin's father has been murdered and making her the new Laird. Days after his funeral, she stands at the alter to be wed for the good of the clan. The accused murderer flies in killing her new husband and steals her away to his home in the Highlands. The more she struggles to get home, the more she is forced to see how the rumors of the "Highland Barbarian" are wrong. Even Mary, Queen of Scots, believes him to be a fair and honorable man. Meridith also learns the true nature of her dead husband's family and their plot to kill her sisters and steal the family land. Though her heart belongs to her captor, she sneaks out in the dead of night and rides for home. With a minor detour she arrives safely just for a short rest before heading off for Edinburgh to speak with the Queen and settle all matters pertaining to her estate. Trouble follows her through the castle as she falls victim to one of Mary's games, that sends Meridith home with a wound to her throat.
Opinion: The beginning is a little rough, but once you get into it, it is good. Sometimes it seems a bit heavy on the action, and sometimes there seems to be more that could have been done. It definitely keeps you on your toes and guessing about what is going to happen next. The few romantic sex scenes were short and a bit clumsy but that seems to be the biggest downfall.
Recommend: Yes
Opinion: The beginning is a little rough, but once you get into it, it is good. Sometimes it seems a bit heavy on the action, and sometimes there seems to be more that could have been done. It definitely keeps you on your toes and guessing about what is going to happen next. The few romantic sex scenes were short and a bit clumsy but that seems to be the biggest downfall.
Recommend: Yes
minabear's review
2.0
Ruth Langan wrote a series of Highland novels over the years, some of which I'm already familiar with.
Many years ago I read Ruth Langan's "Highland Heather" and "Highland Fire" the sequels to "Highland Barbarian." I enjoyed those two books so much and have very fond memories of them. "Highland Heather" was the tale of middle sister Brenna and how she was used as Queen Elizabeth's pawn and captured by the enigmatic Morgan Grey, "The Queen's Savage," to mend the rifts between the British and Scots. "Highland Fire" was about the youngest sister, Megan, and a story filled with lots of action, amnesia, and a great, strong-willed heroine paired with a yummy Irish hero.
Here in "Highland Barbarian" we see eldest sister Meredith's story. Perhaps if I had read this years ago, I would have like it, but I found the story to be a by-the-numbers tale filled with same-old/same-old.
After the death of her father, Meredith is now leader of the MacAlpin clan and must join in an arranged marriage to an ally. However her marriage is cut short when her bridegroom is killed and Meredith is captured by Brice Campbell, the Highland Barbarian. Brice has apparently attacked the MacAlpins many times in the past (Or has he? Is he just a patsy for a more obvious, easily-telegraphed villain? Yes, he is.)
Meredith tries to escape, is thwarted, makes friends with Brice's clan members, and slowly falls in love.
But despite her love, Meredith escapes when she is conveniently captured by an enemy's of Brice who tried to rape Meredith earlier on. Brice saves the day, but Meredith flees back to her people anyway without so much as a thank you.
The only mildly amusing part is at the end when Queen Mary switches places with Meredith because they look so similar being slim redheads and all (like that's all you have to do to look exactly like someone: share the same hair color). Mary wants some alone time with Bothwell, so Meredith will stand in her stead and judge over arguments. And then the villain shows up and the predictable ending comes to its predictable end.
This wasn't a terrible book, but it just didn't excite me. The love story was bland and the action just didn't thrill me. Books #2 & #3 are much more superior to this one.
2 1/2 stars
Many years ago I read Ruth Langan's "Highland Heather" and "Highland Fire" the sequels to "Highland Barbarian." I enjoyed those two books so much and have very fond memories of them. "Highland Heather" was the tale of middle sister Brenna and how she was used as Queen Elizabeth's pawn and captured by the enigmatic Morgan Grey, "The Queen's Savage," to mend the rifts between the British and Scots. "Highland Fire" was about the youngest sister, Megan, and a story filled with lots of action, amnesia, and a great, strong-willed heroine paired with a yummy Irish hero.
Here in "Highland Barbarian" we see eldest sister Meredith's story. Perhaps if I had read this years ago, I would have like it, but I found the story to be a by-the-numbers tale filled with same-old/same-old.
After the death of her father, Meredith is now leader of the MacAlpin clan and must join in an arranged marriage to an ally. However her marriage is cut short when her bridegroom is killed and Meredith is captured by Brice Campbell, the Highland Barbarian. Brice has apparently attacked the MacAlpins many times in the past (Or has he? Is he just a patsy for a more obvious, easily-telegraphed villain? Yes, he is.)
Meredith tries to escape, is thwarted, makes friends with Brice's clan members, and slowly falls in love.
But despite her love, Meredith escapes when she is conveniently captured by an enemy's of Brice who tried to rape Meredith earlier on. Brice saves the day, but Meredith flees back to her people anyway without so much as a thank you.
The only mildly amusing part is at the end when Queen Mary switches places with Meredith because they look so similar being slim redheads and all (like that's all you have to do to look exactly like someone: share the same hair color). Mary wants some alone time with Bothwell, so Meredith will stand in her stead and judge over arguments. And then the villain shows up and the predictable ending comes to its predictable end.
This wasn't a terrible book, but it just didn't excite me. The love story was bland and the action just didn't thrill me. Books #2 & #3 are much more superior to this one.
2 1/2 stars
onebookmore's review
4.0
http://onebookmore.com/2020/01/26/160/
I must admit, I am a sucker for a steamy Highland romance, so I was excited when I found Highland Barbarian, the first in Ruth Ryan Langen’s Highlander series.
Lady Meredith McAlphin, the eldest of three daughters, is the leader of her Clan since the recent death of her father. Garth MacKenzie, a neighboring clan leader, convinces a reluctant Meredith to marry his younger brother in order to protect her Clan and her younger sisters. But on her wedding day, Meredith is kidnapped by the ruthless, albeit gorgeous, Highland Barbarian!
Brice Campbell knows of his reputation as the Highland Barbarian. He also knows Garth MacKenzie is not who he appears. Seeking vengeance for a wrong committed by Garth, he kidnaps Meredith. Little does he know how much this impulsive abduction will change his life.
Meredith is an innocent woman who initially views Brice as her enemy. And why wouldn’t she? After all, he kidnapped her at the altar, and he killed her future husband. However, as Meredith gets to know Brice, she realizes there is so much more to him than the misguided rumors.
I also love how Brice has a special, royal friend.
Mary Queen of Scots aids Meredith and Brice in learning the truth and in finding each other.
This is a great start to an interesting series. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is interesting if a bit far-fetched. I enjoyed the action and the lovely development of friendships throughout the story. Also, the villain is quite dastardly and stands in stark contrast to the strong and loyal Brice.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy romance-against-all-odds. I mean, the idea that a woman would fall in love with a man who kidnapped her, murdered her fiancée and possibly murdered her father is a big stretch. But, I guess that’s the power of a hunky Highlander, right?
I must admit, I am a sucker for a steamy Highland romance, so I was excited when I found Highland Barbarian, the first in Ruth Ryan Langen’s Highlander series.
Lady Meredith McAlphin, the eldest of three daughters, is the leader of her Clan since the recent death of her father. Garth MacKenzie, a neighboring clan leader, convinces a reluctant Meredith to marry his younger brother in order to protect her Clan and her younger sisters. But on her wedding day, Meredith is kidnapped by the ruthless, albeit gorgeous, Highland Barbarian!
Brice Campbell knows of his reputation as the Highland Barbarian. He also knows Garth MacKenzie is not who he appears. Seeking vengeance for a wrong committed by Garth, he kidnaps Meredith. Little does he know how much this impulsive abduction will change his life.
Meredith is an innocent woman who initially views Brice as her enemy. And why wouldn’t she? After all, he kidnapped her at the altar, and he killed her future husband. However, as Meredith gets to know Brice, she realizes there is so much more to him than the misguided rumors.
I also love how Brice has a special, royal friend.
Mary Queen of Scots aids Meredith and Brice in learning the truth and in finding each other.
This is a great start to an interesting series. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is interesting if a bit far-fetched. I enjoyed the action and the lovely development of friendships throughout the story. Also, the villain is quite dastardly and stands in stark contrast to the strong and loyal Brice.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy romance-against-all-odds. I mean, the idea that a woman would fall in love with a man who kidnapped her, murdered her fiancée and possibly murdered her father is a big stretch. But, I guess that’s the power of a hunky Highlander, right?
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