Highland Barbarian

Murray Family, Book 13

By: Hannah Howell

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Sir Artan Murray was right when he decided that the dying old man who bid him collect his niece didn't know her at all. The furious woman facing him is neither "sweet" nor "biddable." She demands the brawny Highlander return her to the wedding party from which he took her. But Artan has no intention of allowing so spirited and bewitching a creature to endure a loveless marriage to a ruthless lord for her clan's sake. He aims to woo the lass and to show her that true love also yields unforgettable pleasure.

Cecily Donaldson knows a bond forged by danger and desperation cannot endure. But Artan's touch leaves her breathless, and she knows this to be her one chance to experience true passion before an arranged marriage seals her fate. Yet once begun, passion cannot be denied . . . nor can a love with the promise to change everything.

©2006 Hannah Howell (P)2014 Tantor

Great book until the end

This was a great book until the last few chapters. I would have rather heard all about them going back to her home and killing those fools instead of the mushy, touchy-feely sappy stuff I was subjected to.

Love this story

I always have loved her books and this one loves up to the books she has done in the past

I DO LOVE THE MURRAY FAMILIES...

Any additional comments?

Great story with likable characters. Plenty of romance and just enough resistance. Can't wait for the next Murray story!!!

Absolutely a great read

Throughly enjoyed the main characters. It moved fast with drama. The narrator made you feel like you were there.

Sheila

Artan & Cecily
I think Artan is as funny as the Cameron’s. This story was so entertaining. It was different from the others, yet still just as good as the any in the series. I just loved the fight in Cecily and I loved the family from the Highlands. I also loved ole meg! She was great! Everything about the story was great I never tire of these stories.

amazing one of my faves this series!

This book did not let me down . I was so excited to listen to Artans story and as I said I was NOT disappointed. there was many giggles. many twists and turns & of course lovely moments 💖 the only thing I would NOT suggest is listening to these novels in your car with any kids in the back!! 😉 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Well Done Hannah Howell, Arkansas story was absolutely amazing, one of my faves actually this far in the Murray Family series. I highly suggest starting from #1 and reading them in order. Right I'm off to start listening to Artans twin brothers story in the next book of this AMAZING series. ps: narrator is brilliant too!!! 👏 👌 👍

Highland Barbarian

This is the 13th book in the Murray family series. Artan has been asked by his mentor to retrieve his niece before he dies. He believes his friend is on his death bed. Cecily has not seen or heard from her uncle in many years and is about to wed a man of her uncle's choosing. It is not a love match, just like many before her. It is to improve her families holdings. But Artan comes along and ends up kidnapping her. But not all is as it should be. Her intended has other plans for her and they are not good. Will her relationship with her uncle help her decide what she should do? Or will fate decide for her? Here is another book where the narrator had me listening till the very end.

3.75 - Same story with differing characters

This author draws me in, I've listened to several of her books. I've binged listed to about 5 over the last couple of months due to travel.

What's not so good: The story patterns repeat, so after the first couple you always know what's coming. It goes something like this - Big strong man, not great with women. Woman in need of rescue of some sort. They are attracted from first sight. Love comes very quickly. They get intimate. Virginity is lost. They have some issues to sort out. They profess love... the story wraps up. The heroine is also always thin and lacking curves, and self conscious about it. The heroes always think they like curves, but then change their mind one they get a taste of a slender lass. - I like authors who describe and celebrate all sorts of body types, this one does not.

What is OK: The narrator. In general she's fine, but at times she sounds like my old aunt Nellie who generally drones on but sometimes gets over-dramatic.

What's great: So, why do I keep coming back? Hannah also draws me in at the beginning of the book. The reasons the heroine is in trouble and the predicament she is in are not predictable. Is she being abused by her clan? Trapped in a dark prison? Running from the law? Or maybe a stalker? And, why do we listen to romance - it's for the love. She writes LOVE well. The build up between the couple is good, the intimate scenes are hot and well-written. While the progression of the story is predictable, the details of the character are indeed unique. However, I have found that once the couple "hooks up," the rest of the book falls into a pattern of "beat the bad guy(s) and get brave enough to admit love." The descriptions of characters and places are good, allowing me to picture the scene. I keep wanting more... although I get bored towards the end (two of them I actually didn't finish), I love the first 1/2 of these books so much that I keep getting more of them. The second half of this book drug on... I listened to it at 1.75 playback speed just to wrap it up. But, now I can't wait to start another one!!

Cruel Woman

Audible Escape
Artan twin to Lucas. See sister in book 12 that had both brute Twins coming to the rescue. This should have been funnier. As the humor the author had for Artan was hinted here but could have had so much more. Do not get me wrong, humor is hard to write so when this author has it in a story, it really is appreciated. See books 5,6,10. I may have had my pacing off on this adventure, meaning I rushed it. These tales can not be rushed as you lose the tone and cadence of the adventure.
I do use 1.25x speed to match the adventure. Give it a try
The publisher summery is spot on so no need to add to it.
Books 14 thru 17 have less humor, but a face pace serious adventure.
Were my comments of help?

Excellent

This book has turned out to be one of my favorites from HH. True, it adheres to her excellent formula: interesting characters, plot with twists and turns, and excellent dialogue with humor thrown in just like all her books but this time there is a period of real sorrow which really captures the emotions. I won’t say more so I don’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t listened yet but that portion is especially well written. As always the narrator does a good job with all the many voices and brogues.