Highlander Taken

By: Juliette Miller

Narrated by: Gemma Johansson

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

In the midst of a Clan divided, two unlikely allies must confront the passion that binds them... and the treachery that may part them forever

To secure her family's alliance with the powerful Clan Mackenzie, Stella Morrison has no choice but to wed the notorious Kade Mackenzie. Unable to ignore the whispers that surround him, she resigns herself to a marriage in name only. Yet as the fierce warrior strips away Stella's doubt one seductive touch at a time, burgeoning desire forces her to question all she holds as truth.

Leading a rebellious army should have been Kade's greatest challenge... but conquering the heart of his reluctant bride becomes an all-consuming need. Now more than ever, he's determined to find victory both on the battlefield and in the bedchamber. But the quest for triumph unleashes a dark threat, and this time, only love may prove stronger than danger.

©2013 Juliette Miller (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Love Some Scottish Romance

Overall I really enjoyed this book. The narrator was great at bringing this Scottis romance to life.

As for the story, it is fairly typical, but this author gives us some great build-up to some hot sex scenes. you will fall in love with the hero and wish you were in Stella's place.

If you like steamy Scottish romances, than you will enjoy this book.

I am taken!

Taken... Yes. I am taken with the talent of Juliette Miller. This was my 2nd time listening to this book and I am as impressed as l was the 1st time! The characters are vibrant individuals with amazingly distinct personalities which are easy to know, love, hate.
The plot is Complicated enough to draw you in quickly and keep your undivided attention. The raw sensuality of the love this tale is wrapped around is literally incredible...

HOWEVER the entire tale is told by Stella, the heroine, and the overwhelming abundance of "I'' and "My" Can be beyond frustrating at times.

NARRATOR: Gemma Johansson is the one neqative to this book. Her "mouthy" speach almost has me turning it off within the first few sentences. I have no desire to listen to moist hissy narration. It took me a while to accustom to it enough to have the story make me forget about it. It's a shame really since the male and female voices are distinct with NO Confusion over who is speaking or the intention behind the words.

CREDITWORTHY? yes. for the tale...

HEAT FACTOR: Thermal meltdown (without being erotica!).

Great Characters! I hated Alec and loved Cade.

Hope to hear more from Juliette Miller and Gemma Johansson. The characters really stirred up an emotional tizzy inside. Loved the story and the ending perfect!

Such a joy to listen too! Great romance

This was a real joy to listen to. The narrator had a great voice and is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. The story was simple but active and interesting and so much was about compassion and developing a lovely bond between man and wife. Just great over all!

OMG! I ADORE THIS BOOK! JUST OBSESSED!

From the first moments, I just knew I was in for a beautiful, very different listening experience. The narrator, Gemma Johansson, was superb as she masterfully injected excellent tone, and voicing for the males & females, alike. She created the mood that brought this story to life and in a way that complimented the beautiful writing of the author, Juliette Miller.

This story is unraveled through the lens of the heroine, Stella Morrison, one of the younger daughters (out of 5) of Laird Morrison. In this book, the reader is channeled through a labyrinth of emotions and experiences that make you feel like you are living and breathing the story of the leads within the lively, and dangerous backdrop of the Scottish, Highlands.

I was equally fascinated by both the Hero and Heroine. Yet, Stella's life story really touched me. I felt pain through her abuse and elation during her triumphant moments.

HEROINE:
Stella is a rare beauty, and does not know her effect on men. Aside from being beautifully captivating, she is innocent, but wounded within her spirit. Stella has lived a very isolated existence that bothers her more than it does her sisters and female cousins (7 young ladies in total). Stella's father rules over her life with an iron fist, and his physical abuse is carried out through his sinister top officers. Alec, the main officer, is fascinated by Stella and wants her as his wife (even though he's below her station), yet he has beat her countless times (and seems to like it) as a part of orders from the laird. Due to this abusive history, Stella feels uncomfortable around men (especially strong men) and comes across to them as distant, mysterious, and quite alluring. In fact, at a social gathering, the warriors are somewhat intimidated by her beauty and even fear her rejection. Yet, little did Stella know how much her life would change in her forced marriage to Cade MacKenzie.
Stella did not know it, but she needed a hero and Cade was just the man to bring her world to life and release her from her caged existence.

HERO:
OMG!! Cade Mackenzie (3rd son of MacKenzie brothers) is freaken amazing!!! What impressed me most about the hero is his unquenchable, undeniable, love for the Heroine from the MOMENT HE LAID EYES ON HER. So, from that moment on, he was committed, in love, and determined to make her his…at all costs. I thought that was a unique quality because most heroes (even though they are attracted to the heroine) have to conquer their fear of love, at some point. Yet, Cade never fears love…he never fears his attachment and need for Stella.

As the 3rd son of the MacKenzie clan, Cade is part of a close-knit, healthy family. His brother is Laird over a thriving, very rich & prosperous clan and through his marriage to Stella he becomes the "laird in waiting" set to succeed Laird Morrison upon his death. This means, Cade leaves his beloved home only to settle into the dysfunctional Morrison clan which is laden with challenges and treachery at every side.

THE LOVE STORY:
Cade's love for Stella is a binding force that takes root and allows her to grow in every aspect of her person. Stella is forced to marry Cade by her father and not only was she frightened by his hulking figure, mercurial temperament, but, in addition, stories surface about his sexual escapades & she's even more freaked out. Let's just say that Cade has a sexual repertoire that is very mature, and skilled. In modern words, he has an affinity for BDSM in the bedroom. But, if you can believe it, Cade is more than just a sex god, he is introspective and sensitive. And, because he is aware of how much he frightens his new wife, he vows to allow 1 month to pass before they consummate their marriage in order to build trust and allow Stella to acclimate to the marriage.

However, by the 2nd day of marriage, Stella is like, "I'M READY."….LOL, but Cade is insistent on this vow being carried through as a way of proving his love to her (in light of her abusive background with men). So, if you would think that this means no sexual interaction between the couple, you would be DEAD wrong. Because this book is super sensual. Cade awakens a sexual appetite in Stella that builds upon each sensual experience. And, my feeling was like, OMG…what's the big deal about waiting to consummate the marriage??---Cade leads her into so many sensual experiences that I'm like…Oh right already just seal the deal!!! [and that reflects Stella's feeling as well]LOL

Yet, even though the marriage was consummated before the 1 month vow…OMG, what a ride to the end it was! There are countless challenges, adventures, treachery, fighting and moments of courage that will leave you breathless! (well, at least I was left breathless)….LOL And, I have to admit that I felt a little ruthless as I cheered the heroine on, in her absolute defeat of the villain.

But, the sweetest part was the bond and love that was poured out through the Hero's steady flow of gestures and words of affection for the Heroine. I have already listened to this audiobook twice and I just bought it! So, this will be a favorite in my audiobook library.

Lastly, the epilogue was an absolute delight and my only sadness is that the book is over….(If only the first book was available through audio). :-(

I want my own Cade

I don't read many books written in the first person so when it first started I was disappointed but that quickly gave way to interest which gave way to heart palpitations. When Stella finds herself engaged and married the Cade MacKennzie she fears he will be like every other man in her life, awful. She dreads being married to someone known as a "brute". Having only known Pain and betrayal at the hands of her father and his men, she fears her new husband and his reputation. The journey the author takes us on is one of a young girl learning that everyone has there faults and virtues as she explores her new marriage and life in the midst of turmoil and upheaval. Very well narrated and so touching you will fall in love with both characters.

Love this book

This is such a good book. You will not be disappointed. The narrator is awesome.

Sensual - Kade is amazing!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a very sensual, edgy, romantic story.

What other book might you compare Highlander Taken to and why?

While the story isn't NEW ... its still good. It is very similar to Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks.

What about Gemma Johansson’s performance did you like?

Gemma is great! I will seek out more of her performances!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wasn't as riveted at all times, but near the end I could NOT tear myself away. I listened to the last 6 hours straight.

Any additional comments?

The beginning was slow....but once Kade was in the story most of the time...it really picked up!

Decent plot, over discriptive prose

What could Juliette Miller have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The plot was decent, but after a while I started to tune out during some of the longer descriptive passages. They tended to get very repetitive. I don't think I will be buying anything else by this author.

What does Gemma Johansson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator was quite good. Pleasant speaking voice and good way of differentiating the characters.

A BATTLE SCARRED WARRIOR & A MEEK VIRGIN... DELISH

Well I thought I was a BIG fan of kilt wearing Highlanders but this book proved me wrong 'cause swoon-worthy, leather troozer clad, weapon-wielding Highland Warriors certainly get my vote too.

This was a delicious listen even though I don't really like books only told in the 'first person' but this somehow captures your interest as the plight and life of Stella slowly unravels and sucks you right in as she is forced to wed above mentioned handsome Highland hunk Kade. It's a tender, sweet, sexy love story but it's also got interesting sub plots that's filled with either likeable, manipulative, rough, dislikable or just plain evil characters all waiting to help, hinder or double cross the newly weds so sacrifice, revenge and murder are waiting in the wings for their chance to join in.

Kade promises not to consummate the marriage for one whole month as Stella is so frightened of him so instead he tortures her with desire as he masterfully and skilfully stokes and strokes the flames of her passion in some very hot and imaginative ways and yet he's so kind, thoughtful and protective towards her too so who wouldn't melt in his arms. It's a sensual overload journey that she's on so for those of you who prefer a 'sex free' listen then perhaps look elsewhere.

This is actually book 2 of The Clan Mackenzie trilogy but I didn't feel it mattered at all, I'm just hoping Audible will soon stock the others.

Worth a credit? Yes, another highland tale that's a scorcher too.