In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks (Highlander #1)
Historical Romance
August 30, 2011
Paperback
Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Mandi

Favorite Quote: She bristled with outrage. “Silence me? You took liberties with my..my…my lips in order to silence me? That was very impertinent of you, Laird. I won’t allow you to do it again.”

He smiled and folded his arms over his chest.  “Aye, you will.”

Mairin has been hiding her true identity for longer than she can remember. King Alexander had a bastard daughter, and so her heritage would never be questioned, he had his royal crest branded onto her thigh. He then bequeathed, “Neamh Alainn” to her – a vast stretch of land in the highlands, making whoever owned it very powerful. Now Alexander’s successor, David is on the throne, and political strategies are in full force. In particular, Duncan Cameron is desperate to gain power. Which is why Mairin has found herself kidnapped, from the abbey that has kept her safe for so many years. Once Cameron sees the mark on her thigh, he drags her away to his land to wed her.

But Cameron doesn’t realize what kind of woman he has kidnapped. Not only does she absolutely refuse to consent to marry him in front of a priest, after enduring a severe beating from him, she escapes with a young boy who is also far from home. This young boy happens to be Crispen McCabe, the son of Ewan McCabe, Laird and eldest of three brothers.

Ewan is desperate to find his son who wandered off, and after an extensive search he sends his brothers out to find him. Alaric finds him, but also Mairin. Bringing them both home, Mairin is extremely protective over Crispen and vice versa. Ewan takes one look at her dressed in Cameron’s colors and his blood is about to boil. Eight years ago, a brutal attack happened on McCabe land, killing his wife. This attack was led by Duncan Cameron, and he is Ewan’s worst enemy. But soon he learns of Mairin’s identity, and what that means for his clan and for the battle he will have on his hands, when Duncan Cameron learns where Mairin is living.

I’ve really wanted to start reading Maya Banks more. Overall I’m pretty unfamiliar with her work, although I see her name pop up on Twitter and Goodreads all the time. When I saw a Highlander trilogy by her, I couldn’t pass it up. I also love historicals where the hero and heroine marry early on, before they really know each other. It is one of my favorite tropes, and in this book, Ewan convinces Mairin her only option to stay safe, is to marry him. Mairin quickly realizes what is offered to her. Her own keep, a husband who will protect her, a son, and eventually she comes to accept the entire clan as her family.

But – What really stands out in this book is although this is ultimately a love story it also felt very realistic for this time period in Scotland. Not that I am any type of expert, but Ewan, who would never hurt Mairin, still expects obedience from his wife. He still marries her because he knows it will bring power and wealth to his crumbling clan. Mairin knows this too, but that is how things are done. Later, we do get the big sweeping love story, but to start, it’s all about duty and what is expected of a laird and his wife. Mairin is eager to please though. She slowly accepts his people as her family and is proud of the keep and her position.  But I also like her determination. Mairin is not a quiet little thing, she is quite feisty. I fell in love with her when she absolutely refused to consent to marriage to Duncan Cameron. I continued to love her as she takes on the entire McCabe clan and her fight for independence. Ewan might expect her to take orders, but she will give him a headache before she concedes.

Mairin is very stubborn, but also very naïve. She had been living in an abbey for so many years, and really thought what she learned there is truly the way of life. So when she is forced to leave, and plopped into Ewan’s bed, she has a lot of learning to do. But she learns quick, especially with the help of the other women.  And Maya Banks puts just enough intimate scenes in this book to make it very sexy, but not overwhelming.

By the end, Ewan is just a big sweetheart. A ruthless warrior, but one with such a big heart for his wife. There is one point where Mairin is in danger, and he turns to her and yells:

“Mairin!” Ewan called hoarsely. “Listen to me. Survive. You survive! Endure. No matter what. Endure what you must but survive for me.”

Oh Ewan! Their love becomes so strong and romantic, you can’t help but fall in love with the them.

There are also wonderful supporting characters including the men assigned to guard her (who have a very difficult job) and the other women in the keep. And of course, Ewan’s two brothers, Alaric and Caelen who each get a book. Ducan Cameron is a little sleazy weasel and makes a nice villain in this one too.

Rating: B+

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