Claimed by the Highland Wolf (The Clan MacGregor Book 1) by Stephanie Marks
Paranormal Romance/Historical
Released: May 09, 2015
Red Dagger

Reviewed by Sheena

As the doted upon daughter of the chief of Clan Gordon, Glenna had always been comforted by the knowledge that when it came time for her to wed she would be allowed to make a love match. But that was before word spread throughout the highlands that the savage and bloodthirsty clan chief, Alastair MacGregor, was on the move.

Shrouded in myth and cloaked in whispers, it was said that Alastair MacGregor was the devil himself. What else could explain the giant unnatural wolves at his command?

Now, betrayed by those closest to her, Glenna has found herself at The MacGregor’s mercy. But as she uncovers the startling truth behind the legends, she finds herself battling an emotion more powerful than fear… Love

Genre mesh.  Paranormal and historical/Highland romance…and it finally works.  I have read a few novels that go awfully awry when the authors tries to go on trend and toss in a shifter or other paranormal twist and it just ruins everything.  Absolutely not the case with Claimed by the Highland Wolf.  Fair warning, this is a serial- I knew it was short-ish but I was not prepared for it to be a serial.  I have a love hate with serials.  What saved this book, was that it was not a cliffhanger.  I hate cliffhangers and a serial with a cliff hanger is the kiss of death!  I appreciate that the plot was wrapped up-and while the future is sure to have conflict, we are left with a legitimately solid HEA.  Stephanie Marks is a new author for me and I am super bummed that this was not a full on novel. It was written quite well.  Super engaging, with a familiar landscape, each page peeled back another interesting layer to the tale.  Glenna is a clan princess if you will whose traitorous uncle practically hands her over to The MacGregor in a ploy to head off a possible invasion, a move that Glenna’s father and clan chief is vehemently against.  This alone piqued my interest.  What an effing creep!  The infamous MacGregor clan is mysterious with ancestral roots of wolf shifters.   They are fierce in battle and have a reputation that demonizes them so darkly, no rival highlander clans have dared to make a move on them.  And poor, fierce, Glenna finds herself plunged right into their midst.

Alastair is delicious.  

I stood completely frozen in his gaze, and he didn’t speak again for a long moment as his eyes stared into mine.  I swallowed behind my gag and broke out into a cold sweat.  He was the most striking man I had ever seen and the most fearsome.

Very slowly, he rose from his spot by the fire and my eyes went wide as my head tilted back to look at him.  He was a giant, taller than me by at least a foot.  His broad shoulders and chest tapered into a trim waist.  His kilt ended at the knee, revealing thick, muscular calves…

Umm yes please. I’ll have some of that! Unfortunately, beyond his virile and imposing physique, I never really got to know Alastair.  This was such a missed opportunity!  Hero character investment is a must and I had to so some work on my end to connect with Alastair.  Glenna was a cinch from the beginning and some secondary characters were colorful enough to get my attention.  They were not a love match- obviously, but there was the cutest “Beauty and the Beast” moment that made me a little nostalgic. As a matter of fact, a few shades of the Disney Classic were present- but not at all obnoxious- which was a feat in and of itself.

There is wary awareness between Glenna and Alastair that burns into wild passion as they become closer and save one another from certain death. Though the plot was intriguing and the writing appealing, this book felt like one huge under achievement.  Like, having filet mignon and shaving it to shit and making a sandwich. I mean yeah, it tastes good and beats a BLT- but WTF how about all of the freaking meal possibilities you ditched!  Argh! Between the pages of this serial is some seriously chunky ass,USDA Prime,Select Choice, grade-A, Angus, MEAT andddddddd…..it’s kind of left to simmer…never really cooked to perfection.  No grill lines….no – okay, okay I mean you get it.

Ignoring the fact that this could be a kick ass full lengther-and working with what I’ve got, I still recommend Claimed by The Highland Wolf, if for no other reason that it is interesting.  Suspend reality, ignore any distaste you may have for insta-love and appreciate the story for what it is and you will experience something quite special.  Super quick read, I root for Glenna and Alastair! I was left wanting, – but not at all in an irate “why-did-I-read-this-serial-bullshat” kind of way.

I am totally on board and starting book 2 in the series….Taken by the Highland Wolf- tonight!  *Damn serials!*

RATING: B

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