Highlander Taken by Juliette Miller

Synopsis: 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...until 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.

Review: Almost perfect. It just pulled me in and even when I didn't want to read anymore because I REALLY do not like the fact that women were considered less than their menfolk in this time period I could not help myself. I just had to know what happened next. Not only did it keep me on my toes, but I actually found the whole "women obey men" view tolerable in this story. Instead of stating it as fact, Miller was able to write the facts in such a way that they seemed reasonable. The characters were intriguing and complex. I was discovering new aspects of their personalities to the end of the book. And this was true of almost every person in the story. 

Watching the relationship develop between Stella and Kade was especially rewarding. His care and devotion to her safety not only of body but of mind as well was touching. Through his patience, Stella was able to come from an abusive past and rise above it. He taught her not to be afraid and to believe in her own power. Although this is a common theme in stories, I have never found a version in which I completely understand the helplessness of a victim and can truly appreciate the courage it takes to change oneself for the better. And I liked the fact that in the end they were viewed completely as partners such as in a modern relationship. Often in stories that take place in this time period, the relationship is uneven or not at all realistic for the age. Miller has written a relationship that keeps in touch with modern expectations for a true partnership and reasonable expectations for a couple of the era in which this story occurs. 

Rating: 4.5 / 5 DIAMONDS

Review by: Elizabeth