Stubborn Highlander!

This romantic highland tale is a very simple story that starts out slow (for character development & interest) and ends nice. Laurel and Conor are both very stubborn which gives this love story spunk and chemistry. Although the first half was a bit slow it did pick up and kept me interested. All the other characters are interesting and well developed which I appreciate.

Also, I have to say, although I enjoyed this book it seemed to be another Cinderella type romance novel rather than a highlander story. There weren't many struggles or battles.....just toward the ending. So, if you go into this book knowing its not a typical highland warrior tale but more of a spunky romance......I think you will enjoy this one.

23 people found this helpful

Falls short

The story had no real conflict.
What should have been a battle of wits and wills was little more than a recurring argument/make out session. The tables are turned in a bland and cliched manner.

None of the cheesy dialogue was assisted by the narrator. I've endured this narrator previously, when she's read other author's books. Her characterization of feminine distress is wimpy and whiny, even when there should be more shock and anger.

I couldn't get through the whole thing.

5 people found this helpful

Awful narrator

I couldn’t get past the first chapter. Anne Flosnik’s voice is completely wrong and grating.

4 people found this helpful

The narrator ruins the story

I struggled so much to finish this book because of the narrator. So many things were wrong with Ms. Flosnick. She sounds too old to bring life to our young heroine. It was also impossible to distinguish all other characters. All men sounded the same and the midwife sounded like a man. The story is good but the narrator makes this a painfully boring experience.

14 people found this helpful

a highlander and his condquest

What did you love best about The Highlander's Bride?

the many difficulties Connor and his Lady work through

What did you like best about this story?

The final ending to a Scottish tale

Have you listened to any of Anne Flosnik’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes, she does a really great job

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

yes, as I kept wondering how it would finally end

Any additional comments?

A real good Scottish read with lots of twists and turns as Connor and his sweetheart try and maket a life together

4 people found this helpful

JUST GOOD

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes Need more back story!

Would you recommend The Highlander's Bride to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Anne Flosnik sound nasal. She can't change her voice's properly. Very Poor narration.

Do you think The Highlander's Bride needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I it is a series! Just get a new narrator.

Any additional comments?

No

3 people found this helpful

BEAUTY & A H'LAND BEAST BUT OPPOSITES CAN ATTRACT

Imagine it's 1307, you're an English spirited beauty called Laurel and you're happily on your way to Scotland but a villainous evil Laird and his son kills your guards, captures you and describes (in detail) just what they're going to do to you (and you can imagine what that is). However, and thankfully, fate steps in and gives you a chance to escape....... but it's into the arms of another Laird but this one's a most handsome Highland hunk who captures your heart. Now the problem is he can also be an opinionated, stubborn, dictatorial brute of a man who's used to getting his own way...... and he makes it clear that he wants you, sexually, right from the start but alas it's just not the 'forever' deal.

Thankfully, Conor's bark is worse than his bite (he's a sweet pussy-cat really) and although there's instant attraction between both of you and obvious sexual chemistry as he teases, kisses, caresses and takes you further than any man before has done, but he still denies and fights that nothing more can ever happen but he jealously guards and possesses you. Yes, he's in denial and insists that he NEVER EVER intends to wed...... well you'd scream too right?

This is an entertaining, amusing, pleasurable (but slow paced) listen that's filled with interesting and good natured characters who try to make their stubborn Laird see sense however it probably won't get your pulse pounding but you should enjoy the witty banter and lengthy steps a woman takes for the man she wants and loves. There's the kidnapping and rescue, a man in torment & denial, a sweet tender sexy romance, a virgin to seduce, secrets to be uncovered, revenge and a family to be reunited which should all keep you happily engrossed in this enjoyable Highland story that'll transport you back in time as you visualise and share a wee peek into Clan McTiernay's lives.

Worth a credit? Yes, if you want a light, charming, easy-going Highland tale that should keep you enthralled in the lover's plight (and fights) for hours and if you're not expecting an action-packed listen. However, there's a few 'iffy' parts that wouldn't really suit the 'factually correct' listener - but hey this is just a good FICTIONAL Historical romance so if you prefer 'historical accuracy' from your books then maybe pass on this one. Whereas I'm eagerly and happily waiting for book 2.

19 people found this helpful

Boring narrator

It would have been better with a narrator that isn't monotone. She killed the book for me.

2 people found this helpful

Story was ok

Couldn’t get past the narrator. The story was ok. Wish there was more to the story and ending. Overall it was ok.

2 people found this helpful

It was just okay.

Would you try another book from Michele Sinclair and/or Anne Flosnik?

No, not really.

What could Michele Sinclair have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

More story then inner dialog.

How could the performance have been better?

SLOW DOWN

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment for the most part.

Any additional comments?

I liked this book, but I found that the constant changes in point of views between all the characters annoying—this made the storyline hard to follow. There was a lot more inner thoughts/dialog between all the characters that the actual story is all but missing.

The author should have focused a little bit more on letting them fall in love first; instead, they go through lust at first sight and don’t actually fall in love until later. Laurel also accepts and trusts her new protector too soon and I feel like she trusts Conor because she is attracted to him/ he “saved” her. She wants to be with him, but wants him to constantly tell her he wants to keep her. As soon as he says something she doesn’t like, she threatens to run away and she won’t really compromise unless it goes her way.

Conor’s whole “ladies want to marry me for my title and will do anything to have me” attitude was also annoying because he instantly thinks that’s why Laurel wants him and it’s what he goes back to every time he finds himself falling for her. Every time he pulls her in, I feel like he tries to push her away even further and I understand why Conor wants to “control” Laurel, but he isn’t willing to change his ways. I also understand why Conor keeps everyone, even his brothers, at arm’s length so they can grow and learn their own trades/go their own ways, but he’s always saying that this person does this and that person does that so that he can focus on being a Laird, but what exactly does he do if he lets everyone else do a little bit of his job like training his men, the running of the keep, etc. That being said, Conor’s clan basically doesn’t depend on him because he’s pushed them all away too. They all live outside the keep and goes about as they will. His keep is horribly kept for years and his excuse is that he’s teaching his brothers a lesson? Again, what does he do as Laird?

I decided to give this book a chance regardless of the narrator's nasally voice when I listened to the preview, but the writing of the story itself and the narration throughout couldn't save this book for me. I feel like the narrator is always running out of breath and reads a little too quickly. Her voice itself is fine. --Oh, and apparently EVERYONE has a English accent even though Laurel is the only one that should have an English accent.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book if you are a die heart Highlander fan. Otherwise, it was only okay and not worth it. I will not be reading the rest of the series.

2 people found this helpful