Review: In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks

Book Stats:
In Bed With A Highlander 
by Maya Banks
(Book #1 of  the McCabe Series)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 368 pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication Date: 8/30/2011
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance, Historical, Erotica

Goodreads Summary: Maya's beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and surrender their hearts to love. Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer. Though the illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril, only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband finds her craving his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Honestly, even after reading a pretty promising synopsis, I don't know what took over me to jump on reading it right away. I even dropped the book I'm currently reading to see what it's all about. I actually don't know what I was in for, I only read couple of books dated in a historical setting or era. I guess, that was part of the pull, because it was different.
Okay, immediately, the story was in full throttle and I found myself flipping through pages like a maniac. Honestly, I couldn't read fast enough!

I guess you can call this a fluffy read despite the really hot sex scenes. I really thought this was under the genre of comedy because I burst out laughing more than I usually do with adult books. The dialogues we're very different, so that added more humor to it.
I don't know how many times I've face-palmed myself over the things that Mairin did or said because I really did lost count. She was so... innocent but acts like she knows what she's doing. Truly, I was laughing my ass off! It's not hard to like a character when she's just a warm soul yet ever so spirited. I immediately liked her character from the beginning. She does have the sense of royalty in her character with the way she takes care of things but she also snorts like a normal woman. Pay in mind that this was in the times of castles and dungeons where unladylike behavior was frowned upon but she was a woman of her own.

Ewan. I have a hard time saying his name without incessant giggling but I don't know, it just sounds funny to me because in my language, Tagalog, "Ewan" means "I don't know". Anywho, his character wasn't one I warmed up to right away because he was cold but I can't deny the spark he gives to the dialogues. He was as witty as Mairin, so the two find themselves squaring off more than usual. Not to mention, he was a king and she didn't cower on his feet. But I eventually liked him when he showed the other side of him. Shoot, I like my men protective and loving. Ewan became just that.

The romance was not abrupt, even though they we're married initially, it only escalated and gave way to genuine romantic tension. Their relationship had mature roles and needs but sweet all the same, I found myself sighing and awwing.

I liked the other sub-characters. As much as I immediately warmed up to Mairin, I also did with Ewan's son, Crispen. His brothers, Alaric and Caelen. They we're not focused on but I liked them anyway. As well as the others who served their kingdom. They were, as they said, A clan. A family. It really did felt like that.

I was impressed by how much I liked the characters despite the little hateful ones. I wasn't expecting much with this book. To my surprise It did give me enough and more! The story wasn't mind-blowing but it was thoroughly enjoyable. I have to admit, I was hesitant at point to continue because I thought it wouldn't end good. This is my first book from Ms. Maya Banks and I'm for sure going to read more of her work. I think I'll have to read the other one of the McCabe series next because I'm looking forward to Alaric's story!

★★★★

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