Highlander Most Wanted

Highlander Most Wanted is the newest book in the The Montgomery & The Armstrongs series from author Maya Banks. The publisher is Ballantine Books (Random House) and the release date was March 19, 2013. From the back cover.~

Maya Banks, the New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance, has captivated readers with her steamy Scottish historical novels, perfect for fans of Julie Garwood. In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnis is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy for review thanks to the publisher from NetGalley. I’m a huge fan of Maya Banks and have devoured her contemporary and romantic suspense books for years. I’m not just as big a fan of her historical romances.

Genevieve McInnis has survived hell under the hands of Ian McHugh and most of those within his clan. She is one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read and I loved her from the moment we met her. She has every right to not help any of the people left in the McHugh keep, yet goes above and beyond to not only make sure they are provided for, but even protected. Genevieve believes she has been ruined forever because of how Ian used her and scared her. She even believes her family should never be told she is still alive so she doesn’t bring shame to them.

Bowen Montgomery is at the McHugh keep on behalf of his brother to take over following Ian’s death. He is there to hunt down Ian’s father Patrick and can’t seem to stay away from Genevieve from the moment they meet. He is protective of her from the very beginning, even when it looks like it will cause problems with his brothers. Bowen is a great judge of right and wrong and able to look at a problem from all sides and see the big picture.

Let me just say I loved Bowen and Genevieve together so very much! Genevieve had been abused and raped for an entire year before her rescue. Bowen was about the sweetest man ever the first time they were together. I knew he would be, but his tenderness and passion were so very beautiful. I loved how Bowen loved Genevieve so much he would be willing to let her go rather than see her missing a part of herself. Genevieve loved Bowen just as much and it was beautiful to see both scared warriors fall for one another.

I personally think this is one of the best books I’ve ever read from Maya Banks. It rung out so many emotions from me and I’m already counting down the days until Brodie’s book is released in September.