Highland Escape

Historical purists won't like this book. Those who gobble up dominant men bending submissive women to their will definitely won't like this book. But if you love kick-a**, capable and smart heroines (no matter the time period) and a high degree of action running alongside a satisfying romance, this is a book you will want to pick up.<br /><br />Anna Braxton is a woman centuries ahead of her time. In fact, she has more in common with most heroines I read in science fiction romance books than female characters in historical or contemporary romance books. Imagine Trinity from "The Matrix" dropped into 14th century Scotland, but fighting with swords instead of guns. The love interest is laird-in-training Duncan MacGregor, who is mesmerized by the exotic fighting prowess and confident manner exhibited by Anna when he first sees her. "In spite of her manly behavior, Duncan saw her femininity, her loveliness. Like a viper, beautiful but deadly."<br /><br />The story starts out as Anna sees her family massacred, and she flees into Scotland to avoid capture. She comes upon Nessa MacGregor and her servant being kidnapped and saves them just before Nessa's brother and his contingent of Highland warriors arrive on the scene. As a precaution, Anna is taken into custody because she refuses to answer who she is, where she comes from and where she is going. Anna, not sure of who to trust, figures she may be temporarily safe with this group of Highlanders. However, demonstrating that he fears what he doesn't understand, Nessa's father imprisons Anna for a time. The clever and resilient Anna eventually manages a partial escape, only to be apprehended by Duncan, who finds his admiration for this most unusual woman is completely turning him inside out. He decides he wants her, but understands Anna enough to realize she must accept him on her own terms. "He'd been taught to be a careful hunter, allowing his quarry to come to him." I liked that their relationship wasn't based on manipulation, but rather respect and a gradual, growing intimacy. <br /><br />The action sequences in this book are plentiful and imaginative. Different weapons and techniques are introduced throughout the story. The author writes an interesting post-script about how she conjectured Anna came into her martial arts experience.<br /><br />Side characters are fleshed out well, as are the villains. A handful of female relationships are given the space to develop, allowing further insight to Anna. I also liked that while there is a serious tragedy associated with Duncan, he is not portrayed as a man filled with angst and anger. He is appropriately serious and affected, but not maudlin. Anna is also a healer, and Duncan gets to demonstrate that he is definitely feeling better. <br /><br />I only had two things to grouse about in this book. First, I would have liked some flashbacks of Anna with her family and mentor, making them more real and a stronger emotional anchor to the story. The heart wrenching agony of losing them was diminished because we saw them in such limited context. Also, Anna is certainly a feminist character out of time, but I felt pounded over the head by constant reminders that she was a woman different than all others.<br /><br />This is a book full of sparring and adventure with well written characters who act as you would expect. A lot happens in this book, but nothing felt rushed and understanding of characters and situations unfolded at a good pace. The author does not rely on too-stupid-to-live moments and the leads are not foolhardy. Misadventures happen to them, and they react heroically. Cathy MacRae has written a very unique character in Anna Braxton who deserves her action heroine status. <br />

This was an emotional read for me, I would be lying if I said I didn't tear up a few times. It is an exceptionally well written story, brimming with emotions and full of adventure. I always tend to gravitate towards stories with strong heroines but this one blew me away with how competent, independent and bad-ass Anna was. The story flowed pretty nicely too, a very enjoyable read.

<strong>I had a really great time ,great and characters and a very engaging story.</strong><br /><br />I had a really great time with these very interesting characters and an interesting and engaging story,even with a few twists and turns I never quite anticipated... For me the story was rather slow good night for times at the beginning and Like Both Anna and Duncan I was very angry at her treatment after all she'd done to save Duncan's sister Nessa and her maid,while though in hindsight some of the lairds actions did made sense but they still lacked proper execution and could be carried MUCH much better than they were, I adored both Anna ( with all her many strengths and weaknesses ( though how she could have been soo WELL loved my her family and yet left as left soo completely lacking in self-esteem and self-worth I know not but there ya go ) and Duncan a wonderfully kind and intelligent and Perceptive and of course well built and sexy ;) but typical man at times who lets temper rule his actions and doesn't think before he speaks and let's for too much go unsaid.... But I really enjoyed my time in Scotland With Anna and Duncan and all the characters and all the fascinating things I learned,only thing is that some how with a book thing long and story soo rich it still felt it ended just a might to soon... It felt like too many things were left incomplete, I can't say for certain honestly but even though soo much had been said and done, it just didn't feel enough...<br />And ok if I'm honest I felt a lil cheated we missed their wedding night ...<br />I know 1st hand all ABOUT sex driven stories, right or wrong ? I've read way too many,honestly more than I want at times, O Hey I LOVES Me a GOOD sex scene!! But in a time and place that makes sense in the story that's been built up to that is well written and fun and with slow build that makes it even more fun and exciting.... When it truly makes sense to the story and is true to the characters it's Hot and sexy and a good time for all, and a Good /great story that just happens to have sex it's Great !!! If the story is good enough you'll never really miss the sex, but as I very sadly know, sex is never good enough to make up for a story that is lacking Or non-existent been there regretted,reviewed and elected that many,many times over..... ( if only I could have ALL that money back,not sure what I'd do,but it would be Sweet)<br />But with Duncan and Anna I honestly didn't Need much more sex really but it felt like we'd been teased and teased for soo long about their finally getting together and then it ended on the saying of their vows and leaving the little church/Kirk , that just felt Wrong :( I felt we should have gotten just at least one more chapter with them, I mean she's almost killed,they make up their married and it's over .... Nah that just wasn't right... And on another Note unless there's gonna be a sequel I would have at least like to have seen sweet,sweet Nessa meet her potential new Beau and possible future husband ...<br />Great story, I appreciated all the work and effort that went into it just needed a Wee bit more...<br />Thanks

A good book. I liked the main character quite a bit. It was probably the strongest part of the book. I felt like the climax was lacking though and ruined the story for me. My biggest complaint: Anna's escape from the McNairn Laird. I get the need to prove herself independent and strong, but Duncan turned into an afterthought because of this. There was no compromise in their relationship in the end. Maybe if Duncan was allowed to actually rescue her it could have changed the feel of the book. With out that resolution I'm left unfulfilled. Duncan just seemed too unmanly compared to Anna. I was hoping for some super masculine prowess in the battle to save her, but no. No battle, no nothing. Just once again Anna being cunning and independent. Which is awesome, and I can't believe I am faulting a heroine with actual brains, but with out strong supporting characters it just seemed too unbalanced. Scene after scene I see how skilled and awesome she is. I wanted something more to come out of that. There wasn't really chemistry I guess between Anna and Duncan, because there lacked balance in there character strength. Just make Duncan badass too and have scenes that show it! And wait a minute, did they even have sex? It stopped at the wedding! Come on! I waited the entire book for that. Foreplay is nice and stuff but after numerous mentions of 'waiting', I'm left hanging! <br />

Thoroughly enjoyed. Unlike any historical romance I've ever read. At last, a book about a powerful, strong, intelligent woman that speaks to me. During those times there were female spies however history does not speak of them to often. No simpering misses here. And falling in love with this type of woman can be difficult as proven by Duncan. Thankfully he wasn't a spineless brute of a man nor was he too perfect. He owned up to his own shortcomings and fought for her when she was wronged. I hope a sequel or at least Nessa's story is told. I am quite curious over Blaine.

3.9 stars<br /><br />Highland Escape is a good read if you love historical romance with a kick-ass heroine.<br />The only thing that stops me from giving full 4 stars is Anna's too many warrior skills.<br />Well, I love Anna and I love how she kicks ass and so different from other females in historical romance. I don't mind her fighting skill it's just that she has too many she should become an assassin and the plots are too trying to show these skill rather than other aspect and while there’s emotion and romance in their relationship it didn’t intensify until toward the end. Anyway i love Anna’s strong character and how she is no damsel in distress and how the book portray concept of love and marriage.

I really enjoyed this book. She was a kick-ass heroine in a time when females were timid and docile. Luckily, she found Duncan, a Scottish warrior, who loved her for what she was.

<strong>Very good story</strong><br /><br />I really enjoyed reading this book about a strong woman, both mentally and physically. During a period when women were merely chattel, this is a well written novel that opens your mind to the idea of a woman warrior who had superior skills and done unbelievably. I would definitely recommend this book to another. It has action, holds your interest, great characters, and just enough romance.

<strong>Excellent story of a strong heroine. </strong><br /><br />Five stars for a well developed story. The hero and heroine were both likable and full of admirable character traits. I really enjoyed the fact that the heroine was so strong and independent.

<strong>Wonderful</strong><br /><br />Loved this book! Loved a heroine with martial arts skills and strong personality! Anna rescuing herself was wonderful! Write another book about her please!!