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Children of the Mist #2

Seduced by a Highlander

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SINS THAT CAN'T BE FORGIVEN

Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he's dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at the king's court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan's greatest enemies.

PASSION THAT CAN'T BE DENIED

Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. When she learns the handsome stranger who captivated her so is a MacGregor, she vows to forget him. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel's body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she's sworn to hate be the only one she can ever truly love?

372 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

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2,035 people want to read

About the author

Paula Quinn

68books1,376followers
Paula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen.
843 reviews4,995 followers
August 5, 2013
4 Delightful Stars!!

I had so much FUN listening to this delightful book!
I've found myself addicted, almost spellbound, listening to this fantastic narrator bring these wonderfully written books to life.

Seduced by a Highlander is a pretty standard romance trope with nothing particularly unique about its plot of a forbidden love, BUT Paula Quinn has a way of taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary.

I loved getting to know the hero and heroine in this book. Tristan and Isobel were so much fun together. They had incredible chemistry right from the start, which made for delightful interactions and some titillating romance.

As much as I liked Isobel, and I liked her a lot, Tristan was the shining star of this book. I fell head-over-heels in love and lust with him. He was an unrepentant rogue with a wicked and witty sense of humor, charisma that flowed off the pages, and a chivalrous heart of gold. He's one of the best written heroes I've read to date. I simply adored him.

My only complaint was how long the heroine fought her feeling for the hero. It became tedious, tiresome, and exasperating after awhile. Other than that, I had a blast with this story.

Seduced by a Highlander is a feel-good historical romance that's full of heart-and-soul. It'll put a smile on your face, have you laughing out loud, and grateful you spent some time with these characters. This is romance at its best!
Profile Image for Duchess Nicole.
1,274 reviews1,569 followers
March 22, 2013
Everyone who read these fantastical Highlander historical romances has heard of the MacGregor/Campbell feud. Really, of many feuds between those two clans and many others. The MacGregors fancifully referred to themselves as "The Children of the Mist"--> True story. Although this book is really only based on the clan names and few facts, it's fascinating to me whenever I read another Highlander romance, and I always go a-hunting for facts about the families and wars and skirmishes. Scotland in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was a volatile, somewhat barbaric place to be...but it sure lends a fabulous backdrop for romance!
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This isn't a sweeping, epic wartime romance series, but it is a beautiful, in depth view of two antagonistic clans and how the children and families are effected by the sins of their father. Imagine growing up hating a family...just because you were supposed to... Seething with rage when in the presence of any member of that clan, just because you were told to. And then falling in love with one of these hated enemies.

This is actually Paula Quinn's casting for Tristan and Isolde:

Daniele Liotti as Tristan:
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Anna Friel as Isobel:
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Tristan MacGregor isn't the normal brutish Highland warrior. He's renowned for his beauty and his womanizing ways. He's a big ole flirt, but chivalrous to his core...being raised by his uncle Robert MacGregor, who taught him a strict code of ethics and honor. But when Tristan meets Isobele while in England... her gentle and playful demeanor, her evident love for her brothers, and her guileless beauty draw him to her...even when he realizes that she is a Ferguson. From the clan that killed his beloved uncle in retaliation for a minor slight....

Isobel Ferguson has been raising her brothers alone since the Laird MacGregor killed her own father. It's been a tough road, feeding and looking after herself and orphaned brothers, especially with neighboring clans who burn their crops and with their tenants gone. Isobel was witness to the MacGregor Laird's heartless murder of her father, and holds her hate close to her heart. When she finds out that the beautiful man she met while at the English King's coronation is the son of the bastard MacGregor, she is infuriated. Even more so because she can't stop falling for him, a little more each day.


"Oh why have ye come here? Why d'ye haunt my dreams and call my name in yers? What is it ye want from me?"



This book punched me right in the gut. It was one of those that just spoke to me. Tristan is a lover of women, but first and foremost, he is a good man. His friends and even his family sees him as somewhat frivolous because he is not a badass fighter, ready to rid the world of enemies with his blade. He hides his true nature behind a flirty demeanor. He's a thinker and a lover, not a fighter.

After leaving England and returning to his family's Scottish castle, Tristan can't forget Isobel. He knows of her family's struggles, and he remembers his uncle's teachings. So he travels to the enemy Ferguson land...just to check. There, he finds the fiercest of Lowland defenders, the six Ferguson Brothers. And he slowly begins to fall in love...not only with Isobel, but with his enemy clan...from the youngest boy who never knew his father, to the oldest clan Laird, who is still a boy himself.

The obstacles that Tristan and Isobel face are many. First they have to see past their own hatreds and prejudices. Of course, there are moments of passion in which they think of nothing but how the other makes them feel.

"Like some lost memory of Eden, you have haunted me..."


This was, without a doubt, on the steamier side than many historical romances! It never has a lascivious feel to it though, because it takes a VERY long time for these two to get down an dirty. My only reason for the half star off is that I wanted a tiny bit more sexual tension between these two, because when they finally do the deed, it's pretty freaking explosive!!!!

I could see the slow moving romance being an issue for some readers, for sure!! For me, the anticipation that builds, not to mention this fully formed, absolutely beautiful love that builds...it's worth the wait! It makes the act more than just sex. It makes it passionate and intense, and even at times rough but still tender. Simply put: Hot, hot, hot, with a side of true love!!

I listened to the audiobook of both this book and . The narrator is Carrington MacDuffie...and if you're won over by a Scottish accent, ladies...you cannot beat this narrator! Somehow, a woman just made me want to drop my panties! And I don't fly that way...she is amazing, and her voice is completely swoon-worthy!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series on audio!!
Profile Image for Catherine.
522 reviews573 followers
January 28, 2011
What an absolute sweetie this hero was! Wow! He was just perfect. He was funny and cheerful, and he was determined to win the heroine and end a family feud. He dreamed of living his life by the honor and principles of the knights of old. He lost his way there for a while and stopped making an effort to live up to his own expectations, but after he met the heroine and they began a friendship it quickly kicked back in.

Tristan made the story for me. Everyone else contributed to my enjoyment, of course, but it wouldn’t have had quite the same charm with a different hero. He was so cheerful and determined that it was hard not to love him. He took quite a few knocks in the story, but he just kept getting back up and continuing on. It was very admirable.

At times Tristan came off as a little sexist. But it was just a stray comment here and there and the heroine was quick to call him on it. Once he saw her point of view he was quick to adapt and agree with her. Isobel was a strong character and she wasn’t willing to be treated like a delicate flower. She didn’t run around playing warrior, but she was the rock that her family depended on. She had to play mother to most of her brothers and with no one else to keep food on the table, she had to labored just as hard as her older brother Patrick to keep the family fed.

There was quite a lot of humor in this book. It wasn’t over the top humor, but there were multiple times that I giggled over scenes. Especially when Tristan comes to visit Isobel’s family! Hilarious! That visit was not easy on him. Every time he turned around some other calamity was befalling him. One of my favorite quotes comes from that part.

"Clearly, they did not want peace. He had to escape their demented clutches, but he couldn't even think without a wave of nausea threatening to overtake him."


The heroine was not perfect for me although she didn’t irritate me to the point that I disliked her. Quite a few times she would say or do something that came off as a bit hypocritical. I started to get exasperated because it seemed like she was behaving that way just to be contrary. Luckily the author didn’t let her characters act like this was acceptable. Tristan was quick to point out when she was throwing stones in a glass house. That definitely made it easier to take.

There wasn’t a very strong sense of period in the book. Occasionally something would be mentioned about a political event, but honestly it all felt very vague. That isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I know it is irritating for some, so be warned.

One of my pet peeves is faux Scottish brogues. I cannot stand hearing “wee lassie� and “dinna fash yerself� and the like constantly. There was some of that here, but it managed to blend into the background and not irritate me into getting an eye twitch. Maybe because it was consistent and not just thrown in haphazardly? I’m not sure, but it worked for me here.

I was all set to give this a 4 grade, but the end made me drop it down to a 3.5. I am not a fan of cutsie and the end was full of it. There had been a few moments in the story where the sweet aspect had strayed close to the too sugary line but it never actually crossed it. In the end it did. The last couple chapters seemed to be there for no reason other than to show how happy Tristan and Isobel will be and to give everyone and their brother a chance to mend fences and be BFF’s forever. Some people really dig that sort of thing, but I’m of the mind that sometimes less is more. So less sweet and cute at the end would have been a boon for me.

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good book. I think it might even end up being a great book for people who like their romances a little sweeter than I personally prefer.

Review originally posted at .
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,930 reviews127 followers
January 23, 2016
First have to say that this book is an ARC, the MMPB release occurs September 1st 2010 and the book was sent to me by the author for an honest review for which will receive no compensation except the joy of reading Tristan's story over a month before it is on the stands...

In "Ravished By A Highlander" we catch a small glimpse of Tristan MacGregor. In this book, which is the 2nd in "Children Of The Mist" series, we are given the pleasure of reading his life story. This is now without a doubt my favorite book in the entire listing of what Paula has released to date. This is the 7th book to date and once again my expectations were surpassed! The characters both primary and secondary are vividly described and leap off the page into flesh and blood the more you read.

Tristan is portrayed as being the ultimate velvet-tongued young man, however this complex character is more than that and it is such a joy to watch as the story unfolds how much depth that the author gives him from beginning to end! The author has said that Tristan was the hero who was the most challenging and ultimately the most gratifying she has ever written. In reading this wonderfully crafted story I agree that the complex character that Paula Quinn created is the one that beguiled me from the first page all the way to the end of the book in a way that no other character has before him! I now know why my fellow readers form attachments to the male lead in a romance book. Tristan has captured my heart and become the brother, the friend, the imaginary lover that we all yearn for and sometimes never find in real life!

Isobel is Tristan's downfall from the first day they meet as she beguiles him in a way not one female before her has ever managed. I loved their passionately spirited conversations, the joy they take in sparring verbally is almost as heated as their sensual byplay later on in the relationship.

This book has once again proven to me that family, love, honor, integrity and most of all the courage to stand by your beliefs makes for a very good story. All the research that these beautifully detailed historicals take has culminated in a reading experience that you will enjoy all the way from beginning to end. The characters that I have grown to love in Tristan's family make their appearance once again and to add to our pleasure we get to know Isobel's family quite well. In particular my favorite character her youngest brother, Tamas, who shall we say is rather a handful!

I loved reading a book packed with such drama, with the passion and zest for life the characters embody, and most of all the realistically authentic setting is my favorite era and location to revisit time and time again.

For lovers of romance this book is just perfect! It is a true labor of love by an author who creates some of the best rawly sexy Scottish Highlander characters ever put into print and once you start to read you will not put the book down until done!

Seduced by a Highlander is another winner, totally enthralling and a thoroughly delightful read. 5 stars
Profile Image for Angelc.
422 reviews52 followers
September 3, 2010
Isobel Fergusson met a handsome, charming highlander at the King's court. She knows Tristan is a rogue but that doesn't stop her from flirting and even lets him steal a kiss. But the deal-breaker is when she finds out that the object of her affection is a MacGregor, the son of the man who killed her father. Tristan wants Isobel and her brothers to know that his family is not evil, especially not him. He shows up on their doorstep to prove just that. But Tristan knows in his heart there is a bigger reason why he travelled all that way and even suffers being hit over the head with multiple objects by Isobel's brothers.

Wow. Just Wow! This is what a historical romance should be. A gorgeous hero, not afraid to show his lady how much he cares, meets a strong, independent heroine. Add in a full cast of family and friends, all with vivid personalities, and you have one fantastic romance story!

The focus here was always on the romance. There were side stories, but they were about feelings and family relationships. There wasn't a hint of a lost jewel mystery here!! The hero and heroine were never seperated long and you could really tell why they loved each other so much. They had already gotten to know each other before they even knew their families were enemies.

The story was very much about family too. It was very important for Tristan and Isobel both that their families learn to love the other person as well.

Tristan was darn near perfect. I'll take a smiling, playful, charming hero over a brooding one any day! But he wasn't miraculously perfect, a lot of different things caused him to act the way he did. He had flaws and had descended to a dark place, after the death of his beloved uncle, where he just didn't care about anything. He put up a facade of carefree-ness, but really it was because he was afraid of being hurt again if he actually cared about anyone or anything again. Underneath his armor was an very honorable and caring man.

Isobel's brothers were all adorable. I think I have a soft spot for Cameron, maybe because Tristan gave him some pointers on how to be a good man.

If you like historical romance, this is a must-read!!


book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for

Profile Image for Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb".
1,431 reviews17 followers
February 28, 2016
Book 2 of "The Children of the Mist" is Tristan MacGregor and Isobel Fergusson romantic tale of Love Overcoming hate and revenge. The story starts with the Earl of Arygll Robert Campbell's murder. The murder was avenged by Tristan's father Chief MacGregor by the killing of the Chief and Laird of the Fergusson Clan Isobel's father.

Tristan meets Isobel at the Coronation Party of King James. Seduced by a Highlander takes place simultaneously with bk.1 "Ravished by a Highlander". The storylines crisscross each other. Tristan doesn't know who Isobel is he doesn't care because he is a Rake and a Rogue always looking for a skirt to get under. One Kiss with Isobel changes all of that. He learns who she is after a few well placed meetings in gardens after dark. They both soon depart for there respective homes. But once home Tristan can't get her out of his mind. Even though he believes her to be the daughter of the Man who murdered the Uncle who meant everything to him even more then his father. Who had trained him, taught him and loved him back. Despite all this he knows he must bring about a peace between the two feuding clans. So he sets off for Clan Fergusson's holding, only to find that the siblings are working very hard to survive. He is constantly attacked and injured by a very naughty 11 year old Tamas Fergusson. Insuring The older Fergusson brothers and Isobel to let him stay and nurse him back to health. Over a few weeks time they began to trust Tristan and believe he is there to bring peace between the Clans. Him and Isobel fall deeply and Madly in Love.

The story is a bit slow at times, but still very entertaining especially the antics of young Tamas. There are some very interesting twist and turns and a few surprises to the storyline. I enjoyed Seduced by a Highlander a lot!! I encourage you to read it. It can Stand Alone if you read the series out of order.
Profile Image for Vallsykes.
1,072 reviews13 followers
September 29, 2013
3.75 stars for the romance
4 stars for the secondary characters & themes

Though the main characters were lovely, though some secondary characters stole the show at times, though the love story was sooooo sweet(if a bit flowery), this was one of those times that the overarching themes outshined all of the rest.

The themes in this story encompassed redemption, forgiveness, family honor & love, and healing. Tristan Macgregor & Isobel Fergusson are the driving forces of these morals, which is the reason why I was able to overlook the fact that Tristan is not my usually preferred highlander hero AND Isobel was almost that typical heroine who fought her feelings for more than half the book.

Tristan, true to his namesake, goes on a quest to mend the rift that has caused two families, his family and the Fergussons, sorrow and toil. It's nothing new that Tristan is inspired by the only lass, Isobel, of the Fergusson clan. Yet, he goes beyond his interest in her in order to win over her brothers, whom he treats with fairness & patience, and gives much needed guidance.

While this may make Tristan seem the epitome of honor and savior, it pits against his inner turmoil to find himself and reconcile an uncomfortable divide that has kept him somewhat emotionally apart from his remarkable father, a father who has had to compete with the total love Tristan had given his most beloved late uncle, Robert Campbell.
He had lost as much as they had, even more, because he had lost his purpose when Robert Campbell died.
Two conflicts are underlain by a secret or more appropriately, the truth of about Tristan's uncle's death at the hands of a Fergusson, which is revealed to the reader early in the story to, but fearfully withheld by some characters, and when it is finally let out hearts are half-mended and old grudges have already started to melt.

Therefore, the forgiveness is much more believable rather than instantaneous. The author put the characters in situations where they got to know one another and see beyond their hatred and fear. The journey of the characters, Isobel and Tristan, Isobel's brothers, Tristan's family, was more profound that I'd expected. Tristan and Isobel's love was born from it because IT was as dependent on their families as it was on just their two hearts alone.

The love story was slow, heartwarming and sweet. So sweet that whenever Tristan spoke of his love, he sounded more like a bard I pictured in cute man-tights holding out flute and flowers instead of a fierce highlander warrior in plaid with nothing beneath (snickers). Here is some of Tristan's poetry in its full gallantry:
“I dreamed of yer face.�
“I would hold ye in my arms and never want another thing.�
“Dinna� weep, fair Iseult, I will dash yer fears to pieces. I will change the things that sadden ye to things that give yer heart joy. I told ye,� he said, hooking his mouth into a gallant grin, � ’tis what I do best.�
Really, I was rolling my eyes, sighing and thinking I was reading a ballad instead of Paula Quinn's story exposition, all at the same time. And Isobel complements this with her easy banter:
“Would ye vanquish all my dragons fer me, knight?�
Seriously, I almost fell into a sugar coma, which meant, for me, the story lagged at times, but thank goodness Tristan was also humorous and had a sharp wit. Though, ultimately what saved him in my eyes was the fact that he was ruthless with a sword and at least inwardly proud of his highlander heritage.

I liked this story and although it lacked the steam and heart racing of book #1, the overall setting and mood of it grew on me until I was smiling at the end. This is a story that I read and could appreciate the writer more for subtlety rather than flare. I am going to take a break for a moment to read something more "steamy" LOL and racy, but I shall be reading more of PQ's lovely weaves, henceforth!
Profile Image for Katinki.
167 reviews61 followers
June 30, 2012
This is for all the MacGregors and Children of the Mist books (there's 6 altogether). On average, I'll say 2.5 stars, some being 2's and a couple of them being 3's.

What I liked:
- They're fun little reads and they made me laugh (intentional or not, I have no clue). The Scottish accents and wording made it rather fun - dinna, canna, nae, aye, wee lass, etc lol
- They're actually not terribly unbelievable from a historical standpoint. I really did like the historical context.
- I like how the books all tie together (they all involve the same family), but each one focuses on a different character. That makes it somehow both fresh and familiar.
- The writing is actually pretty decent.
- The male leads in each book are pretty fun - tough and bad ass yet they do the whole melting thing for the women they love. I think it was in the first book of Children of the Mist where the female lead says something to the effect of 'he was a man who scowled at the rest of the world but who melted at the sight of her'. That's kind of sweet in that romance novel kind of way. Everyone likes the mean old bear with the sweet spot.

What I didn't like:
- Some were pretty repetitive, as in it was almost like reading the same story but with different characters.
- Some of the female leads were super annoying and weak (a few were awesome and equal in bad ass-ness to their male counterparts, though, and I kinda loved them).
- The sex was... bad. Like once there was sex on a horse... while it was moving. I found that... hilarious. But in a bad way.
- Lots of romance novel cliches
- Highly predictable
- Some ridiculous dialogue in places

Book #1: Laird of the Mist. Main dude was Callum, The Devil, MacGregor and patriarch of the family. He's flipping awesome. His wife is awesome too. This was my favorite in the series. I'll give it a 3.

Book #2: A Highlander Never Surrenders. Main dude was Graham Grant, Callum's best bud and commander of the MacGregor army. This one wasn't bad and I liked Claire. But... the arguing and whatnot got a little old. I'll give it a 2.5.

Book #3: Ravished by a Highlander. Main dude is Rob, Callum's firstborn. I loved Rob. I hated Davina (his love interest). Only because of Rob, it gets a 2.5.

Book #4: Seduced by a Highlander. Main dude is Tristan, Rob's younger brother. This was my least favorite in the series. I just didn't like Tristan or Isobel. *yawn*. Gets a 2.

Book #5: Tamed by a Highlander. Main dude is Conner Grant, Graham's kid. Main woman is Mairi MacGregor, Callum's daughter. I liked this one only a little bit more than #4. Too much bantering and blah blah blah. Got old. I'll give it a 2.

Book #6: Conquered by a Highlander. Main dude is Colin MacGregor, Callum's youngest son. I LIKE Colin, almost as much as I like Callum. I did not like Gillian. I'll give this one a 2.5. Would have been a 3 had I liked Gillian more.

Overall, not a bad little series IF YOU LIKE THIS KIND OF ROMANCE NOVEL. They're silly and fun and a nice little diversion.
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,258 reviews51 followers
April 22, 2023
Mostly Scotland 1675. Sexy scenes. 3.5 stars.

Readers learned that Tristan McGregor's uncle was
killed by Isobel Fergusson's Da, 10 yrs. ago. Soon after,
the McGregor clan killed her Da for vengeance. Tristan
considered his uncle like a father. Fergusson clan
deserted Bel and family after these 2 were killed. The
rationale on this was murky.

Tris and Bel met while in England for the Duke of York's
coronation. Beautiful auburn-haired Bel had healer skills
& used her common sense. Tris used his looks and charm
to attract the ladies. Bel lived w/ her 6 brothers, Patrick
being the eldest. (They had 1 bull and 2 cows, & at times
had limited food. Some of their clothes looked threadbare.)
Tris & Bel clicked before they exchanged names. Then
she became angry b/c of his deception about his true
clan, she called the enemy. Tris made clear he wanted
peace between the 2 clans.

Tris visited Bel's home soon after seeing her in England.
Her brothers, not knowing Tris, used rocks and arrows
against him. He eventually won over all brothers but one.

With time, the MCs got sexy. The MCs seemed too caught
up in physical attraction. Understandably Bel had mixed
feelings RE love & he seemed superficial toward women.
But Tris took some heroic actions, displaying his level-
headedness. He matured & validated her worth.

I'm probably in the minority, but I wanted more love
and less sex.

Revised.
Profile Image for Amarilli 73 .
2,597 reviews86 followers
September 2, 2019
Giocato sul richiamo della più celebre coppia Tristano/Isotta, questo libro si apre con un doloroso fatto di sangue, per cui è innegabile che i sentimenti di vendetta e di rivalsa pesino sui protagonisti, divisi da una faida familiare. Per mia fortuna, pur non scomparendo una certa malinconia di sottofondo, devo dire che poi la storia diviene briosa, spesso molto divertente.

Tristan ha perso uno zio adorato per colpa dei suoi nemici; poco dopo lo zio è stato vendicato, ma lasciando orfani sette fratellini nella famiglia opposta, un prezzo di sangue ancora più difficile da dimenticare.
Il destino complica tutto, facendolo infatuare proprio di una figlia del nemico morto.
Poteva venirne fuori il solito canovaccio tragico "due contro tutti", invece Isobel, determinata e sprezzante, non ha tempo da perdere con giovani spasimanti, specie se odiati highlander (ma con glutei sodissimi sotto il plaid).

Dunque il nostro belloccio crede che basti presentarsi a casa del nemico e dimostrare le proprie buone intenzioni, ma non ha fatto i conti con la nidiata di piccoli infidi Fergusson, decisi a fargliela pagare, sorellona in testa. Anziché assedi e battaglie, l'eroe dovrà vedersela con inganni, tranelli, scherzetti vari, rischiando la pellaccia anche senza armi in giro...
Finchè la nidiata non lo accoglierà al suo interno, facendogli capire che è altrettanto desiderosa di cercare qualcuno che possa offrire il conforto di una guida e di una famiglia.

Direi che l'amore tra i due, alla fine, diviene un alibi, per permettere di riparare a un vecchio torto e ricucire dolori trascinati troppo a lungo.
Primo libro che leggo di Paula Quinn e l'ho trovato davvero gradevole: scorrevole, emozionante, fa sorridere, fa pensare.
Profile Image for DaisyGirl.
1,205 reviews68 followers
October 29, 2016
This is the second book in the Children of the Mist series that I've read. Although I like the author's writing style and found the story entertaining, I was once again disappointed in the hero and heroine. I really liked the supporting cast of characters, but the main characters not so much. I have a hard time rooting for a "hero" who is a selfish ingrate. Overall, I found Tristan's aspirations of honor rang false to me. Instead his lack of loyalty to his family and clan clearly showed him to be selfish and self-serving, which is so not heroic.
Profile Image for Emma.
4,780 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2018
I absolutely love these people! Urgh! I could just kiss them all! I want to leap right into this book!
Profile Image for Leah Green.
364 reviews24 followers
July 17, 2018
I loved this story....

It started off a little to cliché. But after a few chapters I was lost in it. I fell head over heels in love with the characters. I loved Isobel's family. Her brothers were wonderful. Tamas was my favorite. Such a naughty little boy.

The story surrounds Isobel and Tristan. Their families are divided by tragedy in the past. Tristan and Isobel fall for each other against their better judgment. Then have to convince their families to accept each other.

You will love the plot twists and turns. You will love the forgiveness and redemption. The family dynamic. I would love to see books about Isobel's brothers. Patrick, Cameron, Alex, John, Lachlan, and Tamas.

I highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down.

778 reviews57 followers
August 10, 2010
Seduced by a Highlander
Historical Romance � August 31, 2010
4 ½ Stars

Seduced by a Highlander is the 3rd book in Paula Quinn’s Highlander series about the interesting and troublesome MacGregor clan.

When Tristan is in London at the king’s court he meets a lovely young lady and is immediately enchanted by her. Unfortunately he soon discovers that she is none other than Isobel Fregusson a member of his family’s worst enemies. But he is determined to heal their clans' feud and claim Isobel for his own!

Isobel is shocked to discover the charming rogue that she’s met is the son of the man who killed her father. She vows to forget him and his persuasive kisses at all costs.

I thought this was an extremely well done story. I really loved the 2 main characters and enjoyed their interactions with one another. There was a lot of tension in this book since these 2 have every reason to hate each other. And yet they are both still drawn to each other and wonder if years of hate between their families can be overcome by their increasing feelings. I really liked the noble hero. He was very forgiving and charismatic. He kept trying to become friends and stop the animosity between their families. On the other side of things I enjoyed the character of Isobel overall but I thought she was a little tough on Tristan and was very stubbornly trying to keep up the old grudge between their families. But luckily Tristian's charm and noble nature finally made her see reason! I also enjoyed many of the additional characters from both the MacGregor and Fergusson clan’s and I look forward to reading their stories in additional books in this great new series.

This was a fun book to read especially if you love appealing highlanders and star crossed lovers!

Reviewed by Mary from Bookaholics Book Club
Profile Image for Amanda.
Author11 books132 followers
February 20, 2015
You know those books you know you should stop reading, but for whatever reason don't? Yeah. Seduced by a Highlander was one of those books for me. By the time I got into this audiobook, I was committed, especially since I wanted another book to add to my 2015 ŷ challenges (because apparently I am that reader now), and audiobooks are easy.

I can't say I was particularly seduced, though Tristan did have women fall all over him. His being a rogue was shown. And brought up repeatedly by Isobel. (REPEATEDLY.) I don't have many complaints about Tristan (other than the overly experienced hero bit that's getting boring). But Isobel.

Oh my word, Isobel. All I wanted to do was roll my eyes at her, the way she flip flopped between liking and hating Tristan. I get that their families were enemies, but... seriously. SERIOUSLY, WOMAN. Tristan couldn't do ANYTHING without her second guessing his motives and assuming the worst of him. EVERY. TIME.

I actually quit listening to this for about a week because I couldn't handle all the eye rolling. But eventually the reward of FINISHING A BOOK! and adding it to ŷ won and I finished. I can't say much about it was terribly surprising. In fact, it was rather predictable, considering. (Though maybe only predictable in the sense that I could clearly see how the novel would need to end before the characters could figure it out for themselves.)

There may have also been a sex scene that literally made me laugh out loud, and I'm quite sure that's probably not the reaction you're supposed to have during a sex scene. It read like some of the weird erotica Kelly and I have read, with his life seed and her womb.

I wasn't so keen on the voices, either. The accents were fun, but the voice the narrator adopted for Isobel often made her sound like a nitwit. Which, maybe, created some of my problems with her. Poor Tristan.
Profile Image for Christie.
455 reviews171 followers
September 3, 2010
4.5/5 Stars

Isobel Fergusson and Tristan MacGregor meet while in England, unaware that they are members of rival families. When last names are disclosed, Isobel is angry she let a MacGregor get close to her. Tristan, who is used to getting any woman he wants, finds his thoughts constantly preoccupied by Isobel even after she tells him he doesn’t have a chance. Being a man who never back down from a challenge he sets out to win her over.


I loved this one even more than the first. I fell victim to Tristan’s charms like so many ladies in the book. He is uber dreamy! Isobel was a strong and fiery character. I loved how she was able to resist Tristan’s advances, and put him in his place with a snarky retort. I don’t think I would have been strong enough ;) Her dedication to her family was also a huge plus for me. Instead of falling apart when orphaned, she set out to make a good life for her brothers. Even when faced with a forbidden love and the risk of family secrets being discovered, she remains strong, and thinks of her family responsibilities first. She is a truly admirable character. I loved the scenes involving her younger siblings and Tristan. Several times I couldn’t help but to laugh out loud.


One of my favorite things about Paula Quinn’s writing is that she is able to include steamy scenes without it becoming the main focus of the plot. The courtship and falling in love is the main element, and the hot bedroom scenes come after. I can’t wait for more! While I recommend reading this series in order, it can easily be read as a standalone. If you want a romance novel that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Jocelin.
1,985 reviews47 followers
November 3, 2010
I really, really liked this book. I found the story captivating and the characters engaging. This book is telling the love story of Tristan MacGregor and Isobel Fergusson. His quest to win her heart reminded me of Jacob's (Genesis 29:16-30) attempts to win Rachel's hand in marriage. Of course, Tristan didn't have to work for her a total of 14 years to marry her and he didn't have to marry her older sister first; (Isobel didn't have sisters). I really liked Tristan, he stated he became a better man because of Isobel. He really went out of his way to capture her trust and her love. The one thing that I didn't really care about in the story was the fact that he slept with her before they got married. He had been described as being a heartbreaking and a dashingly seductive rogue. If he was such a different man I was hoping that he would wait until they were married. That would have prove to me that he really changed. I have read the first in the "Children of The Mist" series "Ravished by a Highlander and I must say that Robert MacGregor still has my heart. He is totally swoon-worthy and very dashing. This is a great series. Totally love the MacGregor men. ;)
Profile Image for Jenn.
4,789 reviews78 followers
February 10, 2011
I picked this book up at the grocery store, not realizing that it was the second in the series. It would appear that maybe the books in this series aren't related too much, so it's okay, but can I take this time to tell you how much I despise that? I heard Jim Butcher speak about how in the book publishing world, putting "Book number X in the [series name here] Series" is kind of low rent. Even though I don't understand that, you'd think the least they could do is put the series name and the order on the INSIDE of the book, but no. The next book I'm reading is 4 in a series, I just found out. Jeesh! Okay, enough of my lunatic rantings and on to this book. It's been a while since I read any straight romance books. Back when I did read them more often, I didn't enjoy the period pieces at all and preferred something set in modern day. Perhaps reading the Outlander series cured me of that because I loved this one. I liked all the characters immensely and I felt for them. I just loved this story. Loved it.
818 reviews
April 9, 2020
Loved this one. Again, the characters in this series are great. I also love how the plot of this book has a timeline that is parallel (mostly) to that of the first one. Tristan and Isobel are great together.

Review in a nutshell:

� Tristan is our lovable, underestimated rogue who fancies Isobel
� I love that they meet and start liking each other before their identities are revealed to each other
� The reason the Fergussons and MacGregors hate each other is very sad

� Tristan and Isobel are incredibly sweet and the progression of their relationship was very natural
� Tristan's amazing! He is so forgiving!
� The bond Tristan develops with (almost) all of Isobel's brothers is really beautiful, and Tristan and John together is just the cutest thing ever
Profile Image for Brittany B..
299 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2012


Better than the first book of this series. Tristan is a great hero, and this book is incredibly heart-warming.

It's a funny, charming love story centered around family and forgiveness. Tristan is a lover not a fighter at heart, making this a unique highlander tale, lacking the bloodlust of other novels in the genre. Very refreshing!!

I had a few issues with the book, but they weren't major. Tristan smiles too much. It's his reaction to everything and may annoy readers. The other issue is the heroine. She was not my favorite. Some of her early treatment of Tristan was cruel. At times I couldn't understand why he continued to pursue her. On the other hand, her brothers were adorable, adding much humor, depth and charm.

Also a fantastic narration by Carrington MacDuffie!
Profile Image for DzԾღsԾٲ2.
1,976 reviews368 followers
February 24, 2011
Not as good as I expected but still nonetheless an enjoyable read!

My problem lies with the hero Tristan who is a bit of snob. There are many moments in the book where he felt he was better than the rest of his family because of his skills to solve conflict without force, unlike his father, and brother and the rest of his kin who relies on strength and sword.

It wasn't until the end of the book that he finally realise his kin is not as cold-hearted that he made them out to be. Sadly by then, I've already question his loyalty towards his family and his kin.

So 3.5 stars it is!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author14 books608 followers
Read
December 31, 2012
I just can't get into this story. The series hasn't exactly been fantastic, so I'm not going to keep going. It's been over a year that I've been trying to read this book and I just finally give up. It's not holding my interest.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
691 reviews89 followers
September 5, 2010
I loved the hero in this book. The story was really good and I had many LOL moments as I read.
Profile Image for Melinda.
776 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2015

The MacGregors and Fergussons are enemies. It all started over a childhood fight when Tristan MacGregor and Alex Fergusson fought but Alex cheated and broke Tristan’s nose, winning the battle. Alex’s father, after drinking way too much killed Tristan’s uncle, Robert Campbell, Eleventh Earl of Argyll, with his bow and arrow. Angered by this, Tristan’s father hunted down Archibald Fergusson, Alex’s father, and cut him down with his sword. It’s been almost eleven years and the clans still hate each other.

Tristan is womanizer who flirts with just about every woman and usually gets what he wants from them. His clan is wealthy and he is a second born so he doesn’t have all of the responsibilities of his older brother, Rob, who will one day become clan leader. Tristan uses his time seducing women and living for the moment. He is not like the rest of his clan who are quick to anger and solve problems with the sword. He prefers to use words to solve disputes. He wanted to be just like his uncle, chivalrous and gallant, but when his uncle was murdered, he stopped caring and became a playboy shirking his responsibilities.

Isobel has had to raise her six brothers since her father’s murder. Her mother had died before her father so she and her siblings were left orphans when the Devil MacGregor cut her father down outside their home while they watched from an upstairs window. The rest of the clan left them on their own and moved, fearing that the MacGregors would come back and kill all of them. Her life has been difficult and her family barely has the means to survive. What they do have, other clans raid and steal because they know the Fergussons have little protection and can’t fight against them. Because of this, Isobel’s hatred for the MacGregors has flourished.

Isobel Fergusson and Tristan MacGregor meet in the Privy Garden at Whitehall Palace while their clans are there for the coronation of King James II and start flirting with each other. Neither one knows who the other one is when they first meet. Tristan tries to seduce Isobel but she isn’t so easy to fool as other women. Just because he has a pretty face, doesn’t mean she will allow herself to be ensnared by his charms. Tristan is beguiled by Isobel’s sharp tongue and her wit and believes she is unlike any other woman he has ever met. But when Isobel finds out Tristan is a MacGregor, she tells him she wants nothing to do with him.

After returning home, Tristan can’t get Isobel out of his mind so he travels to where Isobel lives far from his home. When he gets there, he thinks her home has been abandoned but then hears her working in the barn. He tries to sneak towards her but gets ambushed by her brothers. One brother shoots him in the arm with an arrow while the other hits him in the head with a rock from his slingshot. Tristan ends up with one arm tied to the bed and Isobel taking care of his injuries, not because she cares but because she is afraid if he dies, her father will come and seek revenge on her brothers.

I love Isobel’s brothers, especially the youngest, Tamas, who was wild and out of control. Tamas likes to play practical jokes on people. While Tristan is in bed, Tamas puts honey on his chest and sets hornets loose to sting him. Tristan tells him that he will get him back because he is the master of trickery and terrorized his brothers when he was a kid.

Tristan ends up having to stay a while to heal and all of Isobel’s brothers, besides Tamas, start to really like him as he helps out on their farm and even fights some men who came to burn their crops. Tristan believes there can be peace between the Fergussons and MacGregors if only Isobel would allow it. But Isobel and her brothers have a secret. It wasn’t her father who shot Tristan’s favorite uncle but one of them. It was an accident and her father took the blame to protect them.

What will Tristan and his family do to them when they find out?
I have to say, I enjoyed this book tremendously but at times tired of Isobel’s hatred towards Tristan. I thought she was a bit rude and cruel at times too and I think it went on for way too long. Other than that, I am really enjoying getting to know the characters in this series.

Profile Image for Reni.
392 reviews
October 17, 2020
This has got to be my favourite one of the series.
Profile Image for Liv.
217 reviews13 followers
February 2, 2014
I found this book to be endearing, lovely, and just plain sweet. Yes, this book is about a highlander's fiery love for a woman (and don't we all love those tales??), but I was really surprised to feel another theme that touched me. And, it's how family cycles of pain can be broken and healed both within a father-son relationship, and within two families whose broken bridges of connection seemed impossible to mend.

Tristan MacGregor, is a casa nova of the first class. He is one of the many, gorgeous MacGregor sons who is known, in particular, for his popularity and wild ways with the ladies, but more so, he is a wounded soul who finds a comfort and connection to Isobel Fergusson, that he can't fight.

The tragedy that created the rift between both the MacGregor and Fergusson clans is dire, awful, and generationally piercing. I love Tristan because of the dimension of his character that he allows to blossom out of the nurturing care and love of Isobel. Despite the fabulous chemistry between the two, once they find out the identity of their families, Tristan and Isobel shy away from one another. But the beauty and gallantry of the hero, is that Tristan does not give up, he defies everyone to come after Isobel and win over both her heart and that of her family (her very protective brothers) to find a path to true happiness and to forge a healing closure of past hurts.

For most of the book, there is a focus on he cultivation of Tristan's relationship with Isobel and his winning the affection of her brothers. The romance and chemistry between the two is potent and present throughout, but by the time the two give themselves to one another in passionate bliss, it's more meaningful and forging since they are already in love. Even thought I tend to like the "seducing" part earlier in the plot, it seemed appropriate to the theme since Tristan had a lot of ground to cover in winning over his enemies.

I hope you will come out of this listening experience loving Laird MacGregor even more than before (after seeing his softer side both for his son and others). I hope you will enjoy the different settings Quinn extends from the King's court in England, to the Fergusson's manor home to the beautiful MacGregor castle/keep in Skye that is a resplendent kingdom of it's own. Also, all of the characters in this book are captivating and so fun (especially Isobel's youngest hellion of a brother)…lol

Narrator: Carrington MacDuffle was a good narrator…I'm getting used to her voices.
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