Review: The Taming of Malcolm Grant (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #4) by Paula Quinn

AN ALLURING LASS
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea-until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life to pieces. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.

A RECKLESS ROGUE
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whisky, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he's ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire-until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants . . . ~ Goodreads

Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review: Historical Romance can be a bit hit or miss with me. I tend to like the stories that break societal conventions rather than tip toe around the ton. Highlander romances are even more iffy – because – don’t throw things at me – I don’t like Scottish brogue. There I said it. It drives me nuts Chopping off all your words like that. Sounds like they’re whorfing up a hairball to me. lol

I was pleasantly surprised with The Taming of Malcolm Grant and that’s thanks to a feisty heroine who breaks the innocent virgin mold. She is an innocent virgin but she’s also smart, resourceful and not afraid to speak her mind. She also happens to be blind. While it is somewhat limiting – it doesn’t stop Emma from becoming a skilled healer or grabbing onto the joys of life.

Malcolm has the standard rogue reputation, but as with Emma, he breaks the stereotype. He’s a good man. Someone who wants more than a life of drink and women. He’s just not sure he’ll ever be able to find it.

Emma and Malcolm have excellent chemistry together. She’s honest and fearless and he respects her for it. He doesn’t coddle or protect her as others do because of her blindness. It was fun watching them fall in love.The Taming of Malcolm Grant is full of romance, action, betrayal and heartache.

I have to say that the last third felt a little overstuffed with multiple pov’s from villains and from characters that felt like more of a setup for their books (I’m assuming). It took me away from the main couple more than I would have liked and had a rushed feel – but it was still an action packed conclusion.

Even with that minor quibble, I loved it and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. Malcolm’s brother is up next and that promises to be a pretty intense story after the events of this book. I would also like to go back and read The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #2). From the way Malcolm talks about his sister Caitrina and her life aboard a pirate ship, it sounds like a lot of fun.