Reading Between the Wines Book Club

4.5 Stars
Betrothed to the daughter of a neighboring clan to strengthen his own clan’s alliance for a coming war, Alaric McCabe is journeying to claim the women he has vowed to marry when he and his men are ambushed. Left for dead, Alaric manages to climb atop his horse and pray that the stallion will take him to safety. What Alaric finds though is an Angel who will put his honor, and his heart, in danger.
Keeley McDonald was outcast from her clan and betrayed by those she trusted most. With a talent to heal, she now lives at the edge of the clan’s lands healing those in need. When a horse comes upon her cottage and a wounded warrior falls from his back Keeley can do nothing else but take him into her home and nurse him back to health. She doesn’t know what she has gotten herself into though until the warrior’s brothers come into her cottage seeking Alaric and decide that Keeley must return back to their home with them.
Residing with the McCabes, Keeley has found the home and comfort that she has missed out on for so long but in nursing Alaric she has also found an undeniable connection with the warrior. A love doomed from the start with no hope at a happily-ever–after, Alaric and Keeley take what time they have to be together before Alaric's inevitable marriage. But when Alaric’s bride arrives will he go against his vow, putting his brothers and clan in jeopardy, to be with the woman he loves? Or will he sacrifice his heart for duty?

I love Ewan McCabe but wow, this second book in the trilogy unbelievably topped first! The romance between Alaric and Keeley in Seduction of a Highland Lass develops swiftly, and it is hot and intense while at the same time absolutely gut wrenching because you know that there can be no future for them. On one hand you root for them to take the time they have to spend together but on the other you want them just to ignore the connection and save themselves the heartbreak that is sure to come in the end. Both Keeley and Alaric were strong, admirable characters and Alaric…well… dark, sexy and kilted…need I say more?
Maya Banks writing style is smooth and easily entrances you. I was sucked into this story right away; well, if I’m honest I was sucked into it in book one and it has yet to let go of me! There’s action and danger with the continuing story line of the evil and vicious Duncan Cameron, passion and tension between the main couple with swoon worthy loves scenes and dialogue, and all the characters that you loved from Never Love a Highlander appear enabling you to view their stories continue on which I adore in a series.
Forbidden love, one of the strongest heroines I have been introduced too and sexy, dominating (in a good way) men in kilts, Seduction of a Highland Lass is definitely a story that will hit you on all sides and if you’re not left with watery eyes then I will be surprised! I can't wait to see how it all ends in Never Love a Highlander; I think that one will be the best yet!