The McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks

This series is about a trio of brothers:  Ewan, Alaric and Caelen McCabe, who are readying for battle in order to save their land.  There is a series of “accidents” that happen throughout this series orchestrated by Duncan Cameron in his quest to acquire land to be the strongest laird among all of the clans.  Will he succeed?

In Bed with a Highlander – Book 1

Ewan McCabe, laird of their keep, is readying his clan for battle.  The McCabe keep has fallen on hard times and he is determined to keep his clan safe from a threatened war from rival clans.  Food is scarce and the clan is starting to lose hope.

Mairin, illegitimate daughter of King David, has hidden out in an abbey for years.  Her dowry alone makes her a prime target.  Duncan Cameron has been looking for her in order to force a marriage between them in order to take control of her dowry.  Unfortunately, they find her.  After she is taken, she discovers a small boy, Crispin, and fights tooth and nail to keep the boy safe from Duncan’s men.  The two of them escape and are finally found by the McCabes.  Crispin turns out to be Ewan McCabe’s son.

Once they arrive at the keep, Mairin is wary of everyone around her, scared they will discover who she is.  Not only does she have a wealthy dowry, she also has power, being the daughter of the King.  Ewan is instantly intrigued with Mairin and eventually figures out who she is.  He proposes marriage and promises to give her a home and keep her safe.  Mairin is impulsive, strong-willed and falls hopelessly in love with Ewan.  Crispin is over the moon happy when his dad and Mairin marry.  And Ewan soon discovers that he is in love with Mairin and will do anything to make her happy and keep her safe.  Even though she makes him crazy with her stubborn ways.

Seduction of a Highland Lass – Book 2

Alaric McCabe is set to marry Rionna McDonald, daughter of a laird of a neighboring clan.  They both are entering into the union to strengthen each of their clans.  When Alaric sets out on his trip to the McDonald keep, he is attacked and left for dead. 

Keeley McDonald has been banished from the McDonald keep and lives on the fringes of their land.  She misses her family and her best friend, Rionna, fiercely.  She finds Alaric and nurses him until his clan tracks him down.  Keeley travels back to the McCabe keep, where she continues to nurse Alaric back to health.  He fights his attraction to her, knowing that he must fulfill his duty to his clan by following through with the arranged marriage.  And, Keeley can no longer deny that she has fallen for Alaric.  A series of accidents happen, which turn out to be attacks and Keely is wounded.  Once they are both healed, they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. 

Never Love a Highlander – Book 3 (and the final one, *sniff*)

In order to ensure the safety of their clan, Caelen McCabe agrees to marry Rionna McDonald, even though, he is convinced that all women, except for his brothers’ wives, are not trustworthy and has vowed to never love again.

He travels to the McDonald in order for the marriage to take place.  And the chaos he finds at the keep does not amuse him.  The clan members are at each others’ throats and several do not know the meaning of loyalty. Rionna is different from any woman Caelen has ever encountered.  She trains and fights with her clan.  When Caelen menacingly demands that she stay out of harm’s way, she is devastated. She is truly a warrior at heart.

They finally come to an understanding and Rionna sees that Caelen is broken and is scared to love again.  They start to trust each other and eventually break through each other’s defenses and fall madly in love.  This all builds up to the final confrontation with Duncan Cameron, who is dealt with once and for all, and Rionna plays an instrumental part in what happens.

I think that I may have mentioned that I love Maya Banks in previous reviews, but this trilogy made me bow to her!!  There are no words strong enough to tell you how much I love this series.  I fell madly in love with all three brothers.  They are all fierce warriors and tender lovers.  And, don’t even get me started on their sense of honor.  The interaction with the main characters, as well as their clan members is touching.  They will do anything to keep all of them safe and prosperous.  There are fierce battles and such loving moments in all of the books. That said, Seduction of a Highland Lass is one of my top three all-time favorite books.  To say I cried like a baby SEVERAL times is a huge understatement.  In my humble opinion, it is so very well written, as they all are, but this one struck a nerve with me.  The tender emotion that Maya Banks conveys in this book sent me right over the edge and cemented her place with me.  If I had to pick just three authors to read for the rest of my life, she would be definitely be one of them.  Simple, emotional and sexy as hell.  If you haven’t read this trilogy, you are missing out.

Reviewed by Vickie M.