Review: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks
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Never Seduce a Scot: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs by Maya Banks
Historical / Medieval
2012-09-25 (Ballantine Books)
Heroine: Eveline Armstrong – Deaf, Mute
Hero: Graeme Montgomery – Laird, Rival Clan
Setting: Scotland
Review:
I have to admit to a bit of confusion with the description to this book. With words like ‘rare gift’ and ‘magical love’ thrown in, and describing Eveline as ‘beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze’, it led me to believe this was possibly a historical-paranormal romance. Which, I have to say, I was really looking forward to… but that isn’t what this book is.
It is a purely historical romance between Eveline, a woman thought to be daft since she does not speak and seems to live in her own world, and Graeme, a man charged with being the leader of his clan after his father’s death. A death that came at the hands of Eveline’s own grandfather. After years of warring and useless bloodshed, the King see’s a marriage between Graeme and Eveline as the perfect way to mend the clans’ rift.
A mending that neither clan has any interest in.
Which, of course, matters not. The marriage will happen or the clans will effectively be declaring war against their King. And so it is that Eveline and Graeme are wed and she is torn from the safety and comfort of her clan and thrust into the hostile and unwelcoming Montgomery clan.
It really pulled on my heartstrings. The Montgomery clan’s women were… despicable. Daft or not, or perhaps made even worse because they believed her to be daft, the vicious words and cruel jokes that Eveline had to deal with really tore at my heart. Eveline is a very sweet and caring young lady. When faced with such aversion, she could have hid or lashed out but instead she finds strength within and sets out to prove herself to the clan.
The fact that she is deaf and does not speak, that all of her feelings and emotions and words are internalized… That her only way to express herself is through facial expressions and gestures… Added a real weight to all that she had to go through.
And when those first words, her first in three years, leave her lips... I cried. It was a powerful moment.
I believe only Graeme Montgomery would be worthy of such a woman. He is very much a twenty-first century man in medieval world. He is understanding and accepting. Protective without coming off as overbearing and oppressive. His relationship with Eveline was tender and affectionate. The way he could understand Eveline without any words from her was moving.
And I have to say, any man who treats his sister with such care and indulgence as Graeme does with Rorie... It really speaks to his character.
My only real complaint with the story is that nothing really happens, plot-wise, until the last 20%. And then it really doesn't slow down again - no breaths or pauses - and then it ends. I would've liked the action to have been spread out more. Weaved into the story instead of just wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am. But, again, that's not to say I didn't enjoy the drama.
Never Seduce a Scot was a stirring and thrilling, and intensely silent, romance. The love between Graeme and Eveline was gentle yet fiery. A combination that kept the bedroom hotter than any amount of wood in the fireplace.
Can’t wait to see whose book is next! Here’s to hoping it’s Rorie’s – though I have a feeling her’s will be last.
Favorite Quote:
Lowering his body, he knelt before her, palming her face so she had no choice but to see what is was he said.
“I’m going to light more candles. There’s nothing I want more than to be able to look upon your beauty and miss nothing to the darkness. And then, when the room is sufficiently illuminated, I’m going to play lady’s mad and undress you, piece by piece until you stand before me without the barrier of clothing.”
Thoughts While Reading:
43.0% - "Just when I thought the women couldn't treat Eveline any worse... Oy. Made me tear up."
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