IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR is Book four in Kara Griffin's Gunn Guardsman series. Even though this book is part of a series, I think it can still be understood and enjoyed without having read the previous books. James Gunn is both cursed and blessed to fall in love with a true warrior princess in the form of Princess Emlyn. Although a princess, Emlyn wants the life of a warrior rather than take on the more traditional and expected submissive female role. She is a sympathetic character and Kara Griffin does a great job of crafting the story of a forward-thinking woman in a patriarchal society. Likewise, James Gunn is also a very likeable and sympathetic character.

James and Emlyn are most definitely not looking for love at the start of IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR. This makes the attraction that develops between them all the more charming. There is something of a villain in this story, but the villain and his actions actually push James and Emlyn together at first. The biggest obstacle to their love is themselves. Emlyn doesn't want to sacrifice everything she wants to do in life to be with James and end up resenting him and James doesn't want to force her to be with him if it won't make her happy. Their noble intentions drove me crazy at times, but the emotional pull in IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR is so strong and makes for such an entertaining love story.

In addition to the fascinating story and supporting characters, the scenes between James and Emlyn are super steamy and give the story sizzle. I like that, in spite of being a man of his times, James respects Emlyn's strength. I was never a big fan of highlander romances in the past because I usually found the hero to be too gruff and pigheaded. Kara Griffin writes highland heroes who are sexy, intelligent, and both strong and sensitive.

IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR is a great story for anybody who loves strong female characters and sexy highlanders with a tender heart. The books in Kara Griffin's Gunn Guardsman series continue to get better and better. I eagerly await the next installment in this sexy and exciting series!

Book Summary

Besotted by the Princess

James Gunn knew his heart would forever be hers when she bested him in combat. Never had he met a formidable foe such as Emlyn. Mayhap it was the way her body felt above his when she pinned him and he had no choice to submit to her …

A love coveted but forbidden

Princess Emlyn would allow no man to victor over her on the field, especially the arrogant, sexy highlander. It would do well for him to know she wouldn’t fall at his feet and worship him. Aye, he was God-like in his appearance, strong, capable, and a protector: all the things she said she didn’t want in a man.

All it took was one kiss

Neither could deny their attraction. When Emlyn is betrothed to her clan’s enemy to save her people from being besieged, she beseeches James for help. The only way she can escape her ill-fated destiny and have the man of her dreams is to wage war and triumph. Not so easy a feat for a warrior such as her.