Category: Scottish Highlander

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Kimberly reviews Highland Thief by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Thief
SERIES #: The Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #5
CHARACTERS: Kerr & Isobel
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/31/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a Highland laird makes a promise, nothing can stand in his way…

No one ever accused Kerr Macalister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when he makes up his mind about something, no one will change it. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.

Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and deadly sexy Scot. It wasn’t until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her, that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her.

But Isobel knows how to hold a grudge and won’t be swayed unless he proves his love. So she tricks him into believing she’s eloping with another man. Kerr responds by kidnapping her to a remote cabin in the Highlands where both love and danger lurk…

Will this Highlander’s fate be to finally have the woman of his dreams?

REVIEW:
This is the last in the series and I honestly wish there was more. I have loved the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series and men. What I wasn’t too fond of this time around was Isobel.

I have enjoyed Kerr from the beginning. I couldn’t wait to see who McLayne chose for Kerr but what a disappointment. Isobel was nothing but a selfish, childish brat who did things half the time I couldn’t even understand. Why pull the stuff she does on Kerr? And why does Kerr allow it and still want her?

I really wish the series had not ended this way. But I have enjoyed the series up to now. I wouldn’t say this was the worst book ever or anything but what it is would be the least favorite of the series.

With all that being said the series is worth reading and I look forward to the next series by McLayne.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews The Highlander’s Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum

TITLE: The Highlander’s Pirate Lass
SERIES #: The Brothers of Wolf Isle #2
CHARACTERS: Eliza & Beck
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/23/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eliza Wentworth is no lady. After the notorious pirate Jandeau murdered her family, she vowed to spend the rest of her life at sea, saving others. She’d rather be firing cannons than embroidering pillows—or worse, bowing to the demands of a husband. But when she’s stranded on an island off the coast of Scotland, now she is the one in need of help. And, annoyingly, that help comes not only from a man, but a man she struggles to resist.

Highlander Beck Macquarie has never met a woman like Eliza. He hasn’t met many women, period, thanks to the blasted curse set upon Wolf Isle decades ago. To save the clan, he needs a wife and bairns, and rough-around-the edges Eliza is anything but wife material. She has no intention of staying once she’s able to set sail again. He should let her go. But the desire between them is impossible to ignore.

When she asks Beck to teach her the ways of the bedroom while she bides her time on his island, he can’t say no. As they learn more about each other, though, past trauma and secrets resurface. Now, Eliza must choose between the freedom and comfort of the only life she’s ever known and sacrificing it all to save the people she loves…including Beck.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I read very few Highlander romance books but Heather McCollum is one I enjoy. McCollum never has a “damsel in distress” feel to her stories even if the heroine needs help (which we all do) sometimes. But, I have never enjoyed pirate romance. Something doesn’t appeal to me with that genre but since it was McCollum I picked up this story.

With all that being said, this was not one of my favorites by McCollum but for a pirate romance it wasn’t bad. I never really enjoyed Eliza. She is so harsh and self-centered. Beck is another thing altogether. I adored him. He was so sweet and cared so much for Eliza. Was willing to do anything she needed. While she treated him like a doormat.

A part of me kept hoping Beck would realize he deserved better and some sweet lass would steal him away from Eliza. But, of course, this is a romance so a HEA happens and while not my favorites by McCollum I enjoyed the story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews Highland Warriors by Heather McCollum

TITLE: Highland Warriors
SERIES #: Sons Of Sinclair #2
CHARACTERS: Joshua & Kara
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/27/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Joshua Sinclair, second brother of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland, has been raised by his father to love war above all else. Frustrated with the way his older brother, the new chief, is bringing peace to the land, he strikes out on his own as a mercenary on Orkney Island and spends months helping a powerful Norse chief beat back threats to his rule.

Kristin Muir, the daughter of a fallen Viking chief, is determined to help her exiled people survive and grow in number on the northern isle. As a young widow in her broken clan, she must find a man to help her start the next generation of warriors by getting her with child. When she watches the massive Sinclair warrior defeat four thieves bent on taking his life, she chooses him.

Joshua doesn’t question his good fortune when the beautiful warrior woman brings him back to a cottage sitting on the windswept land. Stormbound for days, they come together in explosive passion. But he’s furious when she disappears as soon as the storm dies out. When he arrives back at the Norse Chief’s castle to find Kristin a prisoner, being forced to wed the man who killed her father and stole their clan castle, his strategies put Kristin’s people and her very life at risk. Joshua begins to question the need for war and the basis of his entire life.

REVIEW:
The best way to describe Joshua is a diamond in the rough but the coal is cracking off this diamond. He wants peace. But then Kara walks into her life and she needs him to fight against her Clan Lord. A man Joshua knows well.

I loved Joshua. He was an alpha man but with such a good heart. He just wants to be done with the life he has led but now he also wants Kara. Kara was a bit harder to like. Once they warmed up to each other I warmed up to Kara.

I love the way Heather McCollum writes. She has a way of dragging me in from the first chapter. And I didn’t want to stop reading. I have never been a huge fan of Scottish Romance but have enjoyed a handful of authors and McCollum is one of them.

Can’t wait to read #3.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal by Heather MCollum

TITLE: The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal
SERIES #: The Brothers Of Wolf Isle #1
CHARACTERS: Adam & Lark
AUTHOR: Heather MCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/19/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A lass begging to marry him might top the list of “oddest things to happen,” but Chief Adam Macquarie is desperate. And no matter how much he hates to do it, he’s not above lying to get what he wants. Starting with the fact that he just omitted the truth about the situation back at his home—where there are no women and only a handful of other people. Because he has a secret need for a wife himself, one she won’t be too happy about when she finds out.

Lark Montgomerie is thrilled the brawny chief agrees to save her from her drunken father’s machinations of wedding her off to the first fool that agrees. He’s easy on the eyes and no one can be worse than her current options. Now a new life awaits her, on an exciting Scottish isle no less, and nothing will dampen her spirits. That is, until she arrives in her new homeland and realizes more than a few things are amiss…

REVIEW:
This is a new series from Heather McCollum. I love her Highlander novels so I was excited to begin a new series which I assume will be about the brothers.

In this one, Adam is desperate for a wife and since the Isle has no women any longer he leaves the Isle to find one. Lark is desperate to get away from her father who wants her out of his house so the situation seems perfect to marry the Chief and rule with him. But things are not what they seem.

I truly enjoy the way McCollum writes. I enjoy the romance, intimacy and humor that she puts into each novel. And this is no different. I really liked the brothers and can’t wait to read each of their stories.

Another great book by McCollum!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Highland Laird by Amy Jarecki

TITLE: The Highland Laird
SERIES #: Lords Of The Highlands #8
CHARACTERS: Emma & Ciar
AUTHOR: Amy Jarecki
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans of Hannah Howell and Diana Gabaldon will love this Scottish romance that combines a high-stakes action and sizzling romance.

Emma Grant has been sheltered and underestimated her entire life. Her blindness may set her apart, but she’s just as fierce and loyal as any of her clansmen. So when she catches word that her brother’s best friend is in jail, she doesn’t hesitate to race to the brawny Highlander’s rescue.

Laird Ciar MacDougall is on a vital mission for Scotland when he witnesses a murder—and then is blamed for the death and thrown into a Redcoat prison to rot. He never thought he’d be broken out by a slip of a lass and her faithful hound. But now they’re outlaws on the run. And as their enemies circle ever closer, he will have to choose between saving his country or the woman who’s captured his heart.

REVIEW:
Another sweet Scottish romance. But what I loved about this story was that Emma is blind. I loved that she wasn’t a helpless lass that couldn’t do anything because she is blind. And I loved the scenes where she works at teaching a dog to help her even though I doubt seeing eye dogs was a thing back in the day.

Ciar is a sweet guy. Ok, maybe more of a diamond in the rough but still I thought he was sensitive and understanding and perfect for Emma.

I am glad we finally got their story since we have met them both before. But now they have their HEA and it was worth the wait.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum

TITLE: Highland Conquest
SERIES #: Sons Of Sinclair #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/28/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cain Sinclair has a plan. In order to finally bring peace to his clan, he will wed the young female chief of their greatest enemy. Only problem: capturing her and forcing her back to Sinclair castle doesn’t exactly make her want to say yes. Ella Sutherland may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing.

Every attempt Cain makes to woo her seems to backfire on him. A gift? The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chess? Even when he wins, he loses. It seems the only time the two ever see eye to eye is when they’re heating up Cain’s bed. Still, the only thing Ella truly wants is the one thing he cannot offer her: freedom.

But when Cain discovers she’s been harboring a secret—one that could threaten both clans’ very existence—he’ll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who’s captured his heart.

REVIEW:
This is the first in a new series from Heather McCollum and I can not wait to read the rest of the series.

Ok imagine if the Hatfield and McCoy’s were Scottish, smart, funny and respectable. And Cain and Ella are the kids who fall in love but these two are actually in charge of their clan’s and by getting together they would join the Hatfield and McCoy’s… Ok that might be a bit hard to imagine but reading the story isn’t a hardship at all.

I loved Cain and Ella. They are too funny together. Yes she is his captive hoping if they wed the clan’s will combine and belong to Cain but Ella isn’t willing to have that happen even if she is willing to have a bit of fun with Cain.

This is just adorable. There are so many times that made me smile in this book and I just love how strong and independent Ella is. McCollum is easily one of my favorites in the Scottish Highland genre and this book just shows why. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Santa In A Kilt by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Santa In A Kilt
CHARACTERS: Kira & Shay
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .

The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Originally in Unwrapped

This is a cute Christmas novella that is a fast read of romance. Shay doesn’t believe in love and but Kira does and he knows to be with her he needs to figure out what love really is.

I enjoyed the story and wish it has been a bit longer. I will say that as a fan of Kauffman I can see that she has grown in her writings over the last decade (originally published in 2011).

That being said still a cute highlander Christmas novella by Kauffman.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews The Highland Outlaw by Heather McCollum

TITLE: The Highland Outlaw
SERIES #: The Campbell’s #4
CHARACTERS: Shaw & Alana
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shaw Sinclair, chief of the outcast clan of Sinclairs of Caithness in northern Scotland, has made a deal with the devil. Despite his strength and lethal skills, he needs help—specifically from a woman—to accomplish his mission to bring a bairn to safety to the coast. When he meets the brave and beautiful Alana Campbell at a Samhain Festival, he decides she’s the one.

Alana Campbell is ready to show the world she’s just as skillful with a sgian dubh as any man. Attracting the attention of the brawny chief who coerces her to join him on his journey to the coast of Scotland gives her that very opportunity. Sparks flash between them as they’re forced to act as husband and wife to accomplish the deadly mission. However, when secrets threaten to tear them apart, they have to decide if their differences outweigh the reality of their feelings…

Each book in The Campbells series is STANDALONE:
* The Scottish Rogue
* The Savage Highlander
* The Wicked Viscount
* The Highland Outlaw

REVIEW:
I have very much enjoyed this series and this story was no different. Set in the Highlands we meet Shaw. He has been given the task of caring for a bairn and getting her to a boat with her wet-nurse. By doing so he may actually get everything he has lost back.

We met Alana in the previous series and now we get her story. Alana finds out her mother is alive and wants to get to Edinburg to rescue her. On the road to her mother she is taken hostage by Shaw to care for the bairn. Once she finds out they are going the same direction she allows the “kidnapping” to happen.

I found this story a fun, crazy, interesting read. I loved the connection that Alana found with Shaw but also with the baby.

A great read for any fan of Highlanders.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne

highland captiveTITLE: Highland Captive
SERIES #: The Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #4
CHARACTERS: Gavin & Deidre
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wasn’t just his son’s savior.
She may be his as well…

Laird Gavin MacKinnon is a changed man―and not for the better. Ever since his young son, Ewan, disappeared two years ago, Gavin has grown callous and bitter. Scouring the countryside, his search leads him to a mysterious woman who maintains the boy is hers. He decides to take them both and ask questions later.

Deidre MacIntyre will go with the brooding laird if it will keep her son safe. Gavin has to admit that the beautiful lass has a bond with Ewan, and things aren’t adding up. When Deidre’s clan comes to claim her under threat of war, Gavin has a choice to make: fight for her or let her go.

REVIEW:
I have been waiting and waiting for Gavin’s story. It seems Gavin has been withdrawn since his son was taken away and we have wondered we he was in each story of the series.

Now we meet Ewan and the woman he calls “mother”. And it doesn’t take too long for Gavin to realize he is not given either up.

I had a hard time with Deidre when she was first introduced but she grew on me. And seeing Gavin differently and with his son was wonderful.

Loved this series and this story especially.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Wicked Viscount by Heather McCollum

wicked viscountTITLE: The Wicked Viscount
SERIES #: The Campbells #3
CHARACTERS: Cat & Nathaniel
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1685, Scottish Highlands

Cat Campbell knows all about Nathaniel Worthington, fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire. The determined Englishman is never far from Finlarig Castle, where his sisters train women to do more than read and write. And thanks to the fiery kiss they shared nearly a year ago he is never far from her thoughts. No one ever trained her how to forget an irresistible man.

Nathaniel knows he should keep his distance from the fierce Scottish lass, but when an urgent letter from Queen Catherine calls Cat to London, he can’t resist volunteering to escort her. The tension between the two has simmered for months, but the long journey in close quarters creates a raging wildfire that could burn them both.

Secrets of their past and the treachery lurking at court put both their future together and their very lives at risk.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This historical romance comes after a first kiss that should never have happened but once it did neither Cat nor Nathaniel can forget about it.

But he can not be interested in Cat since Nathaniel needs to marry someone from a nobel home or lose everything.

I can’t say that this book was out of the norm because it wasn’t. Very typical of the genre. But the writing was well done and the story was enjoyable.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews How To Forgive A Highlander by Michelle McLean

how to forgive a highlanderTITLE: How To Forgive A Highlander
SERIES #: The MacGregor Lairds #4
CHARACTERS: William & Rose
AUTHOR: Michelle McLean
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
William MacGregor will lie, spy, and happily die to protect his clan from their greatest enemy. But when he kidnaps the wrong woman, he triggers the very events he’d been working so hard to prevent. And puts everyone in danger.

Rose Thatcher will do anything to protect her lady and return them both safely to English soil. But the damn Highlander who snatched her off the docks has done nothing but get in her way. She’d love to ditch the bastard, but if they want to save their respective loved ones, they are going to have to stay together.

Somewhere along the grueling journey to Scotland, their constant bickering turns into something more. Something worth fighting for. But how can an English lady’s maid, who longs for the safe, comfortable life she had in London, find love with a Highlander who can’t wait to wipe England’s dust off his feet? If they can’t defeat the enemy they accidentally led home, they might not live long enough to find out.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts For me this was a quick read of only 200+ pages but I found it enjoyable.

What a calamity of errors. When William spies a woman standing at the dock as he saw Philip off he thinks she may be a spy so he decides he better find out. Of course she is not but now he has set her in peril so he must protect her no matter what.

A cute read of bumpy roads on the way to love.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Highlander Ever After by Paula Quinn

highlander ever afterTITLE: Highlander Ever After
SERIES #: The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #8
CHARACTERS: Adam & Sina
AUTHOR: Paula Quinn
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They tried to resist a marriage of convenience…
As the clan chief’s son, Adam MacGregor is duty-bound to marry a royal heir. Yet when he meets his bride—a beautiful but haughty young lass who thinks he is nothing more than a common savage—he realizes she’s more than he bargained for. But the more Adam gets to know his new wife, the more intent he is on proving her wrong about him.

But can they resist each other?
Sina de Arenberg wants nothing to do with the unsavory MacGregors, especially the fierce Highlander she now calls husband. But the more time she spends with the man she married, the more she sees his honor and courage. Just when she thinks there might be a future for her and Adam, Sina is called back to court. England isn’t the place she remembers, though, and soon she’ll be forced to choose between the life she once knew, and the Highlander who has captured her heart.

REVIEW:
This is becoming one of my favorite genres and that is because of the authors that have taken up the pen to author some great highland stories.

I loved Sina and Adam together. There is such a push and pull between them and yet the sparks fly with every tug.

There is not only an Alpha male but an Alpha female in this story and boy what a story they lead to.

You can read this as a stand alone but I do not suggest it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts