Category: Jacobean/Stuart Era (1603-1714)

The Stuart Era is 1603-1714 and The Jacobean era refers to the period in English and Scottish history that coincides with the reign of James VI of Scotland, who also inherited the crown of England in 1603 as James I.
Preceded by: Elizabethan era
Followed by: Caroline era
Monarch: James VI and I

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne

On By TracyIn Jacobean/Stuart Era (1603-1714), Scottish/Highlander, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Never Cross a HighlanderNever Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne

Tracy’s rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: N/A

Release Date: December 27, 2022

Ailsa Connery was born and raised in the Highlands, the daughter of a freewoman of African descent and a Scottish warrior. Prior to her death, her mother was a healer, a role that Ailsa had been trained to take over. But three years ago, while at a gathering she was mistaken by a guard for a slave purchased for the King, and ignoring her protests, she was pressed into service as a maid to Princess Elizabeth. And despite previous failed attempts to escape, Ailsa is sure her new plan is foolproof. Or it was until an interfering highlander decided to “rescue” her.

Kallum MacNeill is also of African descent and was raised as the son of the Laird’s brother but is known to many as the infamous Highland warrior known as Auld Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil. But unbeknownst to most, this fearsome warrior is also known by another moniker, The Shepherd, who for the last five years, has been secretly liberating enslaved people across Scotland and helping them escape to England. Which is exactly what he thinks he is doing for the woman who saved his life, but it won’t be long before the lovely and feisty lass sets him straight and demands to be returned to her clan!

This was a fascinating story, featuring a slow-burn romance between two amazing, unforgettable characters as they fall in love and overcome many obstacles on the journey to find their HEA. I thought the writing was good, although a little wordy, but not bad for a debut novel, the real issue was the pacing, the book was a slow read, until the halfway mark, where it leveled out until the rush to the ending. In addition to that, I was concerned about the inaccurate historical facts until I read the Author’s notes where she explains that this book is a work of fiction and that she did manipulate some historical facts to work with her story, stressing that this book was for the purpose of entertainment. I also appreciated her book suggestions to further educate readers on the issue of slavery in this era. Overall, this was a Highland adventure unlike any that you have ever read, touching on some sensitive issues as well as incorporating the problems that all people have when falling in love, with an added touch of danger and a dash of steam.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

To Yield to a Highlander by Callie Hutton

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Jacobean/Stuart Era (1603-1714), Part of a Series, Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

To Yield to a Highlander (The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle Book 3)7Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle #3
Publication Date: 5/6/22
Period: Jacobean/Stuart Era (1656) – Scottish Highlands
Number of Pages: 193

Lady Elsbeth Johnstone has been restless and feeling useless for the last couple of years. Now, she’s finally decided what to do about it – she’s going to become a nun. Three years ago (To Deceive a Highlander) Elsbeth’s father betrothed her to Laird Haydon Sutherland, but he scared her to death, so her twin sister Ainslee changed places with Elspeth and married Sutherland instead. Now, Ainslee and Haydon are blissfully happy and Elsbeth has been living with them at Dornoch Castle. Then, Elsbeth began to develop tender feelings for Haydon’s brother Conall even though Conall loved every woman he saw and swore he’d never marry – until he did (To Marry a Highlander). Now, there are two strong women living in the castle and Elsbeth feels there is no place for her. She’ll never marry unless she can have what her sister Ainslee and Maura (Conall’s wife) have with their husbands. Since no man she’s ever met stirs the slightest feeling within her, she’ll become a nun where she can do good for others. Now, to convince Haydon and her sister to allow her to go to Perth to join the nunnery there.

Laird Duncan Grant doesn’t want his two neighboring clans to form an alliance through marriage – nor does he want to go to the trouble to search for a bride. So, the easy answer is to just steal the bride who is to seal the alliance between those neighboring clans. He’ll actually be doing the woman a favor because the man she is set to marry is a brute. So, he’ll kidnap her, bring her back to his castle and marry her. Yep – problem solved. Until – they kidnap the wrong lass. OOPS!

The attraction between Elsbeth and Duncan is immediate, but both are stubborn and set on their goals – for her, it is to become a nun, and for him, it is to never, ever, love his wife because it killed his father. Can they give up their stubbornness and find happiness with each other? What happens when her father shows up in Perth with her betrothed in tow? The man is odious – but – the contracts are signed. Will Elsbeth once again become the obedient daughter and do her father’s bidding?

This was a fun, entertaining read and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. The characters are lovely – and the ending is smile-worthy – and there is a nice setup for the next book as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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