Category: Scottish/Highlander

The Legend of a Rogue By Darcy Burke featured in the anthology: A Very Highland Holiday by Various Authors

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Very Highland HolidayThe Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Legendary Rogues, #.05 – Included in the Anthology, A Very Highland Holiday

Release Date: Anthology: October 27, 2020 – Independent Novella: January 26, 2021

Elspeth Marshall thinks she has met the man of her dreams when she meets Roy Williams at the Lammas Fair. A storyteller and collector of stories, Elspeth is captivated by the handsome stranger who tells her the tale of the sword Lann Dhearg, which is purported to be the twin of Dyrnwyn, the sword given to Gareth of King Arthur lore, but what steals her heart is the kiss they share and his promise to return. Two years later, Elspeth is traveling with her aunt when they are forced to make an unplanned stop at an inn due to the snowy weather. In the common room hears bits and pieces of a story that sounds familiar, of a sword that flames red-orange – Lann Dhearg, in an effort to hear more, she moves closer to the men talking, explains she records stories and would like to include theirs. When the English soldiers begin to harass the men, another man intervenes – a man that has haunted her dreams for two long years, Roy Williams. But this man doesn’t seem to recognize her, a slight she is not willing to let pass.

Tavish Crawford, Lord Strathclyde, aka John MacLean aka Roy Williams is on a mission to find Lann Dhearg, his family’s sword, which he lost while fighting at Culloden. He sees Elspeth and hopes she doesn’t remember him, at least not in front of the English soldiers – Tavish is a Jacobite sympathizer and is wanted by the English. Unfortunately, Elspeth does remember him and confronts him while he is conversing with the English. He tells her she is mistaken; he is not Roy Williams; he is John MacLean. Confused and angry, she leaves the room, he smooths things over with the soldiers and then tracks down Elspeth, hoping to smooth things over with her as well.

Elspeth agrees to hear Tavish’s story and even offers to help him find his lost sword. It is clear that connection they had is just as strong today as it was two years ago and she is not willing to walk away from the possibly of a future with him. But Tavish is not the only one looking for the sword – members of the Order of the Round Table are hot on its trail as well mistakenly believing it is one the Thirteen Treasures of Britain. So before Elspeth and Tavish can even think about HEA – they will have to reclaim Lann Dhearg and defeat the members of the Order – a feat easier said than done.

I really enjoyed this prequel to the Legendary Rogues series, it is a well written, fast paced novella with a nod to the movie “Die Hard”. This book has it all, wonderful characters, action, steamyish love scenes, a bit of mystery, some intrigue and finally a great HEA complete with an epilogue! If you have read the series, this is a great addition and introduces “The Order” – if you haven’t read it, this novella is a great introduction to the series – but let me warn you to be prepared to be sucked into the “Thirteen Treasures” and the Heroes and Heroines who seek them!!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me upon request – all opinions are my own.*

The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal by Heather McCollum

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Medieval (1066-1540), Scottish/Highlander1 Comment

The Highlander's Unexpected Proposal (The Brothers of Wolf Isle, #1)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Brothers of Wolf Isle #1
Publication Date: 10/19/20
Number of Pages: 199

What do you get when you mix pirates, betrayal, deep secrets, and a curse together with family loyalty and love? The answer, of course, is an outstanding story. I loved getting to meet Adam Macquarie and Lark Montgomerie along with all of the brothers who will have their stories in the upcoming books – Beckett (Beck), Eagan, Callum, and his twin, Drostan.

The Macquarie’s, who live on Ulva (Wolf) Island, were cursed over a hundred years ago. Wilyam Macquarie had courted – and impregnated – a young woman from the island, and then he married another in order to form a better political alliance. The young woman then hanged herself, and her distraught mother put a curse on the Macquarie’s. Their island is now uninhabited and there are only five Macquarie’s left in the world. To break the curse, the Macquaries must learn what love is – and they must stop producing bastards. The five remaining Macquaries are determined to save their clan, break the curse, and reclaim their island. That determination has brought Adam (the clan chief) and his brother Beck to the Beltane festival to find wives for themselves.

Yes, Adam wants to save his clan and break the curse, but his real reason behind wanting to do that is because he wants a home. A real home. He and his brothers have had a house while living with the Maclean clan on the Isle of Mull, but it isn’t a real home. Not a place filled with love and belonging. He wants that for himself and his brothers – and in order to get it, they have to break the curse.

Lark Montgomerie has been told that she MUST choose a husband at this festival. Her family will not be taking her back home with them. She can choose – sort of – but she has no dowry and Roylin Montgomerie will sell her to the highest bidder if she doesn’t choose. When two vile creatures are the only two in contention for her hand, she begs a handsome Highlander she’s only just met to wed her. Amazingly, he agrees and they are wed on the spot.

Both Lark and Adam are keeping secrets – secrets that can break them apart. Not a very auspicious beginning for a lifelong relationship. During their perilous journey back to Wolf Island, Adam learns just how resourceful, brave, and skilled Lark really is – and admiration begins to grow. What will happen when they get to Wolf Island and all of Adam’s secrets are revealed? Will she just leave him? Then, what will happen when Lark’s deepest, darkest secrets are revealed?

There are those who do not wish to see the Macquarie clan reclaim their island nor break the curse. Dark forces gather about them and only the strong bond between Adam and Lark, his brothers, and the Maclean’s can save the day. Between kidnappings, curses, pirates, and betrayals, their road to their HEA won’t be an easy one.

I absolutely loved both Adam and Lark. They are such good people – dedicated, strong, caring – and they definitely deserve their HEA. I was left wondering about Lark’s sisters though. It seems they were left in what could be a very unhappy situation, so I wonder if we’ll just never hear from them again, if they will eventually find their way to Wolf Island, or if maybe they’ll also get their own stories. I can hardly wait for future books to find out. Up next is Beck’s story and it sounds like a great one as well.

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