Highland Rake

The Highlanders #3

by Terry Spear

Dougald MacNeill is the next to youngest MacNeill brother and he's not about to settle down, until Lady Alana Cameron is placed squarely in his lap...and then, the trouble begins. When Dougald finds Alana roaming the heather on the MacNeill lands, he takes her in hand to see his laird brother James at Craigly Castle to determine her fate. But who has sent her there and why? Her uncle, laird of the Cameron clan, that has warred with the MacNeills for years, has made a marriage arrangement with another clan and now that is even at stake. Having witnessed her father's death, and even believing he had returned her home when all along he had been dead, Alana discovers she has the gift, or curse, of seeing the newly departed and sometimes those who should have long ago passed over. Her own deceased brother continues to plague her, the rake, and now another, who is very much of the flesh, Dougald MacNeill, has her thinking marrying a rake might just have its benefits. Dougald's sister, who is one feisty ghost, has offered to help Alana keep Dougald in line if he thinks of even straying. But who sent Alana on a fool's errand in the first place to remove her from the Cameron's lands and set her squarely in Dougald's care, and who really killed her father and her brother, and what has it all to do with Alana? Will she and Dougald learn the truth before it is too late?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Scotland, Romance, Ebooks, Audiobook, Paranormal

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2012

About the author

Love, love, love romance, the paranormal, hunky Highlanders with their delicious brogue and hot kilts, so Terry Spear writes about those hunky Highlanders both in medieval times and as wolves in contemporary times. Jaguar shifters too! And young adult urban fantasy. And romantic suspense.

She grew up reading mystery, adventure, mythologies from around the world, ghost stories, the paranormal, fell in love with Dracula and Wolfman, and felt they needed loving too. Everyone should have someone to love. Which means her stories always have a HEA.

USA Today Bestseller residing in Central Texas from Sacramento, California who creates award-winning teddy bears too!

Reviews

[Vallsykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars; 1/2 star for narrator, Borah Coburn

I almost got a headache from the intricate conspiracy concocted in this one. Luckily, with the help of ghosts, set-ups, unknown protectants and chance meetings, the culprits are discovered and the main couple get their HEA.

As I listened to the audio book, they appeared in my mind in bold Pixar color. This is interesting because I found myself vacillating between a great animated adventure(maybe because I'd just watch Brave) and a semi-steamy historical romance. The adventure came from the pop-in & pop-out friendly ghosts that can only be seen by the heroine (we think). What's more, is that the ghosts' backstories made me care about them. This is headed up by the action in the form of battles and highlander warrior antics. With the battle prowess of the hero and great secondary characters from his clan as well as the heroine's, some banter and PoVs were appreciated, not to mention a couple of cute &sexy scenes of nakedness & agreements about morning nookie.

The main couple, Dougald and Alana, are fun and fluffy (you just want to hug them). Dougald, man thought to be a playboy but very able to hold his own, is a brother of the MacNeill clan who marries for duty and potential power of united clans. He is a likabe fellow, strong and beautifully beta, yet his character goes no deeper than his love and acceptance of his eccentric bride, whom he would not have accepted months before if it had not been for his brothers' previous marriages to eccentric brides as well.

Alana:"Do you see ghosts?"
a lad:"Nay,'tis bad enough I see the living."

On the other hand, Alana is a character that I was able to get a little more involved in. She has a ethereal aura that she never relinquishes, which embodies her charm, I think. It happens from the suspenseful introduction of her as a nine year old who narrowly escapes death & tragedy to her transformation into a woman who is a healer and followed by ghosts. She's rumored to be a "Fae" Scottish lass, and that quality as well as her bravery endears her to the men and woman around her. Contrarily, Alana's attributes also invite the wrong sort of attention.

In all, I liked this paranormal historical highland romance. It was sugary-sweet. And with exception to the long-winded conversations among gruff highlanders using their deductive reasoning AND the confusion of too many character names being dropped and littered about (one character being called the wrong name, but great names nonetheless(snickers), I rather like the writer's technique. SO, I will try another one of the stories in this series[I started with book#3, which means I will go back one to read about Dougald's brother, James].

Warning: crazy conversations that make dialogue a little hard to follow and very drawn out suspense (not to mention the ghosts) in this story could be a turn-off to some readers.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feuds, hostilities, and aggressive conflict have been a way of life for neighboring clans in the Highlands since the beginning of recorded history. Land conflicts, sheep and cattle raids, women whisked away, willingly or not, and grievances of so long ago that the exact facts are long forgotten, yet the violence continues. Sometimes, a dangerous evil is found much closer than neighboring clans. So is the case with the Cameron and MacNeill Clans.
The beautiful green-eyed, blond-haired Lady Alana Cameron has been blessed, or cursed, with a unique ability. For twenty-six years she has been surrounded by friends and family, both living and dead. This ability she has kept quiet in accordance with her father’s and later, her uncle Alroy’s wishes. They believed in her abilities but were afraid others might think she was bewitched or a lunatic. Pure, innocent, and trusting, she believed in the inherent good in everyone and believed whatever they tell her. Lady Alana is also blessed with a pure, kind, giving heart and the ability to cure almost any ailment.
While venturing onto MacNeill land to right a perceived wrong, she happened on an unexpected sight. A handful of naked men were bathing and frolicking, nude in a clear and cold loch. Quietly and surreptitiously she could not tear her eyes from this scene. Eventually, her presence is discovered and, although she did her best to escape, she was caught by Dougald MacNeill, younger brother of James, Laird of the MacNeill Clan. The dilemma of what to do with this beautiful emerald-eyed lass plagued Dougald. He couldn’t leave her there without protection, he couldn’t return her to her clan without risking his men, so the only viable alternative is to take her to Craigly Castle and leave the decision to his brother James.

This is more than a mere historical romance. A twisted mystery, combined with a romantic liaison between two members of warring factors and the ever-presence of spirits not left completely departed, makes this a tale to remember. This fast-paced story is filled with violence, passion, and humor. I was especially enchanted with the tumultuous love/hate relationship of Connell and Seana, Alana’s and Dougald’s departed siblings.
If you like historical Highland romances; this will be a good choice. This is a true page-turner with steamy sexy love scenes and a twisted mystery of deceit and deception.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dougald MacNeill spots Lady Alana Cameron roaming the MacNeill lands in search of Rory MacNeill, who is about to become a father. Dougald sends one of his men to search for this MacNeill and insists that Lady Alana must accompany him to his Laird's castle.

Dougald falls in love with Lady Alana on sight and would like nothing more than to make her his bride, but their clans are not on the best of terms and Lady Alana is already betrothed to another man. However, once they arrive at the castle, Laird James MacNeill decides that the two must marry. Lady Alana's reputation has been compromised. She was with Dougald for two days and without one of her maids. Even though Dougald never touched her, he has a reputation as being a rake and the damage is done.

Lady Alana is attracted to Dougald, too, but she doesn't want to be married to a man who is a rake. Her brother had been one and he was murdered because he slept with another man's wife. She also has a big secret: She can see and talk to ghosts and fears Dougald will find out. Since her brother's untimely death, he's been haunting her and shows up at the worst of times, making it difficult for her to hide her special talent. To top it off, Dougald's sister haunts the castle and reveals herself to Alana, too.

As if the Dougald and Alan don't have enough to deal with. Someone is after Lady Alana, but the reasons are sketchy. It seems the motive goes back to when Alana was a child. She witnessed her father's death. There are secrets and plots that stem from this horrible event. Dougald is determined to keep his new bride safe and find out who is trying to harm her--even if it means his own demise.

Terry Spear has a way with words and her storytelling breathes life into her characters. You're sure to fall in love with the humans and the ghostly one's as well. I've enjoyed the other books in this series, too. Winning the Highlander's Heart was the first book I ever read from this author. I couldn't put it down and had to find out what else she had written. The second in this series is: The Accidental Highland Hero. If you love Paranormal tales, try her werewolf series. They're all fantastic, but this story is one of my favorites: A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing.

***Note: The author gave me a digital copy of this book for an honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the audio version of Highland Rake and I LOVE it!!! I have listened to it probably 8-10 times and I grow to love this story more every time! It draws you and in and Ms Spear has such a way of words, that you feel as if you are truly apart of the book and her characters. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series and find out want happens with the other characters! Thank you Terry, for a wonderful Highland adventure!

* I did not realize when I first listened to this book, that it was apart of a series and I was not at all lost by the plot, flow of the story or characters. It can definitely be read as a stand alone book.

[Brianna Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving it 3.5 stars.
I liked the story and wanted to figure out the mystery. However the dialogue was problematic for me. I felt like it jumped all over the place and I didn't know who was taking or what they were talking about. Also they instantly fall in love just because they have sex? I felt like there wasn't any real romance and it was just lust

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!!!!! Suspense, drama, kilts, romance, intrigue, traitors, murder, family ties,...... suspense.....
Did I say suspense?? A good read. The best book of the series.

[Michelle Scaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story and seeing another MacNeill brother get their HEA.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medieval Scotland is the perfect setting for paranormal historical romance in author Terry Spear's "Highland Rake". An involving, atmospheric tale, this is a very well-written and well-paced story line with engaging and intriguing characters. Lady Alana Cameron was present when her father and many of her clan were attacked and killed. Both blessed and cursed by an ability to see and speak with the dead, it was her deceased father who guided her home to safety after he and his clansmen were killed in an ambush. As a grown woman, Alana is a respected healer, and known to converse with spirits. One of the ghosts from whom she receives visitations is her recently deceased brother, Connell. A known rogue and ladies man, Alana and her uncle both felt that his dalliances would lead to his death--and they did. He was killed by a jealous husband who caught Connell with his wife. When Alana is summoned to aide an ailing woman who is with child, she crosses onto the forbidden lands of the MacNeills--a rival clan. Someone has deceived her into treading on MacNeill territory, and Dougald MacNeill takes her into his custody in order to present her to his older brother James, the head of the MacNeill clan. Dougald is even more of a known rake than was her brother Connell, but Alana cannot help noticing his great charm and appeal. James decides that the only course of action to save Alana's reputation and hold off a bitter and deadly clash with the Camerons is to have Dougald wed Alana. Though they have just met, and each first had mistrust of the other, they both agree to the marriage. When Alana's uncle arrives to bring home his niece, she is already wed to Dougald, who agrees to live with the Camerons and one day take her uncle's place as head of the clan. Connell, who had followed Alana, is not the only ghost in the MacNeill stronghold. Seana MacNeill, sister of James and Dougald, had died after running off to marry a man of whom her family did not approve. Seana is delighted to be able to speak with Alana, but Connell raises her ire with his teasing. There is much plotting and planning throughout the clans of the realm, and not everyone would see Dougald and Alana happily wed. Can Dougald protect the bride whom he loves and desires, and can he keep peace among the clans? Will Alana find the security she needs in the love of her husband to set the nightmares of the past behind her? I absolutely loved this story, and I became completely involved with the characters. The respect that Dougald had for Alana and her intelligence and unusual abilities made him one awesome Highland Hero! Recommended for lovers of skillfully-crafted paranormal highland romance, rich in history, romance, and intrigue!

Review Copy Gratis Author

[Cruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He made her soar to the sun and to the moon and every bit of sky in between."

Plot:
Found by Dougald on MacNeill land, Alana is taken to Craigly Castle for safekeeping. Of course, the best way to keep her safe is to marry her. With a husband with the reputation of a rake, visiting spirits, battling clans, and someone trying to kill/kidnap her it was never going to be an easy road to HEA.

Comments:
- Historical Medieval Romance with paranormal aspects. Alana sees Dead People.
- 388 pages, 10386 kindle locations
- m/f - fairly explicit but not frequent. First time after marriage.
- Set in the time of King Henry I (1068-1135), references the obscure and varied in tellings abduction of Henry's mistress, Nest ferch Rhys.
- Book three of a linked series. The books follow the lives of the MacNeill clan, and are all in the same period of time, but are sufficiently independent to stand alone. Characters from other books play integral roles, and previous events are referenced.

Opinion:
The single, interesting storyline kept me interested and engaged. The characters were nice, the setting felt realistic, the mystery was nicely played out. It was a really good, really enjoyable book.

I have nothing at all to complain about *grin*.

- Highlanders -
Book 1 Winning the Highlander's Heart - Anice and Malcolm MacNeill
Book 2 The Accidental Highland Hero- Eilis Dunbarton and James MacNeill
Book 3 Highland Rake - Alana Cameron and Dougald MacNeill
Book 4 Taming the Wild Highlander - Edana Chattan and Angus MacNeill

-CR-

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading years ago it was always Highland books. Over the years my tastes have traveled all over the place. In Highland Rake I found a refreshing step back into the books I remember that use to make me hunker down and smile. Lady Alana has had her share of troubles. Her dad the Cameron clan chief and her brother were murdered. Her uncle is setting up a marriage to someone she is not crazy about, and to make matters even more stressful she can see and speak to ghosts who pop up on her when she least expects it. Trying to make sure no one notices her talking to "herself". Her dead brother was a rake who was killed by a jealous husband. Alana is the clan healer and is going out to help a clanswoman and she winds up on another clans land and is found by the MacNiells. The second to youngest brother a charming rogue named Dougald finds her and is immediately smitten. . This book is their delightful love story and the twists and turns of the death of her dad and brother. Dougald's dead sister,Seanna.... her dead brother, Connell... are along for a comical ride. I read this book start to finish and didn't stop. I fell in love with Dougald and Alana.

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after reading a review. True to the review the couple was together early in the book and did not have silly misunderstandings. I loved the fresh approach on Alana's special gift. Hanna Howell often writes books about these special gifts too. I love her for it but sometimes I get tired of reading about the Highlander who will not fall in love. It's been done too many times so in this book it was nice to read about a man who didn't fall into this over used theme.

I also enjoyed Alana's interaction with the ghosts. I've never read a book that had the ghosts play such a prominant part of the story. There may be more like this I just have never read it. Hanna Howell in her book called", If He's So Wicked," there were similarities to this story. This still is unique in it's own way.

My only complaint with this book would be that there was too many clans and some squabbling but I would have liked more drama to this storyline. In true Hanna Howell nature there would have at least been an abduction. I know she's not HH but just for the story sake of the book it would have been more interesting.

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just thrilled by this series and the Highland Rake is just another wonderful addition. This epic story is filled with the perfect amount of romance and mystery with just a hint of the paranormal all taking place in the Medieval Scottish Highlands.

I love that Alana has the sight and can speak to those who have died but not yet passed on. The part about how her father led her to safety after he was killed and how Alana watched her brother and Dougald’s sister fall in love, these moments really stand out for me and I find them just fascinating.

Highland Rake is a wonderful story with a quick moving plot. It captured my attention as soon as I started reading and the story flowed so fast I was shocked when I found out it was almost 400 pages long. This book is the third in The Highlanders series and while it can be read as a standalone I know you too will fall in love with it and will want to read the rest of this series.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Alana finds herself on an errand across the border from her lands. She has had a problematic life. Her father is killed on a hunting trip, her brother dies shortly after, and now her Uncle seems to want her settled. The problem is, that she can see the dead. It is a secret she has learned to hold close, but now it seems someone is after her. She is reached by a neighboring clan, and without a chaperone, and her being a lady, she is quickly married to the leaders brother. This book had lots of twists and turns. The book would have been more confusing, but the ghosts helped a lot. One clan killed her father, someone different ordered her brothers death.. Someone else wants to either capture, or hurt her. Then her clan, May also want her husband dead, rather than support him as a future clan leader to her people. I think the book got a bit off track at times, but it took a mixed up route to get there. I liked the ending. It was good, but I have,read better from her.

[Savannah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Terry Spear's wolf books. This was the first book I've read outside of her wolf series and I LOVED it! So many twist in the story it really kept me on edge trying to figure out little things like who killed Alana's father and why did her brother stay around? The characters are lovable, the story flows beautifully, the ghostly element was amazing and of course the love story was heart warming :)
This was my first Terry Spear story outside of her Wolf series, but it wont be the last. She has a way of pulling you into a story and making you feel as if you are part of that world.
I give this book 5 stars and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Violeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading Highland Rake. Highland Rake is the third book in the The Highlanders Series. I found it very easy to follow each of the characters and storyline. It was wonderful reading Dougald MacNeill's and Alana Cameron's story and loved the fast paced plot. Two characters in particular (Alana's brother and Dougald's sister) I found to be very entertaining.

I was unable to put it down and ended up staying up late wanting to finish reading this book. But once finished was sad to have completed it and the characters stayed on my mind many days later. I will definitely be seeking to read all the other books from this series and any other books Terry Spear has published.

[Tanielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like everyone is moving away from each other. The stories have little to tie in with the last which is a bit of disappointment. Even with Dougald and Alana joining James and Eilis, you get little about them or what’s going on there. Angus finally shows back up but I thought he really wasn’t needed besides to remind you of how many were left. The story of Dougald and Alana was actually pretty good though, still not sure about Hoel so I’m guessing we’ll read more about them soon. Hopefully Connell and Sieana will stick around a bit for added entertainment but I guess I’ll see in the next one.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Mystery, murders and twists. This light read has it. Strapping highlanders, bonnie lasses and ghosts.
Two clans are united against the odds, the MacNeills and Camerons, through a fortuitous meeting of Dougald and Alana. Circumstances being a necessity for the characters to marry.
I especially loved the two ghosts, very entertaining.

[Barbi Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This is the third book in the series. I have truly enjoyed them all. But this one is my favorite. Alana is gifted and Dougald is a Rake. And their story is amazing. There is a whole lot of suspense too. You also get to visit with James and Eilis. And the MacNeil clan. I am hoping that Angus, Nails and Gunnolf's books come soon. I highly recommend this book!!

[JoAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great adventure book other than the sex scenes and sexual comments.

[Jay W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book of the series so far

[Donna McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading.

decent mystery type romance, kinda hard to keep up with. a lot if characters and a mixed up plot but an ok book

[Tanya Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was my first auto not sure if I like it. but loved the book. Great story

[Sandra Standefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

What a fun story. I really enjoyed that Alana could see and talk to ghosts. It made very entertaining reading. I would definitely recommend to readers.

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, twisty plot and likable characters. Too many villains.

[Jan-Christer D. Arvidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable read

I wish there were a few less characters in the book but I enjoyed reading the book. I plan to buy and read another book in this series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Reminded me of the game/movie CLUE.
Mysteries and murders.

Story between Connell and Seana was so sweet!

Dougald❤️Alana