My Brave Highlander

Highland Adventure #3

by Vonda Sinclair

Battle-hardened warrior Dirk MacLerie isn't who everyone thinks he is. He's Dirk MacKay, heir apparent to the MacKay chiefdom and Dunnakeil Castle on the far north coast of Scotland. When he returns home after a long absence, will his clan know him and will the duplicitous enemy who tried to murder him twelve years ago kill him in truth this time? Lady Isobel MacKenzie is a beautiful young widow betrothed to yet another Highland chief by her brother's order. But when her future brother-in-law accosts her and threatens to kill her, she is forced to flee into a Highland snowstorm. When she runs into a rugged and imposing man she thought dead, she wonders if he will turn her over to her enemy or take her to safety. Dirk remembers the enchanting, dark-eyed Isobel from when he was a lad, but now she is bound to another man by legal contract—an important detail she would prefer to forget. She wishes to choose her own husband and has her sights set on Dirk. But he would never steal another man's bride… would he? The tantalizing lady fires up his passions, testing his willpower and honor at every turn, even as some of his own treacherous clansmen plot his downfall.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Ebooks, Scotland, Medieval, Fiction

334 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2012

About the author

Vonda Sinclair is the USA Today bestselling author of award-winning Scottish historical romance novels and novellas. Her favorite pastime is exploring Scotland and taking photos along the way. She especially loves ancient castle ruins! She also enjoys writing about hot Highland heroes, unconventional ladies and the healing power of love. Her series are the Highland Shifters Series, the Highland Adventure Series and the Scottish Treasure Series. Her books have won the National Readers' Choice Award, the CRW Award of Excellence, the Winter Rose Award of Excellence in Published Romantic Fiction--1st Place Historical, and an EPIC Award. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she is crafting another adventurous, wildly romantic Scottish story. Please visit her website at www.vondasinclair.com

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Rating 4 Stars
Character Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 4 Stars

This is the 3rd book in the series and all can be read as stand alone's.

I truly enjoyed this book all the way through. Vonda does a great job of writing HOT Scottish romances with good story lines, great characters and VERY HOT love scenes. All three of her book's were very enjoyable and I look forwards to reading more of them.

[Mslvoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Settings described in Fierce Romance blog. I loved it! It's so beautiful!!! Take my breath away! I love escaping into a Highlander/Scottish romance

Ceannabeinne Beach - Durness


Its took me 7 days to finished this story. Just because it took me awhile to finish this book doesn't mean I didn't like it. I enjoyed it! I enjoyed the romance between Dirk and Isobel. I really enjoyed the twists in this story even though it lack of emotional.

I'm looking forward to read Torrin and Jessie story. I believe they would be a hero and heroin in her next book. Oh I wish Vonda writes about Rebbie and Dirk's brother, Aiden.

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brave Highland by Vonda Sinclair is book 3 in the Highland Adventure Series. And I have to say, I think it is my favorite so far. This installment showcases Dirk, a friend of Lachlan from the previous book! Dirk is a hardened warrior but has a secret. He is the son of a laird who is dying. He has kept his family name a secret because his stepmother has been trying to kill him all his life. So he escaped and changed his name until it was time to return and claim his lairdship. Well, the time is now. On his way home, he comes across a young woman named Isobel and her maid. It is freezing and they just so happen to have previously met when they were young. Isobel is escaping her future brother-in-law who attacked her. Dirk rescues her and intends to return her to her brother, but that is if he doesn’t fall in love with her first…

Unlike the last book, I really loved this romance between Dirk and Isobel. (Can we get Rebbie’s story now?!?!) I love how Isobel takes charge and won’t be a pawn amongst the men surrounding her. It is also quite comical how Dirk tries to resist her. Poor guy doesn’t stand a chance. As always, there is suspense and a great villain that will keep readers on their toes! The characters are a delight and I am here for Rebbie and Dirk and their banter. There were moments where I laughed out loud. They are best friend goals!

Another thing that I absolutely adore about Vonda Sinclair’s stories is the description of the setting! I always feel as if I am there and I can picture it so vividly! While these books can be read as a standalone, I do suggest starting with book one as it adds so much more to the series as a whole. I can’t wait to pick up book 4, as there is a little teaser at the end! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted on Demon Lover's Books & More

4.5

When I first picked this book up, I was surprised at how quickly it captured my attention and then I remembered that it’s a Vonda Sinclair book, and wanted to smack myself, because DUH! Of course it sucked me in, she’s a fantastic writer.

I think the intensity of this book is increased because it’s not just a simple love story, it’s not just a simple rescue, and well, to be honest, NOTHING is simple in this book.

Isobel has been dodging advances from her soon-to-be brother in law while her fiancé is away for a few weeks. It comes to the point where Isobel has to fight for her life, and after knocking the jerk out, she thinks she’s killed him. Not knowing her fiancé too well, she assumes she’ll be hanged for killing the brother of the laird, and she runs.

Dirk McKay is actually the heir to his clan, but he’s been in hiding and using the name MacLerie. Soon he’s pushed into going home, though, and he’s not sure that is a good thing. His stepmother tried to kill him so her sons could inherit. And while his father has recently died, the stepmother still holds sway over her sons.

The trek north is time enough for Isobel to know that she wants Dirk, whether it’s for one night or more, she wants him. But she doesn’t want to bring him trouble, either, so she asks to be sent home to her brother. Dirk finds he can’t let her go, but he doesn’t want to marry her, because as newly appointed laird of the McKay clan, he doesn’t want to start a feud over stealing another man’s bride. Yet he can’t keep from thinking about her, and the wee devil can’t keep her hands off him.

With one laird on the hunt for his wayward bride-to-be, and another laird looking for his sister, what can Dirk and Isobel do to stay together? And can they survive the many attacks on their lives?

I love this series, and Vonda Sinclair has a way of writing that catches you right from the beginning and doesn’t let go until well after it’s ended.


***Review copy courtesy of the author

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vonda Sinclair never fails to entertain you with a page turning adventure and a sizzling romance. With her vivid imagination you’ll find her characters and story flows excellent together. This book is part of a series but they are all standalones.

I read the all three books in this series now and really enjoyed them, but this one has turned out to be my favorite of them all. I was engrossed with the story and romance between the hero and heroine, I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next.

I hope that Jessie will one day get a story and Robbie too. There are so many great characters in this series I can see the author making it grow years to come. I highly recommend this to any romance reader.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read!!! The book is filled with intrigue and romance. You know who the villain is right from the start, but figuring out how to prove it makes for an interesting read!

I liked Dirk right from the first book in the series. He seemed so deep. He wasn't a frivolous charmer like his friends. There was more to him. In this book, we finally find out his real identity and his history.

Lady Isobel MacKenzie is brave and intelligent. When she is attacked by her future brother-in-law, she flees the castle during a snow storm. Luckily, she is rescued by Dirk who takes her to his castle to keep her safe until he can return her to her brother's home.

There is all sorts of mayhem going on. Somebody is bent on killing Dirk and keeping him from his rightful place as Laird of the clan. Dirk knows who it is, but has no proof. Isobel wants to keep him safe and vows to spend time with the villain to find out their plans.

Then, aside from the attempts on Dirk's life, there is the issue of a possible clan war because of Dirk taking Isobel to his home rather than returning her to the home of her betrothed or her brother.

The book is filled with action.

[Coco.V]

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[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirk has to return home to claim his birthright, knowing that someone wants him dead. Running into Lady Isobel, who is want her dead as well. These two proud souls need each other, can love be far behind for them both.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-paced story brimming with love, action and intrigue. The narrator's Scottish brogue was perfect!

MY BRAVE HIGHLANDER by Vonda Sinclair was a lovely Scottish historical romance. It was the story of warrior Dirk MacLerie and lovely Lady Isobel MacKenzie. I easily connected to both Dirk and Isobel.

As the story opened, we learn that Isobel's brother had, again betrothed her to another chieftain to gain a favorable alliance with that clan. She had earlier been married off to a man too old to perform his husbandly duties. She had always wanted to marry for love, but her desires were considered frivolous by her brother. While her betrothed was on a trip, she had been left in the care of her future husband's brother. He was a creepy man and tried to rape her. She defended herself and then escaped into the frigid night with her maid.
Dirk had received a missive from his uncle that his father was on his deathbed. Dirk's father had no idea that Dirk was even alive as Dirk had run away after his stepmother had almost succeeded at murdering him. He had done well for himself but missed being home. On the way, he comes upon Lady Isobel - who he remembered from his childhood. Even though he has troubles of his own, he vows to see to Lady Isobel's safety.

Even though this is the third book in Vonda's Highland Adventure series, it can be fully enjoyed as a standalone as the danger plot and romance are fully contained within this story.

This story was narrated by Dave Gillies. He had the perfect Scottish brogue accent for this story and I enjoyed his voicing of the characters. I swooned every time he was Dirk. Oooh la la! He delivered a solid performance that really enhanced the story for me and I would not hesitate to listen to any other audio that he has narrated.

Following please find a snippet from a favorite scene where the couple are sharing sleeping arrangements - but not sleeping together... though Isobel's sleep-walking tries Dirk's vow not to take advantage of her:
“Isobel?" Why on earth would she open the door and allow the winter wind to blast into the cottage, especially wearing naught but her underclothing? Dirk hurried across the room, drew her back and closed the door. "What are you doing?"
Her eyes were open but she wasn't looking at him. Was she asleep?
"Go back to bed, Isobel." With his hands on her upper arms, he gently turned her toward the bed.
She resisted and reached for the door. "Going home."
He could understand that, for he wanted to go home, himself. But neither of them could do that at the moment.
Knowing she wasn't going to obey him, he lifted her into his arms. She was light as a wee thistle flower but not near as prickly. He'd helped her mount the horse a few times, but he'd never held her like this, in his arms with her curvy body leaning against him.
When he turned with her, she giggled. The playful sound wound through his body in a heated swirl of excitement. She slid her arms 'round his neck and held on tightly while he carried her back to the bed. She snuggled her face against his neck, her warm breath teasing his skin.
Arousal surged through him, but when she kissed his throat, he thought he might go up in flames. Saints! He wanted to do the same to her, trail kisses down her throat, untie her smock and… He shook his head, trying to clear it.
Standing by the bed, he remained still, though his instincts raged at him to crush her sweet body beneath his on the mattress.
He drew in a deep breath, fighting to calm his desires.
"Are you awake?" he whispered.
She hummed a sleepy sound and placed another wee kiss against his neck. Restraining a moan, he glanced down at her. In the dimness, he couldn't see if her eyes were open or closed. But she smelled heavenly, like lavender and woman.
Just put her in the bed and leave her be!
He lowered her to the mattress but she did not relinquish her hold on his neck. He knew he should simply remove her slender arms, but he couldn't seem to make himself do it. Her breath tickled his face. Her mouth, no less than an inch or two from his, tempted him, made him crave just one taste.”

This was a well-paced story with two wonderful leads and brimming with love, action and intrigue. It was so good that I plan to go back and listen to the first two books in this series as soon as I can! I would highly recommend MY BRAVE HIGHLANDER to anyone who enjoys historical Scottish romances.

4 Wine Glasses!

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling Adventure!

Wow! Wow! Wow! I want Dirk MacKay to be my Brave Highlander – I mean WHAT A MAN! WHAT A MAN! WHAT A MIGHTY FINE MAN! Dirk and Isobel’s story is an electrifying sizzling adventure and as a reader I didn’t want the story to end. No I wanted to stay immersed into their world for ever. The writing is fast paced and smooth and the scenes capture the essence and demeanor of the honor amongst the Highland Clans leaving the mind with breathtaking visions of desires and soulful yearnings.

Dirk MacLerie (MacKay) is a heavenly dream - A man full of honor, respect, leadership, strength, and a passionate soul. I loved his demeanor in how he treated everyone in his clan giving them the benefit of the doubt first until they showed their disloyalty. Even his actions towards the disloyal traitors got more respect than they deserved.

Lady Isobel is like a precious jewel to cherish. I loved her determination in how she wanted the happiness she chose and not what the chiefs determined by trading her off like some heifer at a sale. Her will to have Dirk was entertaining and humorous throughout the book. She wasn’t physically strong but her wit and smarts made up for her weaknesses.

Dirk and Isobel’s adventure was a beautiful chase of love. Their erotic scenes sizzled with a longing desire and passion to die for. Heat Level 3 out of 5

The story’s plot along with its characters was creatively written. The chemistry between the clan had a down to earth vibe that made you feel like you’d known them for a life time. Even the enemy or traitors had the perfect revengeful demeanor and boy was I one happy camper when they got their due in the end especially Maighread. Some of the characters such as Jessie, Torrin, Rebbie, Aiden, Keegan, and Seona I hope to see again in their own story.

Overall, the ending was a fantastic happy ever after and I just wanted it to last forever. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series and I highly recommend this series to all Historical Romance lovers.

Excellent Read!

***This book was provided by the author for a fair and honest review

[Roub · Rating 2 out of 5]

i liked the basic plot, the basis 4 the story unfortunately along the way i got dreadfully bored, i found it a pain 2 continue. yet i did finish the book but had 2 skip lots of pages. isobel was an incomparable beauty n had been married 2 a very old baron thus the reason y she was still a virgin though a widow. her husband had not been able 2 perform in the marital bed. she was now betrothed 2 chief torrin mc leod, laird mc leod but his heart was not in it n due 2 negligence on his part, his brother seized the occasion 2 force himself on isobel. he was desperately in lust wid her n cud not get her out of his mind lol:P isobel stabbed him n knocked him wid a jug while he broke her finger n hit her in the face. so isobel fled the mc leod manor wid her maid. on the way back 2 her brother, she met dirk, rebbie n george. she had an instant rapport wid dirk whom she knew from her teens. infact dirk's dad had wanted an alliance between them but isobel's dad had refused. isobel came from a privileged clan, the mc kenzies were richer than other highland clans. neway it was a good plot as u can see n many intrigues involved but i did not feel any chemistry between isobel n dirk. infact i did not believe these 2 were in love. apart dat dirk found her very beautiful which she was, i dunt think he felt much 4 her. yes they did care 4 each other n it seemed more like a very affectionate relationship rather than 2 lovers madly in love

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I liked this one so much better than the last 2. I'm actually happy that I stuck it out and decided to give the author one more chance. The heroine wasn't annoying like the last 2, and I liked the fact that they werent constantly mistrusting and misjudging each other for the entire book like the last 2 books. I actually returned book #2 in this series, and would have done the same for book #1 if I'd been able to. This one I will keep, though, and I know I'll happily reread it sometime. I didn't love it, but I liked it well enough. Hoping book 4 is more like rhis book than the first 2! I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys reading highland romances. It can be read as a standalone, and I'd recommend starting with this book and skipping the first 2 if you're new to the series. You really wont miss much. But it seems like this story leads into the next a bit, so just be aware of that if you like to skip around in a series.

Side note: if you're listening to the audio version, the narrator for this one is MUCH better than the one who did the last 2 :)

[Hayley Faiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one! Highlander books are totally my guilty pleasure! This one was about Dirk and Isobel .. betrothed to another she's completely off limits to the new Laird ... but being bad is so much fun! Haha the back story kept me interested and I can't wait to see what the future hold for Dirks cousin Keegan!!

[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! The best in the series. Both leads were so likable + the NICE secondary characters. It took me a little longer to finish it due t work but wow, it was amazing. Hoping book 4 is just as good. ♥

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Highlander romance, but I did have a few minor issues with it. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4 stars.

Dirk was likable enough, but it bothered me that he kept so much from Isobel. He started falling for her almost immediately after he rescued her -- but he didn't want her to know. I get that he thought it might start a clan war if anyone knew, but why did he have to hide his feelings from her?

I liked Isobel, but I thought it was a little silly that she didn't really consider how bad it would look for her when she kept getting caught in Dirk's bed. She seemed to think no one would care, but that just wasn't true. She was supposed to be intelligent, but she got stupid every time Dirk kissed her.

I liked that Dirk and his clan willingly risked their lives a number of times to protect Isobel. His willingness to do that is actually one of the things I liked most about him.

It bothered me that the bad guys in this story were just so thoroughly evil. They had absolutely no redeeming qualities at all. And Dirk's stepmother was just evil!

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirk MacLerie is a man of few words. He is heroic, big, strong and handsome, but all is not as it seems.
Lady Isobel MacKenzie, a beautiful young widow, who is now betrothed to another Highland Chief, runs away after a terrible occurence and whilst in a deadly snow storm, meets up with Dirk who with his friend Rebbie saves her and her maid's lives.
From the moment this twist of fate happens, they are struck by each other, rembering each other from their past and more to the point, remembering what they once felt for each other.
This is one of my favourites in the Highland Adventure series because the characters are both believable and likeable. The camaraderie between all the Highland cousins is wonderful and emotional at times, and there are dark deeds, plots to murder, hate and danger in this wonderfully delicious romantic adventure. New and old characters emerge, ones you love and one's that once you get to know, you can't wait for their story to be told.
Vonda's expertise in capturing one's attention is endless. She is a masterful wordsmith, whose books draw you in and make you wish you never had to leave. I absolutely loved it!!

[Candace N · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the earlier books Dirk never really grabbed my attention, he was just another secondary character. But oh boy did he grab my attention in this book. He is my favourite hero in this series  so far... which is telling because I love them all! The story is fast paced, action packed and full of passion. Isobel is such a natural character, nothing seems forced about her.  Isobel knew what she wanted and she didn't want to settle for less. A very captivating heroine.  Maighread was like the villian of all villians and would stop at nothing, I was so happy when she got her just deserts.  Dirk and Isobel's story is magnificently written. My Brave Highlander is a page turner through and through, and one I could read more than once!

[Anna Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me for an honest review. I loved the characters in this book! Vonda Sinclair knows how to write a fabulous story and to create brilliant characters. I loved Dirk. He was everything a Scottish Laird should be. Out of the three I have read, this one had the most mystery. It took me a minute to figure out if his step-mother was out to get him or not. If you love a good mystery, this one will hold your interest. Not only that, there are issues going on with Lady Isobel. Vonda provided a great read and wonderful love story. I love HEA and this one is definitely that! I can't wait to read more of this author!

[Laura Batton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and it gets better every time. I am really liking this authors writing, full of historical language, action and great love affairs. I enjoyed the story and hearing the narration. Dave did an excellent job on the accent. I look forward to reading and listening to more to this great series. xo These books are great Highland reads, addictive.

[Romelia Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book

I enjoyed the story I just wish it to be a little more adventure it was just a little to slow for my taste but I enjoyed the story line and I really liked the characters I would have hoped for his dad to still be a!I've and discover his wife's evil ways but over all it was a good book

[Sharon Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I felt like I had read the basic story before and it was almost like a cartoon. I don't quit, but I had to pause many times because the main characters did something foolish and I got disgusted. They were so easily tricked by the antagonists. I enjoy wise heroes and heroines.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Dirk and Isobel. These stories are really atmospheric and the characters are believable. The details of the story are excellent and it has various layers. A great series so far.

[The Sweet & Sinful Book Nerds · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I have fallen head over heels with these highlanders! The plot thickens and the romance sizzles. I love how these characters are all intertwined. I am jumping head first into the next book!

[Sandra Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brave highlander

I really liked this book but when I got to a lot of discripted body parts I ended up skipping part of it. I'm not a prude but I'm not crazy over explicit parts.the story itself alone would have been better if that part was left out.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hateful Stepmother

A hateful stepmother tries to kill Dirk when he was a young boy. She was jealous of him because he is the first born son. So read and enjoy the trials of his life, with friends, family and enemies.

[Tena Stetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although plot seems a lot like her others.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Vonda Sinclair's books and this one is one of my favorites. Thanks for the great read.

[Teshai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. .talk about evil stepmothers. This is my favourite out of the series so far.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much! Enjoyed the character development very much as well as the story itself. Will continue with series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden romance, evil stepmother, hunky Scots - all wrapped up in a gripping story. So good!