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Highland Rules #1
Never Marry a Highlander
“Who do I need to kill to free my bride-to-be?”
There is only one way for Laird Archer to restore his clan’s reputation: a marriage of convenience. But things get complicated when he saves his alluring bride-to-be from a vicious Earl…
Maeve had no choice but to abide by her captor’s rules. But now that she’s free, she must break the most important one: never marry a Highlander.
Yet when her sweet lips claim Archer’s, he loses control. For he can protect Maeve from everyone… Except himself.
*Never Marry a Highlander is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
There is only one way for Laird Archer to restore his clan’s reputation: a marriage of convenience. But things get complicated when he saves his alluring bride-to-be from a vicious Earl…
Maeve had no choice but to abide by her captor’s rules. But now that she’s free, she must break the most important one: never marry a Highlander.
Yet when her sweet lips claim Archer’s, he loses control. For he can protect Maeve from everyone… Except himself.
*Never Marry a Highlander is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2023
262 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 6, 2023
Maddie had done it again, given us a book you couldn’t stop reading till the end. Nothing got done till I finished this book period. If all the books in this series are this good, we are in for some serious reading. This book will take your emotions all over the place. Maeve Gibson is the oldest sister to Laird O’Kane. Her and her two younger sisters, Erin and Ayda have been held captive by an English lord for six years! They have been brainwashed and taught to act like English ladies and dress like them too. Unknown to her sisters, Maeve has suffered at the Lord and his son's hand to keep them safe and untouched. Kane has asked the feared and shunned Laird Devlin to help him bring them home. Devlin is still trying to overcome all the evil his mad father did before he died. All of the clans hate and fear them. He and his man are the best fighters in the highlands. He is willing to help O’Kane for his sister's hand in marriage. This will unite the clans and maybe change things for the better. Little did anyone know how hard that would be. Both Maeve and Devlin have more secrets and past to overcome. Maeve fear anything to do with men, and Devlin feels he is not worthy of love or happiness due to what his father did. This story has so many twists and turns, mystery, intrigue and hope too. The title is all wrong as most women would do anything for a man like Devlin and Maeve has to overcome all she was brainwashed and see the truth. There is a ton of great second characters too. Believe me you don’t want to miss this book. I think it is the best I have read this year. Which Is saying a lot as I’ve read almost 200 books so far. Grab a copy and get started. I can’t wait for the next book. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
December 14, 2023
HEA overlook the reality
This story is a fairy tale not a true depiction of reality but if you overlook that then it was a good HEA story. I didn’t like the way heroine’s character was written. If you’re only looking for sex desire and HEA this is your book.
I think perhaps before being kidnapped the heroine may have been a strong woman but after 6 years of captivity she suffered and was tortured she was a broken woman.
That’s why I don’t believe she would be the character she was made out to be in the story. Also I don’t believe anyone would have not told that the enemy Englishman was threatening her and in her actual bedroom. Especially since she was so enthralled with Archer. That also brings my point for the 6 years of grave trauma she went through she was quick to become a lusty woman filled with hot desires and not nightmares and fears and repulsive to others who got too close. Perhaps she just became a captive again since the marriage was prearranged. Archer was a strong hero with many fine qualities and hidden anger issues. Maybe it wasn’t lust and sex maybe she only thought it was love when in reality she was trained to please. Archer didn’t beat her. She needs therapy lol
This story is a fairy tale not a true depiction of reality but if you overlook that then it was a good HEA story. I didn’t like the way heroine’s character was written. If you’re only looking for sex desire and HEA this is your book.
I think perhaps before being kidnapped the heroine may have been a strong woman but after 6 years of captivity she suffered and was tortured she was a broken woman.
That’s why I don’t believe she would be the character she was made out to be in the story. Also I don’t believe anyone would have not told that the enemy Englishman was threatening her and in her actual bedroom. Especially since she was so enthralled with Archer. That also brings my point for the 6 years of grave trauma she went through she was quick to become a lusty woman filled with hot desires and not nightmares and fears and repulsive to others who got too close. Perhaps she just became a captive again since the marriage was prearranged. Archer was a strong hero with many fine qualities and hidden anger issues. Maybe it wasn’t lust and sex maybe she only thought it was love when in reality she was trained to please. Archer didn’t beat her. She needs therapy lol
March 31, 2024
Poor decisions.
Good book, good story, good characters. Laird Archer has been trying to overcome the legacy of evil, hatred and brutality his father left him. No other clan would ally with him because of the madness of his father they assumed was in Archer’s blood. When laird o’Kane asked for his help to rescue his sisters from the English, Archer agreed with two conditions. They would become allies and Archer would marry his eldest sister. Maeve could not believe they were rescued after 6 years with the English. She accepted the condition that she would marry Archer, a stranger with a bad reputation. It was the least she could do since he saved her and her sisters. It seemed simple until it wasn’t. The threat was not gone. My only complaints with the book were the editing errors that were distracting and the fact that Maeve could have saved everyone a lot of stress if she had just told Archer she was being threatened. Still book worth reading.
Good book, good story, good characters. Laird Archer has been trying to overcome the legacy of evil, hatred and brutality his father left him. No other clan would ally with him because of the madness of his father they assumed was in Archer’s blood. When laird o’Kane asked for his help to rescue his sisters from the English, Archer agreed with two conditions. They would become allies and Archer would marry his eldest sister. Maeve could not believe they were rescued after 6 years with the English. She accepted the condition that she would marry Archer, a stranger with a bad reputation. It was the least she could do since he saved her and her sisters. It seemed simple until it wasn’t. The threat was not gone. My only complaints with the book were the editing errors that were distracting and the fact that Maeve could have saved everyone a lot of stress if she had just told Archer she was being threatened. Still book worth reading.
December 21, 2024
I absolutely love the idea of living in this era’s Scottish life. Strong women and handsome very strong men. Women were treated like possessions, sometimes marriages were arranged to forge strong relationships. Sometimes women were kidnapped, this is the story of three sisters who were kidnapped by an English lord. They were held for over 6 years. After several attempts to rescue his sisters, the young laird asked the laird who had a reputation of being a “Mad killer “ to help rescue them and as payment he will let him marry the oldest sister. Thi arrangement will change a lot of lives and reveal some unknown truths. The truth of what the eldest had to endure to keep the younger sisters safe brought tears to my eyes. The unfair belief that the “mad lair” was a blood thirsty killer because of his father. How two broken people, needing love, learning to trust and sacrifice all for each other. I love this author and how I was brought into their world. Keep writing.
February 2, 2024
Wonderful Read
I really liked the story of Maeve and Archer. Maeve and her two sisters were held captive for six years by an English Earl and his son who tried very hard to brainwashed them of their true heritage to include emotionally and physically abused. Maeve and Archer meet when he rescues her from the Earl, due to Maeve's brother striking a deal with Archer due to his reputation. A must read! Gave 4 stars due to several errors in the book which is a distraction while reading. All considering is a good book.
I really liked the story of Maeve and Archer. Maeve and her two sisters were held captive for six years by an English Earl and his son who tried very hard to brainwashed them of their true heritage to include emotionally and physically abused. Maeve and Archer meet when he rescues her from the Earl, due to Maeve's brother striking a deal with Archer due to his reputation. A must read! Gave 4 stars due to several errors in the book which is a distraction while reading. All considering is a good book.
December 6, 2023
A very exciting journey of love and mystery
This is an exceptional journey of adventure, action, mystery and romance. The characters are extremely interesting as well as the story line. It is also quite entertaining and hard to put down. I love all the mystery and action throughout the story. The extended epilogue gives a wonderful sense of how their lives turned out over time. A beautiful happy ending to this amazing adventure! A must read and I highly recommend it.
This is an exceptional journey of adventure, action, mystery and romance. The characters are extremely interesting as well as the story line. It is also quite entertaining and hard to put down. I love all the mystery and action throughout the story. The extended epilogue gives a wonderful sense of how their lives turned out over time. A beautiful happy ending to this amazing adventure! A must read and I highly recommend it.
December 7, 2023
Maeve and Laird Archer touched my heart and had me in their corner to get their chance for happiness given the evilness they both have encountered. She was held in captivity by a despicable Earl and the Laird's own father was no better. When Archer saves her all it takes is one kiss to have them drowning in each other. Will they get their chance for happiness.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an arc of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an arc of this book.
December 8, 2023
Archer is approached by a Laird whose 3 sisters were kidnapped by an English Duke and asked if he would take his sword and help him retrieve them. Archer is interested because he is trying to overcome his legacy from his father. His only requirement is to be able to marry the oldest sister Maeve. They manage to get the girls and the wedding happens and that’s the easiest part of the story. Great read.
December 11, 2023
Never a dull moment
I was not able to put this book down. Fast paced from the beginning, the story develops with many twists and back to back action that lead to a happy ending, despite emotional trauma and suffering for both main characters. I found myself cheering for the heroes, throughout their often dangerous journey. I definitely look forward to the next book. Well written with a great storyline.
I was not able to put this book down. Fast paced from the beginning, the story develops with many twists and back to back action that lead to a happy ending, despite emotional trauma and suffering for both main characters. I found myself cheering for the heroes, throughout their often dangerous journey. I definitely look forward to the next book. Well written with a great storyline.
December 20, 2023
Great Read,
This is a really good read, the plot is a very good one the characters both main and supporting ones are written well. I really liked that spark that Archer and Maeve felt was something new for both of them, so along with the action, suspense, fear, humor, family, friends, good guys, bad guys, and most of all through this journey that spark became true love and of course true love conquers all.😍🤗 !!!
This is a really good read, the plot is a very good one the characters both main and supporting ones are written well. I really liked that spark that Archer and Maeve felt was something new for both of them, so along with the action, suspense, fear, humor, family, friends, good guys, bad guys, and most of all through this journey that spark became true love and of course true love conquers all.😍🤗 !!!
February 9, 2024
I enjoyed this story. It told about three sisters stolen by the English from a Scots clan and trained to be English. But it tells about their brother who enlists the aid of another Scots clan that isn't well liked to steal them back. But the price of this help comes with the string that the oldest sister would be given in marriage to the clan chief for his aid. It doesn't look like this will work at first but kept reading and liked it the further I read.
December 8, 2024
Stolen
Maeve and her two sisters were stolen from their Scottish home by an English Earl. Now after six years their brother has joined forces with another Laird to rescue them. No one knows the torture Maeve was subjected to in order to protect her two sisters until their rescue and her betrothal to the "Mad Laird". This story will break your heart and then restore your faith in true love.
Maeve and her two sisters were stolen from their Scottish home by an English Earl. Now after six years their brother has joined forces with another Laird to rescue them. No one knows the torture Maeve was subjected to in order to protect her two sisters until their rescue and her betrothal to the "Mad Laird". This story will break your heart and then restore your faith in true love.
December 5, 2023
Such A Wonderful Story!!
Just Way too Many Editing Errors. This sure was a busy story. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Except for the Hampton’s. Gilbert certainly was a piece of work. The story kept me enthralled the whole time. Maeve and Archer were both very strong characters. I loved how it ended. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
Just Way too Many Editing Errors. This sure was a busy story. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Except for the Hampton’s. Gilbert certainly was a piece of work. The story kept me enthralled the whole time. Maeve and Archer were both very strong characters. I loved how it ended. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
December 5, 2023
A story worthy reading.
It may say in the title ' Never marry a Highlander'. Well that's a lie to start with because from the start to the finish there are many reasons to marry that particular Highlander and he carried on until all she could think of was the Highlander. A love story full of romance and intrigue
It may say in the title ' Never marry a Highlander'. Well that's a lie to start with because from the start to the finish there are many reasons to marry that particular Highlander and he carried on until all she could think of was the Highlander. A love story full of romance and intrigue
December 8, 2023
He needs to save his bride to be from another man and he will do what ever he needs to do to free her. She is saved and now she may have to break one rule, ‘never marry a Highlander’ as his touch makes her feel so much better. Will she marry him? How will it go? Can she have a happy ending? See if they will
December 11, 2023
good story!
This is a really good story with a few very interesting characters. The English bad guy…..the laird who doubts himself…..the lady who has been through so much. Of course it’s a great love story! It moves along well and kept my interest. I would have liked a little more drama at the end with the whole demise of that man, though.
This is a really good story with a few very interesting characters. The English bad guy…..the laird who doubts himself…..the lady who has been through so much. Of course it’s a great love story! It moves along well and kept my interest. I would have liked a little more drama at the end with the whole demise of that man, though.
December 16, 2023
Archer and Marvel's story
I disliked lord Hampton and the way he treated Maeve and her sisters.
I liked how Marvel ended Lord Hampton.
I would Recommend this story to lovers of Scottish Highland romantic fiction.
I gave "Never Merry a Highlander" five stars because in my opinion it deserved five stars.
I disliked lord Hampton and the way he treated Maeve and her sisters.
I liked how Marvel ended Lord Hampton.
I would Recommend this story to lovers of Scottish Highland romantic fiction.
I gave "Never Merry a Highlander" five stars because in my opinion it deserved five stars.
October 8, 2024
After six years of mental and physical torture, poor Maeve is rescued but can she ever really be safe. Archer swears to protect her, but he doesn't know her past. What a tale of anguish that slowly becomes the love of her life as she helps Archer work through is bad past. This book had me from the beginning and I couldn't read it fast enough. It has lots of twists before a happily ever after.
October 7, 2025
This book is truly terrible. The plot is chaotic, and the backstory is only partially explained. The FMC cries about how the secret she kept nearly killed her sisters WHILE she is keeping another secret that will kill them. That's a first. There are tons of misspelled words, including the characters' names. The punctuation is atrocious.
December 5, 2023
They were both emotionally damaged. The heroine has been abused in captivity for several years. She is rescued by the hero, whom feels he it’s worthy due to his father’s evilness. Her brother says they are to marry. How it all works out and how they heal each other makes for an emotional read.
January 25, 2024
From Sadness to Joy
An enjoyable read that kept my attention. It has all the excitement and romance of hot Highland Lairds and their lovely ladies working out their HEA. A few grammatical errors but I did not let that bother me.
An enjoyable read that kept my attention. It has all the excitement and romance of hot Highland Lairds and their lovely ladies working out their HEA. A few grammatical errors but I did not let that bother me.
February 7, 2024
Great Historical Love Story
I have enjoyed this story. My Dad was born in 1896 and when I was studying slaves he said there are white slaves too and I guess that was what Maeve was to Gilbert. But she ended up with Archer and had a good life.
I have enjoyed this story. My Dad was born in 1896 and when I was studying slaves he said there are white slaves too and I guess that was what Maeve was to Gilbert. But she ended up with Archer and had a good life.
April 3, 2024
WANTED - A QUALIFIED PROOF READER
This was probably a good story line, but the careless errors in grammar and character continuity left it difficult to read. Makes me question the wisdom of reading the next book in the series.
This was probably a good story line, but the careless errors in grammar and character continuity left it difficult to read. Makes me question the wisdom of reading the next book in the series.
April 24, 2024
Never Marry a Highlander
Of the Highland Rules Book 1, has been my Favorite of the series.Both Archer and Maeve were
Heroes overcoming tremendous pain that was so very similar. Ku-does Maddie !!!
Of the Highland Rules Book 1, has been my Favorite of the series.Both Archer and Maeve were
Heroes overcoming tremendous pain that was so very similar. Ku-does Maddie !!!
January 18, 2025
enjoyable read
An enjoyable read with exciting characters .
A romantic and passionate highland tale , a rescue from an English lord a wife he never expects to want and love .
Never knowing true love and in blind panic when he finds it .
A worthy read
An enjoyable read with exciting characters .
A romantic and passionate highland tale , a rescue from an English lord a wife he never expects to want and love .
Never knowing true love and in blind panic when he finds it .
A worthy read
February 19, 2025
This was a really good 1I can't really wait to read the next 1
I love your books I love Scottish books I read right now cause my granddaddy came from Scotland Like I said I love your books and the Scotty books are really good I think that's all you need anyway.
I love your books I love Scottish books I read right now cause my granddaddy came from Scotland Like I said I love your books and the Scotty books are really good I think that's all you need anyway.
December 16, 2023
I really loved this book, it was a different trope than I normally see and I loved watching the characters grow. Fear of the unknown can keep us locked in a holding pattern hurting more than taking a risk.
Breaking free from an image people think you are is close to impossible, but every inch gained is a little less weight to carry.
For Laird Archer, desperation leads him to agree to find and return Laird Flynn's 3 missing sisters. For in return he will be creating an alliance and marrying the oldest.
For Maeve, 6 years in captivity protecting her sisters and obeying the rules of the sadistic man who conditioned them to hate their own kind due to his rules and retribution he gave, she willingly allowed herself to take the brunt of the punishments. For 6 years, she didn't care about herself, just protecting her siblings.
2 tortured souls must learn to trust and rely on each other, first out of duty, maybe something more.
Grab it! You won't be disappointed!
Breaking free from an image people think you are is close to impossible, but every inch gained is a little less weight to carry.
For Laird Archer, desperation leads him to agree to find and return Laird Flynn's 3 missing sisters. For in return he will be creating an alliance and marrying the oldest.
For Maeve, 6 years in captivity protecting her sisters and obeying the rules of the sadistic man who conditioned them to hate their own kind due to his rules and retribution he gave, she willingly allowed herself to take the brunt of the punishments. For 6 years, she didn't care about herself, just protecting her siblings.
2 tortured souls must learn to trust and rely on each other, first out of duty, maybe something more.
Grab it! You won't be disappointed!
December 10, 2023
Wonderful
This is a wonderful romantic story with compelling characters , I loved the storyline and it is a must read!
This is a wonderful romantic story with compelling characters , I loved the storyline and it is a must read!
December 10, 2023
Exciting
This is a great story. Full o action, suspense, intrigue, drama and treachery throughout the story. Rescinding a damsel is only the beginning of their journey.
This is a great story. Full o action, suspense, intrigue, drama and treachery throughout the story. Rescinding a damsel is only the beginning of their journey.
January 1, 2024
Never Marry a Highlander
Wow, it was quite a book. It had you feeling the pain and the joy of the children's lives. It had romance coming out your ears.
Wow, it was quite a book. It had you feeling the pain and the joy of the children's lives. It had romance coming out your ears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews