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Highland Renegades #2
The Runaway Highlander
Anne de Cheyne has a choice. She can play the dutiful daughter and allow her mother to sell her to a greasy English sheriff, or she can take control of her own life and find her own match. After a frightening run-in with her promised husband reveals a dark secret, she makes a desperate choice. Flight.
Aedan Donne needs easy money and no-questions-asked. When Milene de Cheyne offers him enough to pay all debts, requests complete silence, and pays half up front, just for a simple recovery, he can't believe his luck… until he meets his mark. Anne’s beauty and passion ignite something Aedan can’t ignore, even as she leaves him in the dust. Suddenly, he finds himself wanting to capture the runaway Highland lady for himself.
Aedan Donne needs easy money and no-questions-asked. When Milene de Cheyne offers him enough to pay all debts, requests complete silence, and pays half up front, just for a simple recovery, he can't believe his luck… until he meets his mark. Anne’s beauty and passion ignite something Aedan can’t ignore, even as she leaves him in the dust. Suddenly, he finds himself wanting to capture the runaway Highland lady for himself.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Syme
26 books395 followersR.L. Syme is a USA Today best-selling author. She writes mysteries and cozy mysteries, as well as nonfiction. R.L. grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries passed on by her grandmother.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 28, 2014
Likes: This was a no nonense, suck you in immediately kind of read. There was action and adventure that began in the first few pages and followed through to the very end; I definitely could not stop reading. The characters were great and I like that the story wasn't predictable. There were a lot of twists and turns that made for an exciting read. I also liked how the romantic aspect of the story didn't overpower everything else that was going on. It had the best of both worlds (good romance and good action).
Characters: Aedan was a cool hero. He was a good guy who had to engage in questionable activities in order to help his sister. I didn't always agree with his actions but he was incredibly likable. I do think I have been watching too much Game of Thrones though, Aedan has a scarred face and I had a hard time not picturing the Hound as Aedan in my mind. Whoops. Anne is a tough little cookie though at times she made rash decisions that got her into trouble. I think that added to her appeal in my mind.
Milene and the sheriff were excellent villains. The sheriff was so freaking awful and Milene was such a heartless word I won't put in my review. They were so bad that they were 'good'. I love when a writer can make you feel a strong sense of hatred toward the villains in the story!
Overall: This was a really fun read that would be a perfect addition to your summer reading list. 3 stars.
Characters: Aedan was a cool hero. He was a good guy who had to engage in questionable activities in order to help his sister. I didn't always agree with his actions but he was incredibly likable. I do think I have been watching too much Game of Thrones though, Aedan has a scarred face and I had a hard time not picturing the Hound as Aedan in my mind. Whoops. Anne is a tough little cookie though at times she made rash decisions that got her into trouble. I think that added to her appeal in my mind.
Milene and the sheriff were excellent villains. The sheriff was so freaking awful and Milene was such a heartless word I won't put in my review. They were so bad that they were 'good'. I love when a writer can make you feel a strong sense of hatred toward the villains in the story!
Overall: This was a really fun read that would be a perfect addition to your summer reading list. 3 stars.
January 1, 2016
Anne de Cheyne was promised to Broccin Sinclair, but when he chose to fight for Scotland and was stripped of his title and exiled, her mother decided to seek other suitors for her; or rather sell her to the highest bidder. At one of these attempts to make a match for her is where she meets Aedan Donne, a scarred gun for hire. His disfigurement does not deter her from falling for him because she can see the man behind the scar.
When an opportunity arises that would help her escape the bought marriage and secure the safety and futures of herself and her sister, Anne jumps at it. Soon she becomes embroiled in a plan to help her former fiance escape from prison and finds Aedan hot on her heels; paid by her mother to bring her back.
But convincing him that she is better off running for her life with the Renegades than going back to her mother and betrothed, puts a whole new plan in motion; one that has Aeden dreaming of a future with Anne.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
When an opportunity arises that would help her escape the bought marriage and secure the safety and futures of herself and her sister, Anne jumps at it. Soon she becomes embroiled in a plan to help her former fiance escape from prison and finds Aedan hot on her heels; paid by her mother to bring her back.
But convincing him that she is better off running for her life with the Renegades than going back to her mother and betrothed, puts a whole new plan in motion; one that has Aeden dreaming of a future with Anne.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2014
The Runaway Highlander is the second in Highland Renegades series. I hadn't read the first book,before diving into this one. The story is an exciting book with lots of adventure, bad guys and swoon-worthy Scotsman. It's definitely worth trying out. My only complaint was that I wish I had read the first book in the series. In the beginning I felt like I was missing back story. But, despite that, I enjoyed reading Aedan and Anne's story.
I felt so badly for Anne and her sister and their situation. I was really hoping that their mother and the Sheriff would get what was coming to them. I loved Aedan the most. He is just trying to do the right thing for the people he loves, even if it means selling his sword and his life to the highest bidder. What he did in the end for Anne was incredible. I urge you to give this author a try and and see if you fall in love with Aedan like I did.
I felt so badly for Anne and her sister and their situation. I was really hoping that their mother and the Sheriff would get what was coming to them. I loved Aedan the most. He is just trying to do the right thing for the people he loves, even if it means selling his sword and his life to the highest bidder. What he did in the end for Anne was incredible. I urge you to give this author a try and and see if you fall in love with Aedan like I did.
May 20, 2014
Great book! It's set in historical Scotland in 1297, and there are an awesome set of characters who I get involved with right away. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series of books. The author really brings you right into the medieval times, along with all of it's class warfare and separation. I felt for the women of the times and what all they went through, if they weren't of privileged class. There also was an awesome love story in this book between Aedan and Anne, soldier and lady. It only took a day to read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to goodreads for the free copy to read and review. I definitely recommend this book and author.
April 24, 2014
I will admit that I am a friend of the author and that this is not my normal genre to read. However, having said that, I think this book was easier to follow than the first. I enjoyed the introduction of the new characters and I am looking forward to reading how their plots further intertwine with the characters from the first novel.
I am also very excited about the next installment. Pirates! Who doesn't like pirates?! This will be a lovely summer read.
I am also very excited about the next installment. Pirates! Who doesn't like pirates?! This will be a lovely summer read.
March 28, 2018
The Runaway Highlander
I loved the complexities of the characters. The mother was a horrible witch with no love of family - only greed.
I loved the complexities of the characters. The mother was a horrible witch with no love of family - only greed.
July 25, 2016
****Spoilers ahead****
***mild trigger point***
Anne De Cheyne is a Scot who finds herself in England. Her father deferred to the “enemy” and now his family is the one paying the price. I say pay the price because his wife is running amock trying to sell off her daughters. Mainly Anne, as she is of age and she is not insane, as her sister Elena is.
Greedy is her mother and she will do anything, and I mean anything, to marry her daughters off favorably. So she flirts with Sheriff Simon Alcock and sells Anne to him. She has promised him a virgin wife but he waits to accept her as he is making sure that Anne isn’t pregnant by another man. During that “wait” a man named Aedan brings to Simon a rebellion traitor who Anne thinks is her childhood fiancé, Broccin. When she speaks up about him and it is apparent she doesn’t know the man that Aedan brings in, he feeds her the man’s name, William Campbell. From there a string of events occur.
Aedan is a Scot and a mercenary hired out by Simon to fetch him all the men who are bringing a small war to him. Aedan accepts these jobs because he is badly scarred in his face and doesn’t see any other alternative since everyone recoils from him. Except Anne. He believes that she may like him despite his scarring but everyone brings him down and makes him doubt Anne’s interest in him. He finds her beautiful but knows he stands no chance. Despite these claims he still helps Anne in any way that he can. But he also has his sister to think of. He will add helping Anne to freeing his sister to his list of things to do.
When Anne discovers that Broccin is in the dungeon at the Sheriff’s home she makes it her mission to escape the sheriff and free Broccin. Her attempt at helping William escape backfires and ends up in her being promised to Simon. Which then leads to him take her forcefully. After that she decides that she needs to free Broc and his men and in turn, her and Elena. This time it is partially successful. She ends up out of Simon’s reach but leaves Elena in his dirty hands.
Now she has to go back to rescue Elena. She comes up with a plan that includes Broc and marriage. Though she cares for Broc, she doesn’t love him but she will do anything to get Elena away from Simon and her mother Milene. On her way back she comes across Aedan, who was hired by Milene to “rescue” Anne from the men who abducted her. She assumed that Anne would be disgusted by the man so she wouldn’t bed him, making Aedan the safest bet.
Aedan promises to help rescue Elena once he frees his sister from his father and his gambling ways. He asks her to wait a couple of days and she does. But she could only wait so long and goes after Elena by herself. A few skirmishes and misunderstandings later they find themselves rescuing Elena. During this rescue mistakes were made and now they are on the run for their lives. To protect Anne, Elena, and his sister he ends up joining the Army for the King believing Anne didn’t love him and even though she says otherwise, he wants to give her an out. Finally he is convinced of her love when he fakes his death and sees the grief and sorrow in her face that can’t be faked.
Now this story has so many smaller stories within it, that it just feels like so much is happening in a little amount of pages. There is nothing wrong with that though, it made this story complex and intriguing with the deception and lies tossed around. I decided to give this 4 stars rather than 3 because I got all the way through the book without noticing that it was the second in the series. It can stand alone just fine because there were explanations given as to why some things were happening. It would have gotten 3 otherwise because again, there is just so much happening that if you don’t pay attention you can get lost.
***mild trigger point***
Anne De Cheyne is a Scot who finds herself in England. Her father deferred to the “enemy” and now his family is the one paying the price. I say pay the price because his wife is running amock trying to sell off her daughters. Mainly Anne, as she is of age and she is not insane, as her sister Elena is.
Greedy is her mother and she will do anything, and I mean anything, to marry her daughters off favorably. So she flirts with Sheriff Simon Alcock and sells Anne to him. She has promised him a virgin wife but he waits to accept her as he is making sure that Anne isn’t pregnant by another man. During that “wait” a man named Aedan brings to Simon a rebellion traitor who Anne thinks is her childhood fiancé, Broccin. When she speaks up about him and it is apparent she doesn’t know the man that Aedan brings in, he feeds her the man’s name, William Campbell. From there a string of events occur.
Aedan is a Scot and a mercenary hired out by Simon to fetch him all the men who are bringing a small war to him. Aedan accepts these jobs because he is badly scarred in his face and doesn’t see any other alternative since everyone recoils from him. Except Anne. He believes that she may like him despite his scarring but everyone brings him down and makes him doubt Anne’s interest in him. He finds her beautiful but knows he stands no chance. Despite these claims he still helps Anne in any way that he can. But he also has his sister to think of. He will add helping Anne to freeing his sister to his list of things to do.
When Anne discovers that Broccin is in the dungeon at the Sheriff’s home she makes it her mission to escape the sheriff and free Broccin. Her attempt at helping William escape backfires and ends up in her being promised to Simon. Which then leads to him take her forcefully. After that she decides that she needs to free Broc and his men and in turn, her and Elena. This time it is partially successful. She ends up out of Simon’s reach but leaves Elena in his dirty hands.
Now she has to go back to rescue Elena. She comes up with a plan that includes Broc and marriage. Though she cares for Broc, she doesn’t love him but she will do anything to get Elena away from Simon and her mother Milene. On her way back she comes across Aedan, who was hired by Milene to “rescue” Anne from the men who abducted her. She assumed that Anne would be disgusted by the man so she wouldn’t bed him, making Aedan the safest bet.
Aedan promises to help rescue Elena once he frees his sister from his father and his gambling ways. He asks her to wait a couple of days and she does. But she could only wait so long and goes after Elena by herself. A few skirmishes and misunderstandings later they find themselves rescuing Elena. During this rescue mistakes were made and now they are on the run for their lives. To protect Anne, Elena, and his sister he ends up joining the Army for the King believing Anne didn’t love him and even though she says otherwise, he wants to give her an out. Finally he is convinced of her love when he fakes his death and sees the grief and sorrow in her face that can’t be faked.
Now this story has so many smaller stories within it, that it just feels like so much is happening in a little amount of pages. There is nothing wrong with that though, it made this story complex and intriguing with the deception and lies tossed around. I decided to give this 4 stars rather than 3 because I got all the way through the book without noticing that it was the second in the series. It can stand alone just fine because there were explanations given as to why some things were happening. It would have gotten 3 otherwise because again, there is just so much happening that if you don’t pay attention you can get lost.
June 28, 2015
Anne knows her mother means to sell her in marriage to the fat English sheriff, but she knows better than to try to escape her fate. As much as she wishes she were anywhere else, she can't leave her flighty, innocent sister Elena to become the next pawn. But when a Scottish mercenary shows up with a wanted man, she begins to wonder if there is a way out after all. If she helps free the men in the dungeon, perhaps they will take her and Elena with them, somewhere they won't be sold in marriage, somewhere like the green hills of Scotland where they belong.
But... After reading The Outcast Highlander, I was pretty sure I knew what to expect. This would be a love story set in the midst of English/Scottish conflict, any bedroom scenes would fade to black, and the characters would live happily ever after. However, it was a lot more angsty than I anticipated, and there was one very disturbing scene that really soured my opinion of the whole book. I know that unless someone else mentions plot points in an online review, one can never really get a content warning when it comes to books, but had I known about it ahead of time, I probably would have just avoided the book altogether. That's not to say it's a bad story, just something I would not have chosen for myself.
The Verdict: Despite my misgivings due to one particular scene, The Runaway Highlander is a sweet romance, filled with adventure and a sense of constant danger. It takes place during the time in The Ouutcast Highlander when Broccin left Kensey at home, so it was interesting to get a different perspective of that story as well.
Anne has been handed a rather difficult lot in life, with a mother who cares little more for her daughters than what she can gain from marrying them off, but Anne is surprisingly resilient and doesn't lose her spirit or hope for a better fate, even when things get rather dark.
Aiden is mysterious and conflicted, selling out his own people in an effort to free his sister from his father's debts, and while it may seem he's a traitor, one can't help but sympathize with him. Given a choice between national or ethnic loyalty and our own innocent family members, who among us would choose otherwise?
His romance with Anne is slow to build, as they both resist their feelings in favor of everything they must accomplish for their families, but there's clearly a strong attraction, and there are moments of levity when Anne's fighting spirit makes it clear just how determined she is to reach her goals, even if she can rely on no one but herself. It's a great historical romance for anyone who doesn't mind things getting a little gritty, with an incredibly sweet happy ending.
***FicCentral received this book from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for free in exchange for an honest review. Even so, we're far too opinionated to let a freebie influence our thoughts or the contents of the reviews we post here.
January 16, 2015
The Runaway Highlander is the second book in the Highland Renegades series by R.L. Syme. Anne de Cheyne has a choice, but not much of one. She can play the dutiful daughter and allow her mother to sell her to a greasy English sheriff, or she can take control of her own life and find her own future. After a frightening run-in with her promised husband reveals a dark secret, she must find a way to save herself and her sister from a horrible future. Aedan Donne needs money and fast. Working for the English sheriff is not what he wants to do, but it will allow him to save his sister and be free. But when an attempted escape and Anne's bid for freedom go awry he has to make a choice that could destroy lives. can he find a way to save everyone that he cares for or will his desire for the runaway Highland lady destroy them all?
The Runaway Highlander is a historical romance that shows just how little power people have had over their own lives. Anne de Cheyne is seen as nothing more than her mother's pawn and a possession to be bought. The sheriff that her mother is currently courting and plotting to sell her daughter to as a bride is unpleasant in just about every regard. He promises a violent and brutal life for Anne, and her vulnerable sister, should the marriage take place. Discovering that her childhood sweetheart and his compatriots are in the sheriff's dungeons, most brought there by a man that has caught her attention, she plots to change her future. She is willing to risk everything to protect her sister, and has little thought of her own safety in comparison. She is strong, smart, and selfless. Like Anne, Aedan is putting himself in harms way to help a sister. His actions are honorable, even though he does not work for those that are. I loved his strength and dedication to doing the right thing, even when it is far from the easy thing. I did think that the final third of the book was a bit draggy and perhaps unnecessary, but it did add an extra element of realism to the story.
The Runaway Highlander is a solid romance. The characters were wonderful and multidimensional, and even though i did not read the first book in the series I did not feel left behind. I was not thrilled with the final chapters, but the height drama of the middle was nearly perfect. I wish the book was consistently good, as some parts were absolutely fantastic but others left me feeling a little bored or let down.
The Runaway Highlander is a historical romance that shows just how little power people have had over their own lives. Anne de Cheyne is seen as nothing more than her mother's pawn and a possession to be bought. The sheriff that her mother is currently courting and plotting to sell her daughter to as a bride is unpleasant in just about every regard. He promises a violent and brutal life for Anne, and her vulnerable sister, should the marriage take place. Discovering that her childhood sweetheart and his compatriots are in the sheriff's dungeons, most brought there by a man that has caught her attention, she plots to change her future. She is willing to risk everything to protect her sister, and has little thought of her own safety in comparison. She is strong, smart, and selfless. Like Anne, Aedan is putting himself in harms way to help a sister. His actions are honorable, even though he does not work for those that are. I loved his strength and dedication to doing the right thing, even when it is far from the easy thing. I did think that the final third of the book was a bit draggy and perhaps unnecessary, but it did add an extra element of realism to the story.
The Runaway Highlander is a solid romance. The characters were wonderful and multidimensional, and even though i did not read the first book in the series I did not feel left behind. I was not thrilled with the final chapters, but the height drama of the middle was nearly perfect. I wish the book was consistently good, as some parts were absolutely fantastic but others left me feeling a little bored or let down.
March 14, 2015
[Full disclosure: I received a free paper copy of this book in conjunction with the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.]
This is actually the second book in the Highland Renegades series, but they can be read as stand-alone novels, luckily for me.
As I’ve said in the past, I know very little about Scottish history. Still, R. L. Syme managed to suck me into the period and really gave me the feeling that I was there along with the characters. The dark, unstable atmosphere of the time particularly rang true and you could feel this sense of doom throughout the whole novel. Scotland is highly unstable and in the middle of it, the main character Anne is being sold off to the highest bidder so her mother can prove her loyalty to the English overlords.
Anne is a decent enough character but I won’t say that she’s one of the most memorable heroines I’ve ever encountered. She’s feisty, determined and brave but at the same time I just had trouble connecting with her. It’s not that there wasn’t enough background information about her, but I had a hard time connecting with her emotions. I didn’t feel what she was feeling, whether she was sad, angry, happy or in love. But maybe that’s just me. Aedan I could connect with a little more but like Anne he’s not the most memorable character I’ve ever read about.
However, the plot was fast-paced and quite exciting. You can’t call The Runaway Highlander anything but a page-turner simply because of R. L. Syme’s talent with suspense. There are twists and turns everywhere and just when you think you know what’s going to happen everything changes. It definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their proverbial seat.
This was an essentially good novel. It will never be one of my favourites but it was good enough that I’d recommend it to romance lovers as well as Scottish history fans.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
This is actually the second book in the Highland Renegades series, but they can be read as stand-alone novels, luckily for me.
As I’ve said in the past, I know very little about Scottish history. Still, R. L. Syme managed to suck me into the period and really gave me the feeling that I was there along with the characters. The dark, unstable atmosphere of the time particularly rang true and you could feel this sense of doom throughout the whole novel. Scotland is highly unstable and in the middle of it, the main character Anne is being sold off to the highest bidder so her mother can prove her loyalty to the English overlords.
Anne is a decent enough character but I won’t say that she’s one of the most memorable heroines I’ve ever encountered. She’s feisty, determined and brave but at the same time I just had trouble connecting with her. It’s not that there wasn’t enough background information about her, but I had a hard time connecting with her emotions. I didn’t feel what she was feeling, whether she was sad, angry, happy or in love. But maybe that’s just me. Aedan I could connect with a little more but like Anne he’s not the most memorable character I’ve ever read about.
However, the plot was fast-paced and quite exciting. You can’t call The Runaway Highlander anything but a page-turner simply because of R. L. Syme’s talent with suspense. There are twists and turns everywhere and just when you think you know what’s going to happen everything changes. It definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their proverbial seat.
This was an essentially good novel. It will never be one of my favourites but it was good enough that I’d recommend it to romance lovers as well as Scottish history fans.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
June 13, 2014
Fans of Braveheart are going to want to pick up this book! It takes place a really long time ago when Scotland and England where at war. Anne De Cheyne is beautiful, fearless, and is promised to marry a scum-bag Sheriff. Her ex-fiance is imprisoned in the place she resides. Anne will do whatever it takes to free her ex, get away from her mother and fiance, and keep her sister safe.
Aedan is a freelance bounty hunter. From the moment he meets Anne, he feels protective of her. However he needs to stay in favor with the sheriff because he has debts of his own to pay. When Anne's mom offers Aedan a hefty sum to retrieve her daughter from the escaped prisoners, he can't say no.
Aedan and Anne have a complicated relationship to say the least. She's beautiful, and he's scarred. He doesn't think he's worthy of her love, and she doesn't want the complications of love. However they must work together to save the ones that they love.
I enjoyed reading this story. It's the second in the series, but I didn't feel like I missed too much by not reading the first book. This story has lots of action in it. It also has a sexual assault scene that might be too disturbing to some. It's a brief scene and while you get the gist of things, the author doesn't go into too much detail. Syme does a great job bringing the past to life.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
Aedan is a freelance bounty hunter. From the moment he meets Anne, he feels protective of her. However he needs to stay in favor with the sheriff because he has debts of his own to pay. When Anne's mom offers Aedan a hefty sum to retrieve her daughter from the escaped prisoners, he can't say no.
Aedan and Anne have a complicated relationship to say the least. She's beautiful, and he's scarred. He doesn't think he's worthy of her love, and she doesn't want the complications of love. However they must work together to save the ones that they love.
I enjoyed reading this story. It's the second in the series, but I didn't feel like I missed too much by not reading the first book. This story has lots of action in it. It also has a sexual assault scene that might be too disturbing to some. It's a brief scene and while you get the gist of things, the author doesn't go into too much detail. Syme does a great job bringing the past to life.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
November 22, 2014
This is book 2 in the Highland Renegades series.
Anne de Cheyne has no choice but to marry the English sheriff her mother has promised her to. After a horrible encounter with her betrothed, Anne is determine to leave and determine her own fate.
Aedan Donne, desperate for money to save his sister, jumps on the chance when Anne's mother offers him money to go after her and bring her back. He didn't count on being so attracted to the woman he had encountered but once before this.
What happens when Aedan decides he doesn't want to give Anne up?
I liked the premise of this book, but there was a rape scene that turned me off. The author didn't go into too many details, but it tainted my view of the rest of the story. I think she could have gotten away with some very aggressive unwanted attentions from Anne's betrothed and gotten the same reaction (loathing of the character) from the reader that the rape scene did.
I did thoroughly enjoy the rest of the story and if you can gloss over the rape scene, I definitely recommend the story to others.
Thanks go out to R.L. Syme for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Anne de Cheyne has no choice but to marry the English sheriff her mother has promised her to. After a horrible encounter with her betrothed, Anne is determine to leave and determine her own fate.
Aedan Donne, desperate for money to save his sister, jumps on the chance when Anne's mother offers him money to go after her and bring her back. He didn't count on being so attracted to the woman he had encountered but once before this.
What happens when Aedan decides he doesn't want to give Anne up?
I liked the premise of this book, but there was a rape scene that turned me off. The author didn't go into too many details, but it tainted my view of the rest of the story. I think she could have gotten away with some very aggressive unwanted attentions from Anne's betrothed and gotten the same reaction (loathing of the character) from the reader that the rape scene did.
I did thoroughly enjoy the rest of the story and if you can gloss over the rape scene, I definitely recommend the story to others.
Thanks go out to R.L. Syme for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
December 17, 2014
Better
This author is really doing a good job. This is the 2nd book in The Highland Renegades series. There are still some issues with editing. I saw at least one name incorrect for a character. I still think the stories are ending too abruptly. There is still no Epilogue and that is surely lacking. If there would have been one I would have rated this higher. There is a lot going on in this story, but this one was a little easier to follow. Still a little too vanilla.
Anne de Cheyne goes through so much, but my heart ached for the disfigured hero, Aedan Donne. When his plight is revealed, you understand the man. I shed tears for him. Again, an epilogue is needed. As a reader I don't mind a lot going on be c cause I can follow along, what is troublesome is when I get to the end and I do not have a definitive closure. Will I read book 3?....Probably because there is improvement. I love when an author can take constructive criticism and improve to get better and better.
This author is really doing a good job. This is the 2nd book in The Highland Renegades series. There are still some issues with editing. I saw at least one name incorrect for a character. I still think the stories are ending too abruptly. There is still no Epilogue and that is surely lacking. If there would have been one I would have rated this higher. There is a lot going on in this story, but this one was a little easier to follow. Still a little too vanilla.
Anne de Cheyne goes through so much, but my heart ached for the disfigured hero, Aedan Donne. When his plight is revealed, you understand the man. I shed tears for him. Again, an epilogue is needed. As a reader I don't mind a lot going on be c cause I can follow along, what is troublesome is when I get to the end and I do not have a definitive closure. Will I read book 3?....Probably because there is improvement. I love when an author can take constructive criticism and improve to get better and better.
December 24, 2014
This was an excellent story with an exciting plot line that finds, Anne De Cheyne duty bound to marry an old, sadistic, English sheriff, because her evil mother had betrothed her to him. After a terrible run-in with her betrothed she escapes.
Aedan Donne needs money fast. When he meets Anne's mother she offers to pay him a bounty, enough to pay all his debts, which will release his sister, half now for the recovery, the rest when the job is done. Aedan is happy with the arrangement until he meets Anne.
The attraction between them is hard to ignore, and Anne is determined to collect her sister so she doesn't have to go through the horrors that she had to endure.
I enjoyed The Runaway Highlander very much. And the title says it all, she really is a runaway highlander, she had a great talent of slipping away on several occasions. The book is well written and story a real page turner, a must read for adventure/romance lovers.
December 28, 2014
NetGalley Free Book
Anne de Cheyne has to protect her younger sister from their very own mother who is trying to actually sell them to the highest bidder with good standing as wives. Anne has been given to the sheriff who is also a man who is willing to do anything to gain the Kings favor and by marrying Anne, who is from a good family, he could succeed. Aedan Donne is the Sheriff's hunter of men. He can find anyone and any information and then sells it to the sheriff in order to get his sister back.
This book was a bit confusing but for some reason it kept my attention. I loved the characters and was rooting for them during the entire book. The love story was really written well.
I think the author needs to simplify just a bit. The plot got muddled yet it pulled through to the very end.
Anne de Cheyne has to protect her younger sister from their very own mother who is trying to actually sell them to the highest bidder with good standing as wives. Anne has been given to the sheriff who is also a man who is willing to do anything to gain the Kings favor and by marrying Anne, who is from a good family, he could succeed. Aedan Donne is the Sheriff's hunter of men. He can find anyone and any information and then sells it to the sheriff in order to get his sister back.
This book was a bit confusing but for some reason it kept my attention. I loved the characters and was rooting for them during the entire book. The love story was really written well.
I think the author needs to simplify just a bit. The plot got muddled yet it pulled through to the very end.
October 18, 2014
in "The Highland Renegades" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Set in 1297 Scotland. Fast paced. Filled a few complex issues, such as a rape. It also has danger, betrayal, an evil, diabolical mother, a sister with mental illness, adventure, disfigurement, passion and romance. My only compliant, no real Scottish dialect. The characters are engaging, interesting and make a powerful statement of the era. Well written and entertaining. While, this it has a satisfying ending, I would love to know more on the sisters and what happens next. An enjoyable read with a sweet romance.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 28, 2014
What a wonderful story! This is the first book by R.L. Syme that I have read and I loved it. I was so pulled into the life of Anne de Cheyne and Aedan Donne that I cheered each success and cried when all seemed lost. Set in a time of unrest and war, we are taken on a journey of discovery with just the right mixture of adventure, danger, and romance. The main characters must find strength to overcome the selfishness and cruelty of those around them but the choices they make effect more than their own lives and sacrifice is required to protect those they love.
I recommend this book with 5 stars and can't wait to read her next one.
I recommend this book with 5 stars and can't wait to read her next one.
October 7, 2016
Another great Highlands romance! In this installment, we learn how Broccin escaped from the dungeon in the first book (The Outcast Highlander); with the help of his childhood sweetheart Anne. He helps Anne escape from her abusive arranged husband. But firey, headstrong Anne, reluctantly teams up with a Scottish mercenary working for the English to rescue her younger sister. An excellent historical adventure with escpes, romance, and a reference to the Battle of Sterling Field (cue Braveheart fans). Excited for the third one!
October 29, 2014
I'll admit it. I love all things Highlander and Scottish. I enjoy reading history. I always learn something no matter how small. R.L. developed the best real people. They stood out-good or bad. I felt so much for Anne. Spoiler here. I can't even explain how many deep spoilers there are in this book. There is sex-not blatant but quietly adult. There is murder-it is Scotland. Then comes a battle. The Battle of Sterling Castle . Major spoiler here. Please! Please! Don't pass this book by! Enjoy! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
May 15, 2014
This was an awesome second book in the Highlander Renegades series. I posted this elsewhere, but I got so wrapped up in the middle of it that I burned my bread that was in the oven! The story is engaging and I just loved Aedan. The imagery of the English and Scottish countryside is also something I look forward to in these books, and this did not disappoint. I don't want to give anything away in the review, but I will say that I recommend it for a good, historical romance read!
June 9, 2014
Won this book on GoodReads. From the very beginning the story grasped my attention. It felt like beauty and the beast, loving each other without knowing they love each other. A man with a face that is frightening to other but she saw all the beauty regardless of the scar. I was very disappointed that the Sheriff got his way but glad and surprise when his end came. I was very happy that Aedan got to save his sister and his love.
April 12, 2015
This book was ok. Nothing really note-worthy or different from the rest of the genre. I have to say that the first third of the book is terribly boring. It took me at least 35% to even really care what was happening. And the characters in this book were not the most likable. The mother was horrid, and the sister wasn't all there so it just wasn't much to like or get attached to besides Aaiden and Anne. Overall an ok read.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley & the publisher**
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley & the publisher**
September 1, 2016
This was a goodreads win. Easy to read, liked the characters. There is an error on page 97. "Kinsey" visited the larder - sb Anne.
November 9, 2014
Love the heroine--looking forward to more in this series.
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