The Highlander Takes a Widow

Highland Surrender #2

by Maddie MacKenna

483 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorcha was the daughter of Rowen Fraser, Laird of Clan Gordon. Her father had married her off twice to older lairds. Neither groom lived to consummate the marriage, and now her ailing father was forcing her to marry again. Once more she performed her duty and wed the Laird of Clan Dunrath, only to find him deceased when she went to him on their wedding night. This time she refused to return to Clan Gordon, and took on the duties of Lady Dunrath. Two months after the death of Laird Dunrath, William MacLean, his nephew, arrived and declared himself to be the rightful laird. When William was a teenager, both of his parents were killed in an uprising spurred by his uncle. Somehow William had escaped and was back now, and focused on avenging his parents’ death. His first order of business was evicting his uncle’s widow. Sorcha, together with the deceased laird’s daughters, Avery and Rhea, and her bodyguard and cousin Caelan, embarked on a campaign to frustrate William into leaving. Not only did they fail in that, but Sorcha developed feelings for William, who refused to acknowledge his feelings for her. Meanwhile, William and his best friend Myles were gathering evidence against three men who profited by helping to overthrow his father. What follows is a story filled with emotional outbursts, ridiculous antics, misunderstandings, steamy moments, and betrayal. Emotions are intense and volatile, actions are creative and humorous, and attraction and desire leaps off the page. There is an undercurrent of pain and sorrow permeating most of this story, making the final joy so much more pronounced. Once again this author provides an entertaining tale filled with action and emotion.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite!

Hard review to pen because I like this author's work, but the first half of this novel did not do it for me, as it was painfully slow so much so that by the time I reached the middle, I considered not finishing the read. There were too many "games" in the beginning that did not do anything to advance the story forward. A little more attention to the villains here would have been better. The characters were well developed and the surprise with Caelan was excellent as well as the erotica.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good story of Sorcha that is the widow of the Laird. This is her third marriage and she has not had relations with any of her husbands. They all die before the wedding night takes place. Then William shows up to claim his inheritance as Laird. Sorcha is intrigued by him, but finds him rude. Then feelings change one minute and the next he has nothing to do with her. This is a story where two people eventually find one another for ever.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new laird and Sorcha must find common ground. He has given her a month to remarry but Sorcha has no plans to do such thing and their back and forth only fuels Laird Williams resolve to stay away from her. It is a thrilling story filled with drama that captivates and had me connecting with the characters from start to finish.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Betty Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remembrance of violence in childhood remains throughout adulthood.

This is an unusual story about the violent death of parents seen by their young son who escaped and returned several my years later to claim his position as Laird. The most interesting part of the story occurs toward the end. It is definitely worth reading.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story has a great battle of their wills. It will definitely keep you reading to find out who is going to win. It's a fun read it all comes together at the end. The extended epilogue is a nice finish.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Answers

Excellent story of Lady Circus and her good heart. What she went through was exceptional. Laird William seeks his revenge and takes care to do it right. A known family member is the key to her heartache. Love this series!

[Ann Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in Maddie MacKenna’s series!

Sorcha does not want to wed but she is given 1 month to wed. She fights the Laird in every way possible to stay and he is one determined man to see her gone. Their relationship is unreal and so feisty!

[Joan Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

A really really great book, the story of William and Sorcha. The book had a great storyline and some great characters. Some great twists to the
story. I look forward to the next book in the series

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure

So much excitement and intrigue! I never would have guessed what happened in the end. The characters were amazingly brave and funny too! The adventure was incredibly exciting and interesting. Glad he got justice for his past. Thanks for sharing your story!!!

[Karlene Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where will the next attack come?

Sorcha finds love with her 4th husband, laird William. What a challenge they have to solve the murders & stay alive. Delightful progressive love story!

[Kim Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adventure worth taking.

An adventure worth taking, life is definitely that. Maddie MacKenna shows us that life, though hard at times, can result in a amazing story. Check it out.