Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Sutherland's Secret (Highland Pride, #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Sutherland's Secret

(Highland Pride #1)

Sharon Cullen (Goodreads Author)

4.07 · Rating details · 764 ratings · 155 reviews

If you love Maya Banks and Monica McCarty, don’t miss Sharon Cullen’s captivating Highland Pride novels! Sutherland’s Secret kicks off a series that’s overflowing with mouthwatering Scottish warriors, captivating history, and forbidden desire.

Terror reigns in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. As British troops obliterate the last traces of the Jacobite cause, Brice ...more

Get A Copy

ebook, 294 pages

Published January 19th 2016 by Loveswept

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Sutherland's Secret, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Sutherland's Secret

Lists with This Book

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

2016 Historical Romance

304 books — 612 voters

January 2016: Historical Romance Releases

51 books — 34 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.07 ·

Rating details

· 764 ratings · 155 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Sutherland's Secret (Highland Pride, #1)

Dec 15, 2015 Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, 4-stars

3.75-4 Stars

So this was a pretty solid historical/highlander read.

And - for once - when my husband said, "What are you reading about?"

I felt all badass because I could actually say it was about something LEGIT and not just sparkly vampires, rich billionaires, BDSM, and/or fictional MC clubs.

So this is how that convo went:

Hubs: "What are you reading about today babe?"

Me: "A scintillating tale about Scotland and the Jacobites following the Battle of Culloden."

Hubs: "What's a Jacobite?"

Me: *cric ...more

flag 86 likes · Like · see review

Nov 13, 2015 NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance-etc, arc

***4,5 "Mo ghràdh" stars***

This book was so beautiful and so adventurous that i couldn't put it down!!!
I love historical romances and medieval stories are so wonderfull!!!
I loved every single moment in those years, in those places with all those Highlanders and their women around... I liked what i witnessed through this book...

It was like a transporting from the modern world in a dark fairytale...
How could i not love this ride???

Well, Brice Sutherland, the chief of the Sutherland's clan, whi ...more

flag 58 likes · Like · see review

May 22, 2016 Maida»-(¯`v´¯)-» rated it really liked it

Recommended to Maida»-(¯`v´¯)-» by: NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}

Shelves: book-boyfriends, delicious-men, historical-romance, mini-review, sexy-highlander-duke-prince-king, favorite-series, favorites, sexy-warriors-soldiers-bodyguards, books-of-2016

RATING: 4.5 "luaidh mo chéile" Hearts!!! :D

“He’d found an injured bird on the side of the road. He’d nursed her back to health and taught her courage, and now she was flying away from him.”

Sutherland’s Secret is a highly entertaining historical romance. There is nothing profoundly unique about its plot, but the tale is brilliantly executed—with vivid imagery of setting and Scotland history— in such a way that we can’t turn the pages fast enough. Both Brice and Ella (Eleanor) are well-rounded ...more

flag 26 likes · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2015 Mei rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, netgalley

I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

A solid historical romance!

I liked very much the beginning!

The hero, Brice, finds a half dead woman and choose to remain with her until she passes away. Fortunately, the woman doesn't die, but recovers, but she's unable to speak and acts more like a feral animal than woman. That's the heroine, Eleanor.

She's traumatized, badly beaten and staved. When she wake up and sees the hero, she's obviously terrorized by him. Who's that enormous man ...more

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

May 01, 2016 Zoe rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I can't recommend the book. it's nothing that hasn't been written before and the poor characterization makes it a read that wasn't really worth my time.

I don't get this heroine Eleanor. She was all scared and abused and fearful in the beginning. She couldn't talk. Then she turned all feisty and sassy and started talking as if she never went through what she did. Eloquent and capable, dug out a bullet from Brice's shoulder, no less. The relationship between Brice and Eleanor came out of nowhere. ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Dec 26, 2015 Samantha rated it really liked it

4.5 there's no better Scottish man than Brice stars. This kind of story reminds me why I love Historical Romance so much! Sharon Cullen completely captivates the reader with vivid descriptions and multi-dimensional characters. Brice Sutherland and Eleanor Hirst will make you root for them all the way through the novel.

Brice Sutherland is compassionate, charming, caring, tender and a genuinely good man. He not only protects his own, but those he believes that need the protection. While securing ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

May 27, 2016 ♥ℳelody rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-hero, angst-forlorn-couples, abuse-trauma, anachronistic, blah-meh-whatever, adventure-danger-suspense, genre-highlander-romance, forbidden-love, widow, widower

Sometimes I really really really wish I just stuck to the books I originally wanted to read from a series as a standalone without going back and reading previous installments. Ugh, why did I do that? 😩 I used to read things out of order all the time and I was fine with it. *sigh* I've had Book 2 from this series on my TR list for some time and heard a lot of great things about it. But when my library had Book 1 also available on Overdrive and this author is new to me I thought 'oh what the hell' Sometimes I really really really wish I just stuck to the books I originally wanted to read from a series as a standalone without going back and reading previous installments. Ugh, why did I do that? 😩 I used to read things out of order all the time and I was fine with it. *sigh* I've had Book 2 from this series on my TR list for some time and heard a lot of great things about it. But when my library had Book 1 also available on Overdrive and this author is new to me I thought 'oh what the hell' and give this a shot first. Now I'm wishing I hadn't. Only because I find this author's writing style a little too anachronistic for my liking which bums me out and makes me less inclined to pick up MacLean's Passion now. I'm usually lenient when it comes to historical inaccuracies as long as it's not so obvious and heavy-handed. But the fact that hero's cock is constantly referred to as "penis", his lovely arse is referred to as "butt cheeks" and the heroine's cum is referred to as "juices dripping" just....reads funny.

The thought made the liquid between her legs gush out, and Brice groaned into her neck as he began pumping into her.

The heroine is referred to as "sassy", the hero "jogs" everywhere, oh and the word "humping" is used too. I could go on and on because it's not just dealing with intimate scenes. I just found it distracting. Especially how the heroine behaves in the second half of the story. She goes from a near-death, emaciated, mute, traumatized woman in rags who is scared of her own shadow to a fearless opinionated woman who demands to go on midnight runs with the hero to help smuggle refugees out of Scotland. Uh....ok. Her transformation was very clunky and fast. I would have enjoyed it more had the transformation been a little more gradual. Her dialogue and some of the stuff she says is very modern. Who in the fuck in 1800's Scotland says they are trying to make "small talk" with someone? No one. Especially not a highborn English lady. I probably will give Colin's book a try since that was my original interest but I'm not really won over by the writing. 😕 ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jan 04, 2016 Nicola rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 Stars

Having finished this, my first thought is why have I not read this author before? I can be fairly picky when it comes to historical romances and, being an English/Scot hybrid, I can be even more picky when it comes to books where the author writes the Scottish dialect, but in this case it worked; the writing style was engaging and it was a great read.

"She was alone in a foreign country with no way out and a powerful enemy most certainly looking for her."

Sutherland’s Secret is boo ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Nov 16, 2015 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it it was amazing

Following a meeting with the lairds and families of Scotland, Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach and his men find a woman near death in a pile of tattered garments in the middle of the road towards home. When Brice sends his men on ahead home, his intentions of comforting the woman in her last probable hours is foremost in his thoughts. He never thought the battered and beaten lass would survive the night, but when she proves him wrong, his only choice is to take her to his home and nurse her

Following a meeting with the lairds and families of Scotland, Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach and his men find a woman near death in a pile of tattered garments in the middle of the road towards home. When Brice sends his men on ahead home, his intentions of comforting the woman in her last probable hours is foremost in his thoughts. He never thought the battered and beaten lass would survive the night, but when she proves him wrong, his only choice is to take her to his home and nurse her back to health. Not knowing her identity could be the downfall could be dangerous, but the only honorable thing to do is help her.

English lady, Eleanor Hirst went from being the toast of the ton to a prisoner in a Scottish dungeon. Unbelievably, her jailers are none other than her own countryman. With her husband accused of being a traitor to the crown and Eleanor watching him hang before her eyes, a proposal by her husband's executioner leave her shocked and betrayed when her refusal to marry the man thrown in a cell and beaten for weeks, She seizes her chance to escape the horror, preferring to die free than at the hands of evil. Upon awakening in the forest with a strange Scot tending to her wounds, Eleanor finds herself without a voice and her future uncertain.

Understanding somewhat what's happened to the wounded woman, Brice tries to ease her fears. He brings her into his home and treats her with care, only to have her more confused. When the people who should very well be her enemy, harbor her from the man who caused her harm, Eleanor begins to blossom once again among her new comrades.

Brice's attraction to the English high born, widow could very well mean the end of him, but the call to Eleanor is a strong one and giving in is sweet ecstasy. How will two people from two different worlds at war with one another overcome not only that war, but the evil of the man seeking to extinguish the only proof that he is the traitor? When given the choice of returning to her family fold, or remaining with the man she has come so fiercely to love, will Eleanor choose love? Grab Sharon Cullen's latest great read, SUTHERLAND'S SECRET, to find out.

SUTHERLAND'S SECRET, the first book in the Highland Pride series is an attention grabber and keeper. This well written story with strong and interesting characters leaves me yearning for the next tale author Sharon Cullen has to offer. Brice Sutherland is tough as nails when it comes to those under his protection, but for as tough as he can be under the worst of circumstances he is as endearing, patient and compassionate with Eleanor. This woman has been though hell and back but with Brice's care, she blooms into the woman she never knew she could be, and that transformation is a sight to see. Definitely a winner for Sharon Cullen. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 18, 2015 Maria11 rated it it was amazing

What a great read! I really loved this book! It was suspenseful, dramatic, action filled, and sexy as hell! I couldn't put it down, but had to clean the house before I went on vacation so it took me a tad longer to read, or I would have vegetated on the couch till I was done!

I loved Eleanor! She was a wonderful heroine and her character growth was wonderful! Brice was a sexy Scot rivaling my love for Jamie Fraser! He was strong brave and honor bound! Yet vulnerable and so very loving at the sam ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Sep 03, 2015 Ermione Pickwick rated it it was amazing

This is a marvellous romance everybody should read! Sharon Cullen did a great job here, the novel is right in every aspect. It's fast paced, there are no "dead", boring or superfluous parts, the backgrounds facts are interesting and well melted with the love story...and the love story itself, OMG, it's sooo adorably sweet, heart melting, it raised in me many feelings, it gave me shivers.

I'm so happy with this new series starting romance, moreover here there are several extremely promising potent ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 28, 2015 Donna rated it really liked it

I'm new to this author, but love Scottish books so I asked NetGalley for an ARC. It is a good book and it holds your attention. Sutherland's Secret takes place in the months following the battle of Culloden (1745).

The hero, Brice Sutherland, Earl of Dornach did not fight for either side. But the damage the English are doing to his country has caused him to help those who have lost their homes to flee to Canada. While out with his men, he comes across an unconscious woman. He does not want the E ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Feb 13, 2016 Pamela rated it really liked it

Shelves: net-galley, 2016-books

This is a solid historical romance. Brice is a sexy alpha male with a vulnerable, tender side and Eleanor is a strong counterpart. The settings and people are well crafted and you get attached to them.

The downside for me was, when Eleanor gets her "spunk", voice and everything else back, it happens very quickly. The confrontation with Blackwell was a disappointment for me too. He is supposed to be some badass that everyone is afraid of, and all we get is a namby-pamby crybaby? WTF? So for those ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 24, 2015 Lady Heather marked it as to-read

Shelves: 1st-in-a-series, historical-romance, sharon-cullen

Publication Date: January 19, 2016

"A copy of this book has been provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review" ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 15, 2016 Beanimous rated it did not like it

DNF Chapter 26.

As mentioned by the other reviewers, the beginning of this book isn't bad, but as soon as the Heroine (Eleaner) started to speak, it all went down hill very fast.

This book read like a less crafted and less polished version of the book 'Outlander', which I adore. This book shared many parallels with 'Outlander", in terms of characters as well as plots. It didn't read like an entirely original book to me.

I am not a English literary professor, however when I read words like 'sassy' a DNF Chapter 26.

As mentioned by the other reviewers, the beginning of this book isn't bad, but as soon as the Heroine (Eleaner) started to speak, it all went down hill very fast.

This book read like a less crafted and less polished version of the book 'Outlander', which I adore. This book shared many parallels with 'Outlander", in terms of characters as well as plots. It didn't read like an entirely original book to me.

I am not a English literary professor, however when I read words like 'sassy' and 'prissy' used in the Hero's dialogue, I thought it looked jarring. Upon some quick research, it was true that those two words had started in the 19th century, and this book is based in 1746. So maybe a good editor could have pick this up?

******Spoiler alert*****

There are other issue with the plots in this book that got me rolling eyes and shaking heads

1. Brice took a supposedly 'dying' girl (the heroine) on horse back, wonder around the woods for 3 days without getting much warmth, medical help, rest or assistance. It seem absurd to me. Brice had originally thought the girl is going to die, if Brice had decided he is going to let the girl die, then let her die in peace quietly. If Brice had decided to save the girl, then get her some help quick, a bed, food, warmth or anything, but not on the horse back jostle around for 3 days in the cold.

2. The history of Eleanor and what's had happened to her prior being rescued was a big mystery at the beginning of the book. I felt Eleanor could have written her story on the paper for Brice, given that she couldn't speak. It need not have to wait until she can talk. There were many times Eleanor desperately trying to communicate with Brice (alerting him to danger, explained herself, clear her name or identify the villain). If she could just write it down, It could erase lots of speculation and suspicion from Brice also from Brice's men. Who were questioning their leader's (Brice) authority and decisions. I just felt that the author had just prolonged the angst and mystery unnecessarily.

3. Suddenly Eleanor was able to dress wounds, extract bullets form Brice. The book didn't explain how a Lady of nobel birth would know such a thing.

4. Eleanor snuck out to the great hall to just look at her nemesis Blackwood, risking her been seen and been captured.....Why Why why? It didnt make any sense? She was deadly traumatised by her earlier captivity by Blackwood, to the point of being paralysed with fear, traumatised to the point of losing ability to speak, yet she went against advised and almost was seen by the powerful villain for "just wanting a look. Seriously?! Also that event had not baring on the plot development at all!

5. Oh! Enough with the constant screaming during sex!!! Seriously!!! What I would prefer is some actual steam and heat in the sex scene, and not the 'he touched her and she screamed' type of sex cliche.

So yeah! It safe to say that I didn't like this book...given the numerous high rating reviews, I thought I will like this book. Sorry this isn't my cup of tea..... ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 27, 2015 Barbara Rogers rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest reviews

WOW! I really loved this book -- and I don't say that often. I read it straight through -- I couldn't put it down. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely read other books by her.

It has a wonderfully sweet love story and the required HEA has enough tear-jerky moments to keep you sniffling (and I never sniffle) and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

The book takes place in Scotland just after the battle of Cullo ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 11, 2015 Tracy Emro rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley-reviews

**I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 stars

I really liked this story - Brice is a perfect hero - he is loyal, kind, compassionate, a highlander, sexy and brave - seriously the man is perfect. Eleanor is also a good character - I just didn't like her as much as I LOVED Brice.

Eleanor has had a horrific experience - Brice finds her in the middle of the road near death. Against his better judgement, he takes her to his home. At first ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 23, 2016 Susan Parkes rated it really liked it

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I give it 4 stars.

This book is about Scots men trying to save their fellow men and women (Jacobites) from the English soldiers, an English woman at deaths door, an evil soldier, love, revenge and trust.

Brice Sutherland is the Earl of Dornach and one evening after completing a mission he finds what he thinks is a bundle of rags in the middle of the road, but on closer inspection it is a woman that has been badly hurt and she is at deaths door. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2015 Al *the semi serial series skipper* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc

After reading His reluctant Duchess i started reading more and more of Sharon Cullen's books. She's such a terrific writer and she never disappoints.
This book was simply amazing, the characters, the pace, the mystery, the heartache. I loved every aspect of it.
When Eleanor is found on the road nearly dead by our Hero he decides to stay with her so she doesn't die alone, little does he know that she will pull through and become the most important person to him.
This is a book you don't want to mi ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 04, 2016 Janet rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved it from beginning to end! Where can I get my own Brice with his deadly broadsword? LOL. There's nothing like reading about a Highland warrior who rescues a damsel in distress to get your temperature rising. Eleanor may be a bitty thing but she comes across as a strong female protagonist. This sexy tale requires a cold drink and a comfortable reading chair. I highly recommend for historical romance fans. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 28, 2015 Whitney rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2016, highlander

3 stars

It was good until the end. It just fell flat. The progression of the story was ok. But, the more you learn the backstory it all becomes a little hard to believe. The romance was ok. Overall, just a 3 star read for me.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 02, 2019 Kelsey rated it liked it

Shelves: library

Eleanor is truly an amazing feminist character. Brice's support of her made his character growth amazing. He let her work out her own demons, he protected her when necessary, and he never really tried to stop Eleanor from doing what she wanted. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 26, 2016 Hannah rated it really liked it

ARC REVIEW

This was a fabulous read. Sharon Cullen is an enchanting writer she captivates and entwines you in the story. It takes place after the bloodbath at Culloden when the English were still trying to bring the Scottish to heel and the Scottish were pretty much okay fine leave us alone already. It was like a giant witch hunt, anyone could basically claim that someone was a Jacobite or a sympathizer just to get rid of them and claim what they wanted. So many people were afraid for their live ARC REVIEW

This was a fabulous read. Sharon Cullen is an enchanting writer she captivates and entwines you in the story. It takes place after the bloodbath at Culloden when the English were still trying to bring the Scottish to heel and the Scottish were pretty much okay fine leave us alone already. It was like a giant witch hunt, anyone could basically claim that someone was a Jacobite or a sympathizer just to get rid of them and claim what they wanted. So many people were afraid for their lives they ended up emigrating to Canada just to get away from the English. The characters in the story were great very easy to sympathize with, Eleanor you can see how she changes throughout the book from a scared and tortured young woman to a strong confident woman who won't back down. Brice Sutherland is a great character; he is a good man, a great leader, and very caring for his people; even the half dead British woman he found on the side of the road.

Lady Eleanor Hurst was suppose to be enjoying the newly married life instead she's a widow and on the run from the man who had her husband killed and tried to blackmail her in marrying him. When she refused he locked her up in Fort Augustus with all the other Jacobites. Eleanor changed in that time, watching innocent men beaten, children dying at the hands of the British she was no longer the prim and proper British Lady. After managing to escape Eleanor ran as far as she could go before collapsing on the side of the road. Brice Sutherland the Earl of Dornach, is just trying to keep his people safe. When coming home from a chief clan gathering Brice and his men find a half dead woman on the side of the road, not willing to leave her for the animals send his men ahead so he can take care of her until she dies. But Eleanor is strong and she finally recovers, but she has lost her voice she went so long without talking she forgot how. Brice bring her to his home and offers her sanctuary. Eleanor is scared at first and unsure who she can trust. Once Brice proves she could trust him by not turning her into the British when they come looking for her, she starts to warm up to the environment around her and the people. Eleanor makes a place for herself not wanting to feel like a helpless female again she does what she can. Brice risks his life every night spiriting families and men from house to house until he can get them on a boat bound for Canada. It's easier for Brice to keep an eye on Eleanor if she goes with him, and proved she could be an asset. Brice and Eleanor fall easily in love. Brice has his own fears about falling in love with an English Lady and Eleanor is worried about endangering Brice and all his people.

Eleanor's husband was charged with treason and executed without a trial, she was imprisoned without evidence. All she needs is the courage to confront the right people to fix everything but that means she has to face her worst fear. With the love of Brice and his people behind her, and the sudden appearance of her brother Eleanor finally agrees to do what she needs to do.

Overall this was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was very detailed and really takes you back. I even had to look up when the Dress Act of 1746 came into effect because the Scots in the book are still wearing their kilts. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 13, 2015 Lisa rated it really liked it

When Highland Laird Brice and his men come across a pile of rags along the road, they almost pass it by, but something inside Brice tells him to investigate the pile. Much to his surprise, he finds a badly beaten, mute woman who appears to be on her death bed. Brice picks her up and takes her with him. After tending to her, he realizes she is English, his enemy. She’s also a wanted woman who will only bring trouble to his people. As Eleanor recovers, so does her voice and she shares her story wi When Highland Laird Brice and his men come across a pile of rags along the road, they almost pass it by, but something inside Brice tells him to investigate the pile. Much to his surprise, he finds a badly beaten, mute woman who appears to be on her death bed. Brice picks her up and takes her with him. After tending to her, he realizes she is English, his enemy. She’s also a wanted woman who will only bring trouble to his people. As Eleanor recovers, so does her voice and she shares her story with Brice. Together the two must find a way to relocate her to a safe place, although by now, it just might be too late as he’s developed feelings for her and her for him.

This story was one of the hardest for me to review because my feelings are so torn. The opening of the book grabs your attention and draws you right in. You’ll not want to put it down. Brice is a warrior with a sweet heart and he takes such tender care of Eleanor. You really feel for her because of the abuse she went through and you can’t help but cheer this couple on. While the story is so beautiful, I did have a few hang-ups.

Initially, Eleanor is unable to speak due to her past experience. While this is so, she is able to make sounds, like screaming and moaning. I didn’t understand that. When her voice does come back, it does so rather quickly and I found that I would have preferred the progress to be slower. When this happens, Eleanor suddenly does a 180 and is no longer a broken and meek woman. This decision of hers also was rather quick. Her being a frightened woman just pulled on the heartstrings and I would have liked to see more of that.

The story does have a steady buildup, but for two different reasons. The beginning is all about hiding from Blackwood, the man who is hunting Eleanor, and the second half of the book is all about Brice and Eleanor trying to relocate her to a safe place, away from his people. About mid-way through, I felt the story start to lag. It became all about the inner turmoil or angst of the characters. All they did was mourn their future separation. This went on for majority of the second half. When we finally get to the climax, where Eleanor, Brice, and Blackwood come face-to-face, the reader is left wanting more. There’s no expected action or fight scene. In fact, there’s really no fight scene ever. The meeting falls flat and is tidied up rather neatly. I wanted Brice to finally have a moment to shine as the fierce warrior that he is.

A few things were left hanging, too, which I can only assume will be addressed in the next book. What happened to Colin and what was the favor Campbell wanted?

With all of this being said, Sutherland’s Secret was the first book in a long time to pull me out of a reading slump. It had my full attention and I raced through it to see what would happen. It would have been on my top favorite list, if not for the reasons above. Regardless, I do have a bit of a book hangover from it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the pleasure of reading and reviewing Sutherland’s Secret by Sharon Cullen. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 19, 2016 JoRead rated it liked it

Shelves: damaged-heroes, arc, historical-romance, own-format-digital, series, highlanders, scots

This story started so amazingly captivating that I hoped it would remain so until the end but it just wasn’t so. I devoured the first few chapters in only a few hours but after a while I just had to put it down. No biggie, it happens. Sometimes you have to be away for a while to feel the heat again however I have to say that didn’t happen here.
The story takes place in Scotland after the battle of Culloden when there was still some talk of an uprising against the British, hence those thought to This story started so amazingly captivating that I hoped it would remain so until the end but it just wasn’t so. I devoured the first few chapters in only a few hours but after a while I just had to put it down. No biggie, it happens. Sometimes you have to be away for a while to feel the heat again however I have to say that didn’t happen here.
The story takes place in Scotland after the battle of Culloden when there was still some talk of an uprising against the British, hence those thought to be traitors to the crown were being thrown in jail or worse. Our heroine Eleanor is witness to some terrible crimes against these so-called traitors and goes mute out of fear. She’s in a foreign country and doesn’t know anyone and feels she cannot trust anyone either so she pretty much gives up and is about to die when she meets our hero Brice. Given that they are both from the opposing “team” neither of them give in to trust the other however little by little he wins over her trust. She not so much his.
The historical subplot was amazing. For instance, we learn that there was an escape route that took many Jacobites and their possible allies from that area to Canada in search of a chance at life. We learn how the lairds and their people used to live at the times and how those in high ranks have used (and abused) their power since for ever. So as far as researching her topic and creating a plausible and vivid setting the author did a great job. Now, when it comes to the main characters I have a few cavils that unfortunately prevented me to enjoy the story to the fullest.
At the beginning of the story Eleanor sounded so vulnerable and terrified that her actions and reactions were completely understandable. However after a certain incident it was BOOM! a completely different character, and to me it wasn’t even a turning point in the story. She even recuperated her ability to speak without so much as a hint of a hoarse voice. I get that what she went through made her a stronger woman but the change felt forced as opposed to gradual. Then she went on to prove herself and her love for Brice over and over again and it still wasn’t enough for him. I have to say I wasn’t happy with the ending because of his attitude. And again I get the reasoning behind his feelings but he was way too possessive for reasons out of her control. Yes, there was definitely a HEA but it made me feel there was no middle ground when it came to it and that to Brice it was either my way or the highway.
Since this was the first of a series and my first from this author I will continue reading more by her and this series.

Note - It contains explicit sexual content that may not be suitable for some sensible readers. You have been warned and now no one has any excuse to leave a bad review solely based on that fact.

** I received a copy of this story by Netgally in exchange for an honest review **
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 01, 2017 Gizzie rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1-action, 1-historical, 1-erotica, 1-adventure, 1-adult, 1-political, 0-unlimited

This book was good from start to finish. It reminded me of another book I read but I can't remember the name of that book or who wrote it. Can't go wrong with this one ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2015 Belinda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: net-galley-edelweiiss

I really enjoyed reading Ms Cullen's latest book and of course she is the top of her game in this one. There is a lot of action, adventure, and highlanders to suite everyone. I thought the characters were very well written with feelings of the times of conflict. This story is about the aftermath of Culloden where the English are trying to get rid of the Jacobite's who are nothing to them. You have so many people who just want the freedom to live their lives, but the King thinks different.
Brice S ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 21, 2016 Debbie Brown rated it it was amazing

In the aftermath after of the war at Culloden Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach feels it’s worth the risk to lead his fellow Scot’s through a covert escape route to Canada. Along the road home from a multi-clan meeting our hero Brice and his men come across a bundle of rags which turn out to be a half dead and what he thinks is a dying women, a dying Englishwoman by the looks of her. She is hauntingly beautiful though emaciated and scarred by manacles and unable to speak, but Brice feels com ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 08, 2016 April rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scotland, historical-fiction, historical-romance, historical-romance-medieval, scottish-highlander-romance, historical-romance-scotland, historical-romance-medieval-england, scottish-highlanders, historical-mystery, scottish-clans

WOW! What a read! First in a new and exciting series, from Sharon Cullen, "Highland Pride", and what a beginning! This story entail's a story of the horrible events following the Jacobite Rebellion in Scottish history. The clans which sacrificed so much for freedom, the clans which helped so many escape death and imprisonment. It's also a story of betrayal, treason, treachery, obsession, and the need for one widow to survive a fraudulent imprisonment, beatings, starvation, one man's greed and a ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2015 Stephanie Hoff rated it it was amazing

They are super serious when they say if you love Maya Banks and Monica McCarty then you don't want to miss this book! I am a lover of both of those authors so I though I would give this book a go. And boy do I have to say I was NOT disappointed…..this book was AMAZING!!! I will definitely buy the future books in this series as well as other Sharon Cullen books. Brice Sutherland is a tough, yet kind-hearted Highland warrior which all lady readers will fall head-over-heels for and the torture that ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Romance > Historical Romance

53 users

Historical

23 users

Romance

23 users

Historical > Historical Fiction

11 users

Cultural > Scotland

10 users

Fiction

3 users

Adult

3 users

See top shelves…

About Sharon Cullen

Sharon Cullen

192 followers

After earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Sharon found the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet, it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then she’s been published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance and contemporary romance and historical romance.

Shar ...more