Taming the Highlander

by Fiona Faris

She was more than what he bargained for...
Siusan, the laird’s daughter, is about to be kidnapped by a party of outlaws.

At the last minute, Uileam, a brooding Highlander saves her life. He was in awe of her from the first time he laid eyes on her, but the lass was already betrothed to another.

Cailean, is a true knight in shining armor. On top of it, he will provide security for her family and their castle.

But Uileam is a man that has awakened something wild, something feral, deep inside Siusan.

And Siusan is not the only thing they have in common. Their families hide deep secrets and blood feuds that will haunt their lives forever...

Siusan has to choose between the strong alliance of Cailean, or the risky life with Uileam. All the while, she has to discover what drives this animosity between the families...

Will love end it all or bring answers in from a dark past?

*If you like brawny Highland warriors with a soft heart, and romantic stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands, then Taming the Highlander is the perfect novel for you.

"Taming the Highlander" is a Historical Scottish romance novel of more than 80,000 words (around 440 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Get this book now for #99CENTS or for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Genres: Historical Romance, Medieval, Historical

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2019

About the author

Fiona Faris is an American author of authentic historical Medieval & Scottish romance books. She started writing historical highlander romance after she visited the Scottish Highlands years ago with her husband.

Her books have received startling reviews about the humor, the darkness and the romance they have.

She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and their two sons. Before she started writing romance, she experienced the various occupations: translator, dog-training, and a substitute English teacher for the most part of her life... However, nothing could ever compare to writing stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands!

Reviews

[Ruby Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I like the way that the author did the story. The many colourful people and the different plots to overcome each clan. The fact that Siusan and Uilliem had to go through so much heartache to get the happiness that they desired is something else. I could not put the book (or tablet) down for even just a few minutes today. I took the book with me to the hospital while my granddaughter was having surgery and had it with me all day. I am just finishing the book up at 3:30 in the am. So it was an enjoyable book.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Taming the Highlander
by Fiona Faris

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts

Siusan the daughter of Chief Angus Mor, of Clan Gunnis the heroine of this story. She is close to become ravaged by a group of men,k,rescued by Uileam MacGregor son of Laird Ian of Glen Strae the hero of this tale. She has a strong attraction to him but sadly cannot act on her feelings. As she is already betrothed to another, plus the fact it would cause a clan war if the betrothal was broken.

To Uileam he just was not good enough for this perfect lass and her betrothed was a much better choice. After all he was true knight and with all his wealth will be able to protect Siusan and her clan. Yet they both had feelings and secrets they couldn’t deny? Will this relationship be broken or allowed to grow?

A fast moving page turner from start to finish. This riveting adventure has all the elements historical romance readers love. It is filled with suspense, mystery, treachery, betrayal, clan issues, jealousy, attempted rape, protection, passion and love.

Always a riveting phenomenal read from start to finish, with breathtaking setting, brilliant dialogue, multi-dimensional characters that steal your heart! Plus amazing plots that has your holding your breath with your heartbeat racing wondering what could possibly happen next? A book Scottish highland readers will love!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was different from my two previous ones by this author, I had a hard time to warm to the main couple but after some time I was sucked by the whole story.
I didn’t liked Siusan for most of the story, she is selfish, haughty and dismissive plus rather dumb about the reality of her world.
She was saved from being raped by a group of outlaws and she just is shocked by the violence of her savior! She was to be abused and used and she thinks he is a savage because he fights and is not perfectly dressed. And it was just the beginning.
I do preferred Uilleam, he can be hardheaded but he battles for his clan and has honor. Right at the beginning he sees only Siusan for her physique, as women at this time were only possessions traded for land, wealth, power... but soon he wants more from her.
Hopefully the romance was part of a bigger story, a battle of power. It was very entertaining to see how the different clans managed to get together or fight another, plus the author gives plenty of details about the way of life during these troubled times.
I liked to see the story from the many protagonists side, they are flawed, ruthless, arrogant, prideful but they can also be bold and valiant, full of honor or treachery for some.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taming the Highlander is a breathtaking story. Within the first few pages, I was entranced. Siusan, daughter of the laird of Clan Gunn, is set upon by bandits. Although she fights she cannot gain her freedom from their horrible clutches. Just as they are about to rape her, a powerful man rides into rescue her. “The man who dismounted had wild ginger-red hair, a full beard, and the sapphire blue eyes that flashed danger. He wore a kilt and a sleeveless leather jerkin over the white open necked shirt. Behind him, a powerful white stallion.” Siusan is in awe of her rescuer. But she is betrothed to another man.- a betrothal that cannot be broken without bloodshed.
I really enjoyed the intrigue in this book. It is very fast paced and I enjoyed how the characters developed. There are only a few sex scenes in it. I felt drawn into the Highland clans fight as they seek to win over a common enemy. Really enjoyed this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced read, full of action and adventure and a romance. Siusan, did appear quite spoilt, at first but she improved as the story continued. I can understand her feelings in not wanting to be treated as a commodity. Uilleam isn’t the refined gentlemen that her suitor, Cailean, appears to be but he is loyal and brave, although impetuous at times. I enjoyed their growing relationship. This was certainly a troublesome time and there are a few battles and dangerous undertakings, that add interest to this fascinating story. There were some very tense times but also moments of joy. I was pleased to see an epilogue.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Carmella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Clan Gunn and several other small clans lived in the shadow of the ever growing Campbell clan. Little by little they were absorbing the smaller clans and gaining more power....

Siusan's father decided it was time for his daughter to marry and decided that man to be Cailean Campbell to be the best man. Not only would his daughter be protected but so would his clan, or so he felt.

Siusan had met Uileam a few days before when he and two of his men saved her from a group of men that would surely have raped her if not kill her. She was escorted home safely but wasn't too impressed with her savior, she thought he was rude and raw while he'd already figured out she was a spoiled princess but both were intrigued with the other...

Siusan and Cailean are betrothed and she isn't too impressed with him. Sure he is handsome but she gets no other feeling from him besides the fact that she is now his property. He doesn't even really speak to her.

Uileam comes forward after she is betrothed and asks Siusan's father for her hand in marriage. Siusan is appalled, yet intrigued. At least he raises some feelings in her. He also speaks with her father about the smaller clans working/joining together to protect themselves from the Campbells.

Then all hell breaks lose when Cailean learns his betrothed has had another offer...

Who will live to see the rest of their lives and at what cost? Will Siusan and Uilean find one another?

I LOVED this story! The story was great as I felt the writing was. It was such a sad time in Scottish history, so much turmoil all the time. Both Siusan and Uileam learned quite a bit about themselves and they both grew from it, she matured and he found his way back to his responsibilities. Some parts of this book made me sad, like Uileam's father and Siusan's brother.

I did knock this down a star because I felt there was 1 or 2 inconsistency's in the story/writing. but not enough for me to not enjoy this story. Other than that I would have given it a 5 star review and I would recommend it to be read!!

I loved them together as a couple, they truly complimented one another!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

🙄I love Scottish tales with a brave hero but this one needed work🙁
March 1, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
🤔This could have been so much better, but stylistic problems and inconsistencies made it frustrating at times to read. I liked the beginning. I actually knew something about the area in Scotland where the main action was set and felt an early connection to the story. The plot seemed interesting, a good conflict was established with the powerful Campbells and I could see a romance brewing. But the further into the story, the less prominence the romance and the more issues cropped up.

- When you use foreign or archaic terms, footnotes and/or a glossary are useful and sometimes necessary to keep the reader in the picture. This story has many terms, some archaic, others presumably local terms, that were never explained. Examples: chiel, besoms, cromag, birks, plumbago, blackhouse, broukit.

- It needed substantial editing. Wrong words, mixed up pronouns and names, i.e. mixing up Angus, laird of the Gunns, with hero Uilleam MacGregor, and misspellings seemed to get more noticeable the more I read.

- Blatant inconsistencies surfaced a number of times.
SPOILER ALERT
For example, in one scene a castle is razed and chapters later the residents are back in their beds as if its destruction never happened. Another phrase indicates a laird's son was killed and his father might seek revenge and several chapters later the son is leading an army. A clan is decimated and its remnants disbanded and dispersed; within days the clan again has troops in the practice yard and guarding the razed castle with no connective story to indicate where the soldiers came from.
END SPOILER

I would categorize this story as more historical action adventure with some romance sporadically worked in than a historical romance.

Finally, I don't really think the hero and heroine had chemistry and I was not too taken with Suisan, the heroine. I did like the hero and was moved by all the tragic and senseless loss in this clash of the clans that cost him so dearly. The optimistic ending was a pleasant relief but was outweighed by the doom and gloom that dominated the bulk of the book.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SETTING:Action-packed story! A young Scottish girl, Siusan, is being betrothed to the Campbells, a neighboring clan, by her father. He hope to gain security for his clan as the Campbell’s gain strength, rather than become an object of their warfare for prominence. She is not impressed by the effeminate young man to whom she is being betrothed, but her brother is taken in by his charms. Another young Warrior from another clan comes to ask for her hand as well, before the word gets out about the betrothal. This sets up a conflict in which Siusan is the center! A series of events starts with the capture of Siusan, which leads to out and out war, which ultimately involves whole clans.
The Hero is a young man Uileam, the son of a third Laird in our story. He repeatedly saves her. Though rough, he treats her with a measure of respect her betrothed does not. It is their story that is the romantic element in the book, and they do have an HEA, after gruesome battle scenes.
CRITIQUE: A very good storyline, with well developed characters. (For the betrothed, think of the effeminate son in “Brave Heart” the movie). The battles back and forth , each more violent than the last, also seem realistic and based on realistic conflicts from that time period. Some speeches were a bit melodramatic and I found myself skipping over them. I enjoyed this book and look forward to Ms. Faris’ next story.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

(sigh) What a wonderful story of clan alliances, politics and wars. The romance between Siusan and Uileam is fraught with obstinate and baseless fear. Siusan has been brought up with relative security. Her parents indulged her bratty ways. However, when push came to shove, she found she had the fortitude to withstand the hardships she encounters. Siusan did want what was best for her family and her clan. Uileam has the best intentions but he has little patience and is quick to provoke and become angry. When things are at their darkest, Uileam can still respect authority and wisdom no matter where it comes from. When Siusan meets Uileam she is impressed by his looks. When he opens his mouth to converse, she deems him uncouth and ill mannered. She fights her attraction to him. Uileam at first is physically attracted to Siusan but then he feels something he has never felt before and can only hope that she feels the same way. Meanwhile Siusan's father's clan allys with Uileam's father's clan because they had mutual formidable foe to deal with. War is declared over Siusan's hand in marriage. Who will prevail in marrying Siusan? Will it be friend or foe? An excellent read and I highly recommend it.

[Judy Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by this author - l loved it. The story is not just a historical romance - this story is an epic adventure set in troubled times in the Scottish Highlands. From breathtaking scenery to brutal battle scenes to the spirited romance between Siusan and Uileam, this story captivated me on all levels. The story is a roller coaster ride full of emotions and encompasses tragedy, fear, intrigue and betrayal as well as loyalty, heroism, bravery, passion, joy and hope. I loved the strong characters throughout - Siusan and Uileam, Angus and Shona and even James - they were all unique and engaging characters. The story itself was quite brutal at times and quite melancholy at times, but that leant authenticity to the backdrop of the story and the historical times in which it was set. The story was incredibly fast paced and full of drama and intrigue and touches of humour - as well as heartbreak - and I loved every part of it. I do have to say that the romance was a lot less steamy than I thought it would be, but it didn’t detract from the story at all. I was also a bit worried about the brogue used throughout, but found it easy to read and understand and again added authenticity to the story. Brilliant and captivating!

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one amazing read. Uillean MacGregor is the son of the Chief of Clan MacGregor, iain. He has red hair, is very brash and muscles everywhere. Susan Gunn is the daughter of the Chief of the Clan Gunn, Angus. The fathers respect each other and are allies. The tribes of the four Clans are small and Clan Campbell is trying to take over their land and make them parts of Campbell. But they don't want this.
In the beginning, Uillean and Siusan didn't really care for each other that much. But as they get to know each other, their emotions grow. It is a complicated tale, and there is deceit, war, murder, cruelty, and intrigue. The plot is very engaging but there is sadness due to all the deaths because of war. I loved the teasing between them and her faith of him., Also the interactions between her parents and her. It moves smoothly, easy to read and engaging. The author has done a marvelous job of keeping you interest. I highly recommend this exciting book.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will it be happily ever after?

An absolutely fantastic read. One of the best I’ve read in a long time. Although w most romance novels anymore, you realize at the beginning that the hero and heroine will end up together no matter how antagonistic they feel for each other in the beginning. This one had so many various twists and turns as well as sub plots that you really wondered if they would really succeed. To find out if they did or not you’ll have to read it to find out and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by the story no matter how it ends . Very compelling and I’m also very glad it’s a work of fiction rather than to believe some of the terrible events in the book really happened

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

She judged the men in her life she thought that Cailean was a gentleman and she wrote Uilleam off as uncouth but when push came to shove who was the man she loved

Suisan was spoilt she grew up in a family were she was doted on and consequently she was a little self centred but when she needed to do something for her family and clan she did what needed to be done Uilleam was a young man who needed to grow up and in one another they found their soulmates There will be plenty of drama and suspense before these two get their HEA

I found this book a little slower than Fiona's normal work so wasn't one of my all time favourites but was still a great Scottish clan romance

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was a reiver, but he still had the wherewithal to rescue a woman in distress and ensure her safe return home.
He was a man of a mighty clan, being betrothed to a girl of a far lesser clan, for alliance sake, nothing more, and boy, does his contempt for his fiancee show.
Yes, it's a power struggle, with a dominant clan, trying to overshadow the smaller lesser clans. However, there is the usual spoilt, egostical and sadistic heir to the powerful clan, that causes a lot of heart ache and deaths.
Luckily, there is some one that can and does love her for herself, and not her family connections.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE INCREDIBLE READ!!!
A riveting, fast paced, easy to follow, action packed read with surprises that keep your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. With a rollercoaster of emotions, this is one read that will bring you to your knees. With a combustible chemistry between two of the main characters you'll fall in love with them. One team, one family, one hell of a ride. Fiona has surpassed even my imagination in her talents to bring this read to such realistic proportions that leaves you breathless and begging for more.

[Cococandy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hand are shaking while writting the review.I have to say,it was one of Miss Fiona's best romace book i have read.It was so beautiful and iloved the love story of the charachter.I fell in love with Uileam,with his roughtess and sexyness.And that attraction the characters had for eachother....i really wish it never ended the book and keep reading their story,but all the good thinks should end so new thinks will come that will blow us away.That's how i feel right now,that the next book of Miss Fiona's will make me fall in love again....i hope in my life i will find someone like Uileam.

[Lail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taming The Highlander by Fiona Faris.
Good storyline and plots.
In my opinion, I felt the romance blossomed into the feeling of love too quickly to be believable. There were too many unnecessary descriptive details and repetitive thoughts, that did not matter to the story at hand. So, I found myself distracted and wanting to skip through paragraphs and pages to find my way back to the storyline. The dialog has a very very heavy brogue, with many words I haven’t seen or read before which also made it hard to keep up with what was happening.

[Angie Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a little different from most of Fiona’s books but I loved how she wove the story of Siusan and Uileam and the challenges they faced to be together. Upon their first meeting Uileam saved Siusan from being raped by a gang of outlaws. He escorted her home not knowing she was betrothed to Cailean Campbell. Once he learned of her betrothal he fought to win her hand. Would the strong arm of the Campbell Clan be able to keep her from him or would their love come thru in the end? A fantastic book that leaves you on the edge of your seat till the end!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taming the Highlander

I am reviewing this book of my own free will as I enjoy Fiona's books. I know that she writes wonderful books that are full of honor,descriptive, have love and devotion but are not erotic. This is about war and clashing between clans. It depicts the horrors of war and the terrible acts committed due to greed. I recommend this book to everyone who likes Highlanders.

[Karen Hollon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the love of the clan

She has two marriage proposals, one worse than the other. When one finds out he has competition for her hand, he kidnaps her and starts an all out war with the surrounding clans. With her dream of a love match on the line she fights to win the man of her dreams.

[Jan Staniec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

I devoured this story in about 6 maybe 7 hours. Really well thought out plots and little twists. I kept cheering on our hero Uilleam and heroine Siusan through the ups and downs in the midst of clan rivalries. Such a deliciously evil opponent in Cailean Campbell! Another wonderfully entertaining novel by Fiona Faris.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating Highland Tale! Lots of intrigue, action, betrayal, trickery, despair and romance. It took me a while to warm to Siusan as she seemed a little self centred at first. Uileam and Suisan didn’t hit it off at first, but when tragedy strikes, they see each other in a new light. The storyline is at times heart-wrenching and you will need your tissues. I enjoyed this book.

[Sasha Roule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capivating

Once again Ms. Fiona has described a world that draws you in and captivates.
Uilleam is a devilish son of a laird who has met his match in Siusan.
From paragraph One until the last, I have been enthralled by this couple. I patiently await Ms. Fiona's next passport into a world of Heather, Highlands, and Love.

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what an absolute dream this story was, it was exciting with lots of drama going on, attempted kidnapping, clan feuds, betrayal and at the heart of it, romance, this is well written and all the characters were fabulous, from start to finish, this will keep your fingers turning the page.

I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

[April Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not just a love story

At first I thought this story was going to be like so many others, but this story has more hardship than love. I found the focus was more on clan feuding than romance, so that is why just 3 stars, however this may suit others. It is well written, and hard to predict, which is a nice change.

[Jacqulyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an exquisite historical flavor with believable characters that grow with their experiences through the story. I like how the language creates so much of the ambience in the tale. There is politics, war and tragedy as well as the personal stories and romance. I couldn't stop once I started. Highly recommended.

This review was written after receiving and reading an ARC.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taming the Highlander

This book is the best one from this author so far! There is a fight between two clans for one woman, subterfuge, multiple battles and the pride of Scottish blood and name. I enjoyed this story very much.

[Dyan Layne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow paced

Just didn't grab it hold my attention. I didn't feel the spark between the hero and heroine either. The author writes well, but the pacing and the characters just didn't do it for me.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical Highlander romance

Really liked reading this book. It means something big to me if a book can make me cry at any point - it's definitely a credit to the author's writing. I look forward to reading more from this author.