What do you think?
Rate this book
Defenders of the Highlands #1
Fighting for a Highland Rose
With all odds against them, can they find the will to trust their own hearts...
In the chaotic aftermath of the failed Jacobite rebellion, Emily Nasmith travels with her father, a lieutenant in the British army, to his new posting at Inveraray.
There are rumors that a band of Scottish outlaws is gathering in the hills nearby, and a ruthless English commander, Henry Clairmont, arrives at the same time to hunt him down.
With the help of her Scottish maid Alice, Emily sympathizes with the cause of the rebels. She meets Murdo, their leader, by accident and the attraction is instant. When forced to take a side, she falls deeply in love with the strong, sensitive rebel leader.
Against all the odds, and pursued by a vicious enemy bent on their complete destruction, this unlikely pair must weather many storms if they are to have any hope of fulfilling their forbidden love...
*If you like brawny Highland warriors with a soft heart, and romantic stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands, then Fighting for a Highland Rose is the perfect novel for you.
"Fighting for a Highland Rose" 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!
In the chaotic aftermath of the failed Jacobite rebellion, Emily Nasmith travels with her father, a lieutenant in the British army, to his new posting at Inveraray.
There are rumors that a band of Scottish outlaws is gathering in the hills nearby, and a ruthless English commander, Henry Clairmont, arrives at the same time to hunt him down.
With the help of her Scottish maid Alice, Emily sympathizes with the cause of the rebels. She meets Murdo, their leader, by accident and the attraction is instant. When forced to take a side, she falls deeply in love with the strong, sensitive rebel leader.
Against all the odds, and pursued by a vicious enemy bent on their complete destruction, this unlikely pair must weather many storms if they are to have any hope of fulfilling their forbidden love...
*If you like brawny Highland warriors with a soft heart, and romantic stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands, then Fighting for a Highland Rose is the perfect novel for you.
"Fighting for a Highland Rose" 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!
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
359 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Kenna Kendrick
101 books100 followersKenna Kendrick is an American based author of Historical Scottish Romance living in Austin Texas with her husband and three children. Her, more than 25-year-old, experience as an English Teacher has brought her close to the literary world, growing her love for fictional stories.
Her love for literature was also strong because of her father John, who used to write crime-stories. While she tried following on her father's footsteps, a trip to Scotland sealed the deal, as she fell in love with the Celtic myths and the bleak Highlands.
If you'd like to join Kenna in her literary adventures, never miss her new releases, and receive a FREE gift, be sure to subscribe to her newsletter! Simply click the following link:
https://www.kennakendrick.com/ymci
Her love for literature was also strong because of her father John, who used to write crime-stories. While she tried following on her father's footsteps, a trip to Scotland sealed the deal, as she fell in love with the Celtic myths and the bleak Highlands.
If you'd like to join Kenna in her literary adventures, never miss her new releases, and receive a FREE gift, be sure to subscribe to her newsletter! Simply click the following link:
https://www.kennakendrick.com/ymci
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 21, 2019
I absolutely HATE the dialect spelling! It really distracts from the story. Fortunately, the story is good with page turning action and suspense and the required highlander love of land and family. I could have done without the explicit sex scenes.
February 15, 2021
This is a strong story line and explores the resistance after the defeat at Culloden. I'm not sure it's altogether historically correct as the clan way of life was virtually destroyed in the aftermath. Nevertheless, it is a grand tale of love, honour (or lack of it) and the misguided plans of parents. It's a bit of a stretch that a father would not notice the personality of his superior, or the way
Clairmont treated his daughter, and be so keen to have her marry for wealth. I expected Emily to show her father the marks of Clairmont's whip to persuade him of the cruelty she had suffered. What is not a stretch is how cruel Clairmont was, as there were many English soldiers who harassed the Scots and showed no mercy in their attempts to subjugate Scotland's people. There are many historical accounts of the actions born of their ridiculous conviction of superiority, not just after Culloden, but for centuries prior to it. It's disappointing that, in the extended epilogue, poor Colum is having a marriage arranged for him to solidify clan alliances. With the history of their own love, I would have thought Emily and Murdo would want their son to marry for love, and have a bit more concern for his feelings and future. I'm sure Colum will have his own story to tell. Although it was common, I thought the addition of losing three children was a bit harsh for a happy ending. The sex scenes were a bit much in this book. A well-bred, naive English lady would not have initiated their first encounter and their extended antics in a well-lit tent were too exhibitionist for me, even if it wasn't pointed out that they would be clearly seen. Despite my reservations, I gave this story 4 stars as it kept me reading to see how it turned out.
Clairmont treated his daughter, and be so keen to have her marry for wealth. I expected Emily to show her father the marks of Clairmont's whip to persuade him of the cruelty she had suffered. What is not a stretch is how cruel Clairmont was, as there were many English soldiers who harassed the Scots and showed no mercy in their attempts to subjugate Scotland's people. There are many historical accounts of the actions born of their ridiculous conviction of superiority, not just after Culloden, but for centuries prior to it. It's disappointing that, in the extended epilogue, poor Colum is having a marriage arranged for him to solidify clan alliances. With the history of their own love, I would have thought Emily and Murdo would want their son to marry for love, and have a bit more concern for his feelings and future. I'm sure Colum will have his own story to tell. Although it was common, I thought the addition of losing three children was a bit harsh for a happy ending. The sex scenes were a bit much in this book. A well-bred, naive English lady would not have initiated their first encounter and their extended antics in a well-lit tent were too exhibitionist for me, even if it wasn't pointed out that they would be clearly seen. Despite my reservations, I gave this story 4 stars as it kept me reading to see how it turned out.
February 3, 2023
Living on love.
Murdo is the heir to the MacPhearson clan and a rebel. He is leading his clan to regain their treasure that had been hidden and left at the castle when the English took it over. Emily is the daughter of the new English commander of that castle. When her father betroths her to a wicked English military officer, she sides with the Scots and helps them get their treasure as she escapes with Murdo. They are smitten of course but their journey to love is a complicated one. Kidnapping, battles, a spy, betrayal, grief, strong alliances, and love. I enjoyed Murdo and Emily and even the secondary characters in this book. It is a good beginning to a series.
Murdo is the heir to the MacPhearson clan and a rebel. He is leading his clan to regain their treasure that had been hidden and left at the castle when the English took it over. Emily is the daughter of the new English commander of that castle. When her father betroths her to a wicked English military officer, she sides with the Scots and helps them get their treasure as she escapes with Murdo. They are smitten of course but their journey to love is a complicated one. Kidnapping, battles, a spy, betrayal, grief, strong alliances, and love. I enjoyed Murdo and Emily and even the secondary characters in this book. It is a good beginning to a series.
March 27, 2021
Evil English officer or braw highland warrior?
I cannae blame a lass when faced with a choice like that for a husband! The natural solution is to run away with the Scot. Unfortunately the cruel Sassenach willnae take nay for an answer and is determined to steal her away. With several highly unexpected twists to the tale, this is a wild ride that ye will wish would never end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I cannae blame a lass when faced with a choice like that for a husband! The natural solution is to run away with the Scot. Unfortunately the cruel Sassenach willnae take nay for an answer and is determined to steal her away. With several highly unexpected twists to the tale, this is a wild ride that ye will wish would never end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 24, 2020
Fighting for a Highland Rose
Kenna Kendrick has wrote about highlander rebels against the red coats. Some mighty fighting and a English lady in the middle of it all. Of course the lady and a rebel fall for each other and marry. Then a redcoat also wants her with her father’s approval. Fight after fight but to find who wins and what happens with the father you must read the book.
Kenna Kendrick has wrote about highlander rebels against the red coats. Some mighty fighting and a English lady in the middle of it all. Of course the lady and a rebel fall for each other and marry. Then a redcoat also wants her with her father’s approval. Fight after fight but to find who wins and what happens with the father you must read the book.
January 4, 2020
Dnf @ 3%. Hated the way the accent was spelt out and just couldn't read it.
February 25, 2020
A nice read
It was a nice story I liked the relationship between the two women and was sad by what happened to Alice. I enjoyed the book thanks
It was a nice story I liked the relationship between the two women and was sad by what happened to Alice. I enjoyed the book thanks
June 3, 2020
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
May 11, 2021
Great read as expected
War, love, and peace, a woman who is able to save herself when hope seems lost? What's not to like?
War, love, and peace, a woman who is able to save herself when hope seems lost? What's not to like?
June 8, 2022
Well written! Great character development! Love the twists and turns in the plot! It keeps you interested and entertained! Looking forward to starting the next book in the series!
July 7, 2023
Could not get past the way the Scottish accent was written. Difficult to read thru. Took away from the reading of the book.
March 31, 2025
This one was really good.
Thank you for writing I really enjoy this 1 and I've already read the sequel to it #2 I appreciate you writing and I love Scottish books thank you so much.
Thank you for writing I really enjoy this 1 and I've already read the sequel to it #2 I appreciate you writing and I love Scottish books thank you so much.
April 6, 2025
Perfect!
Perfect historical romance. Just love castles and good ole skirmishes. Romance suspense and some sadness but a happy ending! Happy reading😊
Perfect historical romance. Just love castles and good ole skirmishes. Romance suspense and some sadness but a happy ending! Happy reading😊
December 8, 2019
Well written and exciting storyline!
Loved this , though I wasn't happy with part of what happened, lol, not all books can have everyone get a happy ending! Enjoyed it a lot!
Loved this , though I wasn't happy with part of what happened, lol, not all books can have everyone get a happy ending! Enjoyed it a lot!
July 17, 2019
*I recieved this book as an ARC. This is my review freely given *
I've read a few of Kenna Kendrick's books and this is her best book in my opinion, to date.
If you love the setting ( Jacobite uprising)
that this book takes place , then read this book.
You have Emily, who is brought to Inverary with her father who is a lieutenant in the British army.
You have the evil commander Henry Clairmont,( boo/ hiss) who arrives with orders to round up the rebels and bring swift justice.
And overlooking all this is Murdo, our Scottish rebel leader, looking for the treasure at this fortress , without getting caught !
An accidental meeting between Emily and Murdo, instant sparks of attraction and away we go!
Hang on to your britches ! Cause this tale is rich in its settings , the live that is building between our English miss and Scots Rebel with an English commander hot on their trail......
Readers, grab your copy of this adventure today! You'll enjoy every second !
Thumbs up , Kenna Kendrick!
I've read a few of Kenna Kendrick's books and this is her best book in my opinion, to date.
If you love the setting ( Jacobite uprising)
that this book takes place , then read this book.
You have Emily, who is brought to Inverary with her father who is a lieutenant in the British army.
You have the evil commander Henry Clairmont,( boo/ hiss) who arrives with orders to round up the rebels and bring swift justice.
And overlooking all this is Murdo, our Scottish rebel leader, looking for the treasure at this fortress , without getting caught !
An accidental meeting between Emily and Murdo, instant sparks of attraction and away we go!
Hang on to your britches ! Cause this tale is rich in its settings , the live that is building between our English miss and Scots Rebel with an English commander hot on their trail......
Readers, grab your copy of this adventure today! You'll enjoy every second !
Thumbs up , Kenna Kendrick!
July 19, 2019
When Emily Nasmith met Murdo MacPherson it was love at first sight. The spark was there. Emily's father was in charge of an English barracks in Scotland and Murdo's father was the leader of a Scottish clan fighting against English rule. This story has treachery, deception, lovemaking and fighting. All of it full of action, full of love, and full of hope. Great battles drew exciting feelings of fear and anticipation. Surprising turns in relationships lead to feelings of wonder in the path love can take. The battle scenes were action-packed and fraught with emotions. The changing fortunes of our main characters keep the reader always wanting more. I truly loved the characters and found myself rooting for them at every turn. An excellent read. Will read more from this author for sure.
July 16, 2019
ONE STEAMY AND SMOKING TREAT!!!
Ah Lawdy! All the drama, uncertainty, danger and electrifying suspense thrust this bombshell together piece by piece fluidly. Battling through all the trials and tribulations, along with a few twists and turns catapults this little jewel together sleek, shiny and tight. A a churning vortex of inadvertent activities and vexing surprising events keep you flipping page turning wonder. Twixt and twined and put through the wringer, rocking this little gem to the core. The characters personalities are well matched and brought together smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that feels so realistic it's like you're right there with them. Fantastic job Kenna, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Ah Lawdy! All the drama, uncertainty, danger and electrifying suspense thrust this bombshell together piece by piece fluidly. Battling through all the trials and tribulations, along with a few twists and turns catapults this little jewel together sleek, shiny and tight. A a churning vortex of inadvertent activities and vexing surprising events keep you flipping page turning wonder. Twixt and twined and put through the wringer, rocking this little gem to the core. The characters personalities are well matched and brought together smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that feels so realistic it's like you're right there with them. Fantastic job Kenna, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
July 23, 2019
2019 Book Hoarders Challenge: ARC
OMGOODNESS! Any story set in Scotland, past or present, intrigues me, but Fighting for a Highland Rose is perhaps one of my favorite so far. The writing is well-developed, in plot and in its detail, from the lyrical sound of the conversations to the descriptions of land, of the battles, and most importantly the conversations. I feel as if I am there with them!
I love a story that has this sort of writing development, and I hope to read more from the author. I love the secondary characters, especially Alice and the old priest. (Now, I think the priest has a story to be told, but perhaps it's better to leave it to our imaginations!). And don't we all want to be Emily to a handsome man like Murdo!
I recommend this book to others!
OMGOODNESS! Any story set in Scotland, past or present, intrigues me, but Fighting for a Highland Rose is perhaps one of my favorite so far. The writing is well-developed, in plot and in its detail, from the lyrical sound of the conversations to the descriptions of land, of the battles, and most importantly the conversations. I feel as if I am there with them!
I love a story that has this sort of writing development, and I hope to read more from the author. I love the secondary characters, especially Alice and the old priest. (Now, I think the priest has a story to be told, but perhaps it's better to leave it to our imaginations!). And don't we all want to be Emily to a handsome man like Murdo!
I recommend this book to others!
September 13, 2019
What a fantastic book from a new, to me, author. This book has a very different twist to the "typical" highlander historical romance. The main characters are the daughter of an English military Captain Emily Nasmith and the son of a Highland rebel laird Murdo MacPherson. Emily and Murdo fall in love very early in the book, so there isn't any of the bickering back and forth and fighting attraction that most books have.
Their love story still doesn't go smoothly due to the current state of relations between Scotland and England. You will love the storyline and root for the lovebirds on their road to happiness. Or not!
Read the book and find out.
Their love story still doesn't go smoothly due to the current state of relations between Scotland and England. You will love the storyline and root for the lovebirds on their road to happiness. Or not!
Read the book and find out.
August 8, 2019
This is the first time in reading this author with this being her first one with it being a excellent read. If one of the places you love to go back in time include Scottish Highlander you need look no further.
Emily is the one with a mind and a heart doing what it tells her. Murdo is also one that can steal our hearts as these two forge ahead. With the level of danger and drama on the rise in this we are given their story. It will work on a few of our emotions filling us with hope and love.
She will give you all she has in this with it being mixed with suspense. This one was enjoyed from start to finish.
Emily is the one with a mind and a heart doing what it tells her. Murdo is also one that can steal our hearts as these two forge ahead. With the level of danger and drama on the rise in this we are given their story. It will work on a few of our emotions filling us with hope and love.
She will give you all she has in this with it being mixed with suspense. This one was enjoyed from start to finish.
July 28, 2019
Highland Love & War after Culloden
This book has a good storyline, with lots of action. It has a slow start and seems simple at first, but by midway the story takes hold and fills out.
It’s a tale of the continued use of force by the English to exert dominance over their Scottish subjects. A fierce love between an English officer’s daughter and a highland chief brought the story to life.
I would have given it 4-stars but the author’s use of Scottish slang throughout the book made it a bit difficult to read smoothly.
This book has a good storyline, with lots of action. It has a slow start and seems simple at first, but by midway the story takes hold and fills out.
It’s a tale of the continued use of force by the English to exert dominance over their Scottish subjects. A fierce love between an English officer’s daughter and a highland chief brought the story to life.
I would have given it 4-stars but the author’s use of Scottish slang throughout the book made it a bit difficult to read smoothly.
July 15, 2019
I loved this book. I love fiesty female leads. They are usually Scottish but this English girl is just as brave. It held my interest until the end and I was glad there was an epilogue.
The only part I personally don't like are love scenes. When the first one came up, I skipped to the end of it. I had to know what happened to Emily and Murdo.
So many people died during this time before there was peace. It must have been depressing for people in both Scotland and England.
The only part I personally don't like are love scenes. When the first one came up, I skipped to the end of it. I had to know what happened to Emily and Murdo.
So many people died during this time before there was peace. It must have been depressing for people in both Scotland and England.
July 20, 2019
Their happily ever after was not an easy road! Eyes meeting, chills forming, on different sides; would they have a life together. Well, with a nasty major wanting her, and her sensing his cruel ways, she decides to take a chance and run away. Murdo to the rescue! The Scottish Highlander and the English beauty, a match? I love this genre and enjoyed this story! I am looking forward to more!
July 21, 2019
This is a well written book with a cast of strong colorful characters and a hot explosive romance between Emily and Murdo. The author does a fantastic job taking you back in time with her descriptive writing and vividly painted scenes. She brings an interesting page turner filled with drama,intrigue and plenty of action. Another great read by Kenna Kendrick! Highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 22, 2019
Kenna is new on the scene but she is definitely one that bears watching. This is her 1st ARC that has been available for the reader. Murdo and Emily are on opposite sides but there is a special feeling for both. The characters are very realistic the good and the villians. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a good read I received ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here
July 19, 2019
Loved it!
I absolutely loved Emily and Mudro's story! The way .
Jenna made her characters come to life. I could picture how they looked and I hated Clarimont! Emily and Murdo had to overcome several obstacles to be together. I highly recommend this book. It is my favorite of all her books so far!
I absolutely loved Emily and Mudro's story! The way .
Jenna made her characters come to life. I could picture how they looked and I hated Clarimont! Emily and Murdo had to overcome several obstacles to be together. I highly recommend this book. It is my favorite of all her books so far!
July 19, 2019
This is a love story in the harsh time of war between the Scottish and the British. There’s traitors as well as heroes. This gives us a glimpse of how hard it was back in that time of life. Lots of drama and danger. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and gave my honest opinion.
July 29, 2019
Murdo and Emily Find Each Other
And are better for it. This is a lovely book set in Scotland and features a red haired Emily and her English military father, who come to Scotland to deal with the rebels. Emily meets Murdo and what happens next you will simply have to read this book to find out. A very nice little historical romance.
And are better for it. This is a lovely book set in Scotland and features a red haired Emily and her English military father, who come to Scotland to deal with the rebels. Emily meets Murdo and what happens next you will simply have to read this book to find out. A very nice little historical romance.
July 24, 2019
Romance and alphas! This English lass and Highland lad are both strong characters, having no problem stating their thoughts! Liked Emily, Murdo, James, Alice and Eilidh's characters; Captain Nasmith's character was a disappointment. A good plot and plenty of action makes for a good read. 3 1/2 stars.
July 27, 2019
Delightful storyline with both likable and non-likable characters, who made the story seem more realistic. The book grips you from the very start and includes some danger, betrayal, suspense, greed, romance and great love. I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. A great weekend read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews