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Highland Ballad #4
Highland Lioness
Scotland 1559
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a tale of love and intrigue.
Morag MacGregor hates the duplicitous and intrigue-filled Scots court, especially the outrageous and beguiling court favourite, Alexander Munro. She wants to return home to her secret betrothed, but not before she extracts revenge on the Campbells. Her desire for revenge traps her in a perilous scheme and entangles her with Alexander. Will treachery win out or will love?
Set in the one of the most critical periods of Scottish history, when religion and politics divides the country and civil war threatens, the novel is an adventure and danger filled romance that reflects the tumultuous times.
A stand-alone novel that forms part of the Highland Ballad series.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a tale of love and intrigue.
Morag MacGregor hates the duplicitous and intrigue-filled Scots court, especially the outrageous and beguiling court favourite, Alexander Munro. She wants to return home to her secret betrothed, but not before she extracts revenge on the Campbells. Her desire for revenge traps her in a perilous scheme and entangles her with Alexander. Will treachery win out or will love?
Set in the one of the most critical periods of Scottish history, when religion and politics divides the country and civil war threatens, the novel is an adventure and danger filled romance that reflects the tumultuous times.
A stand-alone novel that forms part of the Highland Ballad series.
- GenresHistorical Romance
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2021
16 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Gleeson
31 books114 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Kristin Gleeson is originally from Philadelphia but has lived in West Cork in Ireland for a number of years where she plays the harp and sings, in addition to painting the beautiful landscape around her. She holds a Masters in Library Science and a Ph.D. in history, and for a time was an administrator of a large archives, library and museum in America and also worked as a public librarian in America and Ireland. She has won numerous awards for her writing
Myths and other folk tales have always fascinated her and she combined her love of these tales with her harp playing and performed as a professional harper/storyteller at events in Britain, America and Ireland.
She has also written history freelance and published articles and essays in reference works and academic books.
Myths and other folk tales have always fascinated her and she combined her love of these tales with her harp playing and performed as a professional harper/storyteller at events in Britain, America and Ireland.
She has also written history freelance and published articles and essays in reference works and academic books.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 20, 2021
Found this book purchased in January on my kindle...just waiting for me, I guess. Gleeson treats the history of the period with respect and good detail, but this is a sweet and sometimes lively Scottish romance story with a few references to Knox and what he was up to.
The focus was not on societal troubles but on the growing up of a young stalwart Scottish lassie who did not hesitate to stab when necessary. She leaves the security of her home to join the court where there were ample opportunities for getting in trouble. She is a charmingly rebellious young thing, and this is entertaining read.
The focus was not on societal troubles but on the growing up of a young stalwart Scottish lassie who did not hesitate to stab when necessary. She leaves the security of her home to join the court where there were ample opportunities for getting in trouble. She is a charmingly rebellious young thing, and this is entertaining read.
November 25, 2020
I have read and enjoyed almost all Kristin Gleeson's historical fiction and non-fiction, and this book certainly didn't disappoint. A great escapist read for a winter evening, with the added value that the historical background is all sound. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but if you have read and enjoyed The Scarlet Pimpernel, or know anything about the intrigues during Mary of Guise's regency in Scotland you are in for a treat.
December 11, 2020
Historical reads are a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine and absolutely loved this one, it has nods to all the relevant times of the story
It's beautifully written with a storyline that just kept me hooked and characters I could believe in
A book not to be missed
It's beautifully written with a storyline that just kept me hooked and characters I could believe in
A book not to be missed
January 22, 2021
I have not read any of the previous three books in the Highland Ballad Series and believe that this is the first book I've read by Kristin Gleeson and to be quite honest, I did not have high hopes for Highland Lioness in meeting Morag and she and her co-conspirators were lying in wait to sabotage the Campbell's cattle. First impression was that she was going to be one of these borderline compulsive characters that would careen brainlessly from scrape to scrape until someone "tamed" her. Gleeson sets the stage well so we know that, at some point, this kid is going to be smacked down and we get that right off of the bat when her brother steps in to command.
Morag begins to take life when we see her with her father. She is young and innocent and very convinced of her position. She reaches to her sister in law for support but she is very aware of her place in society and is just scared. We are given a very real teenager who knows her family has been wronged and is determined to even the score though she may be temporarily roadblocked with the court. She will align herself with whoever she needs to in order to achieve her goal.
Gleeson's style is very descriptive. Readers will feel that they have a look into Scotland of the day. The culture and clothing are described with a deft hand in a way that does not weigh down the narrative. Highland Lioness is a good and solid historical read that both readers of romance and history will enjoy.
Morag begins to take life when we see her with her father. She is young and innocent and very convinced of her position. She reaches to her sister in law for support but she is very aware of her place in society and is just scared. We are given a very real teenager who knows her family has been wronged and is determined to even the score though she may be temporarily roadblocked with the court. She will align herself with whoever she needs to in order to achieve her goal.
Gleeson's style is very descriptive. Readers will feel that they have a look into Scotland of the day. The culture and clothing are described with a deft hand in a way that does not weigh down the narrative. Highland Lioness is a good and solid historical read that both readers of romance and history will enjoy.
January 13, 2021
The perfect romantic comfort read in a beautiful historical setting.
You don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this standalone that brings a minor character into the limelight but if you have – and they’re rather addictive - it’s a pleasure to drop back into 16th century Scotland. From the moody landscape of highland braes and burns to the starkness of Stirling Castle, the reader is drawn into the world of warring clans and political tensions where feisty heroine Morag stirs up trouble.
From cattle-rustling to spying, by way of a highland fling, Morag’s lively adventures are rendered touching by her innocence of both court ways and men’s duplicity. Mistaking the motives behind the attention she attracts, she warms to a dangerous traitor and scorns another whose foppish mask protects his true, sterling (!) nature.
As always, Kristin Gleeson’s historical background is authentic but light touch so you never get get side-tracked from the story but enjoy the passing descriptions of clothes, dances and music.
The resolution is charming, both of the love affair and the political intrigue, and there’s an enjoyable and deliberate hint of Scarlet Pimpernel about the male love interest. If you want historical romance and a trip to Scotland, curl up with a hot toddy and treat yourself!
You don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this standalone that brings a minor character into the limelight but if you have – and they’re rather addictive - it’s a pleasure to drop back into 16th century Scotland. From the moody landscape of highland braes and burns to the starkness of Stirling Castle, the reader is drawn into the world of warring clans and political tensions where feisty heroine Morag stirs up trouble.
From cattle-rustling to spying, by way of a highland fling, Morag’s lively adventures are rendered touching by her innocence of both court ways and men’s duplicity. Mistaking the motives behind the attention she attracts, she warms to a dangerous traitor and scorns another whose foppish mask protects his true, sterling (!) nature.
As always, Kristin Gleeson’s historical background is authentic but light touch so you never get get side-tracked from the story but enjoy the passing descriptions of clothes, dances and music.
The resolution is charming, both of the love affair and the political intrigue, and there’s an enjoyable and deliberate hint of Scarlet Pimpernel about the male love interest. If you want historical romance and a trip to Scotland, curl up with a hot toddy and treat yourself!
March 11, 2022
An enjoyable and exciting historical romance, which although part of a series can be read as a standalone novel. Set in Scotland during 1559, and Morag MacGregor hates being at the Scottish court. Morag wants to return home to her secret betrothed, but wants to have her revenge on the Campbells first. She becomes involved in a perilous scheme which entangles her with court favourite, Alexander Munro. Morag’s desire for revenge leaves her in a dangerous position where either treachery or love will win.
The story is set during a particularly tumultuous period of Scottish history as religion and politics had the country divided, and civil war was threatened. The author manages to get this across in her writing, without it getting in the way of the adventurous and romantic storyline. The characters and setting are brought to life by the descriptive narrative and the added historical details give the story a realistic air, and made me feel immersed in the novel. I loved the feisty, independent and rebellious heroine, Morag and was completely engaged with her throughout the story.
The story is set during a particularly tumultuous period of Scottish history as religion and politics had the country divided, and civil war was threatened. The author manages to get this across in her writing, without it getting in the way of the adventurous and romantic storyline. The characters and setting are brought to life by the descriptive narrative and the added historical details give the story a realistic air, and made me feel immersed in the novel. I loved the feisty, independent and rebellious heroine, Morag and was completely engaged with her throughout the story.
January 14, 2021
Morag McGregor is sent to the Scottish court of 1559 after instigating a spot of cattle rustling and purloining Rory Campbell's horse. She sets out on a journey of revenge and finds herself involved in the world of spies, politics and royal intrigue.
I enjoyed this historical romp come adventure story. It’s beautifully written with some great imagery of life at court. I liked that it combined historical fact with fiction. I felt I learned a little more about the machinations of the era. The main character is a very determined and courageous young lady, she has a sharp edge to her. She’s no shrinking violet! There is a love interest in the form of a nobleman who is not as he seems, he put me in mind of the Scarlet Pimpernel. All great ingredients for an entertaining and intriguing novel.
An easy to read, well paced and plotted tale which should appeal to historical romantic suspense fans. It does form part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed this historical romp come adventure story. It’s beautifully written with some great imagery of life at court. I liked that it combined historical fact with fiction. I felt I learned a little more about the machinations of the era. The main character is a very determined and courageous young lady, she has a sharp edge to her. She’s no shrinking violet! There is a love interest in the form of a nobleman who is not as he seems, he put me in mind of the Scarlet Pimpernel. All great ingredients for an entertaining and intriguing novel.
An easy to read, well paced and plotted tale which should appeal to historical romantic suspense fans. It does form part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
January 28, 2021
I’ve read all the books in this fabulous Tudor series and was delighted when Highland Lioness arrived. Gleeson’s books are awash with a tantalising mix of history, political intrigue and romance and above all they’re a super dose of escapism – and we all need a bit of that! You don’t need to read in order to enjoy Morag’s story as they all work as standalones, and what an entertaining story it is. Rebellious Morag is dragged from her Highland home to the Scottish Court to learn how to behave, but Morag has other ideas. She’s a feisty heroine with a sharp tongue but refreshingly innocent of the wiles of the opposite sex, and she’s quickly caught up in all manner of perilous adventures assisted by a cast of wonderfully drawn characters. I’m sure Morag’s tale will become a firm favourite with all those who enjoy Scottish historical romance.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 4, 2021
Enjoyable historical novel with both political intrigue and romance in the plot. I enjoyed the setting of the Scottish highlands and the historical time period which I didn't know much about. I hadn't read the earlier novels but understood everything, so it does work as a stand alone novel. Some parts of the novel were a little predictable, but I still enjoyed reading it. I especially liked how the main character was out of the box for typical females at the time!
January 8, 2021
Clan disagreements lead to tomboy Morag being forced by her family to spend time in the Royal Court, hoping she will become more ladylike .However she is quickly drawn into a dangerous liaison which could have terrible consequences. This is an excellent blend of historical fact and a fictional coming of age story.. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 17, 2021
This is actually the fourth book in a series but the first one I read, I am definitely going to read the first three three now!
A fantastic historical fiction based in Scotland. Includes a nice amount of political and historical fact mixed with fiction, the book moves at a good pace which keeps you turning the pages. I would 100% recommend.
A fantastic historical fiction based in Scotland. Includes a nice amount of political and historical fact mixed with fiction, the book moves at a good pace which keeps you turning the pages. I would 100% recommend.
January 18, 2021
A great read!
I read them all out of order, and loved each book as a stand-alone. They aren’t Outlander. And that’s fine. For a change, romance doesn’t mean soft-porn. It was a clean romance, without panting euphemisms.
I read them all out of order, and loved each book as a stand-alone. They aren’t Outlander. And that’s fine. For a change, romance doesn’t mean soft-porn. It was a clean romance, without panting euphemisms.
April 25, 2023
This series was a rare find. The book is written very well with the right mix of history, suspense and romance. I am so sad to see the end. Hopefully, The Lioness and her loving warrior will carry on with a new chapter in this series.
January 23, 2021
This was a good book, historical and Scottish plot line in the mix. It's part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. The main character sure was a woman of her time. Enjoyed the book.
March 24, 2022
Great ending to the series...without sexual scenes.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews