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The Highlander's Secret Son
His first love
Now his sworn enemy…
What was Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby, as well! Brandon had once loved this woman with all his heart, until her family had killed so many of his clan. As the new Campbell laird, he must make sure she pays the price of her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true?
That her child is his son and heir!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Now his sworn enemy…
What was Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby, as well! Brandon had once loved this woman with all his heart, until her family had killed so many of his clan. As the new Campbell laird, he must make sure she pays the price of her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true?
That her child is his son and heir!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
- GenresHistorical
288 pages, ebook
Published May 25, 2021
About the author
Jeanine Englert
17 books182 followersJeanine Englert is a double VIVIAN ® FINALIST, Golden Heart ® Finalist, Daphne du Maurier Award winner, and Silver Falchion Award Winner in historical romantic suspense. After years of writing in secret, she joined Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers in 2013 and has been an active member ever since. She writes Scottish Highland historicals and historical romantic suspense novels.
When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved pups, and of course mysteries with other readers on Twitter @JeanineWrites, Facebook, or at her website www.jeaninewrites.com.
Her debut novel, Lovely Digits, by Soul Mate Publishing, is a Victorian romantic suspense that is a double VIVIAN ® FINALIST as well as a Daphne du Maurier finalist and won the 2020 Silver Falchion Award for Best Mystery as well as the Maggie Award for Best Romantic Suspense.
Her latest book, The Highlander's Secret Son, is a Georgian Highlander Romance published by Harlequin Historical/Mills & Boon.
When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved pups, and of course mysteries with other readers on Twitter @JeanineWrites, Facebook, or at her website www.jeaninewrites.com.
Her debut novel, Lovely Digits, by Soul Mate Publishing, is a Victorian romantic suspense that is a double VIVIAN ® FINALIST as well as a Daphne du Maurier finalist and won the 2020 Silver Falchion Award for Best Mystery as well as the Maggie Award for Best Romantic Suspense.
Her latest book, The Highlander's Secret Son, is a Georgian Highlander Romance published by Harlequin Historical/Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2021
☯️ The Highlander's Secret Son ☯️
Escape to the Scottish Highlands in this romantic debut
✒️ Jeanine Englert
https://www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites/
Release Date 05/25/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NPTH2J3/...
☀︎︎ 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
His first love
Now his sworn enemy…
What was Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby, as well! Brandon had once loved this woman with all his heart, until her family had killed so many of his clan. As the new Campbell laird, he must make sure she pays the price of her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true? That her child is his son and heir!
☀︎︎ 𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he choose duty over love ...
I have read the author’s debut novel Lovely Digits, it was such a great story, I could not let her second book pass by me.
It has really nothing in common with her first work.
I have little knowledge of the period, but I must thank an other reviewer who pointed out that the place Glen Coe was well known for the carnage perpetrated by soldiers decades before the opening of the story.
I googled it as it is always nice to know a bit about the periods and areas used as background for a story.
Brandon came into his role as a laird when after a treacherous attack, his elder brother was no more fit to rule while he was grieving for his late wife and son. He was never meant to be, but he must do his duty, even more as he has in some way a responsibility in the attack. Yet he prefers to blame his lover than examine his own guilt.
Fiona has lived a empty life if not for her brother and some kind persons kindness, she never got her father’s approval and the one time she loved, it was used against her and led to ugly bloodshed and more and more pain.
Now she just wants a secure place to raise her son, far away from all the hate and hostility surrounding her.
She is already ashamed that having shared her secret love to someone she thought a friend more than endangered her lover and his clan, she also bears the sin of being labeled a fallen woman.
When Brandon and Fiona meet again, she is on the run, despised by her father and loathed by the Campbells. Why she knows she has no place here for her, but now that Brandan has claimed her son as his, how can she flee as she is now a prisoner, only alive because she bore his son.
At a time, I could understand Brandon’s ire, but Fiona was as much a victim as his people, she shared her secret because she was lonely, in need of human’s warmth, as he too had friends aware of their affair. It I not her fault, she was too betrayed. The real culprit is her father, but she is who bears the brunt of the fault when she did harm no one nor did she kill nobody.
But it is easier to shun a lone woman than a heavily armed man.
Plus Brandon by keeping her in his estate, kind of put a target on her back for anyone looking for a mean to assuage his anger.
In all the author with Brandon and Fiona’s second chance at love, bring together a broken mistrusting woman and a man unfit for his new role. Their journey toward their HEA is not a smooth one as he will have to atone for all the pain he puts her through while she must forgive herself for having been too gullible.
4 stars
☀︎︎ 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 sweet, lovemaking behind closed doors.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author and Rachel’s Random Resources. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
☀︎︎ 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗽𝘁
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩 : Out on a morning ride exploring the area along the clan border, Laird Brandon
Campbell has intercepted his first love and now sworn enemy, Fiona MacDonald, after
discovering her on his lands and stealing from him. He’s just learned that she has a son and that the boy is his. She wishes to carry on without punishment, and Brandon tells her she can leave, but not with his son.
She balked. ‘I’ll not leave without my son.’
‘Then mount and answer for your crimes. ’Tis your choice.’
‘Stop being so stubborn, and let me and William go,’ she answered, glaring at him.
His shoulder-length brown hair fluttered against his flushed cheeks in the budding breeze and his deep brown gaze held her own. No deception edged his handsome aquiline features. He was the same boy she had known all her life—the same man she had loved all those days until the night of the battle.
She’d hoped to be bound to this man by handfasting, not treated as a common thief. Yet now he was Laird and her enemy. Hardness rested in his dark eyes in place of what had once been carefree joy. Had she caused that?
She looked away, unwilling to discover the answer.
Her well-hatched plan to escape to her cousin seeking asylum was evaporating like the morning dew. If she’d only had ten more minutes she would have been on her way.
Ten bloody minutes.
When she didn’t move, Brandon frowned. ‘Shall I throw you atop myself?’
What choice did she have but to go? She’d never abandon her son. He was all she had now—all she had left in the world to care for and believe in. She’d not sacrifice him to this brute.
Glaring at Brandon, she struggled to mount and eventually leaned into his offered hand to let him hoist her up. He pulled himself up smoothly behind her and cinched his arm about her waist—a familiar action she’d felt a thousand times.
Her body shuddered in betrayal. She’d missed him, and she hated herself for it. His solid strength eased through her like a warm sunny afternoon and for a moment she allowed herself to be soothed by it. After months of battling for the life and the safety of herself and her son, feeling at ease was a blessing. One she had taken for granted. One she never expected to have again.
She could depend on no one but herself now.
The last year had taught her that.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Escape to the Scottish Highlands in this romantic debut
✒️ Jeanine Englert
https://www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites/
Release Date 05/25/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NPTH2J3/...
☀︎︎ 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
His first love
Now his sworn enemy…
What was Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby, as well! Brandon had once loved this woman with all his heart, until her family had killed so many of his clan. As the new Campbell laird, he must make sure she pays the price of her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true? That her child is his son and heir!
☀︎︎ 𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he choose duty over love ...
I have read the author’s debut novel Lovely Digits, it was such a great story, I could not let her second book pass by me.
It has really nothing in common with her first work.
I have little knowledge of the period, but I must thank an other reviewer who pointed out that the place Glen Coe was well known for the carnage perpetrated by soldiers decades before the opening of the story.
I googled it as it is always nice to know a bit about the periods and areas used as background for a story.
Brandon came into his role as a laird when after a treacherous attack, his elder brother was no more fit to rule while he was grieving for his late wife and son. He was never meant to be, but he must do his duty, even more as he has in some way a responsibility in the attack. Yet he prefers to blame his lover than examine his own guilt.
Fiona has lived a empty life if not for her brother and some kind persons kindness, she never got her father’s approval and the one time she loved, it was used against her and led to ugly bloodshed and more and more pain.
Now she just wants a secure place to raise her son, far away from all the hate and hostility surrounding her.
She is already ashamed that having shared her secret love to someone she thought a friend more than endangered her lover and his clan, she also bears the sin of being labeled a fallen woman.
When Brandon and Fiona meet again, she is on the run, despised by her father and loathed by the Campbells. Why she knows she has no place here for her, but now that Brandan has claimed her son as his, how can she flee as she is now a prisoner, only alive because she bore his son.
At a time, I could understand Brandon’s ire, but Fiona was as much a victim as his people, she shared her secret because she was lonely, in need of human’s warmth, as he too had friends aware of their affair. It I not her fault, she was too betrayed. The real culprit is her father, but she is who bears the brunt of the fault when she did harm no one nor did she kill nobody.
But it is easier to shun a lone woman than a heavily armed man.
Plus Brandon by keeping her in his estate, kind of put a target on her back for anyone looking for a mean to assuage his anger.
In all the author with Brandon and Fiona’s second chance at love, bring together a broken mistrusting woman and a man unfit for his new role. Their journey toward their HEA is not a smooth one as he will have to atone for all the pain he puts her through while she must forgive herself for having been too gullible.
4 stars
☀︎︎ 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 sweet, lovemaking behind closed doors.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author and Rachel’s Random Resources. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
☀︎︎ 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗽𝘁
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩 : Out on a morning ride exploring the area along the clan border, Laird Brandon
Campbell has intercepted his first love and now sworn enemy, Fiona MacDonald, after
discovering her on his lands and stealing from him. He’s just learned that she has a son and that the boy is his. She wishes to carry on without punishment, and Brandon tells her she can leave, but not with his son.
She balked. ‘I’ll not leave without my son.’
‘Then mount and answer for your crimes. ’Tis your choice.’
‘Stop being so stubborn, and let me and William go,’ she answered, glaring at him.
His shoulder-length brown hair fluttered against his flushed cheeks in the budding breeze and his deep brown gaze held her own. No deception edged his handsome aquiline features. He was the same boy she had known all her life—the same man she had loved all those days until the night of the battle.
She’d hoped to be bound to this man by handfasting, not treated as a common thief. Yet now he was Laird and her enemy. Hardness rested in his dark eyes in place of what had once been carefree joy. Had she caused that?
She looked away, unwilling to discover the answer.
Her well-hatched plan to escape to her cousin seeking asylum was evaporating like the morning dew. If she’d only had ten more minutes she would have been on her way.
Ten bloody minutes.
When she didn’t move, Brandon frowned. ‘Shall I throw you atop myself?’
What choice did she have but to go? She’d never abandon her son. He was all she had now—all she had left in the world to care for and believe in. She’d not sacrifice him to this brute.
Glaring at Brandon, she struggled to mount and eventually leaned into his offered hand to let him hoist her up. He pulled himself up smoothly behind her and cinched his arm about her waist—a familiar action she’d felt a thousand times.
Her body shuddered in betrayal. She’d missed him, and she hated herself for it. His solid strength eased through her like a warm sunny afternoon and for a moment she allowed herself to be soothed by it. After months of battling for the life and the safety of herself and her son, feeling at ease was a blessing. One she had taken for granted. One she never expected to have again.
She could depend on no one but herself now.
The last year had taught her that.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 26, 2021
After what he believed to be an unforgivable betrayal by the woman he loved, Brandon Campbell’s life changed dramatically and he is now the Laird of Clan Campbell. It has been over a year since the attack by the MacDonald clan that left many dead and Brandon’s brother devastated by grief and no longer able to lead the clan, causing Brandon to take over. He blames himself for the losses, he never should have trusted Fiona MacDonald and hopes to God he never sees her again.
Fiona thought Brandon loved her and was crushed when she sent him letters telling him she was pregnant and he ignored her. Desperate to escape her father’s cruelty, she takes her son and plans to make her way to her aunt’s clan. But she is caught on Campbell land by none other than the man who broke her heart and abandoned both her and their son.
Once it becomes clear that Fiona didn’t betray him intentionally, Brandon refuses to let her leave and old feelings begin to rekindle. But when the elders insist he marries to strengthen the clan and refuse to even consider Fiona, Brandon will have to choose between love and duty. He chose duty and almost immediately realizes his mistake, but by then Fiona is gone, along with his son – is it too late for them?
This was a well-written, fast-paced read that was hard to put down. The story is filled with emotion, likable characters, betrayal, secrets, angst, very mild love scenes, shocking revelations, and finally, a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I loved Fiona and my heart just broke for her time and again, if anyone deserved a HEA, it is her, I just wish her hero hadn’t been such a wuss for most of the book. He does redeem himself in the end, but it felt like too little, too late in my opinion.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Fiona thought Brandon loved her and was crushed when she sent him letters telling him she was pregnant and he ignored her. Desperate to escape her father’s cruelty, she takes her son and plans to make her way to her aunt’s clan. But she is caught on Campbell land by none other than the man who broke her heart and abandoned both her and their son.
Once it becomes clear that Fiona didn’t betray him intentionally, Brandon refuses to let her leave and old feelings begin to rekindle. But when the elders insist he marries to strengthen the clan and refuse to even consider Fiona, Brandon will have to choose between love and duty. He chose duty and almost immediately realizes his mistake, but by then Fiona is gone, along with his son – is it too late for them?
This was a well-written, fast-paced read that was hard to put down. The story is filled with emotion, likable characters, betrayal, secrets, angst, very mild love scenes, shocking revelations, and finally, a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I loved Fiona and my heart just broke for her time and again, if anyone deserved a HEA, it is her, I just wish her hero hadn’t been such a wuss for most of the book. He does redeem himself in the end, but it felt like too little, too late in my opinion.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
June 6, 2021
The hero was weak and choose another over the heroine. Fi deserved better.
Sorry I wasted my time and money on this.
Sorry I wasted my time and money on this.
May 29, 2021
When your enemy turns out to be the mother of your child.
The Highlander’s Secret Son is a story of the forbidden love between a Scottish Laird and the daughter of his worse enemy.
Brandon Campbell had loved Fiona MacDonald for as long as he could remember. Still, everything changed once she betrayed him, giving her father information that helped him attack and kill Brandon’s family members.
A year later, they met again, and Brandon wanted nothing more than to bring her to justice. There was a tiny little problem, though; she had a baby that was obviously his son.
Both Brandon and Fiona were adorable. I felt the pain and the impossibility of their situation. It was especially hard for Fiona, who suffered so much abuse in her past. They harbored a lot of resentment for one another, which did not help their already complex situation as members of enemy clans.
I’m a fan of unrequited love, and this story was right up my alley.
The side characters were lovely. The selfless Oric was my favorite, and I enjoyed the villains too. I hope that Brandon’s brother Rowan will be given a second chance at love (preferably in a book of his own).
The story touches on some difficult issues but in an overall light way. The conflict between the couple felt real, and it was easy to relate to the characters.
The cherry of the cake was the lovely baby boy that brought them back together.
The Highlander’s Secret Son is a lovely second-chance Scottish historical romance. I read it in one sit!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
The Highlander’s Secret Son is a story of the forbidden love between a Scottish Laird and the daughter of his worse enemy.
Brandon Campbell had loved Fiona MacDonald for as long as he could remember. Still, everything changed once she betrayed him, giving her father information that helped him attack and kill Brandon’s family members.
A year later, they met again, and Brandon wanted nothing more than to bring her to justice. There was a tiny little problem, though; she had a baby that was obviously his son.
Both Brandon and Fiona were adorable. I felt the pain and the impossibility of their situation. It was especially hard for Fiona, who suffered so much abuse in her past. They harbored a lot of resentment for one another, which did not help their already complex situation as members of enemy clans.
I’m a fan of unrequited love, and this story was right up my alley.
The side characters were lovely. The selfless Oric was my favorite, and I enjoyed the villains too. I hope that Brandon’s brother Rowan will be given a second chance at love (preferably in a book of his own).
The story touches on some difficult issues but in an overall light way. The conflict between the couple felt real, and it was easy to relate to the characters.
The cherry of the cake was the lovely baby boy that brought them back together.
The Highlander’s Secret Son is a lovely second-chance Scottish historical romance. I read it in one sit!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
June 1, 2021
Feuding clans, star-crossed lovers, and an innocent baby set to inherit a war between his people. What more could you ask for in a historical romance?
Lairds were not intended to be happy, it seemed.
Brandon Campbell is laird of his clan by default, something he never wanted as the second son. His brother, Rowan, never recovered from the grief of losing his family after a massacre by the MacDonald's clan, so the duty of Laird fell to Brandon. But when he finds the one person he once loved and now despised thieving from his land, he is determined to get payback for what she did. However, she is not alone. His baby is with her and he plans to keep him. But what will he do with the most hated person of his clansmen? She is Fiona MacDonald. The one who caused the death and destruction of some of his clansmen and condemned his fate as Laird. Battling with his duty to his Clan and his love for Fiona, will he choose wisely?
Fiona had been a fool. Why had she ever believed Brandon would build a future with her and his son?
Fiona MacDonald was trying to survive and protect her baby from certain death from both her family and the one man she had loved and then abandoned her. Her trust in a friend cursed her to a life on the run. When Brandon catches her on his land and takes her back to his home, the Campbell clansmen are calling for her head. And Brandon wants his son and to hold her captive while he weds another. Her only hope is to escape with her son, but at what cost to her heart?
Brandon and Fiona are ill-fated lovers with difficult choices to make. Brandon is a good man who does not want to become his tyrant of a father. Therein lies his dilemma. He must give up the love of his life to protect his Clan from further bloodshed, but he doesn't want his son to grow up without his mother as he did. My heart breaks for Fiona who is a strong young woman who is alone and has been abandoned by people she loved all of her life including Brandon who betrays her once again. I believe she had no choice to do what she did because things were certainly not going to get better with her staying in a place where she was hated and her life threatened daily. The author does a fabulous job of filling the reader with dread and anticipation of what is to become of the lovers when everything looks so bleak.
I recommend this historical romance full of secrets and betrayal as well as love, revenge, and a grand gesture that brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you to Ms. Englert for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Lairds were not intended to be happy, it seemed.
Brandon Campbell is laird of his clan by default, something he never wanted as the second son. His brother, Rowan, never recovered from the grief of losing his family after a massacre by the MacDonald's clan, so the duty of Laird fell to Brandon. But when he finds the one person he once loved and now despised thieving from his land, he is determined to get payback for what she did. However, she is not alone. His baby is with her and he plans to keep him. But what will he do with the most hated person of his clansmen? She is Fiona MacDonald. The one who caused the death and destruction of some of his clansmen and condemned his fate as Laird. Battling with his duty to his Clan and his love for Fiona, will he choose wisely?
Fiona had been a fool. Why had she ever believed Brandon would build a future with her and his son?
Fiona MacDonald was trying to survive and protect her baby from certain death from both her family and the one man she had loved and then abandoned her. Her trust in a friend cursed her to a life on the run. When Brandon catches her on his land and takes her back to his home, the Campbell clansmen are calling for her head. And Brandon wants his son and to hold her captive while he weds another. Her only hope is to escape with her son, but at what cost to her heart?
Brandon and Fiona are ill-fated lovers with difficult choices to make. Brandon is a good man who does not want to become his tyrant of a father. Therein lies his dilemma. He must give up the love of his life to protect his Clan from further bloodshed, but he doesn't want his son to grow up without his mother as he did. My heart breaks for Fiona who is a strong young woman who is alone and has been abandoned by people she loved all of her life including Brandon who betrays her once again. I believe she had no choice to do what she did because things were certainly not going to get better with her staying in a place where she was hated and her life threatened daily. The author does a fabulous job of filling the reader with dread and anticipation of what is to become of the lovers when everything looks so bleak.
I recommend this historical romance full of secrets and betrayal as well as love, revenge, and a grand gesture that brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you to Ms. Englert for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
June 8, 2021
The Highlander’s Secret Son is a delightful, well-written written story about divided loyalties, family dynamics, and the power of love. When reading, I visualized the heroine, Fiona, as a real-life Merida from the Disney movie, Brave. Englert delivers complex characters and nuanced motivations coupled with a fast paced and interesting plot. Writing like hers is one of the pleasures of category romance like Harlequin Historicals, which are often shorter than stand-alone romances, as it is both sharp and evocative.
June 4, 2021
The story begins when Brandon, now laird of Clan Campbell, discovers Fiona MacDonald bathing in Loch Leven – with a baby boy!
As it turns out, Brandon has a son he didn't know of. Shocked, but with a strong sense of wanting to protect his own, he takes mother and child back to his castle. But his folk are against her staying there. After all, she betrayed them, and many were killed as a result, including the wife and son of Brandon's elder brother, the former laird. Rowan had lost his wits as a result, and Brandon was tasked with leading the clan.
Now, with Fiona and their baby, William, ensconced in the walls of their castle, Brandon has a hard task at hand, reconciling the wishes of the elders, and the clan, with his own feelings for Fiona and his boy.
Fiona and Brandon had been close, before the attack by the MacDonalds, allowed into the castle through treachery. Everyone blames Fiona who soon realises the magnitude of her naivety in having trusted her father.
Against this backdrop of clan animosity, we meet two characters who are trying to find their own place in their world. Fiona had fled her clan to raise her son with distant relatives when Brandon caught her. Her feelings for Brandon have not diminished, but she knows her presence at his castle spells trouble for him.
When Brandon is forced to marry Susanna Cameron, Fiona flees. Through a clever twist, Brandon has enough men to chase after her. But with her father holding her and the baby, will be be on time?
The Highlander's Secret Son is a story of love, and of redemption. Brandon is a likeable character, keen to improve his clan's fate. He is fully aware of his responsibilities. He may lack the toughness needed by a clan chief, but he's loyal and fair.
Fiona is a troubled soul. Hated by her own father and abandoned by her mother, Brandon had been her only friend. After her father's attack on Brandon's stronghold, she'd suffered under his hand until she was able to flee. All she wants is a place of safety for herself and her son.
The setting in Glencoe is beautifully described. I know the area well, having visited many times. Even though some distances are greater than described and would take longer to travel, in the context of the plot this didn't matter too much.
The main issue I had with the plot was the clans. As someone who'd studied the era, and the well-known troubles between clans MacDonald and Campbell, I didn't find the clans’ positions credible. The massacre of Glencoe was still fresh in people's minds then, as were the politics and political affiliations of the times. Also, a MacDonald baby called William seems a bit of a strange choice.
In my view, had the author chosen minor clan names, their actual historical background wouldn't have stuck out so much. As it was, I found them a distraction from the otherwise intriguing plot. However, if I regard the novel as a fantasy romance, it works better for me. But that's my personal view.
The Highlander's Secret Son is a moving tale, with several clever, unexpected twists woven in near the end. The pace is fast, and the plot moving.
Note: I received a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own.
As it turns out, Brandon has a son he didn't know of. Shocked, but with a strong sense of wanting to protect his own, he takes mother and child back to his castle. But his folk are against her staying there. After all, she betrayed them, and many were killed as a result, including the wife and son of Brandon's elder brother, the former laird. Rowan had lost his wits as a result, and Brandon was tasked with leading the clan.
Now, with Fiona and their baby, William, ensconced in the walls of their castle, Brandon has a hard task at hand, reconciling the wishes of the elders, and the clan, with his own feelings for Fiona and his boy.
Fiona and Brandon had been close, before the attack by the MacDonalds, allowed into the castle through treachery. Everyone blames Fiona who soon realises the magnitude of her naivety in having trusted her father.
Against this backdrop of clan animosity, we meet two characters who are trying to find their own place in their world. Fiona had fled her clan to raise her son with distant relatives when Brandon caught her. Her feelings for Brandon have not diminished, but she knows her presence at his castle spells trouble for him.
When Brandon is forced to marry Susanna Cameron, Fiona flees. Through a clever twist, Brandon has enough men to chase after her. But with her father holding her and the baby, will be be on time?
The Highlander's Secret Son is a story of love, and of redemption. Brandon is a likeable character, keen to improve his clan's fate. He is fully aware of his responsibilities. He may lack the toughness needed by a clan chief, but he's loyal and fair.
Fiona is a troubled soul. Hated by her own father and abandoned by her mother, Brandon had been her only friend. After her father's attack on Brandon's stronghold, she'd suffered under his hand until she was able to flee. All she wants is a place of safety for herself and her son.
The setting in Glencoe is beautifully described. I know the area well, having visited many times. Even though some distances are greater than described and would take longer to travel, in the context of the plot this didn't matter too much.
The main issue I had with the plot was the clans. As someone who'd studied the era, and the well-known troubles between clans MacDonald and Campbell, I didn't find the clans’ positions credible. The massacre of Glencoe was still fresh in people's minds then, as were the politics and political affiliations of the times. Also, a MacDonald baby called William seems a bit of a strange choice.
In my view, had the author chosen minor clan names, their actual historical background wouldn't have stuck out so much. As it was, I found them a distraction from the otherwise intriguing plot. However, if I regard the novel as a fantasy romance, it works better for me. But that's my personal view.
The Highlander's Secret Son is a moving tale, with several clever, unexpected twists woven in near the end. The pace is fast, and the plot moving.
Note: I received a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own.
May 30, 2021
Many thanks to Jeanine Englert and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a digital copy of The Highlander’s Secret Son with a request for an honest review.
The Highlander’s Secret Son is your classic enemies to lovers romance novel. It is one of my favorite tropes, and Jeanine Englert does it with flair. While it may be a well-loved premise, there is not usually a baby in tow. The baby added something special to this great book.
Brandon Campbell witnesses a theft on his estate, but the culprit stuns him. What he thinks is a young lad is none other than his former lover Fiona MacDonald. However, that isn’t the biggest shock Brandon faces that day. Fiona has a wee babe with her, and as it turns out, it is Brandon’s son. The Campbells and the MacDonalds are rival clans so, Brandon and Fiona’s love cannot last, or can it?
I enjoyed Brandon from the first. When he finds Fiona in the loch, his embarrassment is tangible, which caused me to laugh out loud. Fiona’s cutting remarks also brought a chuckle. But, the laughs did not last. Both Brandon and Fiona are their own worst enemy. But, the love threatens to reveal itself at every turn. The secondary characters add a lot to the story. Hugh is a special favorite, and Oric and Devlin are enjoyable as well. I love how their story unfolded. Rowan’s grief defined him but watching him gradually find himself again made me happy.
One of my favorite book settings is the Scottish Highlands. The beauty of the lochs beside the mountains and the woodland makes me certain that a kind of magic lives there. I would give anything to go back in time to revel in the beauty of the castles and grounds.
My only problem with this book is the title. I wish that the revelation of the baby came later. Knowing that there was a child involved from the title left little to the imagination. The surprise element could have been exceptional if the spoiler didn’t come before I got to the blurb.
But, even though I hate the title, the book entertained me. My emotions were all in flux (though, surprisingly, no tears from me). I award The Highlander’s Secret Son 4 out of 5 stars. This novel is a light read perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon.
The Highlander’s Secret Son is your classic enemies to lovers romance novel. It is one of my favorite tropes, and Jeanine Englert does it with flair. While it may be a well-loved premise, there is not usually a baby in tow. The baby added something special to this great book.
Brandon Campbell witnesses a theft on his estate, but the culprit stuns him. What he thinks is a young lad is none other than his former lover Fiona MacDonald. However, that isn’t the biggest shock Brandon faces that day. Fiona has a wee babe with her, and as it turns out, it is Brandon’s son. The Campbells and the MacDonalds are rival clans so, Brandon and Fiona’s love cannot last, or can it?
I enjoyed Brandon from the first. When he finds Fiona in the loch, his embarrassment is tangible, which caused me to laugh out loud. Fiona’s cutting remarks also brought a chuckle. But, the laughs did not last. Both Brandon and Fiona are their own worst enemy. But, the love threatens to reveal itself at every turn. The secondary characters add a lot to the story. Hugh is a special favorite, and Oric and Devlin are enjoyable as well. I love how their story unfolded. Rowan’s grief defined him but watching him gradually find himself again made me happy.
One of my favorite book settings is the Scottish Highlands. The beauty of the lochs beside the mountains and the woodland makes me certain that a kind of magic lives there. I would give anything to go back in time to revel in the beauty of the castles and grounds.
My only problem with this book is the title. I wish that the revelation of the baby came later. Knowing that there was a child involved from the title left little to the imagination. The surprise element could have been exceptional if the spoiler didn’t come before I got to the blurb.
But, even though I hate the title, the book entertained me. My emotions were all in flux (though, surprisingly, no tears from me). I award The Highlander’s Secret Son 4 out of 5 stars. This novel is a light read perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon.
May 30, 2021
When Brandon Campbell, Laird of the Campbell clan, discovers Fiona MacDonald who was trying to steal across his lands is carrying with her his son whose existence he knew nothing about.
Fiona is attempting to escape her clan, more importantly her cruel father, who tried to rid her of the baby. She was making an escape when she was caught by Brandon.
The reader begins to understand the intense love turned into hatred and distrust between Brandon and Fiona. And yet Brandon is not ready to let his son go or have the mother of his child harmed. As Laird, he must be fair to his people too who have suffered grievously at the hands of Fiona’s clan, more recently because of her. He struggles to work out how he can keep his family and clan together.
Fiona, on the other hand, is deeply regretful of her part in death and destruction caused to Brandon’s family and clan. She realises she and her child are not safe among the Campbells. But now she finds herself and her son, near prisoners at Brandon’s hand. She’s constantly trying to figure out how to escape.
Both of them are well crafted characters trying to do the right thing and make sure that their child is safe as well. The story is riveting as the reader is drawn in from the very first page by the strong personalities, descriptions of another era and locations that the author brought to life with great detail.
Above all this is a story of deep love, loyalty, family, trust and forgiveness and makes a wonderful read.
Fiona is attempting to escape her clan, more importantly her cruel father, who tried to rid her of the baby. She was making an escape when she was caught by Brandon.
The reader begins to understand the intense love turned into hatred and distrust between Brandon and Fiona. And yet Brandon is not ready to let his son go or have the mother of his child harmed. As Laird, he must be fair to his people too who have suffered grievously at the hands of Fiona’s clan, more recently because of her. He struggles to work out how he can keep his family and clan together.
Fiona, on the other hand, is deeply regretful of her part in death and destruction caused to Brandon’s family and clan. She realises she and her child are not safe among the Campbells. But now she finds herself and her son, near prisoners at Brandon’s hand. She’s constantly trying to figure out how to escape.
Both of them are well crafted characters trying to do the right thing and make sure that their child is safe as well. The story is riveting as the reader is drawn in from the very first page by the strong personalities, descriptions of another era and locations that the author brought to life with great detail.
Above all this is a story of deep love, loyalty, family, trust and forgiveness and makes a wonderful read.
May 31, 2021
What can I say? This book was a wonderful read! There was a brilliant combination of drama, danger and of course a gorgeous romance. I especially loved the beginning, the way it instantly pulled me in and captured my attention. Let’s just say Brandon gets a big shock when he catches his first love, Fiona on his land!
From this dramatic start The Highlander’s Secret Son continued to move at a great pace and I pretty much flew through the pages. I was rooting for Fiona and Brandon with both characters having strong if at times stubborn personalities. Although let’s be honest this definitely made things even more entertaining for the reader. I couldn’t help but be drawn to Brandon’s character after the betrayal he suffered. He’s hurt and shocked but he still tries to do the right thing. Although to say he’s in an impossible situation is an understatement.
I really enjoyed spending time with the characters. From that first meeting and the reaction to seeing one another to also getting a feel for the devastation that has occurred in Brandon’s clan. I loved how the author created a story where I wasn’t quite sure if there would or could be a happy ever after. The Highlander’s Secret Son is an engaging and delightful historical romance. All that’s left for me to say is that I’ll be definitely looking out for more of Jeanine Englert’s books!
From this dramatic start The Highlander’s Secret Son continued to move at a great pace and I pretty much flew through the pages. I was rooting for Fiona and Brandon with both characters having strong if at times stubborn personalities. Although let’s be honest this definitely made things even more entertaining for the reader. I couldn’t help but be drawn to Brandon’s character after the betrayal he suffered. He’s hurt and shocked but he still tries to do the right thing. Although to say he’s in an impossible situation is an understatement.
I really enjoyed spending time with the characters. From that first meeting and the reaction to seeing one another to also getting a feel for the devastation that has occurred in Brandon’s clan. I loved how the author created a story where I wasn’t quite sure if there would or could be a happy ever after. The Highlander’s Secret Son is an engaging and delightful historical romance. All that’s left for me to say is that I’ll be definitely looking out for more of Jeanine Englert’s books!
June 5, 2021
My review of The Highlander's Secret Son is on my blog.
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May 25, 2021
Suspenseful and Gripping! Jeanine Englert has written a Highland Romance will keep you spellbound as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of naive innocences of first love swirling down into a vortex of the darkness filled with pain of betrayal that brims with tension-building twists in this story. The Highlander's Secret Son is filled with remarkable characters that are well thought out and you find yourself drawn into their story, a strong plot that is well written, with great emotion and dialogue. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and as the uncertainties escalates the suspense builds and danger abound which brings this read together perfectly.
May 28, 2021
Historical Romances... my cozy reads. I'm always open to read a historical romance by a new-to-me author, I'm always marveled by the plot, the characters and even the historical and social elements that I get to learn.
In this book we follow Fiona and Brandon, two people that had a past together, they had loved each other, then something happened.
Betrayal, secrets, love, grief, duty, choice, family... there are a lot of things that move us as human beings. This book has that too which made it realistic and I could connect with the characters, each is very good because there are always differences between past and present.
Speaking about the characters, I loved them. I loved that they knew each other previously, because the fact that they had that history gave me the possibility to see their development and relationship grow in a different way. Plus, there is always drama when people have history.
Overall, this story is filled with emotion and the overcoming of the past and moving on towards happiness and growth. It was quite interesting for me because the circumstances that lead to the romance and the "get-together" of the characters is not as usual, which was a breath of fresh air for me. I can't wait to see what else Jeanine Englert will have for us in future books.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Jeanine Englert for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
In this book we follow Fiona and Brandon, two people that had a past together, they had loved each other, then something happened.
Betrayal, secrets, love, grief, duty, choice, family... there are a lot of things that move us as human beings. This book has that too which made it realistic and I could connect with the characters, each is very good because there are always differences between past and present.
Speaking about the characters, I loved them. I loved that they knew each other previously, because the fact that they had that history gave me the possibility to see their development and relationship grow in a different way. Plus, there is always drama when people have history.
Overall, this story is filled with emotion and the overcoming of the past and moving on towards happiness and growth. It was quite interesting for me because the circumstances that lead to the romance and the "get-together" of the characters is not as usual, which was a breath of fresh air for me. I can't wait to see what else Jeanine Englert will have for us in future books.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Jeanine Englert for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
June 8, 2021
The Highlander’s Secret Son is a delightful, well-written written story about divided loyalties, family dynamics, and the power of love. When reading, I visualized the heroine, Fiona, as a real-life Merida from the Disney movie, Brave. Englert delivers complex characters and nuanced motivations coupled with a fast paced and interesting plot. Writing like hers is one of the pleasures of category romance like Harlequin Historicals, which are often shorter than stand-alone romances, as it is both sharp and evocative.
June 12, 2021
When a son with your enemy makes you re-think of everything…
Brandon Campbell is the new Laird of his clan. Normally that title is preserved to the oldest brother, but when the MacDonald clan attacked them and killed many people and family from Brandon’s clan, It literally made his brother crazy over grief. Not only did Brandon lose people from his clan, but he has been also betrayed by the woman he loved. Because Fiona MacDonald was the reason that her father knew about the secret tunnels that were a way to make all those victims. Now he finds Fiona on the run across his lands, and with a baby she claims that is his. How can Brandon find a way to make Fiona pay for her betrayal without taking her from his son?
I always enjoy reading a story that is taking place in the past. It doesn’t matter if it is a century ago, or even more, I am always intrigued to read how life was back then and how, even if it’s fiction, people fall in love and fight against everything for their own happiness. So having read several of such stories, I was curious to see how this author would manage to write her own story, without falling in repeat compared to other stories. And did I get what I wanted? ABSOLUTELY!!!
From the very start, I felt sorry for Brandon. He is the new Laird, even if he never had such aspirations. But once the reason was made known, my heart ached for his loss. The attack by the MacDonald Clan was brutal, making victims everywhere, not making a distinction between women and children. And reading that his brother lost his own wife and child, made things even worse. But the real heart – break was the moment that he realized that the woman he loved, was the reason that the attack had been so easy. So yes, I understood that Brendon wants to make Fiona pay for all the pain she caused. But the dilemma of making her pay or let the mother of your child live, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes!
Even if I also had my prejudice towards Fiona initially, I had to quickly readjust my view of her. As usual, there is more than meets the eye, and in Fiona’s case it is not that she easily betrayed Brendon and his love. Fiona has learned the hard way that nobody can be trusted, even the people close to her. And now she is literally on the run from her family… Both characters are showing true emotions, with doubt with every kind of decision they make. It’s not only if they can trust each other again, but also about doing the right thing for everyone. Brendon’s clan wants payback, but Brendon’s heart still belongs to Fiona, no matter what happened in the past. And Fiona feels abandoned by Brendon and she surely does not want to see him getting married to another woman. So should she stay or should she go, taking a baby away from his father? The both of them are afraid to give in to their reignited feelings, but isn’t the thing that would hurt us the most in a worst case scenario be the most worth?
I enjoyed reading this story, because it was about characters having endured terrible things, yet being somehow able to show forgiveness. They both have the greater picture in mind, caring for adorable little William, even if it is something that will cause a lot of havoc for other people.
I found it an entertaining story, with sweet moments, also heart – breaking ones, some actual action and that even the greatest grief can be overcome. And that the instant love for a small child can be the re-start of an old love, if we only dare to stand up and do what our heart inspires us to do.
Brandon Campbell is the new Laird of his clan. Normally that title is preserved to the oldest brother, but when the MacDonald clan attacked them and killed many people and family from Brandon’s clan, It literally made his brother crazy over grief. Not only did Brandon lose people from his clan, but he has been also betrayed by the woman he loved. Because Fiona MacDonald was the reason that her father knew about the secret tunnels that were a way to make all those victims. Now he finds Fiona on the run across his lands, and with a baby she claims that is his. How can Brandon find a way to make Fiona pay for her betrayal without taking her from his son?
I always enjoy reading a story that is taking place in the past. It doesn’t matter if it is a century ago, or even more, I am always intrigued to read how life was back then and how, even if it’s fiction, people fall in love and fight against everything for their own happiness. So having read several of such stories, I was curious to see how this author would manage to write her own story, without falling in repeat compared to other stories. And did I get what I wanted? ABSOLUTELY!!!
From the very start, I felt sorry for Brandon. He is the new Laird, even if he never had such aspirations. But once the reason was made known, my heart ached for his loss. The attack by the MacDonald Clan was brutal, making victims everywhere, not making a distinction between women and children. And reading that his brother lost his own wife and child, made things even worse. But the real heart – break was the moment that he realized that the woman he loved, was the reason that the attack had been so easy. So yes, I understood that Brendon wants to make Fiona pay for all the pain she caused. But the dilemma of making her pay or let the mother of your child live, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes!
Even if I also had my prejudice towards Fiona initially, I had to quickly readjust my view of her. As usual, there is more than meets the eye, and in Fiona’s case it is not that she easily betrayed Brendon and his love. Fiona has learned the hard way that nobody can be trusted, even the people close to her. And now she is literally on the run from her family… Both characters are showing true emotions, with doubt with every kind of decision they make. It’s not only if they can trust each other again, but also about doing the right thing for everyone. Brendon’s clan wants payback, but Brendon’s heart still belongs to Fiona, no matter what happened in the past. And Fiona feels abandoned by Brendon and she surely does not want to see him getting married to another woman. So should she stay or should she go, taking a baby away from his father? The both of them are afraid to give in to their reignited feelings, but isn’t the thing that would hurt us the most in a worst case scenario be the most worth?
I enjoyed reading this story, because it was about characters having endured terrible things, yet being somehow able to show forgiveness. They both have the greater picture in mind, caring for adorable little William, even if it is something that will cause a lot of havoc for other people.
I found it an entertaining story, with sweet moments, also heart – breaking ones, some actual action and that even the greatest grief can be overcome. And that the instant love for a small child can be the re-start of an old love, if we only dare to stand up and do what our heart inspires us to do.
June 1, 2021
An emotional and well-paced story about betrayal, forgiveness and love in the tempestuous eighteenth-century Scottish Highlands. Brandon and Fiona shared a forbidden love, both from different warring clans. Brandon's clan is decimated by Fiona's, and it appears she betrayed them. Forced to become the laird, Brandon has to forget Fiona until he finds her on his land with his baby.
This story explores the role of women in this historical period and shows that Fiona is a victim with no say in her future and subject to abuse. Brandon is Laird because of his brother's grief. Bringing Fiona into the clan's heart leads to many external conflicts despite the couples rekindling their feelings for each other. Brandon is forced to choose between Fiona and the clan with devastating results. The couple has to battle their internal feelings of self-worth and self-loathing to have a chance of a happy-ever-after.
This story is rich in historical detail, danger, deceit and unrequited desire.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This story explores the role of women in this historical period and shows that Fiona is a victim with no say in her future and subject to abuse. Brandon is Laird because of his brother's grief. Bringing Fiona into the clan's heart leads to many external conflicts despite the couples rekindling their feelings for each other. Brandon is forced to choose between Fiona and the clan with devastating results. The couple has to battle their internal feelings of self-worth and self-loathing to have a chance of a happy-ever-after.
This story is rich in historical detail, danger, deceit and unrequited desire.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
June 2, 2021
This was a great book. I loved the history, the setting of the story, the storyline and the characters. I definately enjoyed the romance too.
June 11, 2021
Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• references to physical and emotional abuse off page and in memory.
Characters
Fiona and Brandon both display the typical Scottish highlander stubbornness that seems to feature in just about every Scottish highlander I read about. We meet them as they’re coming across each other for the first time in about a year.
Fiona is running from her father and from the abuse that he’s dolled out in an attempt to make a better life for herself and her son. When she’s captured by Brandon, she’s determined to escape his clutches and tyranny. He has become exactly what he promised he never would, someone who put his clan before his love, making him the worst person to capture her.
Brandon finds himself in the position of Laird Campbell, a position he never wanted but was forced on him thanks to Fiona’s actions. When he captures her and discovers he’s a father he’s faced with choices he never thought he’d have to make. Impossible choices. Choices between happiness with Fiona and the security of his clan. He makes mistakes almost every step of the way and is faced with every bad decision by a furious Fiona.
Storyline
Fiona is escaping her father who is hell bent on destroying Clan Campbell any way he can. Once Brandon captures Fiona, her father decides the best way to do that is to force Brandon to hand over Fiona and his son.
In a bid to prevent this from happening, Brandon seeks out a marriage with another Clan so that he can protect Fiona, their son and his clan from Clan McDonald. Yet every decision he makes to try and secure Fiona’s future, pushes them further and further away until the unthinkable happens and Brandon has to try and get her back.
Overall Thoughts
I quite liked Jeanine’s story of highland clans and their disputes. It had a great balance of romance and action; however the pacing felt a little odd. At times it had a slow and steady pace, then at others it felt like it rushed by!
Granted, the romance sections were given time to have the appropriate build up and the action had the speed you need. The change of pace isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just something that I noticed.
This book contains:
• references to physical and emotional abuse off page and in memory.
Characters
Fiona and Brandon both display the typical Scottish highlander stubbornness that seems to feature in just about every Scottish highlander I read about. We meet them as they’re coming across each other for the first time in about a year.
Fiona is running from her father and from the abuse that he’s dolled out in an attempt to make a better life for herself and her son. When she’s captured by Brandon, she’s determined to escape his clutches and tyranny. He has become exactly what he promised he never would, someone who put his clan before his love, making him the worst person to capture her.
Brandon finds himself in the position of Laird Campbell, a position he never wanted but was forced on him thanks to Fiona’s actions. When he captures her and discovers he’s a father he’s faced with choices he never thought he’d have to make. Impossible choices. Choices between happiness with Fiona and the security of his clan. He makes mistakes almost every step of the way and is faced with every bad decision by a furious Fiona.
Storyline
Fiona is escaping her father who is hell bent on destroying Clan Campbell any way he can. Once Brandon captures Fiona, her father decides the best way to do that is to force Brandon to hand over Fiona and his son.
In a bid to prevent this from happening, Brandon seeks out a marriage with another Clan so that he can protect Fiona, their son and his clan from Clan McDonald. Yet every decision he makes to try and secure Fiona’s future, pushes them further and further away until the unthinkable happens and Brandon has to try and get her back.
Overall Thoughts
I quite liked Jeanine’s story of highland clans and their disputes. It had a great balance of romance and action; however the pacing felt a little odd. At times it had a slow and steady pace, then at others it felt like it rushed by!
Granted, the romance sections were given time to have the appropriate build up and the action had the speed you need. The change of pace isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just something that I noticed.
July 3, 2022
Brandon is now the Campbell laird and has just discovered that he is also a father. The mother of his child? The woman who betrayed him and his clan. Fiona MacDonald was trying to flee a bad situation with her son, but now she might have landed in another situation that is no better. Brandon's clan wants her dead. As for the laird himself, he might want her alive - but his plans can still hurt her.
I'm rather pleased that I discovered jeanine Englert's Scottish romance books this weekend. They've been an excellent diversion whilst I've been sick (oh hello, I lost Ronageddon today) and The Highlander's Secret Son is no exception. I'm astonished at how much plot (and drama!) Englert managed to cram into this book, along with a lovely second chance romance. Loved it.
I'm rather pleased that I discovered jeanine Englert's Scottish romance books this weekend. They've been an excellent diversion whilst I've been sick (oh hello, I lost Ronageddon today) and The Highlander's Secret Son is no exception. I'm astonished at how much plot (and drama!) Englert managed to cram into this book, along with a lovely second chance romance. Loved it.
June 1, 2021
This book was great. Brandon had to do so much against his clan due to his son & his woman. Can't wait for the next book!!
May 11, 2022
Englert has crafted an epic Scottish romance. I enjoy reading redemption stories. I read this novel in one sitting.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest views.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest views.
August 1, 2022
My Blog
The Highlander’s Secret Son starts on an intriguing note. Brandon’s capture of Fiona sets in motion all the events to come in the book thus, hooking the reader’s attention from the beginning. To her credit, the author kept my attention till the end through the various twists and turns dotting the plot. I couldn’t help but keep on turning the pages to find out if Brandon and Fiona’s love will triumph at the end.
I liked the romance in the book. It was believable and not over-the-top.
However, I found the plot to be formulaic. Nevertheless, it was well-executed. Since the female main character suffers brutal abuse at the hands of her father, I was expecting more empathetic treatment of this matter in the book. I also found the book to be repetitive at many points.
Brandon and Fiona’s love for each other shines through in the end thus providing a much-needed happy ending. Recommended for lovers of romance and historical fiction.
A complimentary digital copy was provided to me by the publisher for review. It does not affect my opinion of the book.
The Highlander’s Secret Son starts on an intriguing note. Brandon’s capture of Fiona sets in motion all the events to come in the book thus, hooking the reader’s attention from the beginning. To her credit, the author kept my attention till the end through the various twists and turns dotting the plot. I couldn’t help but keep on turning the pages to find out if Brandon and Fiona’s love will triumph at the end.
I liked the romance in the book. It was believable and not over-the-top.
However, I found the plot to be formulaic. Nevertheless, it was well-executed. Since the female main character suffers brutal abuse at the hands of her father, I was expecting more empathetic treatment of this matter in the book. I also found the book to be repetitive at many points.
Brandon and Fiona’s love for each other shines through in the end thus providing a much-needed happy ending. Recommended for lovers of romance and historical fiction.
A complimentary digital copy was provided to me by the publisher for review. It does not affect my opinion of the book.
May 28, 2021
Brandon Campbell is the new laird of Clan Campbell following the massacre of the clan by the McDonald clan. One day while inspecting his lands, he comes across a thief bathing in his lake. From the back, the thief's back was horribly scared. When Brandon demand the thief turn around, it was none other than Fiona McDonald whom he blamed for the massacre. And she had a young baby in tow; his son. Following is how his clan reacts to her presence and whether Brandon would remain laird if he keeps Fiona there.
It's a historical romance. I've been to Glen Coe but didn't travel the whole way through. The scenery is ever bit as stunning as it was described in the book. My own knowledge of the massacre is based on what I learned at the Glen Coe Visitor's Center and differs somewhat from the book. If you ever go to Scotland, a stop at Glen Coe is a must!
I was given this book by the author to review. I tried to be as honest as possible.
It's a historical romance. I've been to Glen Coe but didn't travel the whole way through. The scenery is ever bit as stunning as it was described in the book. My own knowledge of the massacre is based on what I learned at the Glen Coe Visitor's Center and differs somewhat from the book. If you ever go to Scotland, a stop at Glen Coe is a must!
I was given this book by the author to review. I tried to be as honest as possible.
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