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Shadow Lairds #1
Never Cross a Highlander
"Lisa Rayne plunges readers into a high-stakes romantic adventure across the Scottish Highlands." —Entertainment Weekly
Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil...who has plans of his own.
Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough...if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn.
As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover.
Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil...who has plans of his own.
Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough...if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn.
As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2022
152 people are currently reading
6432 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Rayne
7 books170 followersSubscribe to Lisa's NEWSLETTER: https://lisarayne.com/subscribe
Lisa Rayne is an award-winning author who loves sports, movies, music, and books. An avid reader, the only thing she likes more than curling up with a good book is writing one. She earned a Top 10 Finalist berth in the prestigious, global Harlequin® "So You Think You Can Write" Contest with her first manuscript and is a 4-time EMMA Award winner.
Lisa practiced intellectual property, entertainment, and media law for many years before she decided to start producing her own creative works instead of simply representing others who did. She provides readers with romantic fiction featuring smart, sexy characters of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
She currently lives in the Midwest and has two daughters.
Connect with Lisa on social media:
TIKTOK >> https://www.tiktok.com/@authorrayne/
INSTAGRAM >> https://www.instagram.com/authorrayne
TWITTER >>https://www.twitter.com/authorrayne
Lisa Rayne is an award-winning author who loves sports, movies, music, and books. An avid reader, the only thing she likes more than curling up with a good book is writing one. She earned a Top 10 Finalist berth in the prestigious, global Harlequin® "So You Think You Can Write" Contest with her first manuscript and is a 4-time EMMA Award winner.
Lisa practiced intellectual property, entertainment, and media law for many years before she decided to start producing her own creative works instead of simply representing others who did. She provides readers with romantic fiction featuring smart, sexy characters of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
She currently lives in the Midwest and has two daughters.
Connect with Lisa on social media:
TIKTOK >> https://www.tiktok.com/@authorrayne/
INSTAGRAM >> https://www.instagram.com/authorrayne
TWITTER >>https://www.twitter.com/authorrayne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
Want to read
May 3, 2021I’m sorry? But that cover! Rude for it to be that good looking.
I need my hands on a Black highlander historical romance pronto!
I need my hands on a Black highlander historical romance pronto!
September 7, 2023
Bangin right down to the end 🥹 the storytelling I tell you the STORYTELLING
Also if you’re able, read this as an audiobook good LORD
Also if you’re able, read this as an audiobook good LORD
December 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
Not quite what I was expecting, but this ended up being pretty good. Let's be real, the cover and the premise of a Black highlander sucked me in. I was expecting something fun and lighthearted, but Never Cross a Highlander is a more serious book tackling some difficult issues, so you may want to go in knowing that.
Set in the 1700's Scottish Highlands, this uses the real history of Black people in the UK during the time as a jumping off point. Our heroine Ailsa is a Black woman healer who was born free in the Highlands, but for the past three years has been enslaved, working as a maid to the daughter of the king. She is determined to get back to her clan and is about to launch her third escape attempt. (note that Ailsa experiences physical abuse and sexual harassment during this time)
Kallum MacNeil is a free Black man with locs and a fearsome reputation. He is the military leader for his clan, but secretly is also the Shepherd, helping slaves to escape to freedom in England. For reasons Ailsa and Kallum are thrown together on a journey with perilous obstacles and they butt heads at every chance, despite their undeniable chemistry. Ailsa is fiercely independent, Kallum is not used to being challenged, and neither of them ever intend to marry.
Like I said, I expected a fluffier romance and got a fairly gritty one. Not a bad thing, but I think setting expectations is helpful. This has some intense scenes including an on-page attempted rape and several instances of Ailsa being assaulted. Kallum grew on me, but he is definitely more Alpha than my taste in romance-heroes runs. More a protective one who does like that Ailsa has her own mind, but he does things like spanking her once (not in a bedroom sort of way) and throwing her in a river. That said, I did like their relationship by the end and I love this trend of reclaiming the existence of Black people and other people of color in history all over the world. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Not quite what I was expecting, but this ended up being pretty good. Let's be real, the cover and the premise of a Black highlander sucked me in. I was expecting something fun and lighthearted, but Never Cross a Highlander is a more serious book tackling some difficult issues, so you may want to go in knowing that.
Set in the 1700's Scottish Highlands, this uses the real history of Black people in the UK during the time as a jumping off point. Our heroine Ailsa is a Black woman healer who was born free in the Highlands, but for the past three years has been enslaved, working as a maid to the daughter of the king. She is determined to get back to her clan and is about to launch her third escape attempt. (note that Ailsa experiences physical abuse and sexual harassment during this time)
Kallum MacNeil is a free Black man with locs and a fearsome reputation. He is the military leader for his clan, but secretly is also the Shepherd, helping slaves to escape to freedom in England. For reasons Ailsa and Kallum are thrown together on a journey with perilous obstacles and they butt heads at every chance, despite their undeniable chemistry. Ailsa is fiercely independent, Kallum is not used to being challenged, and neither of them ever intend to marry.
Like I said, I expected a fluffier romance and got a fairly gritty one. Not a bad thing, but I think setting expectations is helpful. This has some intense scenes including an on-page attempted rape and several instances of Ailsa being assaulted. Kallum grew on me, but he is definitely more Alpha than my taste in romance-heroes runs. More a protective one who does like that Ailsa has her own mind, but he does things like spanking her once (not in a bedroom sort of way) and throwing her in a river. That said, I did like their relationship by the end and I love this trend of reclaiming the existence of Black people and other people of color in history all over the world. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
September 14, 2022
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and I have to say....I absolutely loved this story! It's a heart-pounding, action-packed tale that made my heart sing and is unlike anything I've ever read before. Ms. Rayne masterfully weaves fascinating historical details into her story and writes about a facet of Highlander history that I'd bet few know. There's an amazing cast of characters that I hope we see in future books. You know those books where you catch yourself either laughing out loud, smiling or crying, or cursing out some character out loud while reading? Yeah, that's this book. I absolutely loved our main couple, and there are a couple side characters that I just adore - and one I want to reach through the pages and strangle LOL I loved every word of this book. 5 massive golden stars!
September 6, 2023
Short version: An uneven historical romance debut with a unique storyline and attractive characters that kept me guessing.
Long version: I am so glad Lisa Rayne told this story. There are a million great historical romances by white authors about white characters. AND we need more historical romances by authors of color about characters of color. This is one of them.
It’s the story of Ailsa, a freeborn Black Highlander who has been mistakenly captured and enslaved as lady’s maid to King James VI’s bratty daughter. She wants to get back to her clan and sees a tournament of all the Highlands’ clans as her way out.
But then she lays eyes on the cover hottie, Kallum MacNeill, who feels a stirring ‘neath his kilt when he spots Ailsa. What follows is a plot that is fascinating and unpredictable, weaving in the (fictional) stories of Black folks in Stuart (early 17th c.) Scotland. I loved the story so much – it felt fresh and intriguing, and I want more like it.
So why 3.5 stars? Two main reasons. First, Rayne went with a kind of cod-medieval dialect both in the dialogue and the prose. Which, fine. But if you’re going to do that, you have to go all in, a la Kinsale in For My Lady’s Heart, or choose a “timeless” English. Here, it was unevenly applied, resulting in sentences like, “Aye, that’s a fabulous idea,” and “wanker” and “asshat” appearing even though they both have their origins in the 20th century. It was distracting.
Second, the whole story was unevenly paced. I was super engaged and loving it until about halfway, when it started to drag. It picked back up again around 90% with an intriguing development, and then a ton of interesting fodder was crammed into the epilogue. If I were her editor, I would make her re-outline with % marks against each plot point/scene. It would have smoothed out the pace so much and made for a really compelling story.
Stray thoughts
- There was a really well-written battle between Kallum and a giant toward the beginning.
- Before they get their stories straight, Ailsa bites Kallum’s hand and then punches him in the nuts. Bold!
- The beautiful phrase “a gossamer thought of death” now lives in my head rent-free.
- Funny scene where they have to awkwardly negotiate positions on a horse to avoid his boner.
- Appreciate that Ailsa mentions she’s glad she finished her period before her trip began. It’s not something that’s mentioned much in historical romances.
- I love how they bonded over the stories their mothers told them of the African gods (I believe both Ailsa and Kallum have their family origins in Yoruba culture).
Long version: I am so glad Lisa Rayne told this story. There are a million great historical romances by white authors about white characters. AND we need more historical romances by authors of color about characters of color. This is one of them.
It’s the story of Ailsa, a freeborn Black Highlander who has been mistakenly captured and enslaved as lady’s maid to King James VI’s bratty daughter. She wants to get back to her clan and sees a tournament of all the Highlands’ clans as her way out.
But then she lays eyes on the cover hottie, Kallum MacNeill, who feels a stirring ‘neath his kilt when he spots Ailsa. What follows is a plot that is fascinating and unpredictable, weaving in the (fictional) stories of Black folks in Stuart (early 17th c.) Scotland. I loved the story so much – it felt fresh and intriguing, and I want more like it.
So why 3.5 stars? Two main reasons. First, Rayne went with a kind of cod-medieval dialect both in the dialogue and the prose. Which, fine. But if you’re going to do that, you have to go all in, a la Kinsale in For My Lady’s Heart, or choose a “timeless” English. Here, it was unevenly applied, resulting in sentences like, “Aye, that’s a fabulous idea,” and “wanker” and “asshat” appearing even though they both have their origins in the 20th century. It was distracting.
Second, the whole story was unevenly paced. I was super engaged and loving it until about halfway, when it started to drag. It picked back up again around 90% with an intriguing development, and then a ton of interesting fodder was crammed into the epilogue. If I were her editor, I would make her re-outline with % marks against each plot point/scene. It would have smoothed out the pace so much and made for a really compelling story.
Stray thoughts
- There was a really well-written battle between Kallum and a giant toward the beginning.
- Before they get their stories straight, Ailsa bites Kallum’s hand and then punches him in the nuts. Bold!
- The beautiful phrase “a gossamer thought of death” now lives in my head rent-free.
- Funny scene where they have to awkwardly negotiate positions on a horse to avoid his boner.
- Appreciate that Ailsa mentions she’s glad she finished her period before her trip began. It’s not something that’s mentioned much in historical romances.
- I love how they bonded over the stories their mothers told them of the African gods (I believe both Ailsa and Kallum have their family origins in Yoruba culture).
December 15, 2022
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book Rayne’s Shadow Lairds series
Basic plot:
Ailsa has been enslaved for 3 years and has multiple failed escape attempts. But with other clans visiting for the tournament, she is finally able to get away, albeit unwillingly, when she’s kidnapped accidentally by Kallum MacNeill.
Give this a try if you want:
- King James VI time period (late 1500s to early 1600s? Not sure on exact year)
- Scotland setting
- Diversity uplifted – both of our mains are Black
- secret identity
- road trip feel
- bit of enemies to lovers feel towards the beginning
- touch of rival families – the hero and herione’s clans are enemies
- accidental kidnapping
- medium steam – 3-ish full scenes
Ages
- Hero is 33, but I didn’t catch the heroine’s age. Would guess 20s?
My thoughts:
This is a fabulous addition to the historical romance world! I am so excited for Rayne to be bringing us some long over due strong and loving Black highlanders.
Ailsa and Kallum are two smart and determined highlanders that absolutely belong together. I loved how they brought out the strength in each other, but also pushed each other a bit more than they were used to. Some books the HEA feels really solid to me, and I felt like that with these two.
I did lower my rating a bit, just because I didn’t have much tension for me. I’m not sure if it’s because of the danger aspect, or the clan politics going on, but it was just lacking a bit for me (still, loved their scenes together and will definitely try Rayne again!). There’s a lot of stuff going on here (as with many highlander romances – they definitely aren’t boring! :P ) but that usually detracts for me a bit in the romance feels.
Quotes/thoughts:
Mmmm
Kallum stood beneath the waterfall, the ledge a short height above his head. The water fell from the overhead stream in a steady, middling flow, its rush not having been fed recently due to the dearth of rain. The gentle flow left the water clear as it trickled down over Kallum’s head and allowed her to see him fully and completely. He stood with his back to her, his tall, sinewed form completely naked from head to toe.
His hair was down. He stood with arms spread wide and palms pressed flat against the wall of rocks that backed the falls, one of his bearded hair cords secured around his wrist. His head was bowed in silent contemplation. The cascade of water poured over his hair and skin, dampening his locs and spilling over his broad shoulders.
and GOD I LOVE IT WHEN A HERO CROONS
“You came,” she whispered, touching her hand to his chest.
“For you,” he crooned into her ear, “always.”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book Rayne’s Shadow Lairds series
Basic plot:
Ailsa has been enslaved for 3 years and has multiple failed escape attempts. But with other clans visiting for the tournament, she is finally able to get away, albeit unwillingly, when she’s kidnapped accidentally by Kallum MacNeill.
Give this a try if you want:
- King James VI time period (late 1500s to early 1600s? Not sure on exact year)
- Scotland setting
- Diversity uplifted – both of our mains are Black
- secret identity
- road trip feel
- bit of enemies to lovers feel towards the beginning
- touch of rival families – the hero and herione’s clans are enemies
- accidental kidnapping
- medium steam – 3-ish full scenes
Ages
- Hero is 33, but I didn’t catch the heroine’s age. Would guess 20s?
My thoughts:
This is a fabulous addition to the historical romance world! I am so excited for Rayne to be bringing us some long over due strong and loving Black highlanders.
Ailsa and Kallum are two smart and determined highlanders that absolutely belong together. I loved how they brought out the strength in each other, but also pushed each other a bit more than they were used to. Some books the HEA feels really solid to me, and I felt like that with these two.
I did lower my rating a bit, just because I didn’t have much tension for me. I’m not sure if it’s because of the danger aspect, or the clan politics going on, but it was just lacking a bit for me (still, loved their scenes together and will definitely try Rayne again!). There’s a lot of stuff going on here (as with many highlander romances – they definitely aren’t boring! :P ) but that usually detracts for me a bit in the romance feels.
Quotes/thoughts:
Mmmm
Kallum stood beneath the waterfall, the ledge a short height above his head. The water fell from the overhead stream in a steady, middling flow, its rush not having been fed recently due to the dearth of rain. The gentle flow left the water clear as it trickled down over Kallum’s head and allowed her to see him fully and completely. He stood with his back to her, his tall, sinewed form completely naked from head to toe.
His hair was down. He stood with arms spread wide and palms pressed flat against the wall of rocks that backed the falls, one of his bearded hair cords secured around his wrist. His head was bowed in silent contemplation. The cascade of water poured over his hair and skin, dampening his locs and spilling over his broad shoulders.
and GOD I LOVE IT WHEN A HERO CROONS
“You came,” she whispered, touching her hand to his chest.
“For you,” he crooned into her ear, “always.”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
December 9, 2022
Ailsa has been held captive as the princess's servant in Sterling Castle for 3 years and has been plotting her escape to be reunited with her clan. That day finally comes however her plans get thrown off when instead she is kidnapped as a part of a rescue mission of enslaved people from the castle. She convinces her highlander rescuer to take her on the journey back to her homeland.
It took me awhile to get used to the old English speech but that combined with the wordiness often slowed down the pace of the story. I think I would've enjoyed this more if the book was shorter because it's pretty lengthy for a romance. And the length broke up the moment of the love story.
The steamy scenes did what they needed to do and were definitely worth it. It took awhile to build up to those but I was satisfied. Kallum and Ailsa had great chemistry together which is really what kept me reading.
As far as the characters Ailsa got on my nerves at time with her need to constantly be a contrarian even if it meant putting herself in harm's way to prove a point. Kallum was great and I enjoyed the glimpses we got of his clan life as well as the softening of his heart throughout the story.
It took me awhile to get used to the old English speech but that combined with the wordiness often slowed down the pace of the story. I think I would've enjoyed this more if the book was shorter because it's pretty lengthy for a romance. And the length broke up the moment of the love story.
The steamy scenes did what they needed to do and were definitely worth it. It took awhile to build up to those but I was satisfied. Kallum and Ailsa had great chemistry together which is really what kept me reading.
As far as the characters Ailsa got on my nerves at time with her need to constantly be a contrarian even if it meant putting herself in harm's way to prove a point. Kallum was great and I enjoyed the glimpses we got of his clan life as well as the softening of his heart throughout the story.
February 6, 2024
The way this book immediately immerses you is remarkable. Lisa uses language that, admittedly, took me a bit to get used to. And I did find the pacing a bit slow. But overall, I was enthralled.
One of my favorite parts about Ailsa & Kallum’s story, were the scenes where Kallum empowered her and helped her see how strong and beautiful she is. Ailsa is a badass all on her own, and she has survived a LOT of trauma. The way Kallum helped her through it was beautifully done. In addition to heartfelt moments like this, we are blessed with hilarious banter. It’s a great balance honestly.
By the way, I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook. It is phenomenally well done. The narrator has a Scottish accent
One of my favorite parts about Ailsa & Kallum’s story, were the scenes where Kallum empowered her and helped her see how strong and beautiful she is. Ailsa is a badass all on her own, and she has survived a LOT of trauma. The way Kallum helped her through it was beautifully done. In addition to heartfelt moments like this, we are blessed with hilarious banter. It’s a great balance honestly.
By the way, I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook. It is phenomenally well done. The narrator has a Scottish accent
September 25, 2022
Highlander romances aren’t usually my thing, but did you see this cover?? Of course I had to read it. Plus medieval romance with POC? Sign me up.
Ailsa Connery has waited years to escape her enslavement. But her plans are destroyed by the arrival of the Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil. Kallum MacNeill has a double life of freeing enslaved captives. When he kidnaps Ailsa by accident he must accompany her home or risk her exposing his true identity.
The first third felt too slow for me. Things picked up once they were on their way to MacNeil Castle. Some sections were heavier on telling than I like, but this was a fun slow burn with a good plot too. I’m on board for the next in the series.
3.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
Ailsa Connery has waited years to escape her enslavement. But her plans are destroyed by the arrival of the Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil. Kallum MacNeill has a double life of freeing enslaved captives. When he kidnaps Ailsa by accident he must accompany her home or risk her exposing his true identity.
The first third felt too slow for me. Things picked up once they were on their way to MacNeil Castle. Some sections were heavier on telling than I like, but this was a fun slow burn with a good plot too. I’m on board for the next in the series.
3.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
December 18, 2022
i was highly anticipating NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER for well over a year. I will note this book did get a cover update/edit? and it appears to be to better match the hero's description to include his locs.
What I liked - the heroine=, Ailsa Connery, deserves it all. This poor woman has been through it, and continues to go through it, in this story. Ailsa is Black, of 'mixed birth' per the story, and she is being held as a slave in a court of a Scottish Laird after being kidnapped/retrieved mistakenly from a raid as a 'runaway.' She is abused both physically and verbally by her charge, a spoiled young princess and is threatened with sexual assault and r@pe by multiple people at this court, and on page after she escapes/is 'rescued without her consent' by the hero, Kallum MacNeill.
I do like Kallum, i just wish he and Ailsa had a few more moments to make me believe they were falling in love; there was a whole lot of exposition and explanation that to me took away from the central romance overall. Because dang, when they are together on page was I having fun. Kallum is SEXY and also noble, even if that gets him into some situations and frustrates Ailsa.
And let's talk about how Lisa Rayne wrote the best waterfall sex I've ever read okay? like made my robin hood prince of thieves dreams come true!
overall i'm excited about this series, this author, and i hope as we move forward we get more work; a solid first from her for me.
thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy
Content notes: Ailsa is Black, but of described "mixed birth"; Kallum is a Scottish Highlander and Black. on page sexual assault of heroine, attempted r@pe. physical fights/battles/swords/blood/wounds that come from fighting. Colorism, racism from secondary characters, countered.
What I liked - the heroine=, Ailsa Connery, deserves it all. This poor woman has been through it, and continues to go through it, in this story. Ailsa is Black, of 'mixed birth' per the story, and she is being held as a slave in a court of a Scottish Laird after being kidnapped/retrieved mistakenly from a raid as a 'runaway.' She is abused both physically and verbally by her charge, a spoiled young princess and is threatened with sexual assault and r@pe by multiple people at this court, and on page after she escapes/is 'rescued without her consent' by the hero, Kallum MacNeill.
I do like Kallum, i just wish he and Ailsa had a few more moments to make me believe they were falling in love; there was a whole lot of exposition and explanation that to me took away from the central romance overall. Because dang, when they are together on page was I having fun. Kallum is SEXY and also noble, even if that gets him into some situations and frustrates Ailsa.
And let's talk about how Lisa Rayne wrote the best waterfall sex I've ever read okay? like made my robin hood prince of thieves dreams come true!
overall i'm excited about this series, this author, and i hope as we move forward we get more work; a solid first from her for me.
thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy
Content notes: Ailsa is Black, but of described "mixed birth"; Kallum is a Scottish Highlander and Black. on page sexual assault of heroine, attempted r@pe. physical fights/battles/swords/blood/wounds that come from fighting. Colorism, racism from secondary characters, countered.
May 15, 2023
I wanted to like this book so much more and was honestly truly bordering on a two star rating and here’s why.
First, there is a lot going on within this story. Alisa trying and failing to escape enslavement. Her and Kallum being so damn resistant to love and/or marriage. And both of them were hardheaded as hell and refused to listen even when shit made sense for them too. The miscommunication trope hopped around the story for about 25%… and then Alisa wouldn’t tell Kallum she was from a neighboring clan HIS clan were enemies with (which I got) but the way this author dragged things out in this book annoyed me to the tenth power. So for like a majority of the story, you had these two going back and forth for what? This also made the attraction between them stagnant. Because even though it was there brimming, these two truly didn’t hit it off AND the story itself didn’t pick up until like damn near 60% of the read….
So why three stars? The writing itself and the history provided of enslaved peoples in Scotland and how it shaped both Kallum and Alisa…. their relationship with each other AND the people around them.
First, there is a lot going on within this story. Alisa trying and failing to escape enslavement. Her and Kallum being so damn resistant to love and/or marriage. And both of them were hardheaded as hell and refused to listen even when shit made sense for them too. The miscommunication trope hopped around the story for about 25%… and then Alisa wouldn’t tell Kallum she was from a neighboring clan HIS clan were enemies with (which I got) but the way this author dragged things out in this book annoyed me to the tenth power. So for like a majority of the story, you had these two going back and forth for what? This also made the attraction between them stagnant. Because even though it was there brimming, these two truly didn’t hit it off AND the story itself didn’t pick up until like damn near 60% of the read….
So why three stars? The writing itself and the history provided of enslaved peoples in Scotland and how it shaped both Kallum and Alisa…. their relationship with each other AND the people around them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
This is a really cool take on a highlander romance featuring colors of character. Both Ailsa and Kallum are fully integrated into clan life. They speak Gaelic, have accepted professions, and and engage in intra-clan rivalries as much as any of the other characters. Lisa Rayne has created a thoroughly plausible historical explanation for her Black highlanders, and it's for sure the highlight of the book! Also a highlight? THAT COVER! It's a real attention grabber and we LOVE it.
The romance, though, wasn't our favorite. Kallum "kidnaps" Ailsa, thinking that he's saving her from enforced servitude at the king's court, and refuses to listen to her explanations for several days. Once the whole kidnapping/saving confusion is worked out, the plot pivots to a clan feud combined with an inheritance plot. We would have preferred a slower pace focused on the characters rather than having them react to stimuli that seem to come out of nowhere.
That said, we loved the premise so much that we haven't given up on the idea of the series. Fingers crossed that the next couple will speak to us a little more!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The romance, though, wasn't our favorite. Kallum "kidnaps" Ailsa, thinking that he's saving her from enforced servitude at the king's court, and refuses to listen to her explanations for several days. Once the whole kidnapping/saving confusion is worked out, the plot pivots to a clan feud combined with an inheritance plot. We would have preferred a slower pace focused on the characters rather than having them react to stimuli that seem to come out of nowhere.
That said, we loved the premise so much that we haven't given up on the idea of the series. Fingers crossed that the next couple will speak to us a little more!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
January 4, 2023
Good. Lord. This. Cover. Though.
I am not a Historical Romance reader. Ever. But this cover seriously tempted me and I'm glad my horniness paid off! NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, super steamy, love story and I was here. for. it.
Ailsa was a total badass. She is smart, fiery, and also kind-hearted. I loved her fire, but I sometimes found her refusal to listen to reason/advice frustrating. Know your mind, but also know when to take directions from someone who can help you.
And Kallum...gahhhhh. The man is just all growly, sexy f*ckboy-finds-love hotness. He is so damn honorable and protective and hot. May I please be banged under a waterfall by this fictional man already?
NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER had a bit of a slow start. It's unnecessarily wordy in stretches, especially at the beginning. But it really gets going after a while and the pace picks up.
I absolutely loved the dynamics of the clans and how the main characters' race was portrayed in this story. Ailsa is mixed and Kallum is black. This author found the perfect balance of making their minority status in their world an important part of the story without it becoming the ONLY part of the story.
I'm not sure I'm about to dive into non-stop historical romances, but NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER was definitely a great read and very worthy of my cross over from contemporary romances. Strong thighs peaking out from under a kilt definitely didn't hurt.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: enslavement, attempted sexual assault, physical assault, racism, lots of sword-fighting violence
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
I am not a Historical Romance reader. Ever. But this cover seriously tempted me and I'm glad my horniness paid off! NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, super steamy, love story and I was here. for. it.
Ailsa was a total badass. She is smart, fiery, and also kind-hearted. I loved her fire, but I sometimes found her refusal to listen to reason/advice frustrating. Know your mind, but also know when to take directions from someone who can help you.
And Kallum...gahhhhh. The man is just all growly, sexy f*ckboy-finds-love hotness. He is so damn honorable and protective and hot. May I please be banged under a waterfall by this fictional man already?
NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER had a bit of a slow start. It's unnecessarily wordy in stretches, especially at the beginning. But it really gets going after a while and the pace picks up.
I absolutely loved the dynamics of the clans and how the main characters' race was portrayed in this story. Ailsa is mixed and Kallum is black. This author found the perfect balance of making their minority status in their world an important part of the story without it becoming the ONLY part of the story.
I'm not sure I'm about to dive into non-stop historical romances, but NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER was definitely a great read and very worthy of my cross over from contemporary romances. Strong thighs peaking out from under a kilt definitely didn't hurt.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: enslavement, attempted sexual assault, physical assault, racism, lots of sword-fighting violence
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
November 1, 2023
Tropes:
~Highlander romance
~Black love
~slow burn
~enemies to lovers
~kidnapping
~forbidden romance
~a bit of a historical road trip
This was SO good! Also highly recommend the audiobook because the narrator’s voice was 🥵
Lisa Rayne is a new-to-me author and this is her first historical romance, but I will be eagerly watching to see if she writes more in the future!
~Highlander romance
~Black love
~slow burn
~enemies to lovers
~kidnapping
~forbidden romance
~a bit of a historical road trip
This was SO good! Also highly recommend the audiobook because the narrator’s voice was 🥵
Lisa Rayne is a new-to-me author and this is her first historical romance, but I will be eagerly watching to see if she writes more in the future!
June 13, 2024
I was very annoyed by the overuse of "twas" "tis" "twere". I don't believe anyone ever used those words that much
December 27, 2022
This was initially a book that captured my attention for the cover (you can't blame me, look at it), but soon I was hearing more about the story and becoming increasingly curious about the couple and their journey together. It is quite a long book at a little over 400 pages, but it didn't feel that way at all. The pacing was well done, the characters developed with layers and culture, and the adventure that drove most of the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. For Lisa Rayne's first foray into the world of historical romance, she did a fantastic job! As well, I really appreciated the historical education on the presence of slaves and freed people from Africa in Scotland. I've not seen it mentioned once in any other highlander romance I have read that I can recall, and that's saying something as I have read many. If you're a lover of history as well as romance, you will find this book thoroughly entertaining on all fronts.
Ailsa Connery had a plan, and she didn't need a man like Kallum MacNeil to come along and ruin it all. Stolen from her clan by the king's men three years ago, she has been held hostage as a slave within the king's home, attending to his abusive daughter and dodging the lustful attentions of the captain of the king's guard. Her life has not been easy as it is, and she just wants to go home to clan to continue her work as a healer in peace. That's when she makes a plan to escape with her clan when they visit Stirling Castle alongside the other clans across the land. Kallum sees Ailsa's bruised face and assumes she is looking to escape alongside the other enslaved in the castle, and he forces her with him when she resists his help. Once he realizes her true situation, it's too late to turn back now, and he can't return her to her clan since she refuses to tell him who they are. With good reason. For Ailsa's clan may be an enemy of Kallum's, and she has not had good luck with men who claim to be protectors. So they travel together, fighting their inconvenient attraction to each other, and hoping that they aren't caught by those already out looking to reclaim Ailsa.
These two were so perfectly matched in fiery tempers, and the angst between them alone combined with their clear attraction to each other made the pages practically catch fire as I read. This was such a unique historical romance, not only for the fact that it told a part of history we seldom hear about, but it is also a modern book written very much in the style of the 80s and 90s bodice rippers. The hero is quite overbearing at times, and he spanks the heroine a few times as a punishment, so if you're looking for a book that reads like today's romance, just keep on walking. I felt transported back to my early days of reading romance, where the hero was an alpha male bent on keeping the status quo between man and woman, and the woman was a hellion making impulsive decisions and getting punished by the hero left and right. While there is a lot more nuance to the story than that implies, it did have that vibe to it. Don't get me wrong - Kallum was a really likable hero with a strong sense of honor and gentleness towards Ailsa. He clearly cares about her, wants her to have independence and the ability to live life the way she pleases. However, that only goes so far, and you do see him occasionally behave in ways that makes you want to shake him. Ailsa was headstrong, sometimes to fault but often very understandably so. I admired her ability to take care of herself in most situations, and her ingenuity got her out of tough scrapes several times. Both MCs were multi-dimensional with intriguing history and clear love for each other, which made all the angst worthwhile.
I am so excited to read more by this author. Anyone who can keep my attention for an entire day reading a 400+ page novel has me hooked, and I am very tempted to check out her contemporary romance next while we wait for the next historical romance book.
**I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.**
Ailsa Connery had a plan, and she didn't need a man like Kallum MacNeil to come along and ruin it all. Stolen from her clan by the king's men three years ago, she has been held hostage as a slave within the king's home, attending to his abusive daughter and dodging the lustful attentions of the captain of the king's guard. Her life has not been easy as it is, and she just wants to go home to clan to continue her work as a healer in peace. That's when she makes a plan to escape with her clan when they visit Stirling Castle alongside the other clans across the land. Kallum sees Ailsa's bruised face and assumes she is looking to escape alongside the other enslaved in the castle, and he forces her with him when she resists his help. Once he realizes her true situation, it's too late to turn back now, and he can't return her to her clan since she refuses to tell him who they are. With good reason. For Ailsa's clan may be an enemy of Kallum's, and she has not had good luck with men who claim to be protectors. So they travel together, fighting their inconvenient attraction to each other, and hoping that they aren't caught by those already out looking to reclaim Ailsa.
These two were so perfectly matched in fiery tempers, and the angst between them alone combined with their clear attraction to each other made the pages practically catch fire as I read. This was such a unique historical romance, not only for the fact that it told a part of history we seldom hear about, but it is also a modern book written very much in the style of the 80s and 90s bodice rippers. The hero is quite overbearing at times, and he spanks the heroine a few times as a punishment, so if you're looking for a book that reads like today's romance, just keep on walking. I felt transported back to my early days of reading romance, where the hero was an alpha male bent on keeping the status quo between man and woman, and the woman was a hellion making impulsive decisions and getting punished by the hero left and right. While there is a lot more nuance to the story than that implies, it did have that vibe to it. Don't get me wrong - Kallum was a really likable hero with a strong sense of honor and gentleness towards Ailsa. He clearly cares about her, wants her to have independence and the ability to live life the way she pleases. However, that only goes so far, and you do see him occasionally behave in ways that makes you want to shake him. Ailsa was headstrong, sometimes to fault but often very understandably so. I admired her ability to take care of herself in most situations, and her ingenuity got her out of tough scrapes several times. Both MCs were multi-dimensional with intriguing history and clear love for each other, which made all the angst worthwhile.
I am so excited to read more by this author. Anyone who can keep my attention for an entire day reading a 400+ page novel has me hooked, and I am very tempted to check out her contemporary romance next while we wait for the next historical romance book.
**I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.**
December 20, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Ailsa Connery was born and raised in the Highlands, the daughter of a freewoman of African descent and a Scottish warrior. Prior to her death, her mother was a healer, a role that Ailsa had been trained to take over. But three years ago, while at a gathering she was mistaken by a guard for a slave purchased for the King, and ignoring her protests, she was pressed into service as a maid to Princess Elizabeth. And despite previous failed attempts to escape, Ailsa is sure her new plan is foolproof. Or it was until an interfering highlander decided to “rescue” her.
Kallum MacNeill is also of African descent and was raised as the son of the Laird’s brother but is known to many as the infamous Highland warrior known as Auld Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil. But unbeknownst to most, this fearsome warrior is also known by another moniker, The Shepherd, who for the last five years, has been secretly liberating enslaved people across Scotland and helping them escape to England. Which is exactly what he thinks he is doing for the woman who saved his life, but it won’t be long before the lovely and feisty lass sets him straight and demands to be returned to her clan!
This was a fascinating story, featuring a slow-burn romance between two amazing, unforgettable characters as they fall in love and overcome many obstacles on the journey to find their HEA. I thought the writing was good, although a little wordy, the real issue was the pacing, the book was a slow read, until the halfway mark, where it leveled out until the rush to the ending. In addition to that, I was concerned about the inaccurate historical facts until I read the Author’s notes where she explains that this book is a work of fiction and that she did manipulate some historical facts to work with her story, stressing that this book was for the purpose of entertainment. I also appreciated her book suggestions to further educate readers on the issue of slavery in this era. Overall, this was a Highland adventure unlike any that you have ever read, touching on some sensitive issues as well as incorporating the problems that all people have when falling in love, with an added touch of danger and a dash of steam.
*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.*
Ailsa Connery was born and raised in the Highlands, the daughter of a freewoman of African descent and a Scottish warrior. Prior to her death, her mother was a healer, a role that Ailsa had been trained to take over. But three years ago, while at a gathering she was mistaken by a guard for a slave purchased for the King, and ignoring her protests, she was pressed into service as a maid to Princess Elizabeth. And despite previous failed attempts to escape, Ailsa is sure her new plan is foolproof. Or it was until an interfering highlander decided to “rescue” her.
Kallum MacNeill is also of African descent and was raised as the son of the Laird’s brother but is known to many as the infamous Highland warrior known as Auld Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil. But unbeknownst to most, this fearsome warrior is also known by another moniker, The Shepherd, who for the last five years, has been secretly liberating enslaved people across Scotland and helping them escape to England. Which is exactly what he thinks he is doing for the woman who saved his life, but it won’t be long before the lovely and feisty lass sets him straight and demands to be returned to her clan!
This was a fascinating story, featuring a slow-burn romance between two amazing, unforgettable characters as they fall in love and overcome many obstacles on the journey to find their HEA. I thought the writing was good, although a little wordy, the real issue was the pacing, the book was a slow read, until the halfway mark, where it leveled out until the rush to the ending. In addition to that, I was concerned about the inaccurate historical facts until I read the Author’s notes where she explains that this book is a work of fiction and that she did manipulate some historical facts to work with her story, stressing that this book was for the purpose of entertainment. I also appreciated her book suggestions to further educate readers on the issue of slavery in this era. Overall, this was a Highland adventure unlike any that you have ever read, touching on some sensitive issues as well as incorporating the problems that all people have when falling in love, with an added touch of danger and a dash of steam.
*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.*
December 31, 2022
This book had me at the cover alone, but the story itself was just as captivating! Ailsa and Kallum are a fiery couple, and there were some scenes that felt as though they should be setting my Kindle on fire. (A multi-page sex scene under a waterfall? We love to see it.) There are some elements to the story that aren’t necessarily for the faint of heart — Ailsa is assaulted and beaten multiple times, once on-page, and there is some violence and murder (at the hands of the hero against her transgressors, of course), so it’s definitely a heavier Highland romance, but it also reminded me of the great old-schools in the same vein. It did find what I felt were a few anachronistic terms in dialogue that occasionally yoinked me out of the story and probably could’ve been tweaked, but that’s a somewhat minor criticism in the grand scope of the overall book. Loved the plot becoming more of a road-trip romance halfway through, and I do hope Rayne writes more in this series! (Maybe Kallum’s cousins deserve their own stories?) If you want a Highland romance that strives to do something different while still evoking all of the classic tropes, pick this one up!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
did-not-finish
November 27, 2023DNF at 6%.
I just cannot concentrate on this.
I just cannot concentrate on this.
October 17, 2022
Life is hard for almost everyone in Scotland in the 1600s.
Ailsa Connery’s everyday challenges are intensified by not having a nuclear family, being illegitimate, Black, and wrongfully enslaved. She’s also smart, determined, and beautiful. Those traits and more swiftly catch the attention of Duff Kallum MacNeill when he arrives at Stirling Castle, despite his misgivings, to compete as his clan’s fiercest warrior to win funds they desperately need. The dangers he encounters include the expected politicking and physical combat, but he’s blindsided by lust and emotional connection with Ailsa who’s hiding more than one secret. So is Kallum. Will their hidden agendas mesh or clash? Following their treacherous journey together yields a love story worth reading and savoring.
Similar in narrative texture, depth, and nuance to the high caliber of historical fiction that’s romantic offered by (Ms.) Beverly Jenkins, Courtney Milan, Isabel Cooper, and J.J. McAvoy, Never Cross a Highlander organically integrates rich, immersive historical details with multifaceted characterizations and authentic pitch in each voice along with a balanced mix of angst, humor, all kinds of drama, tenderness, and super sexy encounters between Ailsa and Kallum. The supporting characters are also fully developed, and multiple story threads deftly evolve in this celebration of Black joy and love and perseverance despite often demoralizing odds against emerging whole and victorious.
The acknowledgements and author’s note are must-reads too. Readers sensitive to themes involving human trafficking, enslavement, and repeated threats of assault may want to investigate the content warnings for this story.
http://blerdybingereader.blogspot.com...
Ailsa Connery’s everyday challenges are intensified by not having a nuclear family, being illegitimate, Black, and wrongfully enslaved. She’s also smart, determined, and beautiful. Those traits and more swiftly catch the attention of Duff Kallum MacNeill when he arrives at Stirling Castle, despite his misgivings, to compete as his clan’s fiercest warrior to win funds they desperately need. The dangers he encounters include the expected politicking and physical combat, but he’s blindsided by lust and emotional connection with Ailsa who’s hiding more than one secret. So is Kallum. Will their hidden agendas mesh or clash? Following their treacherous journey together yields a love story worth reading and savoring.
Similar in narrative texture, depth, and nuance to the high caliber of historical fiction that’s romantic offered by (Ms.) Beverly Jenkins, Courtney Milan, Isabel Cooper, and J.J. McAvoy, Never Cross a Highlander organically integrates rich, immersive historical details with multifaceted characterizations and authentic pitch in each voice along with a balanced mix of angst, humor, all kinds of drama, tenderness, and super sexy encounters between Ailsa and Kallum. The supporting characters are also fully developed, and multiple story threads deftly evolve in this celebration of Black joy and love and perseverance despite often demoralizing odds against emerging whole and victorious.
The acknowledgements and author’s note are must-reads too. Readers sensitive to themes involving human trafficking, enslavement, and repeated threats of assault may want to investigate the content warnings for this story.
http://blerdybingereader.blogspot.com...
January 19, 2023
Finally . After 3 weeks I'm finished reading.
1. What year did this take place?
2. Why wasn’t there more Gaelic?
Kallum and Ailsa. African highlanders! I know right, exciting . I live reading historical romance especially Highlander novels. I have never come across one with 2 black main characters. While I’m at it, the Highlander books don’t have black characters at all. So I was intrigued by this book and it was my most anticipated read of 2022.
Now let’s get to the review.
The plot and character development is there but this story dragged a bit for me. I loved how fearless Ailsa was but her chemistry with Kallum was just ok. When did her annoyance of him turn into lust for him. ( side note, she wasn’t a virgin??? But if not did the captain rape her??? It’s unclear???)
Kallum wanted her from the beginning but he didn’t know why and he fought it at every turn even after his Laird pointed it out to him.
The plot twist made this story because I wasn’t sold on their romance or their love.
I recommend this book if you are like me and love a Highlander romance story I just wish there was more gaelic.
The cover is beautiful.
1. What year did this take place?
2. Why wasn’t there more Gaelic?
Kallum and Ailsa. African highlanders! I know right, exciting . I live reading historical romance especially Highlander novels. I have never come across one with 2 black main characters. While I’m at it, the Highlander books don’t have black characters at all. So I was intrigued by this book and it was my most anticipated read of 2022.
Now let’s get to the review.
The plot and character development is there but this story dragged a bit for me. I loved how fearless Ailsa was but her chemistry with Kallum was just ok. When did her annoyance of him turn into lust for him. ( side note, she wasn’t a virgin??? But if not did the captain rape her??? It’s unclear???)
Kallum wanted her from the beginning but he didn’t know why and he fought it at every turn even after his Laird pointed it out to him.
The plot twist made this story because I wasn’t sold on their romance or their love.
I recommend this book if you are like me and love a Highlander romance story I just wish there was more gaelic.
The cover is beautiful.
Read
May 6, 2023DNF. I made it approx 150 pages in and I've never been so bored in my entire life. For a romance novel there was absolutely nothing sexy about it. Also, I'm realizing that romances that include one of the parties being enslaved is of no interest to me. Also also the author's inability to use the words Black or White to described people's races had my eye twitching (she was very into "dark-skinned" and "pale featured"....girl, what?)
Life is too short to read books that don't speak to you. It's time to move on.
Life is too short to read books that don't speak to you. It's time to move on.
October 7, 2023
4/5. Releases 12/27/2022.
Gird your fucking loins, because this is a Highlander Highlander novel.
Kallum MacNeill (otherwise known as Dubh Mahoun/the Black Devil) is a badass. There is no finer way to put this is. He kicks ass, he takes names, and he is frankly so intimidating that everyone else is essentially looking the other way as he frees enslaved people across Scotland. He is connected, he is powerful, and he knows what he's about.
So when he sees Ailsa Connery at Stirling Castle, clearly in need of his help, he does the natural thing and kidnaps her. The issue here is that Ailsa, while definitely in trouble, did not necessarily want to be kidnapped, and has a much more complex background than Kallum initially assumed. And she is in fact heading in the opposite direction from him. But he can't let!!! A lass!!! Travel alone!!! OBVIOUSLY!!! So what was a good kidnapping turns into a roadtrip between two people who get on each other's nerves, while also wanting very desperately to get her under him (or vice versa, depending on the moment).
First off, disclaimer--I'm white, and I can't speak to the effectiveness of the rep in this book. This is my first Lisa Rayne book, and I don't plan on it being my last. To say that this gives a totally different perspective on Highland romances would be an understatement. It's all old world, it's all Scottish, and it's also Black. Both leads are Black (as a note, Ailsa does have a white father) and this isn't something that's just peppered into the story to be a little garnish or to make the world seem more diverse. Kallum and Ailsa's Blackness is key to their characters, their backstories, and their motivations. It's certainly not all they talk about or the only reason why they relate to each other, but it's obviously something that they can connect over, in, again, old world Scotland, in a way that they can't with most people.
At the same time, there are things that I won't give away that up-end what I think some will expect of this book. Kallum and Ailsa are not stereotypes. They are not here to just suffer. This book does not skirt over the racism they face at all, but it also gives them agency and power and revels in it.
So this book is doing the work on that level... while also giving you kind of old school Scottish adventure romance. There is much lass-ing. There is a lot of brawn. There is much och, much aye, and there is a lot of like, "oh we are traveling together, must get very close to one another now". There is a moment I mentioned earlier on the blog where Ailsa hits this man's dick so hard that he literally can't pee right for a while, and yet when he sees her eyeing said dick later is STILL GETTING IT UP. Now that's a hero. That's what I want out of an och aye book.
Things I Liked:
--Very romantic in a way that I feel like we don't see as much of anymore? Not just romantic in terms of kissing and tension, but also like... the romance of adventure. The romance of being under threat and finding love and humor and fun while up against pretty steep odds.
--If you're into the kind of dynamic where a big man is convincing himself he's the boss while actually she's the boss, you will enjoy this. At points, I was mildly reminded of Key and Peele's "MEEGAN (you forgot your jacket tho!!!)" sketches, and I won't even lie to y'all... That shit is an archetype, and it's one I enjoy so much, and I do love to see it.
--There is a scene... under a waterfall... And it felt so like, 90s romantic historical movie, so like, First Knight (which I... also mentioned recently on the blog, the most play First Knight has been getting in forever probably), and so sensual. And I just appreciated that Lisa Rayne went "this is happening in a fucking waterfall" because why the fuck not.
Things I Wasn't As Sure About:
--This is really a minor thing, but the language can get a bit euphemistic at times, and as much as I'm not calling that inaccurate (I genuinely don't know for this era)... At points I could've used a little more explicit language. But that's honestly personal preference, and the euphemisms did make it feel more old school, which I appreciate.
--It does take a little while to get the pace up, at least for me as a reader. So do hang in there! Once this one gets going, it gets GOING.
Trigger warnings for enslavement, human trafficking, racism, and discussions of all the above, as well as threat of sexual assault. I'm not going to call this one heavy for me to read, but of course your mileage may vary, and I advise taking that into account before you read. To me, this book balanced the adventure and romance with the serious subject matter very well, but it's not going to work that way for everyone--and again, I can hardly be the judge there.
One thing I do advise, though--read the author's notes at the end. Lisa Rayne has done her research, and the insights there are great.
If you're looking for Scotland and a great 90s vibe, I think you could find your match here. And truly, seriously--more of this, less "give me points for casting a person of color in this period piece while centering the white characters anyway" content.
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Gird your fucking loins, because this is a Highlander Highlander novel.
Kallum MacNeill (otherwise known as Dubh Mahoun/the Black Devil) is a badass. There is no finer way to put this is. He kicks ass, he takes names, and he is frankly so intimidating that everyone else is essentially looking the other way as he frees enslaved people across Scotland. He is connected, he is powerful, and he knows what he's about.
So when he sees Ailsa Connery at Stirling Castle, clearly in need of his help, he does the natural thing and kidnaps her. The issue here is that Ailsa, while definitely in trouble, did not necessarily want to be kidnapped, and has a much more complex background than Kallum initially assumed. And she is in fact heading in the opposite direction from him. But he can't let!!! A lass!!! Travel alone!!! OBVIOUSLY!!! So what was a good kidnapping turns into a roadtrip between two people who get on each other's nerves, while also wanting very desperately to get her under him (or vice versa, depending on the moment).
First off, disclaimer--I'm white, and I can't speak to the effectiveness of the rep in this book. This is my first Lisa Rayne book, and I don't plan on it being my last. To say that this gives a totally different perspective on Highland romances would be an understatement. It's all old world, it's all Scottish, and it's also Black. Both leads are Black (as a note, Ailsa does have a white father) and this isn't something that's just peppered into the story to be a little garnish or to make the world seem more diverse. Kallum and Ailsa's Blackness is key to their characters, their backstories, and their motivations. It's certainly not all they talk about or the only reason why they relate to each other, but it's obviously something that they can connect over, in, again, old world Scotland, in a way that they can't with most people.
At the same time, there are things that I won't give away that up-end what I think some will expect of this book. Kallum and Ailsa are not stereotypes. They are not here to just suffer. This book does not skirt over the racism they face at all, but it also gives them agency and power and revels in it.
So this book is doing the work on that level... while also giving you kind of old school Scottish adventure romance. There is much lass-ing. There is a lot of brawn. There is much och, much aye, and there is a lot of like, "oh we are traveling together, must get very close to one another now". There is a moment I mentioned earlier on the blog where Ailsa hits this man's dick so hard that he literally can't pee right for a while, and yet when he sees her eyeing said dick later is STILL GETTING IT UP. Now that's a hero. That's what I want out of an och aye book.
Things I Liked:
--Very romantic in a way that I feel like we don't see as much of anymore? Not just romantic in terms of kissing and tension, but also like... the romance of adventure. The romance of being under threat and finding love and humor and fun while up against pretty steep odds.
--If you're into the kind of dynamic where a big man is convincing himself he's the boss while actually she's the boss, you will enjoy this. At points, I was mildly reminded of Key and Peele's "MEEGAN (you forgot your jacket tho!!!)" sketches, and I won't even lie to y'all... That shit is an archetype, and it's one I enjoy so much, and I do love to see it.
--There is a scene... under a waterfall... And it felt so like, 90s romantic historical movie, so like, First Knight (which I... also mentioned recently on the blog, the most play First Knight has been getting in forever probably), and so sensual. And I just appreciated that Lisa Rayne went "this is happening in a fucking waterfall" because why the fuck not.
Things I Wasn't As Sure About:
--This is really a minor thing, but the language can get a bit euphemistic at times, and as much as I'm not calling that inaccurate (I genuinely don't know for this era)... At points I could've used a little more explicit language. But that's honestly personal preference, and the euphemisms did make it feel more old school, which I appreciate.
--It does take a little while to get the pace up, at least for me as a reader. So do hang in there! Once this one gets going, it gets GOING.
Trigger warnings for enslavement, human trafficking, racism, and discussions of all the above, as well as threat of sexual assault. I'm not going to call this one heavy for me to read, but of course your mileage may vary, and I advise taking that into account before you read. To me, this book balanced the adventure and romance with the serious subject matter very well, but it's not going to work that way for everyone--and again, I can hardly be the judge there.
One thing I do advise, though--read the author's notes at the end. Lisa Rayne has done her research, and the insights there are great.
If you're looking for Scotland and a great 90s vibe, I think you could find your match here. And truly, seriously--more of this, less "give me points for casting a person of color in this period piece while centering the white characters anyway" content.
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 15, 2023
3 1/2 "I do love me a Highlander"
Well, I don't know how to really explain this one... I liked it. I even loved the ending. This book was hard for me to get into but I can't really explain why. The beginning was slow and super wordy. But I also interested in both Ailsa and Kallum from their first introductions. They were both volatile together and apart. I knew I wanted to know their story.
Okay, so before I start rambling... The first half was slow but also caught my attention. The second half was very good with all the action and romance I was looking for from the start. The last 25% maybe was 5 stars. So I'm really glad I stuck with it. Happy reading!
Well, I don't know how to really explain this one... I liked it. I even loved the ending. This book was hard for me to get into but I can't really explain why. The beginning was slow and super wordy. But I also interested in both Ailsa and Kallum from their first introductions. They were both volatile together and apart. I knew I wanted to know their story.
Okay, so before I start rambling... The first half was slow but also caught my attention. The second half was very good with all the action and romance I was looking for from the start. The last 25% maybe was 5 stars. So I'm really glad I stuck with it. Happy reading!
December 7, 2023
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! More detailed review to come…
November 15, 2022
I was excited to read Never Cross a Highlander after seeing the cover. I love a good Highlander romance and I’ve never seen one centering people of color before. While it doesn’t contain my favorite tropes, it was really refreshing to read a Highlander romance with Black characters. The beginning is a bit slow to start but it’s definitely worth sticking through to the end. It ends up being quite eventful. I definitely recommend to any fan of Highlander romances. I would love to read whatever’s next in the Shadow Lairds series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 16, 2023
Aisla Connery has been kidnapped and enslaved. Now she serves the spoiled princess Elizabeth Stuart at Stirling castle. (I’ve read it’s the 16th century, but considering Elizabeth Stuart is a teenager, I’d say around 1610??) Aisla longs to return home to the Connery clan. A tournament brings various clans to the castle, including the warrior Kallum MacNeill. While he serves his adoptive clan leading the warriors, he doubles as the Shepherd who frees enslaved people. No one, not even his kin, knows he does this. Upon leaving the tournament, Kallum abducts Aisla who won’t reveal she’s looking for the Connery clan because, you guessed it, they’re rival clans. Aisla relents since she’s unwilling to put the others at risk they’re traveling with. Eventually Kallum takes Aisla towards his clan and they spar all the way. Perhaps they have a deeper connection?
I enjoyed this and I would like to read more books in this series. Kallum and Aisla have a compelling connection, especially when they discover they share deeper values like equality. I thought Rayne drew her characters well. Kallum doesn’t need anybody and has developed a rough exterior, although I’d say his loyalty defines him the most. He defends his clan and then he risks his own life to free enslaved people. He’s purposely gruff when he’s sparring with Aisla, but I still want him to succeed in this book because I respect his principles.
Aisla is tired of her life being outside of her control. She wants to go home and be a healer. Kallum throws a wrench in her plans because they have a growing attraction and he suspects her clan of foul play. She had the same thought as well since no one from her clan ever looked for her. Even knowing this possibility, and despite the growing attraction to Kallum, she wants to go home. My only hang up with this text was a lot of internal thoughts that should’ve been verbalized. Where in a dialogue scene there would be two or three paragraphs of thoughts from either character, which could’ve been said out loud. By that I mean, even if they’re not saying their exact thought, they could say something to the other person and we as the reader would know they’re lying or not sharing the complete truth. I’d lose the thread of the conversation sometimes because of this. Anyway, this was like a 3.5 stars for me. Excellent start.
I enjoyed this and I would like to read more books in this series. Kallum and Aisla have a compelling connection, especially when they discover they share deeper values like equality. I thought Rayne drew her characters well. Kallum doesn’t need anybody and has developed a rough exterior, although I’d say his loyalty defines him the most. He defends his clan and then he risks his own life to free enslaved people. He’s purposely gruff when he’s sparring with Aisla, but I still want him to succeed in this book because I respect his principles.
Aisla is tired of her life being outside of her control. She wants to go home and be a healer. Kallum throws a wrench in her plans because they have a growing attraction and he suspects her clan of foul play. She had the same thought as well since no one from her clan ever looked for her. Even knowing this possibility, and despite the growing attraction to Kallum, she wants to go home. My only hang up with this text was a lot of internal thoughts that should’ve been verbalized. Where in a dialogue scene there would be two or three paragraphs of thoughts from either character, which could’ve been said out loud. By that I mean, even if they’re not saying their exact thought, they could say something to the other person and we as the reader would know they’re lying or not sharing the complete truth. I’d lose the thread of the conversation sometimes because of this. Anyway, this was like a 3.5 stars for me. Excellent start.
October 19, 2022
Never Cross a Highlander-
✨My Opinion✨
I was intrigued seeing a black heartthrob in a kilt as cover art, especially with the setting being historical Scotland. Right away I wanted to know everything. My interest only skyrocket with the first chapter! The explanation of how the MC, Ailsa, came to be enslaved was heart breaking. And I couldn’t wait for her to meet Kallum, the broody, hero by night, whose mission in life was helping those enslaved.
I immediately liked Kallum. His backstory was compelling. His rise to commander was inspiring. His friendship with the laird’s son felt genuine. I ate up his grumpiness. Just ate it up! Some of the imagery was just flawless.
“With a battle cry loud enough to disturb the ancestors sleeping permanently below the ocean waters they had chosen over captivity…”
wow! One of my favorite lines, along with
“I’m not a warrior.”
“Aye, lass. You are.” Followed by a “You simply do not realize it yet.”
There is so much covered in this enemies to lovers story! Forced proximity with the one horse trope, enemies to lovers, kidnapping and the sweet Happily Ever After. It was a wild ride!
One of the chapter transitions didn’t sit well with me. I feel like the last two paragraphs of chapter 15 should have gone to the beginning of chapter 16. A cleaner division.
My overall opinion was that this was a great highland historical romance! I enjoyed the romance, sword fights, and heroics! I liked looking at a part of Scottish history I was unaware of. I love when I have one eye on a book and the other scouring the internet to learn more about
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you
✨My Opinion✨
I was intrigued seeing a black heartthrob in a kilt as cover art, especially with the setting being historical Scotland. Right away I wanted to know everything. My interest only skyrocket with the first chapter! The explanation of how the MC, Ailsa, came to be enslaved was heart breaking. And I couldn’t wait for her to meet Kallum, the broody, hero by night, whose mission in life was helping those enslaved.
I immediately liked Kallum. His backstory was compelling. His rise to commander was inspiring. His friendship with the laird’s son felt genuine. I ate up his grumpiness. Just ate it up! Some of the imagery was just flawless.
“With a battle cry loud enough to disturb the ancestors sleeping permanently below the ocean waters they had chosen over captivity…”
wow! One of my favorite lines, along with
“I’m not a warrior.”
“Aye, lass. You are.” Followed by a “You simply do not realize it yet.”
There is so much covered in this enemies to lovers story! Forced proximity with the one horse trope, enemies to lovers, kidnapping and the sweet Happily Ever After. It was a wild ride!
One of the chapter transitions didn’t sit well with me. I feel like the last two paragraphs of chapter 15 should have gone to the beginning of chapter 16. A cleaner division.
My overall opinion was that this was a great highland historical romance! I enjoyed the romance, sword fights, and heroics! I liked looking at a part of Scottish history I was unaware of. I love when I have one eye on a book and the other scouring the internet to learn more about
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you
December 28, 2022
This book kicked off my Historical Black Romance era this year. I enjoyed this book so much!
First get into the cover!!😍
To know that one of the main characters is a Black Highlander &&& he lives a double life freeing the enslaved?!? I couldn’t put this book down.
Kallum is such a man of honor.
Ailsa wants her freedom & she’s going to get it by any means necessary. Kallum has loyalty to his Clan and loyalty to his lineage, While he could look the other way as other Black people are enslaved—he does not. He is firm in his hatred of slavery. & firm in actions to free as many as possible.
Ailsa is strong willed and I love every minute of it because WHY SHOULDN’T SHE TRUST HERSELF OVER ANYONE ELSE. She’s been on her own for a long time, she doing her best. What I love most about Kallum, is how much he values Ailsa—her mind and willpower. He didn’t try to control her, even when she’s getting on his last nerve.
READ THE BOOK.
I feel like this book will be misunderstood not because it is confusing—but because the Black experience is complex. I don’t want to see non-Black readers trash this book in the reviews because they “can’t relate”. I sincerely hope that this Black Romance story gets the love that it deserves.💜
First get into the cover!!😍
To know that one of the main characters is a Black Highlander &&& he lives a double life freeing the enslaved?!? I couldn’t put this book down.
Kallum is such a man of honor.
Ailsa wants her freedom & she’s going to get it by any means necessary. Kallum has loyalty to his Clan and loyalty to his lineage, While he could look the other way as other Black people are enslaved—he does not. He is firm in his hatred of slavery. & firm in actions to free as many as possible.
Ailsa is strong willed and I love every minute of it because WHY SHOULDN’T SHE TRUST HERSELF OVER ANYONE ELSE. She’s been on her own for a long time, she doing her best. What I love most about Kallum, is how much he values Ailsa—her mind and willpower. He didn’t try to control her, even when she’s getting on his last nerve.
READ THE BOOK.
I feel like this book will be misunderstood not because it is confusing—but because the Black experience is complex. I don’t want to see non-Black readers trash this book in the reviews because they “can’t relate”. I sincerely hope that this Black Romance story gets the love that it deserves.💜
December 28, 2022
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022. There is just something about a brute with a heart of gold, saving a lass while sporting his clan tartan. And it was finally going to be a Black hero loving a Black woman, I've been waiting for that Highland fantasy since I was 13!
You can imagine how broken-hearted I am, now that my love has died on the vine.
A certain amount of misogyny can come with Highland romances, while it's a trope I could live without, it is common for the genre. I can even handle a bit of attempted rape or sexual assault if I must, but 3 ATTEMPTED RAPES???? All by different individuals? Does the author hate the FMC that much, or is she just that lacking in imagination?
Honestly, I think it's a bit of both, but heavy on the lack of imagination. From the main conflict to the romance, this story was underdeveloped, strange for such a loooong romance book. Oh wait, that's because everything was so REPETITIVE! Please do not get me started on how awkward the lead up is to the first love scene.
I realize I wanted a lot from this book, but to find NO enjoyment from it is wild. I wish I'd never heard of it, so I wasn't so harshly disappointed.
You can imagine how broken-hearted I am, now that my love has died on the vine.
A certain amount of misogyny can come with Highland romances, while it's a trope I could live without, it is common for the genre. I can even handle a bit of attempted rape or sexual assault if I must, but 3 ATTEMPTED RAPES???? All by different individuals? Does the author hate the FMC that much, or is she just that lacking in imagination?
Honestly, I think it's a bit of both, but heavy on the lack of imagination. From the main conflict to the romance, this story was underdeveloped, strange for such a loooong romance book. Oh wait, that's because everything was so REPETITIVE! Please do not get me started on how awkward the lead up is to the first love scene.
I realize I wanted a lot from this book, but to find NO enjoyment from it is wild. I wish I'd never heard of it, so I wasn't so harshly disappointed.
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