To Claim His Highland Bride

Guardians of the Isles #4

by Gerri Russell

Destiny claims they are mortal enemies, but their hearts say otherwise.

When Rowena MacLeod falls in love with the nephew of her family’s greatest enemy, her laird brother refuses to grant her hand in marriage until Marcus MacDonald can provide for his sister. Marcus, now penniless after being disowned by his clan, sets sail to seek his fortune as a privateer. Rowena waits faithfully for her beloved, but on the day Marcus returns, she’s kidnapped by a vengeful MacDonald.

Marcus lost many men while seeking his fortune, and he’s determined to make amends by sharing his wealth with their families. Believing he can now no longer marry, Marcus refuses to pay Rowena’s ransom, instead offering to take his cousin to Uamh Oir, the Cave of Gold, and relinquish any treasure found. When Rowena escapes, she insists Marcus marry her and take her aboard his ship. With their plunder, she’ll make a new life for herself far from him and her family—provided they don’t consummate their marriage.

As danger surrounds Marcus and Rowena, can they resist the love and desire that’ve been tangled up in family duty and betrayal?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Ebooks

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Gerri Russell is the award-winning author of historical and contemporary novels including the Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars series and Flirting with Felicity. A two-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and winner of the American Title II competition sponsored by RT Book Reviews magazine, she is best known for her adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the thirteenth- and eighteenth-century Scottish Highlands. Before Gerri followed her passion for writing romance novels, she worked as a broadcast journalist, a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, a technical writer and editor, and an instructional designer. She lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband and three black cats.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Claim His Highland Bride, book four in the Guardians of the Isle series is packed full of action, treasure hunting and a bit of fae magic as the adventures in the story progress. This book focuses on Rowena MacLeod and her true love Marcus MacDonald of a rival clan. Marcus left his clan in a previous book in the series and fought with the MacLeod’s. This show of loyalty gains him approval of Rowena’s brothers, yet he has little to offer Rowena in terms of wealth. The story begins with Rowena and Marcus parting ways on the shores of Loch Dunvegan as he leaves aboard his ship The Cliodna in search of treasure making him worthy to marry Rowena. Both are uncertain if the success of Marcus’s voyage will be enough for them to begin to build the future they desire together.

Let’s unpack this just a bit, not too much to give away the story but enough to spark interest in this fantastic read! The first two voyages in the book have Marcus and crew returning with unmeasurable wealth and yet Marcus is burdened with great sorrow at the loss of numerous crew members, and he feels he must make restitution to their families. He has returned a changed man. Rowena is saddened by the changes she sees in Marcus and quite frankly is mad he doesn’t notice the change in her as well! She is more determined than ever to ensure the pair ends up together. Rowena persuades Marcus to marry her, even if they have agreed it to be a ruse, so her brothers could not stop her from leaving to accompany him on the second journey. It’s not all smooth sailing as there is a kidnapping, feuding clan members intervening and magic woven throughout the pages as the story unfolds with danger around every corner of the second sailing.

This is but a sample of the nonstop action and adventure in this lively fourth book in the series and is truly a great read. I highly recommend it and anxiously await the next stories in the series!

In this book of the series Russell introduces the exciting new elements of sea voyages, treasure hunting and hints at silkie’s aiding humans in distress adding magical components that make these works a treasure. These elements in addition to warriors of the Highlands, great characters and research produce amazing stories. The books can be read as stand-alone, yet I always like to read each book in sequential order to get the most out of the development of relationships.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Claim His Highland Bride by Gerri Russell
This story starts out with Rowena and she wants to wed Marcus but he's a rival clan but her brothers’ like him and they see how they treat her.
He's heading off in the only thing he owns, his ship to gain some wealth and plans to head back to take her as his own.
Problems arise on the high seas and he loses a lot of men but has the treasure. His cousin has kidnapped Rowen when he returns and he is able to get her back. Rowena is part fairy and gets help from seals and other mystical things.
The cousin then kidnaps his parents and Marcus sees to that solution also.
The couple get married and she has ulterior motives-she wants an adventure then she can get an annulment and live peacefully at the family castle til her dying days.
He takes her up on the adventure as he sails the next day with her and his crew to find more treasure. He needs to repay others families for their losses before he can even think about his life.
Love the action, adventure, romance and the high seas and living on a ship and in the castle.
Rivalry continues on the voyage and love hearing of the upcoming treasure and where it's to be located.
About the author and her other works are summarized at the end along with historical events.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Claim His Highland Bride is the fourth Guardians of the Isles by Gerri Russell. The MacLeods are back with the sister being the most stubborn of all. Rowena MacLeod falls for a member of the MacDonalds, MacLeod’s enemies. Don’t think this is a Romero and Juliet story. Rowena MacLeod would never stand for that. Marcus MacDonald is disowned by his clan, goes to make his fortune, then returning to take Rowena as his wife. Of course, problems arise, family gets involved, sailing ships, treasure is sought, and a bit of fairy magic all come into play.

If you like meek, mild-mannered wimpy women then this is not the story for you. BUT if you are like me - love to cheer on the determined, strong, resilient, if sometime impetuous heroine you will love this story. I sure did.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth in Gerri Russell’s Guardians of the Isles series, To Claim His Highland Bride brings readers back to Dunvegan Castle on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Set mostly in 1743, this is the story of star-crossed lovers Rowena MacLeod and Marcus MacDonald. Though it is clear from the start that these two love each other it seems fate wants to lead them a merry dance on their path to true happiness together. I loved the adventures that these two embarked on. I loved Rowena’s stubborn streak and her ingenuity and I loved Marcus for his strength of character and dedication to making reparations to the families of his fallen crew members. This has been such an entertaining story, and I have a feeling there’s another book to come because there’s one more MacLeod sibling left unwed.I’m looking forward to finding out what Gerri Russell has in store for Kieren.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

#BOOKREVIEW #HAPPYRELEASEDAY #HappyBookBirthday #GerriRussell #NEWBOOKRELEASE #TulePublishing #Scotland #ScottishHistoricalRomance #ValentinesDayRelease

Book: To Claim His Highland Bride
Author: Gerri Russell
Series: Guardian of the Isles, Book #4
Publisher:Tule
Release Date: Valentine Day 2023
Book Length:220 pages
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

Isle of Skye, Scotland
30th, September 1742

Rowena MacLeod falls in love with her clans biggest rival Marcus MacDonald and against all the odds his love is returned! Marcus leaves his clan, family, friends and all he knew for the woman who owns his heart, body and soul. Due to his betraying the MacDonald’s he feared for his parents safety too, so he moved them into the MacLeod’s castle. Furthermore he is putting every shilling he owns into the ship he purchased named “The Cliodna” to leave Rowena to seek his fortune so he can prove to himself and The MacLeod’s he can support their sister and only then would they allow her to marry him in the lifestyle she deserves. Except this is a dangerous mission as anything could happen in these unpredictable, rough, freezing, high seas. They could be calm still waters or so rough they could throw every man overboard into a watery grave. All to prove he is worthy for Rowena MacLeod, the one lass who is the love of his life.

Therefore during these six months he finds his desired wealth, but with a cost of losing many crewmen which he feels very responsible and guilty for! Marcus wants to repay each of their families for their lost family member feeling the heavy burden of guilt. During this time his cousin Bryce kidnaps Rowena wanting to steal Marcus’s treasure in exchange for the lady he loves! He asks for ransom by threatening Rowena’s life, which Marcus refuses until he makes a bargain with Bryce where he comes on the ship to retrieve his share of the treasure. Unfortunately he decides to not marry Rowena until he sees her and all his feelings for her return. She is broken-hearted when Marcus claims to not love her anymore but makes an offer to bring her on his next voyage feeling he owes her repayment . Yet he has to marry her as she could not be on a ship without his protection so they must marry in name only. A marriage in name only and when she gets her part of the treasure she will move on and go their separate ways in her new life as a spinster. Unless of course she can change Marcus’s mind, except she doesn’t realize Marcus does still love her and only said he didn’t want her because he knew it might take years to locate all his fallen men’s families.

It turns out to be an adventure that will change many people on this ship. Yes, shall they all survive after losing so many crewmen in the past? Will Rowena be able to convince Marcus to stay together forever? Will Marcus ever be able to forgive himself for the loss of so many men and find the happiness he desires? Read and find out.

Gerri Russell is an author I have been reading since 2006 and I have loved every historical book she has written. I love anything connected to clan MacLeod as most of us Scotland lovers know the background, especially people like myself who have traveled to the highlands in Scotland. I know will be something magical as even tourists today in the Isle of Skye that visit Dunvegan Castle will see the fairy flag, Those know the Clan MacLeod history with the magical Fairy Flag, cup and Sir Rory Mor’s drinking horn, among other items that tourists can see at Dunvegan castle in the Isle of Skye. So you have to expect to find something magical in a Gerri Russell novel surrounding the MacLeod clan, like a fae, wood sprite, or a powerful seal or selkie in the story. I also like that you can see the battle of Culloden is too close for comfort with tones the English are coming in the background. Yes, the research is brilliant too. I am assuming more books are coming with a brother stolen by the fae. So I can’t wait for the next book in this remarkable series! A book you definitely don’t want to miss!

Guardians of the Isles Series
1.Return of the Heir
2.Only a Highlander Will Do
3.To Win a Highlander’s Heart
4.To Claim a Highland Bride

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from Tule Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advance copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.

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[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good story! Rowena MacLeod and Marcus MacDonald were in love and wanted to marry, even though they were from enemy clans. After a heartfelt and teary goodbye, Marcus sails off to make his fortune as a privateer and Rowena promises to wait for him. Six months later Marcus returns, a changed man, only to discover that his cousin Bryce has kidnapped Rowena. Bryce insists that he will harm Rowena if Marcus doesn’t hand over all his riches. As Marcus had already decided that he no longer felt the same about Rowena, and had designated his portion of the loot to be divided among the families of the thirty-two men who died trying to retrieve it, he declines to pay the ransom. Meanwhile, Rowena manages to escape, with some selkie help, and is unprepared for Marcus’ lackluster greeting. Fast forward over another abduction, a hasty marriage, the promise of an annulment, and a bargain with Bryce….and they are sailing to retieve more treasure. They face many dangers, not the least of which is Marcus and Rowena trying to keep their hands off of each other, before they are successful. You will find falling sails, locked doors, fairy fear and fairy magic, appeals to dieties, earthquakes, tidal flooding and one harrowing, breath holding escape. There are heartbreaking moments, steamy encounters, times of terror, ghostly visits and a scene between the crew and their captain that will grab your heart and fill your eyes. I was hooked from beginning to end, riding the emotional and physical waves along with Rowena and Marcus as they moved towards their hearts’ desires. I highly recommend it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

To Claim His Highland Bride is the fourth title in the Guardians of the Isles series, and brings us Rowena’s and Marcus’s eventful romance.

We’ve met Rowena and Marcus in previous titles in this series, their love is determined yet challenged by Marcus’s loyalty to Rowena’s clan (helping during an epic battle), and the fact that he is now penniless having been tossed out of his own clan, when he took up his sword to fight for Rowena’s side of this feud. Her brother will only approve the betrothal when Marcus can prove he can provide for his sister. So, treasure hunting privateer, it is!

Their story takes us through their adventures, good and bad, along with long absences, a kidnapping, found treasure, battles, and accepting the changes in each other that time and circumstances have brought about.

To say that To Claim His Highland Bride by Gerri Russell is action-packed would be an understatement. And I loved every page of it. If you love to get lost in a well-written historical romance full of intrigue, passion, danger, battles, and very stubborn people, then you’d feel right at home with this one. I enjoyed myself immensely, and believe you would, too.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Tiffany P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard read for me. I am still trying you make myself finish the book, but I don’t know if I can. The heroine makes no sense to me. The character seems a bit contradictory to her character in previous books. Her attitude towards her brothers seems unreasonable and unfair. The hero and heroine start the book separated, and then when reunited she manipulates him into getting her way and it starts with a lie. They embark on a journey as “friends” with an enemy that has tried to hurt them both multiple times. I have a hard time relating to or liking any if the characters except the hero. I feel no empathy or believe that redemption, in my eyes, is possible. This seems more of a story of pirate treasures, abandonment issues, and feelings of selfish entitlement instead of a love story. There was a lot of time spent detailing the tales of the sea, the ship, and the internal feelings of the characters, but the story just fell flat. Not enough true romance, but if you like a story of pirate treasures, villains that won’t quit, and a couple with one trying to fight their feelings and the other lying about her intentions, then this may appeal to you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series... Marcus and Rowena's story. In the previous book he has left his clan to be with her. Now he feels the need to prove himself worthy of her by finding his own wealth. He leaves on a voyage and promises Rowena he will return for her. During the voyage he suffers the loss of some of his men and the guilt changes him. Upon his return he intends to left Rowena down gently and go on to compensate the families of the men lost. After they agree to no longer be together, he finds Rowena in danger. The more time they spend together the harder it is for them to ignore their feelings. Can Marcus let go of the past and open his heart to Rowena? Can Rowena convince Marcus that she is stronger than he believes and that he really does love her? Nice conclusion of Marcus and Rowena's story.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance filled with obstacles, magic, adventure and love. I loved Rowena and her strong, feisty resilience. Marcus was a man of honor, dedication to others and a soul burdened. His hope to prove himself as worthy of Rowena has failed in his mind. When he decides to let Rowena go, her heart breaks but she devises a plan to establish her own future. A fake marriage and sailing the seas for treasure together provide adventure, danger faced around every corner and a chance at a forever love. Looking forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely romance.

Great story. I got caught up the first page and was only going to read for the 15 minutes before bedtime but I couldn't put it down and went thru the night until I finished. It was an exciting adventure and finished the way a good serial should-- leaving me wholly satisfied but longing for more. I highly recommend it

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this strong couple whose bond is stronger than they believe even after a time and experiences apart. I also like the secondary characters, specially Bryce, who is actually persistent and hardworking if he only he didn’t focus on jealousy. Love this series and looking forward to the next ones.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus and Rowena have so many twists to their happily ever after. there are many wonderful characters including some with their own romances to come, I'm sure. I love the magical elements filled with Highlands folklore and the powerful loves of the MacLeod clan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rowena says goodbye to Marcus as he departs (after declaring their love and betrothal) to make fis fortune and return. Meanwhile events occur for Marcus in the process and he returns with douand a dilemma. They finally work through ot to their hea

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth book in the Gaurdians of the Isle series is a fantastic historical romance full of action, adventure, sea voyages, treasure hunting, and a bit of fae magic. I really enjoyed the characters and their path to love. I highly recommend reading!

[Angela Noon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the whole series. Hoping there will be another about finding Kieran