The Rebel

Highlander #0.5

by Julianne MacLean

The Rebel: A Short Story Prequel to The Highlander Trilogy by Julianne MacLean

The year is 1715 and the Jacobite Rebellion continues in the Scottish Highlands.

He is Alexander MacLean, a fearsome Highland warrior fighting for his true Scottish King. She is Elizabeth Curtis, a beautiful Englishwoman who wears the scarlet uniform of an English soldier and wields a sword like a seasoned fighter on the battlefield.

Enemies meet, and passions collide...in THE REBEL

The Rebel is a short story of 7000 words (approximately 28 pages). It first appeared in print in the MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE, edited by Trisha Telep

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Scotland

65 pages, Nook

First published January 11, 2011

About the author

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.

MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.

For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).

Reviews

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories can be a great way to be introduced to an author’s writing, but are often times lacking in much depth of emotion, storyline or character development. I think it takes real talent to be able to draw the reader in and leave them desperate for more, and with The Rebel, Julianne MacLean did just that. In fact, as soon as I finished this story, which is the prequel to her new Highlander Trilogy, I went online and put the first book, Captured by the Highlander on hold at my local Barnes and Noble and will be reading it as soon as I have it in my hands!

If the rest of Ms. MacLean’s books are as good as The Rebel, I’ve just found myself another auto-buy author.

[Megan Riverina Romantics · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Rebel is the prequel to Julianne MacLean's Highlander trilogy. It was only $0.99 from Amazon and I'm happy I bought it. I love to read series in order and I plan on reading the trilogy so what the hay right?

This is a cute little short about a girl named Elizabeth who is determined to get her vengeance on those dirty highlanders that killed her last remaining family. It mattered little to her that death is a part of war. No matter what, she wanted her vengeance. Even if it meant going to war herself to get it. However, she didn't expect to fall into her enemies hands. Now she needed the very man that she sought to take her vengeance out on to protect her from others who might harm her.

The good stuff

~ Alex. My goodness the man seemed hot!! No only his appearance either. He was such a gentleman.

~ Like I said, it was cute. I caught myself smiling a couple of times.

~ The companionship between Alex and Elizabeth is great. It's very believable and easy to envision.

The bad stuff

~ Where in the world was his accent? Yes we got "lassie" and "bonnie", but I missed "verra" and "doona". (you'll either get that or you wont lol)

[Jen - Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Scottish Highlander read. I'm on this Scottish kick at the moment.
A lively but all too short read set in 1715 on the battlefield which is surprisingly where the hero and heroine meet.
No hot sex scenes in this one but a lovely sweet story with another strong heroine and of course a sexy Scottish lad!

[Ashley the Magnificent™ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a few minutes to spare? Knock this fun short story off your to-read list. Doesn't really offer anything to the later installments, merely takes place before them. I enjoy this author's writing style and never-annoying characters, but I also enjoyed the .99 price tag.

It was a refreshing read, because I imagine all romances would be this short if you cut out the hundreds of pages of brooding and self-reflection and got right to the plot. haha

[KatLynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars Sweet, warm short story. Prequel to Highlander Trilogy.

[Sandra R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written - very short, but making me want to read much more from this author.

[Océano de libros · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hace poco que terminé de leer los tres primeros libros de esta serie y pensé que estaría bien hacer lo mismo con el relato corto, que igual me encontraba alguna sorpresa pero...

Creo que para desarrollar un relato corto hay que saber hacerlo bien y si no es mejor no hacerlo y este es el caso. En unas 28 páginas la autora presenta al personaje de Alexander MacLean un escocés que lucha en el lado jacobita, en el fragor de la batalla se encuentra con una mujer vestida de casaca roja, Elizabeth Curtis y ahí surge la pasión instantánea.

Ni hay desarrollo de personajes ni de historia y poco más que contar, que he visto microcuentos que me han dicho más que esta historia de la que podíamos haber prescindido.
https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...

[Julie Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1715 Scotland was fighting against the English. Alexander a Scottish highlander has just finished fighting a battle, when he is confronted by a young English lad. He is about to kill him when he see how young and scared he is and tells him to run and get out of there. Instead of running he uses his bayonet to cut Alexanders leg. Now Alexander is pissed and he hits the young lad on the head, to knock him out. As soon as he does, he sees he has just hit a woman in disguise. He is mortified he has hit a woman. When Elizabeth wakes in a thatched roofed house she doesn't recognize, she knows she has to run. But every part of her body hurts. Elizabeth has lost her entire family. Her mother years before, her father and brother to the war. Now she wants revenge. Alexander quickly sees her for what she is, grieving her family and lost on what to do. He vows to take her to her last remaining relative, her uncle, to keep her safe. So he must protect her. Elizabeth puts her trust in the man she just tried to kill. He could have left her there to die or gave her to one of his country men to torcher, it is a war and instead he protects. On there journey they get to know each other and there is an attraction that neither want to talk about but neither can they deny.

The Rebel is a short prequel to the authors series on Highlanders. If her full length books are as good as the prequel, I would love to read them! The sexual tension is there. But no real scenes. But the attraction you feel between the 2 is awesome. I like this book because they talk of true events with fictional characters. Very good. I hope Julianne Maclean contacts me and would like more reviews. Would love to have more of these of the site! Adult situations but fine for 16 and up (this one anyway).

come and see this review and more on juliesbookreview.blogspot.com

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

REBEL By Julianne MacLean
Prequel to the Highlander Series
What got me interested in this was that it's about castles and sword fighting and
based in 1700's. Alex is in the middle of a battle when he's approached by a lad and
the lad takes a swipe at his thigh. He uses his sword and attacks him only to find out
that it's a female.
Elizabeth wakes up in pain and knows she must get back to Argyll's camp. She does not like
Scotland at all. He comes and gives her whiskey for her pain and finds out it's 10pm, she's
slept the day away when he didn't even know if she'd survive at all.
He allows her food and finds out that she's there to take revenge for her father and brother
dying in the rebellion. Problem is he's looked at her and has fallen in love with her looks
and her wit.
Others learn she is there and want to return her to her village as a spy. Alex won't allow
that to happen, she's under his protection now and he will see her back to the only living
relative she has, her uncle.
On their journey they talk a lot and find out about each others families and interests.
She now sees him as one who loves his family and wishes him no harm. He returns her and leaves
til 5 months later he is back and proposes to her because she is all he ever thinks about.
Sounds like a good series and the time frame is ideal.

[Kit★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up some freebies for the Kindle, this is one of 'em. I downloaded it because I have the other books in the trilogy on my to-read pile. So figured it'd be best to start with this one, as I'd been meaning to read it for a good while now. It turned out to be a cute little story, but because of the really short length, it didn't give me enough time to really connect. I didn't feel like I knew the characters well enough. They were both likable, and interesting, but there just wasn't enough background info or time spent with them. It made it harder to believe that there was everlasting love between them so quickly. Still, it was cute. I liked how he defended her, and took care of her, and how he came back for her in the end. I liked how she was brave enough to follow her brother into war, and even braver to take his place in battle after his death. The story did serve to give me a good impression of the author's writing though, so I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series :)

[Chryssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Words written on paper do not a short story make!


I hate rating stories so low but I really can't but say that this was utterly meaningless! I wasn't the least bit interested or persuaded by the supposed insta-love of the story. In a few words, they clashed in the battlefield, he spared her life, took her to her uncle's safety and then returned after a few months because he was in love with her?
When did it happen?


It was but words written to fill some pages...ok, it was a freebie, so no harm done! Just an hour of precious reading time...but then again, such practice leads to appreciating the true worth of books...n'est-ce pas?

[Katie_la_geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rebel is a short prequel to The Highlander Trilogy and if this novella is anything to go by it is a trilogy I will enjoy immensely…when I get round to reading it.

I really liked this little story. It was short and sweet with characters I instantly liked. It was romantic instead of saucy and extremely cute.

I could have done with a little more but as a teaser this could not have been better.

[Angela]

22 September 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle

[Lita · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 2 1/2 stars. This was okay but should have been free on her website or something. It was very short and lacked substance. Definitely doesn't live up expectations after reading many of her novels.

[Listener · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short. Not long enough to really get into the characters. I liked the story though.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love story. If only life were that simple ...

[Sally Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like a book that captures my attention right from the start and writing that flows from page to page and carries you along with it. But this book the words seemed forced and stilted.

[Gemma G. Gegargas · Rating 2 out of 5]

No le he encontrado sentido a esta mini historia, quizás por es una precuela y cuando lea el primer libro entenderé algo mas.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew it was a short story, but WOW was that short!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Woman

Alex and Elizabeth met on the battlefield. She was trying to get revenge for her brothers death. But instead they fell in love at first sight.

[Otter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but way too short. Felt like I was speed reading through

[Belinda Boring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a mini funk the other day. You know how it is, you know you need something but for the life of you, you can’t figure it out. I wanted something to read that wasn’t too heavy, was a quick read but still packed enough of a punch that it had me sighing and swooning a little. Tall order you say? Maybe. As I scrolled through Amazon, waiting for something to jump out at me, the image of a strapping man in plaid called to me and the rest was history. THE REBEL was the perfect solution and straight away from those opening battle scenes I was hooked. This is the book to read when you have that wicked craving but have limited time to fully satisfy it. Not only did I love it but it introduced me to Julianne MacLean who is a new author to me and had me downloading more of her books. So all in all I’m a very happy reader who is now “funk free”

THE REBEL opens up to scenes where our hero Alexander is kicking some serious butt on the battlefield as he defends his rights and King. As victory becomes inevitable and the battle over, he’s surprised by a quick attack from the enemy who refuses to back down. With no other choice but to defend himself and fight, he’s intrigued and shocked to discover the “man” he just knocked unconscious isn’t a man but is in fact a beautiful woman. Hell bent on revenge, Elizabeth throws herself at Alexander, not caring that she is greatly disadvantaged. She has lost everything and the only family she has left is her uncle. Kept prisoner by a now amused Alex, neither can deny the sparks that fly between them as they open up about what is happening around them. This is a great short story as Alex vows to deliver Elizabeth to her uncle and departs, leaving the woman who is no longer his prisoner but whose heart he still holds. For me there were great sigh moments and it’s a great Highlander teaser.

I enjoyed the characters from the story and although I wasn’t able to see all the development that I get with full length stories, there was still enough depth that I was able to connect to both of them. I loved the spunk of Elizabeth and the tenacity she had to throw caution to the wind and fight in a man’s battle. I loved that she snubbed her nose at taboo and she followed her heart. I REALLY enjoyed the way that Alexander responded to her. He had the right amount of smolder and cheekiness to him, that cockiness I’ve come to expect from my Highland warriors and my only disappointment was that although I loved watching them clash and the way Alex flirted, I would have LOVED seeing them “clash and spark” together through a heavy make out session (Highland kissing is HOT) . I will say though that I loved Elizabeth’s first impressions of Alex – how there was “no justice in the world” that a man like him could hold such divine physical perfection. They really were a great couple and I would’ve loved to see much, much more of them.

I really like the writing style of the author. She knew she had limited time with the story and the way she wrote and developed the plot, grabbed me from the beginning. There was such a great pull to it and for someone who loves to be able to “see” what she’s reading, I had no trouble doing that. I’d recommend this book to anyone new to Highlanders and wants to get a glimpse of just why women are so addicted to them. There’s a reason why we all go ga-ga over a man in plaid and I can’t wait to read her upcoming Captured by the Highlander set to be released this March. Happy reading!!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book on Amazon as a freebie yesterday and, normally, (because of my demanding reading list) I skip right on by. But, this was a short story, sounded interesting, and was about a highlander...which all three combined caused me to get it on the spur of the moment.

It took all of maybe 20 minutes to read, and while the writing was fairly good, I think this kind of story plot would have been better worked out in a full-length novel.

There wasn't anything questionable in the book that I felt I need warn you about--the heroine is captured and fears what the highlander will do to her, but he is a gentleman and keeps her safe. They do share one kiss that gets passionate, but he leaves directly after.

So, all in all, would I recommend this book?...I don't know. Not really. There wasn't anything very "Scottish" about it, except for a (very) few historical details about the war. The main character, a highlander, doesn't even speak with an obvious accent--at least, you couldn't tell the difference between English Elizabeth and Scottish Alexander from reading the book.

If you are looking for a short quick read, this one won't hurt you. Just not as "satisfying" as one usually wants to be when finishing a book of any length.

[Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short prequel to the Highlander trilogy. It was a cute little love story about Alexander MacLean, a highlander fighting against the English, and Elizabeth Curtis, an Englishwomen who steals her brother's uniform after his death thinking to avenge both him and her father who died in the wars.

After realizing the solider he was fighting is a woman, Alex takes her away from the battlefield to tend to. While other Scots wish that he kill her, Alex protects her until he can get her to Edinburgh and the safety of her uncle.

As they travel together, they fall in love but neither do anything thinking theirs is a match that will never work until months later when Alex returns because he soon realizes he can't live without her.

Though it's the prequel, we don't meet the hero of the first book of the trilogy in it nor does it seem to have any pivitol moment leading to it other than referencing the battle at Sherriffmuir that takes place a year before book 1.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
RECOMMENDED FOR: Lovers of Highland romance

I really wish that GR had 1/2 stars... this story is so short, that it's tough to rate it higher. Especially since the next book (actually the 1st in the series) doesn't contain a word about the 2 featured in this book. That disappointed me. I kept thinking that they'd appear.

A fun little fantasy... an English heroine who dresses up like a boy in an English soldier's costume. A Scottish hero who is too weary to fight the boy, until the "boy" slashes his thigh. And then he discovers "he" is a she... and has to protect her from rampant prejudice and hatred.

And then, just when you think it's the end, it's not. *sigh*

[Dorine · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE REBEL is a short story that introduces Julianne MacLean's THE HIGHLANDER TRILOGY. It's a good choice when you need a break in-between novels, or just need a quick romance fix with a sweet love story. The couple meets in unusual circumstances upon the battlefield, which is realistically portrayed, so you get a feel for the times. For me, it's a good reminder to get back to the trilogy that I haven't finished yet and who can resist a free short story?

If you want to know more, see my review of book one, CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER.

[Jessica Chavez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Elizabeth is pissed her brother and father dead from war. She dresses up in her dead brothers uniform goes to fight. Attacks when skirmish is over slices Alex Maclean thigh open. Maclean smacks the holy hell out of her then feels guilty about it. Hey talk he thinks she's hot so obviously she's not a spy , something about dispatches in a hidden pocket of her uniform, home to Edinburgh 5 mos pass and he is back to court her the end....wait what? Who is the rebel? Not dumb ass Elizabeth right? Or Maclean for chasing booty and betraying his countrymen for a pretty face.....this book was blech..gonna flip through the next one but right now this author is not doing it for me.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story prequel to MacLean's Highlander Trilogy (Claimed By the Highlander, Captured By the Highlander and Seduced by the Highlander). I did enjoy it... although it seems so long since I'ver read the trilogy, I'm not sure how this prequel fits in. Lol. I guess I need to read them again.
But at a mere 40 some pages, it was a nice little read. (Especially before bed as I didn't fall into the "just one more chapter' trap over and over until the break of day! ;-) Lol.) It's amazing what a good story teller can get done in so few pages!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander MacLean, Highland warrior is relishing in the retreat of his foe and ready to conquer the next challenge. He doesn't expect a young boy to attack him though and when he tries to get the lad to stand down he finds himself in combat.
Knocked out cold, Alexander is more than surprised to find the lad is a lass and a beauty as well. Is she a traitor or is she acting out for another reason?


Short quickie. I thought the chemistry was there and this was an enjoyable story. Wish it had been a bit longer, but it was a complete story regardless.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this was supposed to be a quick novella. I also know that, during these types of books, instant EVERYTHING happens, which is fine at times. However, this one was a bit too fast for me on everything. I really liked the characters and how it started. I didn't like though that they spent a few days together then they are apart for 5 months then he comes back and bam! HAPPY EVER AFTER for the future.

I would have liked for this to have been a bit more fleshed out as in, more to the story line and maybe more character depth.