My Wicked Highlander

MacDonell Brides #1

by Jen Holling

With Scotland in the grip of a nationwide witch hunt, Isobel MacDonell is hiding in England. But when Sir Philip Kilpatrick arrives to escort her to her betrothed in the Highlands, Isobel must face a harrowing journey through a land of fear and suspicion. Soon, however, Philip grows reluctant to deliver Isobel to the noble intended she has never met. Isobel has charmed her way into his heart...and yet her determination to use her magic to solve the dark mystery of Philip's tortured past could destroy them both.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Fantasy, Scotland, Paranormal Romance

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

Jen Holling lives in Oklahoma with her two children, boyfriend, and pets. She spent six years in the Air Force and holds degrees in electronics and behavioral studies. Her interests include reading, exercise, hiking, movies, music, and travel.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book as an extra that someone had and could ship with another one I wanted. So, I got it and another one in the trilogy. It turns out I like the magic books just fine. In fact, I quite like them. They're usually about healers or people with accute intuition or such. Not too different from real people, just called magic. This one was more than that, but I still liked what it added to the story.

I like that there was some 'real life' in this one - people acting one way because of honor or worry or such. (Not that many people do that now, just that it seemed to add an air of reality. Funny way to describe it, but still.)

All in all, I will look for more by Jen.

[Jess Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this in an op shop in Broome with the cover half torn and knew it was a gem.
It gave me outlander without the time travel and now I want to read more books with witches and with scots. I was expecting a little more steamy than it was, still had some but the torn cover and front picture I was disappointed there was not more. Read it very quickly still, any free time between Broome and the next stop I was reading this book.

[Ashley B - Cozy with Pitties · Rating 3 out of 5]

i give this one 3.5 stars, it was good but not great. i had it on my bookshelf for a long time and just recently picked it up. it took me longer to finish as another series grabbed my attention and i couldnt do anything till i had finished all 4. but i had to finish this book, i had to see what happened with isobel, and sir philip.
This was a different HR than i typically read, which i enjoy every know or than! i love scottish highlander books and the witch aspect was fun for me, i love paranormal as well. Isobel was a strong fiery girl, and lived up to her personality she annoyed me some but at the same time i loved her spirit. Sir Philip was my favorite in this book, he was so tough on the outside but so broken on the inside with past regret and i don't think without the help of Isobel and her special talents and love he would of ever gotten past them.
I felt like the ending happened quick compared to the rest of the book, like it was rush to end the story but i was happy to have read this book and will probably read the rest of the series sometime!

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, liked the dynamic and setting. The magic wasn't to much and the love story was good.

[chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars*

I actually liked the second book quite a bit more but i’m still so impressed by the writing in these books

[Muse Here · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Except the for the fact that I found it quite obvious what the cause of the father's illness was not long after starting the book. Now I'm starting book three and the characters themselves STILL haven't figured it out.
That being said, the main characters were both lovable and the romance was quite enjoyable. The sex was minimal and strategically placed so as to be completely believable. Overall, I quite enjoyed this book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in the MacDonell Brides trilogy and my first book by this author. The book cover alone captured my attention but the story itself kept me engrossed. Needless to say, I look forward to reading Ms. Holling's other works. The ending will grab you and not let go!

Plot - A-
Romance - B
Sensuality - B+
BOOK = B+

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best romance novels I have ever read. This was the first book in the MacDonell bride series but I read it last due to the availability of the books. Even reading backwards they were wonderful and I wasn't lost. I loved them so much I might re-read the other two now in the correct order. I recommend this series to anyone who loves historical paranormal romance.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Only thing I was unhappy with was the fact that one Phillip found out what happened to his sister, he didn't spill it about his step mother. I would have let that bitch have it. She was such an nasty woman, she deserved to be fronted out. Other than that, book was great. I hope we see Phillip and his sister get back together.

[Lillyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread this series again, it is one of my favorite. I am drawn to the love, magic, highlands and the stories. I had hoped to find some more books by Jen Holling, has she written anything in another name?

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only managed to put this classic Scottish paranormal romance novel down once thanks to the appealing characters and interesting plot. Unfortunately, too-obvious foreshadowing, a bit of repetition in parts, and typos stand between "My Wicked Highlander" and a fifth star.

[Detgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course it doesn't have five-star literary merit. But I rate by enjoyment. This is top-notch brainlessness.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best drunk reading ever - hilarious!

[Canita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful escapist fiction!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun a nice sweet romance

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but it really had me hanging on what was happening with the father of the girls.

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, that is all I can say. it was amazing, I could not put this book down I read it in a day and a bit.

[Minne · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good ;D

[Stephanie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luved it, can't wait to read the next book

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

so good!

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of Trilogy. Good.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5/5) I was a little hesitant to read this book since the FMC is a witch, and in most novels, I find that magic is either overdeveloped and too complex to follow, or underdeveloped and boring to read. This was in the perfect middle point! My rating for this book might be inflated since I had low expectations coming into this, but gosh, I really like this book. When it comes to romance novels, I look for four things: 1) big Scottish men 2) a protector/bodyguard/escort dynamic 3) men who are possessive and grumpy, but also gentle and emotional 4) a really passionate love that doesn’t start out sexually. This book hit all four things perfectly! Philip is a sexy Scottish man who escorts Isobel to her future husband. He also protects her along the way, develops true feelings for her while also slowly opening up to her about his past, and eventually, they get together! I loved Isobel, who defied the rules at her own risk to help others. This book also made me emotional. I had to keep taking short breaks to calm myself because the stakes were so high and the characters’ grief and angst so real. Unfortunately, the copy of this book that I picked up is in bad condition, and because I know I will be reading this again, I’ll have to buy a better copy so it doesn’t fall apart on me!

[brianalynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instead of the romance you’re thinking this is going to be, be more prepared for endless dribble on Scottish historic ideologies and the differences between Scottish clans. I’m Scottish and this was a tediously monotonous read.

[Christina Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were times in which I could not read fast enough! Diving right into the next one.

[Alesha Hubbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The end left a lot of loose threads that didn't tie up well and I didn't find the romance particularly compelling. I did like the witchy aspect, but it only went so far.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since childhood the heroine has known she was witch and surrounded by her sisters and parents she always felt safe regardless of how Scotland feels about witchcraft. Then her mother is burnt at the stake and everything changes. Her father sends his 3 daughters off into seclusion until it safe to return home. The heroine was sent to England and lives in the house of nobility. Her life is peaceful if not warm or loving but despite the fear in her foster parents’ eyes when they look at her, she has a happy life. But she longs for home. And then the special day comes when her father sends for her and she could not be more excited. Her travel companion is a very large Scottish man whom she feels instance attraction to. He's very stern however, and has the habit of saying things that either hurt her feelings (however unintentional) or dampen her glee. He is obviously a very private and tormented man but she feels connected to him regardless of his off-putting personality.

The hero was horrified by the idea that his friend would request the hero to marry one of his daughters and the hero was struggling with a way to decline without hurting the old man's feelings. But all he's been tasked with is to see the eldest daughter home safe to wed the Earl her father has chosen for her. Their relationship is rocky at the beginning. He is rather dismissive and controlling and she has spent far too much time running her on life. She starts to consider him a jailer rather than a bodyguard but she can't help how she feels for him. Their connection is fiery and constant. They just can't seem to help themselves as ever private moment they spend in each other’s company ends in a passionate kiss which they come to regret. The hero knows she's promised to someone else, an Earl for Christ sakes, and she's not comfortable with the notion of breaking that thread of loyalty to her yet to be introduced husband. Yet that passion is there, waiting for another opportunity to escape. The hero comes to realize his charge is a witch when she touch's a cloth and sees murder in her visions. But the hero isn't afraid of her, no he's afraid FOR her. He knows the hysteria of the witch hunt and that the heroine is just too eager to help- that's she's bound to get herself killed one of these days. Yet when she offers to help him find his missing sister, he realizes he can't possible refuse any hope of finding the young girl he feels responsible for losing all those years ago. Living with the guilt of letting her slip away while he flirted with a lass, the strain has put the hero at odds with his family. He denies his inheritance, accepts his stepmother’s hatred and blame and stays far away from his home as he can. But the heroine visions give him hope and it only serves to draw him in deeper until the idea of leaving her at her fathers keep to marry another man makes his sick.

The heroine in turn finds it harder and harder to accept the idea of never seeing her handsome Highlander again. Especially when she meets her betrothed and dislikes him on sight. So, she offers herself to the only man she could ever love and in the morning, thinking he know has a case to bring to her father for her hand in marriage, she declines. Her father is extremely ill and she can't possible hurt him in anyway, even if it means her unhappiness. But when she sees a vision of the hero burning at the stake for witchcraft, she'll stop at nothing to see him saved.

And yet another home run for this series. I adored it. The hero was so tormented and guilt ridden but there were sparks of humor and brief moments where you could see the true man underneath. The forbidden romance between the 2 was exciting and the idea that they just couldn't seem to stop themselves from touching one another was super sweet. It elevated from a touch to a kiss to making love and each time the hero would vow to see this insanity end yet then the heroine would give him a look and he would succumb to it again. Love me some Scottish men and I loved this hero to death. I also quite liked the heroine even though she was reckless with her powers, she did them in service of others and even at the risk to herself, she offered to help those in need. This included the hero whom she wanted nothing more than to give joy and happiness to when she saw his sister alive and well. It was beautifully written and never a dull moment in sight. Highly recommend this series, it's a winner for sure.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isobell along with her sisters, were separated at a young age, and Isobel was sent to England for her protection. Their mother was killed when accused of witchcraft. Isobel is a seer, and has the ability to see the past and future of a object she touches. She has had to live in fear of her gift being realized. When she comes of age, her father sends for her, so that she can be married and protected by one of the most powerful men in Scotland. Her escort back home is Sir Philip Kilpatrick. Philip is known as a man who can find anything. Philip left home, even though he is the oldest and heir, he is blamed for the loss of his younger sister. At first, he forces himself not to care for Isobel, a woman of spirit and passion. But soon he realizes that Isobel is everything he desires in a wife, but will Isobel choose love or duty to her family?

My Wicked Highlander is the first book in the series, and the first book I have had a chance to read from this author. I have had this author in my eye for some time...I really was excited to read this and I was satisfied from beginning to end. This story is set in the Elizabethan era. A time where especially in Scotland, the king had zero tolerance for "witches" and anyone accused of witchcraft, whether guilty or innocent was killed right away. This is what sets the stage for the story. We have Philip, who has his own past and demons to deal with. He does have some pain to deal with, but we see a hero with strength and who is trying to do the right thing, especially when it comes to the woman he loves. I really loved the way the author puts his character in. He is not your normal highlander. Running from his past and his family, he has to come to terms with those inner demons before he can truly embrace his future. Isobel, is fun and charming. She has had to hide her gift, but she does have a bit of naive personality when it comes to her gift. She will use it without thinking the consequences through. She isn't afraid, even knowing what happened to her mother. Even though she is a bit naive, she is strong willed, and loyal to everyone she cares about. She is always wanting to help others, especially when she sees something in the future that is disastrous.

These two are quite a pair, and they wormed their way into my heart. There is a bit of conflict, but I loved the slow and gentle romance that forms into a charming love story and is breathtaking from the first to last page. Guaranteed to captivate!!

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I worked at Barnes & Noble, I would often be caught flipping through books in the Romance section. I learned two things: that people think it's sad if an English major is drawn to romance novels, and nearly half of all these books seem to take place in the Scottish Highlands. Can I say kilty pleasures? Fine. Several years later, I felt vindicated in a master's literature class when Prof. Cappetti described the true beginnings of the novel as semi-autobiographical accounts of female subjects in medieval Italian courts. Her emphatic conclusion was that males had gotten a hold of the novel and turned it into a pretentious, brain/muscle-flexing bore. Inspired, I went to the nearest Barnes & Nobles, returned to my beloved Romance shelves and purchased a story about one wicked Highlander and the independent but fiercely wanton Scottish damsel who corraled him. It sucked. The sex scenes sucked, the characters sucked, and it sucked that I wasn't surprised in the least bit that it sucked. Still, the next three books I read were pretentious literary juggernauts that I had been meaning to conquer for years, so if you are looking for motivation to slay the mighty Ulysses (either one) then look for a book with a kilt and bursting cleavage and settle down for the following twenty minutes it will take to read it.

[Tonya Warner]

Sir Philip was been given the task of bringing Isobel home to Scotland to her father. She is to be wed to a man believed to have killed his wife.



Isobel is a witch. Scotland is burning all witches. Her own mother died from being burned at the stake. Philip knows she is a witch, but loves her anyways.



A very nice story.