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Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts #3

When a Highlander Loses His Heart

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She was nothing more than retaliation against his enemies…until she became the woman he could not live without.

Set on revenge, Highland warrior Graham MacLeod abducts Isobel Campbell never anticipating his enemy’s daughter would awaken an irresistible hunger in him. But when his beautiful, headstrong captive challenges his will and proves her courage and honor by willingly risking her life for his, he cannot deny the dangerous passion she stirs in him. Suddenly, his agreement to deliver Isobel to the king who wishes to use her holds little appeal. Yet, with a battle for the Scottish throne brewing, he knows the king will not relinquish the pilfered prize. To everyone else, Isobel is a pawn to be manipulated, but the more time Graham spends with her, the less he sees her as an adversary and the more she becomes the forbidden temptation he must resist.

Isobel Campbell is a wanted woman, but not for who she is, only as the heiress of a castle that holds the key to power over the Scottish isles. And when she is kidnapped by her family’s bitter enemy, all she wants is to return to the father she idolizes. But she soon discovers that those she considers her protectors may in fact be her biggest threats, and the brave, fierce warrior she fears may actually be the one person she can rely on.

A chasm of distrust and an undeniable yearning flare between Isobel and Graham, along with the promise of unexpected love. However, in order to triumph, they must find a way to vanquish their doubts and build an alliance that can withstand the devastation of war and a king determined to sacrifice anything—and anyone—to keep his throne.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

973 people are currently reading
355 people want to read

About the author

Julie Johnstone

96 books763 followers
Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.

In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.


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Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
March 27, 2017
When a Highlander Loses His Heart 'When a Highlander Loses His Heart' by Julie Johnstone is book Four in the "Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts" series. I haven't yet read all the book in this series so for me this was a standalone book. This is the story of Graham and Isobel. Isobel has been in a convent since she was a baby and her father didn't plan on getting her out until she turns 18 years of age. Isobel's grandmother had left her a castle which has made her a target for clans wanting to claim all that Isobel has. If Isobel was to marry before her 18 Birthday she would have lost everything but now she has been taken out of the convent by her Step-Mother who she has just met. Isobel feels that her Step-Mother is evil and is up to no good which is quickly shown when she tries to marry her off to Jamie MacLeod. Isobel knows that MacLeod is a enemy of her father. But before any Wedding goes forward Graham comes busting through and takes her. But he is kidnapping her to take her to the King so that he may choose who her husband will be. Isobel is a strong, Innocent, brave and all around great leading lady. Graham is emotionally wounded and slow to accept that he deserves love and happiness. Overall I really enjoyed this story and hope to read more by Ms. Johnstone! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68https:/... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
March 27, 2017
'When a Highlander Loses His Heart' by Julie Johnstone is book Four in the "Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts" series. I haven't yet read all the book in this series so for me this was a standalone book. This is the story of Graham and Isobel. Isobel has been in a convent since she was a baby and her father didn't plan on getting her out until she turns 18 years of age. Isobel's grandmother had left her a castle which has made her a target for clans wanting to claim all that Isobel has. If Isobel was to marry before her 18 Birthday she would have lost everything but now she has been taken out of the convent by her Step-Mother who she has just met. Isobel feels that her Step-Mother is evil and is up to no good which is quickly shown when she tries to marry her off to Jamie MacLeod. Isobel knows that MacLeod is a enemy of her father. But before any Wedding goes forward Graham comes busting through and takes her. But he is kidnapping her to take her to the King so that he may choose who her husband will be.
Isobel is a strong, Innocent, brave and all around great leading lady. Graham is emotionally wounded and slow to accept that he deserves love and happiness. Overall I really enjoyed this story and hope to read more by Ms. Johnstone!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews73 followers
March 30, 2017
When a Highlander Loses His Heart (Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Book 4) by Julie Johnstone is a wonderful addition to this series. It can be read as a stand alone. However, I'd suggest reading, "When a Laird Loves a Lady", as well, this series is simply to amazing to miss.

This is the story of Graham MacLeod, a Highland warrior with many doubts and his jealousy causes him to react before thinking things through, which comes from his past insecurities and causes him much distress. Isobel Campbell, has been raised in a covent since infancy, until her eighteenth birthday, when her father sends for her. She has always known her father and brothers loved her until she learns the devastrating truth of their betrayal. Her grandmother left her a castle which it seems everyone wants, especially her father, it is a prime piece of real estate in the Highlands, for which her father would kill for and throw her to the wolves to have. She must be married after her eighteenth birthday to claim her inheritance. Which is why her father would force a wedding on her to a horrible man. Enter, Graham, who abducts her, with the help of an ally, on what was supposed to be the day of her forced wedding, which is when she learns some of the betrayal of her brothers. She later learns the truth of her father, as well. Oh and the man she's to be forced to marry, is none other than the despicable uncle of the MacLeod clan, which wishes to destroy them. Such a high octane story, the reader will be turning pages as fast as one can say, OMG. I was captivated from the first page until the last. And this story will linger in your mind for a while.
Well developed characters along with an intriguing plot makes for some captivating reading. Definitely fast paced with secrets, betrayal, learning to love, trust one's feelings, letting go of the past, and accept that you are worthy of love. Oh, yes, let's don't forget the danger, mystery, suspense, finding another sister, and the possibility Of true love and a HEA. What a thrill to read this fantastic Scottish Romance!
Readers will find exactly what they enjoy in a Scottish Romance and so much more.
Ms Johnstone never fails to hold my attention and capture my heart in one of her exciting stories and "When a Highlander Losses his Heart", was no different. She is a talented author to be sure. I always look forward to one of her stories with their family ties, their heart pounding yet, heart warming and intriguing plots. An absolute must read!! Highly recommended! I encourage fans of great reads, Scottish romance, brawn highlanders, feisty, strong-willed and determined lasses, to pick up this fantastic story of love, passion and redemption. Bravo, Ms. Johnstone!

I wish to also thank both, Julie Johnstone and her family, first for her devotion to her readers, and the sacrifices she makes, secondly to her family for all their sacrifices, as well. Thank you!!

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR



Profile Image for Dee Deacon Foster.
421 reviews21 followers
March 21, 2017
He was the enemy of her family.

Isobel Campbell may have grown up in a convent but she was sure of two things – 1) her father loved her and 2) the MacLeod clan were the enemy. Now she is free of the convent, of an age to marry and take control of the castle she inherits from her grandmother; what she soon learns challenges everything she’s believed.

She was his means to revenge.

Graham MacLeod grew up feeling like he had to prove himself; a fact that almost destroyed him. Now he’s learned from his mistakes but that does not prevent him from wanting the Campbell’s to pay for what they did to his family. Kidnapping the daughter of his enemy seems to be the perfect plan until she proves to be more than he bargained for.

Can people from two warring clans find love or will their families come between them?

Julie Johnstone has written another AMAZING hit in her third installment of her Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series. Even though Isobel has lived her life in a convent she is a smart, strong, determined, compassionate heroine. When she finds everything she believed in was false she stands strong. Graham – smart, brave, and a huge clot-heid.

Ms. Johnstone does an excellent job providing backstory so When a Highlander Loses His Heart can be read as a stand-alone (but believe me if you haven’t read the first two you are missing out on two superb stories).

I received this book at no charge from the publisher. The choice to read and review was mine.
Profile Image for Ashley Snyder.
23 reviews1 follower
Read
March 28, 2017
OMG, I LOVED THIS BOOK. Yes I know am shouting it but come on what an amazing story, it left me wanting some much more of Isobel and Graham. I just didn't want it to ever end, this is definitely a book you wont want to put down once you start. So here far warning and go ahead and call in sick. This is book 4 in Julie Johnstone, Highlander Vows: Entangled Heart series, and what a great edition it has made, they only keep getting better. However no worries if you haven't found the time to read the others this book can be read as a stand alone.
When a Highlander Loses His Heart is a story about trust, love and forgiveness all wrapped up in a tight neat little bow.
Graham MacLeod will do anything to get revenge not only for his sister but for the whole MacLeod clan, even if it mean sacrificing a woman life, whole just happens to be his greatest enemy daughter.
Isobel Campbell has been left in the dark since the day she was born, she was sent to live in a convent for her own protection. Only thing she knows about the outside world is what her father and two brothers tell her on there yearly visit to her that happens to be on her birthday. All she knows is the love and protectiveness of her family. So when she is taken by her clans enemy she will stop at nothing to escape them and return to her father and prove all there dirty lies wrong.
Come along and join the adventure with these to feuding clans, you will enjoy all the twist and turns and the sparks that are sure to fly.
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
928 reviews30 followers
March 27, 2017
Julie Johnstone has quickly become one of my favorite authors writing Medieval romance and the MacLeods, one of my favorite families. I wasn't too sure about Graham in the previous books but in When a Highlander Loses His Heart, Johnstone does an outstanding job of slowing peeling away the layers of this proud warrior to reveal the vulnerable and wary heart of a man who believes himself unworthy of love, allowing the reader a better understanding of his actions, past and present. Why and how he reached this conclusion lives at the center of his inability to trust Isobel with his heart and stands between him and true happiness. Isobel is a wonderfully developed character and the perfect match for Graham, if only he realizes it in time. Though she is innocent in some ways, she's also brave, independent, strong-willed, and possesses a heart filled with compassion and understanding. She'll need all of those qualities if she's to bring both the king and Graham around to her way of thinking.

Once again, Johnstone surrounds our main couple with a rich secondary cast that contributes to the story without detracting from the primary romance. MacLeod heroes and heroines from previous books have key roles, intriguing new characters are introduced, and the villains remain as diabolical as ever. Filled with political intrigue, fast-paced action, life or death battles, a proud, loyal, and loving family, and a heartfelt romance, all set within the vibrantly drawn highlands of 14th century Scotland, this is one more Julie Johnstone book that kept me eagerly turning the pages well past my bedtime. It's earned a place on my keeper shelf where I'm sure it will be revisited again.

For a richer reading experience and a more complete understanding of the MacLeod clan, and Graham in particular, I strongly recommend reading the following three books in order: When a Laird Loves a Lady, Wicked Highland Wishes, and When a Highlander Loses His Heart. I loved them all!

4.5 Stars

Book received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for R.C. Matthews.
Author 78 books285 followers
November 11, 2017
I definitely lost my heart to this story! I'm so glad I read the first two books in the series because I don't think I would've enjoyed this book as much without having known Graham's background so well. It's one thing to be told someone was horribly selfish and quite another to experience it. I was so curious to see if Graham could win me over. He was a major JERK in the second book of the series.

The story of Graham and Isobel really gripped my attention. I loved both of these characters. Even though I wanted to smack Graham at times, his motivations for his choices were rock solid based on what happened earlier in the series. Isobel was the perfect woman to bring him to his senses.

I think I would've hated living in that time period, but I love reading about it. :-) Especially when the heroines have a backbone like Isobel did. Great book.
Profile Image for Mel.
643 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2017
This has been my favorite Julie Johnstone book to date. I have read the three previous books in her Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series and they were all great books, but this one had that something more that I don't know if I can put my finger on it. It was engaging from the very beginning. I haven't enjoyed a book so much as I have with this one. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting. The story itself was completely engrossing. I was a full participant in the happenings of her world. And the character growth for Graham from one book to this one and then to the end of the book was fantastic. The plot was engageing and had me tense quite a few times. She created a perfect blend of broken, strong, confident, innocent, and brave for her characters. The complexity she has given us in her characters is what made the book so amazing. I am very much looking forward to book 5 and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,112 reviews13 followers
March 27, 2017
When a Highlander Loses His Heart is a wonderful addition to the Highland Vows: Entangled Hearts series. It can be read as a stand alone, but the preceding books in the series provide a rich background for this story. Graham MacLeod has a huge inferiority complex. Since youth he has been racked with jealousy of his brothers and guilt at failing to protect his sister Lena. Isobel Campbell was raised in a nunnery and is finally free and returning to a family she believes loves her, only to find she is viewed only as a political pawn by her father because she is heiress to a strategic castle. Graham steals her from her father so that the king can choose a politically friendly husband for her. That husband turns out to be Graham. Graham is determined to keep his emotions under control and not fall in love with Isobel. Isobel falls in love with Graham and wants him to love and value her. It is not going to be easy. Politics and the past are in the way of their happily ever after. Julie Johnstone creates an engaging, exciting Highland adventure. The plot is strong enough to stand alone as well as supply another segment of the MacLeod Saga. The hero and heroine are strong characters, but a little shaky in personal areas. The secondary characters, familiar from previous stories, are strong and supportive. Hold your breath to see if Graham and Isobel are able to resolve their issues and be prepared for a surprise at the end of the story.
Profile Image for Mindy.
2,104 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2022
Wonderful Wonderful Story!

Isobel and Graham made for a very very good story. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. I just wanted to reach through the book to strangle Findlay and his father. On to Book #5. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Profile Image for Petula.
3,086 reviews86 followers
March 23, 2017
Isobel Campbell has spent all her life in a nunnery. She is an heiress with a very valuable castle to come to her from her grandmother.
To inherit she must be over eighteen and married. Unfortunately that makes her a target to be used to gain the castle.
Colin MacLeod has been ordered to steal Isobel from her father and bring her to the king so that he can choose her husband.
There are a lot of reasons for bad blood between the two clans and our heroine has no clue who is good or bad.
Our hero has had a lot of upheavals in his life and is now determined to keep a strong control of his emotions.
Lots of danger and excitement. You might need some tissues. A very strong minded heroine and a incredibly stubborn hero.
This is part of a series but easily read as a stand alone. Although it will probably make you want to read the others.
I loved every page.
Profile Image for Pat.
358 reviews
March 27, 2017
What happens when Graham MacLeod abducts Isobel Campbell, because he's set on revenge, only to discover something much more powerful and life-changing?

This book is packed with action, intrigue and emotion. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made me crave for more. It was exciting and fast-paced. It had a strong and courageous heroine that I love so much. It had a hero who lost sight of his worth at a very young age who was in dire need of realizing he was worthy all along.

If you are looking for a book full of action and full of hope then this is the book for you. With its fully developed characters and well-written complex plot you will have a very hard time putting this book down once you start reading its story. Well done and highly recommended!
Profile Image for Marie Staton.
53 reviews
April 2, 2017
OMG Great Book

Graham and Isabel come together as a perfect tag team. The way Graham struggles with his past pull at the heart, as well as the pain it brings her. Speaking of pain this book tells how one can forgive another for wrongs brought about by the others family. I don't want to give away too much. Clan MacLeod s rule again in this fourth book. Love Julie's Medieval stories!
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,110 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2017
Steeped in intrigue and betrayal, this love story was not easily resolved. The characters are all well defined, each with their own baggage and unfulfilled needs. This story is definitely for anyone wanting sword play, flawed heroes and intrepid female characters in their romance books!

I gratefully received an ARC of this book to read and review and I enjoyed every minute of doing so!
Profile Image for Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks.
584 reviews67 followers
April 4, 2017
Author Julie Johnstone is just one of those writers who stays with you the more you read her tales of love and adventure. This fourth story in the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series, WHEN A HIGHLANDER LOSES HIS HEART, is delightful tale and a must read.

Highland warrior, Graham MacLeod has many times allowed his emotions to overrule his actions. Abducting Isobel Campbell, who has been convent raised since she was a girl, begins a domino effect of mishaps that will prove to cause trouble for both Graham and Isobel.

All she ever wanted was the love of her family, but when Isobel discovers betrayal from her own blood, she is devastated. Wanting to use Isobel for his own gain is a mistake that Graham does not take lightly, for the more he comes to understand this lass, the more he realizes that she is not a means to an end, but a beginning that can enrich the lives of all involved. Keeping Isobel out of the hands of his enemies becomes paramount and in that while their feelings for one another transcend all the strife around them...
Profile Image for Amy.
103 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2017
I loved reading this book! I received an ARC for an honest review on release day!!:) I loved the characters, and their progress, and evolution of their romance through the book. I loved the secondary characters as well! I didn't realize this was book 4, in this Series! I have to go read the others now:)

I was biting my nails during some parts, teary eyed in others, laughing out loud in some parts! A whirlwind of emotions! Fabulous setting and descriptions! I loved Isobel and Graham! Loved the interactions with the other Lairds and their wives!! Too funny! A great weekend read!

Amy:)
Profile Image for Barbee.
784 reviews21 followers
April 17, 2017
Book: When a Highlander Loses His Heart by Julie Johnstone

Series: Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts, Book Four

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook, of Tartan Book Reviews and Purple Tulip Book Reviews. Blogger of Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Setting: mild

Overall Setting: 5 stars




1359, Loch Awe, Scotland

Isobel Campbell has been in a convent most of her life. Her father did not plan on releasing her until she turned eighteen summers. Although she has always felt her father and brothers cared and loved her. Until reality hits her in the face and her life has been one big betrayal and turned upside down. Yet Isobel is not a weak kneed wimp as she is is smart as a whip , beautiful, intelligent, brave and kind.

The hero in the story is Graham MacLeod an insecure warrior with many jealousies that cause s him to act without thinking things through. He often speaks without thinking that also gets him into trouble. This is all due to past betrayal, hatreds and difficulties which makes it difficult for him to trust. He wants revenge against his biggest enemy The Campbell clan. Graham definitely wears his heart on his sleeve or should I say his kilt!

He abducts Isobel for reasons readers will have to find out as both Graham and Isobel start to face some truths, lies and betrayals. All Isobel ever wanted was to be loved and cared for. She was told lies and betrayals about The MacLeods her clans biggest enemy. Graham starts seeing Isobel for whom she really is and he can not be cruel and use her as his original plan. Now he only wants to protect her from his enemies and those wanting to harm her.

The love between these two only grows, but can it last? You will have to read this amazing book and find out. Another fabulous Julie Johnstone novel which is totally magnificent and brilliant. Totally remarkable and what a phenomenal tale that Scottish romance readers don't want to miss. Another riveting romantic adventure filled with drama, suspense, mystery, devastation , heartbreak, clan war, betrayal, passion and love.

This is one of those books that will stay you long after you have read it. This is the fourth book in the Highland Vows, Entangled Hearts series. I recommend you read them all! Although this novel can be read as a stand alone book too, readers choice.

I was given this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed and blogged this book. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

When a Highlander Loses His Heart (Highlander Vows ... - Amazon.com
Profile Image for Lady Whitbrooke.
406 reviews16 followers
February 9, 2021
You know it’s talent when you don’t really love a character in previous books and then all of a sudden he is an amazing heartthrob alpha male. Yes I agree that takes some real skills as an author. This author is truly talented and this is one amazing series. I highly encourage to read in order.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,464 reviews41 followers
June 2, 2023
Even though I realize that each book in a series is meant to lead the reader to want to read the next book, there are certain books that inspire me to read more than others do. This is one of those books; I am loving this series.

This is Graham MacLeod and Isobel Campbell’s story. Their families are sworn enemies, and for good reason. Isobel’s father and brothers are evil. Her brother Colin is the one who forced Bridgette (book #2) to marry him and Finlay forced Lena, Graham’s sister, to marry him. Both of them were cruel and sadistic.

In this book, Graham saves Isobel from a forced marriage to a vile man chosen by her father. The men in her family are intent on gaining access to Brigid, the castle promised to her by her grandmother after she turns 18 and marries. She has turned 18 and they plan to force her marriage so they can take the castle, which will aid in their coming battle against their king, David.

Once Graham brings Isobel to the King, David will marry her to one of his allies. Again, she’ll have no choice. Graham cannot stomach the idea of someone else marrying Isobel so he petitions the king to allow him. She enthusiastically agrees. Similarly to Iain, Graham denies he is able to love, and when Isobel declares her love for him, he pulls away and erects more walls. Lachlan warns Graham: “Ye kinnae hold on to anything ye dunnae fully give yerself to, including a woman.”

It isn’t until Graham almost loses Isobel that he realizes his folly and confesses his love. But they’re not out of the woods yet. After all, if Graham dies, Isobel will be free to be forced to marry again, so the bad guys are determined to effectuate that. The only solution will be to kill her father and remaining brother, Finlay. Graham has sworn to do this anyway to free his sister from the bonds of marriage to him.

Isobel is a strong female with a big heart. It’s inevitable that she will worm her way into Graham’s, no matter how hard he tries to fight it. It’s fun to watch her do it, though. Eventually, like every one of his brothers, when Graham falls, he falls hard.
Profile Image for Lela.
277 reviews
September 8, 2023
I love everything Tim Campbell reads.

My reviews are less of a review and more of a document of notes for myself because my TBI makes my memory unreliable as it pertains to stories and pretty much everything else.

I'm noticing a lot of crossover between Isobel/Lena and Brigid/Maisy from Highlanders Never Surrender (Wicked Willful Highlanders Book 2). Honestly, while I think that the bath and the company was a good start, I don't think it would be enough to fully heal Lena the way the story suggests.

Isobel fell in love really quickly, probably because she felt unloved for so long. Her time in the convent was abusive and awful.

I've spent the first two books sort of wanting to strangle Graham, and I spent a good portion of this book wanting to do the same. His stubbornness is taxing.

I'm still a little confused about Rona. She hated Isobel because she was a Campbell, then thought she was a witch, then said she knew Isobel wasn't a witch, then said "Die, Witch" when she tried to kill her... then killed herself? Did she kill herself out of guilt? But if she thought she was killing a witch, wouldn't she think it was a righteous kill and not be guilty? Or did she throw herself off of the cliff when she realized Isobel lived? Or because the caught Rona and she knew she would be sentenced to death? I just feel like that could've been a bit more clear.

I also want to know why Isobel's grandmother didn't visit her, and I want to know more about the witches curse and the MacKinnon.

I want to know who the King told of their secret path. Did he betray the MacLeods?

At this point, Collin Campbell is dead, Findley Campbell is dead and Jamie MacLeod is dead. That just leaves THE Campbell. Also, did he brand his wife the way Collin and Findley did?

I just have SO MANY QUESTIONS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,636 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2021
I purchased this as part of a bundle the author offered called HIGHLANDER VOWS: Entangled Heart Boxed Set.

I own 3 of the stories in the bundle and have read them out of order. I loved the beginning of this story and your heart will ache for what the h has gone through. She has been raised in a convent and worships her father and half brother's. As the story unravels, she has to make a choice who to believe. She makes some poor choices, but for the right reasons. Several times she endangered not only herself but the H and his clan. But, because of her caring heart, so also saved many.

The h's grandmother was a smart women. Even though we only actual meet her at the end of the story. The reason she held onto this strategic place was for her granddaughter to be able to decide who to marry. The h's mother didn't have the choice and it cost her. But, the King, knowing the edict the grandmother placed on this strategic property, chooses someone else. That was never mentioned that the King was going against the grandmother and he could lose her as an ally.

The H is one of those hero's who will never love because he is undeserving. This went on way too long for me and it caused my feelings for him to drop. This would have been a 5 star review from me, if he didn't treat the h with these feelings and hurt her over and over.

There is a lot of passionate lovemaking, within marriage, heat level 4.25 out of 5.

Many suspenseful moments, twists, many nasty villains, violence and intrigue. This touches on physical and emotional abuse. It is told after the fact but the aftereffects are awful.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance since the H fought it and steam. I recommend this author and series. (ljb)
1,603 reviews12 followers
September 7, 2024
This could have been a good story, but I really didn't like Graham and how he treated Isobel. Because of my dislike for him, this book gets only 3 stars from me.

I won't give spoilers, but Graham's painful past did NOT excuse him hurting Isobel so badly over and over. It would have served him right if she had left him, because he did NOT deserve her.

As for Isobel, I wanted her to realize that she was setting herself up for more pain by giving him her love, when he clearly did not deserve it. I could have liked Graham if he had been even a little less stubborn, and more willing to give their relationship a chance. I really didn't think that he deserved Isobel's forgiveness or love, after the way he hurt her.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Profile Image for booksofallkinds.
1,020 reviews175 followers
June 1, 2017
WHEN A HIGHLANDER LOSES HIS HEART by Julie Johnstone is the fourth book in the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series, and is another captivating and engrossing tale of love, secrets, and betrayal set in historical Scotland.

Raised in a convent since she was little, Isobel knows that her family loves her and when she finds herself as a pawn, she longs to return to the safety of those she loves. For Isobel is due to inherit a very important castle on the day that she marries, and for that reason alone she is in grave danger. When her world is turned upside down and she realises who her true enemies are, Isobel finds herself whisked away by Graham MacLeod, who has his own instructions on what to do with this feisty maiden. But as Graham and Isobel spend time together, they both begin to understand each other like no-one else ever has. With danger, secrets, and lies at every turn, can the man who should be an enemy be the protector and companion that could change everything?

WHEN A HIGHLANDER LOSES HIS HEART by Julie Johnstone has really well-developed characters that make you jump into the story with them. Graham is plagued by his past but yearns for more from his life. Isobel is strong and determined and I really like her spirit. This novel is fast-paced, energetic, and has plenty of sizzle as well as suspense. WHEN A HIGHLANDER LOSES HIS HEART by Julie Johnstone is perfect for historical romance fans everywhere and I highly recommend it.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
Profile Image for Joanne.
275 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2019
Okay Read

I have read several books in this series and I am glad that the main characters in this book were not subjected to rape/physical abuse (unlike one or two books in the series). It started out interesting enough then somehow the plot sort of plateaus and then picks up the pace only towards the end.

The hero is sort of tortured by his past. The innocent heroine struggles to deal with deceitful family and being married to the hero who claims he cannot love her. The characters of the previous books in the series are present here as well as some characters who will be in the next book of the series. This is a stand alone book though so you can appreciate it even though you have not read the other books in the series. There are sex scenes in this book but nothing too graphic.



Profile Image for iStarr.
111 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2025
Great beginning…

Book 3 in the series started off as a great read but by the middle of the book, the MMC is a tiresome boor. The end was almost anticlimactic after the plodding middle part of the book.

These MacLeod men though. For such honourable characters, they totally lack relationship skills when it comes to women.

The worst thing about this series are the cheesy titles. The best thing is the audiobook narrated by Timothy Campbell.

I do like series such as this that are a continuation of the first book with respect to the political intrigues of the historical time period in which they take place.
154 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2019
Good read!

I love the whole series. Graham had intrigued me from the earlier stories and I was waiting for his complex character to bloom. The author does not disappoint - this story has everything that she puts in her stories - the emotions, the beauty of nature, the deep characters, above all love. I just gave it 4 star because the earlier book in this series has me enthralled still, and if I can only give 5 stars to that book, I thought I would restrict myself to 4 for this story.
Profile Image for Moonlight &#x1f338;.
659 reviews97 followers
August 23, 2019
Lovely read in general!
The book felt like it was in two parts. The first part of the book moved so fast I could hardly catch a breath - or more like Isobel could hardly catch her breath! I loved her character because she was both firm and soft. I almost cried a few times. I’d read book 2 and was happy to see all the women unite. Marion is always a dear!
I liked how Graham transformed from book 2. I really enjoyed his character and I’m so glad Findlay is gone . Looking forward to reading book4!
Profile Image for Simo.
436 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2019
I would have liked so much more if the H was not the Graham we met in the previous novels of the series. There he was weak, whiney, and wicked and I couldn't stand him. I know he repented, as he keeps repeating throughout this book, but you can't become a Hero just like that, after you purposely ruined your own brother life! (Not to mention Bridgette!). I'm sorry but somebody that was a selfish monster for years and years is not my idea of a Hero. And between me and you, if I were Lachlan I would never have forgiven him! Or maybe is just me. You tell me.
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