The Firebrand

Highland Treasure #3

by May McGoldrick

Beginning with The Dreamer and continuing with The Enchantress, May McGoldrick's Highland Treasure trilogy captures the lives and loves of three Scottish sisters. Now, meet Adrianne...The Firebrand...A woman without compromise -- or inhibitions....

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Scotland, Historical Fiction, Audiobook

324 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

May McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.

Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.

Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.

Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.

The authors make their home in California.

Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.

MAY McGOLDRICK

Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist

The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)

Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)

Arsenic and Old Armor
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Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
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Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
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A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
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Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)

NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas

JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks

NONFICTION

Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century

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Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Kobo's battery died last night so I grab this out of one my many to-read bins. Firebrand is the last in this series I started with the 2nd book, The Enchantresswhich I LOVED. This one was ok but was defintley the weak link in the series.
One fun bit was Adrienne our main girl calls the love interest whom she instantly hates a Clackdish?
I pride myself on my knowledge of swears and insults, but I ask you what in the Hell is a Clacksdish???? I googled it and google was little to no help(which never happens) so I am gonna hold off on putting it in the daily rotation until confirmation that it is indeed an insult.

[Mary23nm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I accidentally read The Firebrand before The Enchantress , but I don't believe that was a factor in my review of this book. This book had a pretty good beginning and I thought the ending was well done, but a good portion of The Firebrand was filler and very dull. The hero goes back and forth about his feelings for the heroine, and she doesn't want to show him how much she cares. There are a lot of sexy times and most of it doesn't add to the story at all. It was just 'ok' for me. 2-2.5/5 stars

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great conclusion

This was a great conclusion to the trilogy although it probably wouldn't have worked as a stand alone book. The heroine is first seen in a cage suspended over the castle walls and manages to escape; if that is your sort of feisty adventurous protagonist, this story is for you. The hero is also likeable and well drawn, with a personality and some secrets of his own and the eventual conclusion is well thought out and ties up the loose ends. Great read.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firebrand is deliciously written and a thrilling conclusion to the Highland Treasure Trilogy by May McGoldrick. Originally published in 2000, the trilogy tells the tale of three sisters who each hold a piece of a map to a valuable treasure with evil men chasing them in an attempt to claim the treasurer. If you love adventure, stellar characters, and perfect prose, this series is for you.

The Firebrand features the youngest of the sisters, Adrienne Percy, who is good natured but also quick tempered. We first meet her hanging in a cage at the top of a cliff on a remote isle of the Highlands swearing like a soldier. The abyss charged with Adrienne’s care and well being placed her in the cage because she disobeyed her yet again (Adrienne has a habit of wondering off, regardless of the danger and without letting anyone know where she is going). As with any challenge that befalls her, Adrienne soon escapes the cage, climbs down the cliff, and swims out to the anchored ship owned by the notorious Pirate MacLean. Little does Adrienne know that Wyntoun MacLean came to retrieve her -- and obtain possession of her piece of the map.

While at first Wyntoun appears to be a stereotypical pirate, he is actually an honorable gentleman who goes to great lengths to protect Adrienne from his crew, herself, and most of all, himself. However, after a long internal struggle, Wyntoun can’t ignore the attraction and passion that ignites when the two of them are together. The sacrifice he makes at the end, when all the sisters are united (along with their husbands) is very touching and highly emotional. The ending is particularly engaging and magical with the three stories in the trilogy coming full circle to one very satisfying conclusion.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story published by Tantor Audio, which was narrated by Ruth Urquhart. Now that I only listen to books as my eyes are not what they used to be, I absolutely loved this audiobook update. Hopefully Tantor will publish several more of May McGoldrick’s back list, and I for one, can’t wait!

[Aditya / · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would've deserved 4 or 5 stars, because it was a great book. However, it was diminished by two things: 1) the man acting like a true jerk sometimes! And I don't mean in the beginning, I mean after they got together! 2) The woman apologizing several times when she had done nothing wrong, and in fact he had been in the wrong!

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The weakest book of the trilogy, but still pretty darn good.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wyntoun and Adrianne
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart

The completion of the trilogy and the conclusion of the mystery of the maps/treasure. This portion of the story I did enjoy. They mystery was kept going through out the trilogy without the feeling of a cliffhanger in any of the books. Great twists and turns.

The "romance" of this one was disappointing. Wyntoun was a cruel a$$ throughout most of the book including after they married (which was fairly early). When he finally isn't a jerk, it is unexpected. He didn't really grow to it. One scene he is his usual unkind self and the next he is being supportive.

I liked Adrienne, although I felt sorry for her. Sent away by her mother, ill treated by the nuns at the convent, lied to and mistreated by Wyntoun - my heart ached for her. Yes, she is impulsive and acts without thinking first. But you can see that her heart is good. She wants to be accepted and loved so badly that my heart ached for her. Sadly, she does not get that from Wyntoun. Even his "apology" speech felt hollow. More like an I'm-sorry-but-you-made-me-do-it.

But the wrap up of the story and the series at the end was satisfying.

[Emmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it was probably my least favorite of the three. I really wanted the hero to accept the heroine for who she was and love her flaws and all, but at the same time, she really did make a lot of terrible, dangerous decisions, so I understood his frustration with her. It took me some time to warm up to hero because he was pretty harsh. Even though it was justifiable sometimes, it's still hard to like a guy who spends a lot of time scolding the heroine and making her feel pretty small. I liked the conclusion to the trilogy and the small secondary romance that was thrown into this book.

[Diane Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll give it four stars for the history and the setting. Adrianne, the “impulsive” sister was ridiculous. Constantly getting herself into serious trouble, then berating her rescuer until he apologized for rescuing her. I’ve never been a fan of the “marriage of convenience “ trope. It’s still an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, with handsome men in kilts on ships slinging big swords around.

[Kbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Catalogue

AUDIOBOOK: Read 23 & 24 January 2023
10Hrs 56min

Narrator: Ruth Urquhart I like her narrations.
DID IT AGAIN READ THE LAST ONE FIRST.
Liked it, it was captivating and some LOL moments.

[Jewels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was a fitting end to the series
This story just gave all the good feels with all the good characters

[Roslyn Becicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the twist and turns.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrienne Percy, after her father is branded a traitor by the king from her family, is sent to one of the Western Isles, and to live with only those who would berate and demean her. Adrienne has always desired a home and a family, and having been seperated from her mother and sisters whom she loves, she has desires a place to call "home", so now she desires to leave the Isle, so when the Highlander and Pirate MacLean comes with a ship, she sneaks aboard, not realizing what the consequences would be. Then she finds herself at his home, on Maclean land, with his clan, and she convinces him to marry her for business and no pleasure. But the longer they spend time together, passions ignite between the two and both of them never expected to find such a raging flame to spark between them, and a love that never expected to experience, especially when there is secrets between the two, but will the love they share be enough for forgiveness, and to love fully?The Firebrand is the Conclusion is the Highland Treasure Trilogy. This is the second book that I have read from this author. The first one that I read from her was Tess and the Highlander part of a Avon True Romance Teen Series (that I have to say everyone should read that series, its purely charming and witty, and definitely some of my favorite romances, great for any age!!) Anyway, let me continue on.... So The Firebrand, the title focuses on Adrienne who throughout the book is referred to a Firebrand, based on her spirited nature and temper, and boy does she have one, but it is purely charming to watch her and Wyntoun interact with one another, things surely get heated between the two, and not only just their temper (wink..wink) This story is mostly based on them, and then we get into the mystery behind Wyntoun deceiving Adrienne, although we see that it torments him all the while. This is a story with wit, suspense, romance, and the beauty of this time period that encompasses this lovely couple that learn the road of learning to trust in each others love. I just loved this book, half of the time it had me laughing, and then it had me totally entranced in this charming story.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good 3.5 stars , but still not as good as the first book - The Dreamer.

Wyntoun and Adrianne are good leads - but they are a bit annoying.

At the end of The Enchantress we learn some of Wyntoun's secrets. And I wasn't sure if he was a hero or a villain. I still wasn't sure at the beginning of this book.

Adrianne was my least favorite type of heroine. Headstrong, impulsive and somewhat self centered. I will give credit where credit is due - she does change throughout the book - but not enough for me to love her.

I think the book was well written and flowed nicely - but then wrapped up way too quickly. Also as the end of a trilogy an epilogue would have been nice.

I did enjoy this book - but I think it could have been better.

[Tracy Emro]

3.5 stars

Good , but still not as good as the first book - The Dreamer.

Wyntoun and Adrianne are good leads - but they are a bit annoying.

At the end of The Enchantress we learn some of Wyntoun's secrets. And I wasn't sure if he was a hero or a villain. I still wasn't sure at the beginning of this book.

Adrianne was my least favorite type of heroine. Headstrong, impulsive and somewhat self centered. I will give credit where credit is due - she does change throughout the book - but not enough for me to love her.

I think the book was well written and flowed nicely - but then wrapped up way too quickly. Also as the end of a trilogy an epilogue would have been nice.

I did enjoy this book - but I think it could have been better.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, not exactly clean romance, so fair warning. This is the final chapter in the trilogy following the Percy sisters on their wild adventures across Scotland. I was again captivated by the love story here (though I agree with a few other reviewers that I slightly preferred the first two), but I was even more interested (even though I didn't think I would be!) by the conclusion of the mystery of the Treasure of Tiberius. Was not expecting the way that it turned out at all. The author could have used a bit more suspense in their revelations, it was hard to follow in some parts, but the story itself was great xx Another great quick read x

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Worthwhile.

A trilogy that is worth your time to read.

This last one is a fine story with a continuity error and a few wrong words.

In chapter 12 we are told it is the advent season. This is confusing, because in the prior book, Laura married William Ross just before Christmas. And this can't be prior or simultaneous, as Adrianne has already received the letter telling of her sister's marriage.

The mystery of the treasure and various characters' relationships to it is interesting. There is a satisfying ending, with explanations leading to it. Well done! Loved the MC's, and many supporting characters.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel where in this trilogy, everything comes to a conclusion. Suspense leeks in the air as you try to figure out who is good and who is evil in their desire to obtain the Treasure of Tiberius. Wyntoun wrestles with a love he's never known and Adrianne suffers to come to terms with that same overwhelming love. Love how her mother, Nichola, finds something new for herself too. And you truly are hanging until the last chapter to see who is truly good and who is very evil. Highly recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I"VE FOUND A NEW AUTHOR!!!!

May McGoldrick has written an exceptional Trilogy from start to finish in her HIGHLAND TREASURE TRILOGY and I'll be adding many more of her novels/SERIES to my KINDLE BOOKS READ LIST, in the future!

Once you've begun THE TEMPTRESS BOOK 1 & start to know the underlying reason why Nichola has sent her three daughters to the Scottish Highlands, you'll continue onward, to see if they're able to fulfill the wishes of their mother.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd in this trilogy where the last sister meets her savior suspended in a cage over the ocean on the Isle where she has been sent with her 1/3 of the map. Adrienne is a real firebrand and finds her match in another highlander who is a pirate. Recommended. Now I will read book one!!!

[Gina Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about stubborn....

Couldn't stop reading this one, clash of the stubborn highlander! Both characters had attitude and chemistry, loved this third installment of this series, wouldn't mind reading more about this family.

[Darlene Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

What a finish to great series! Has everything you need in a book, suspense, laughter, intrigue, romance! Was only sad that seemed character’s story didn’t seem to end but after reading several of this authors books know they will return later

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une fin sympathique et prenante !
L'histoire nous embarque et les personnages sont attachant
Une jolie fin pour cette trilogie !

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying end to the series.

[Lindy Studt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne and Wyntoun

I love a good Scottish romance. Throw in the Blade of Barra, and a devious little Miss and the story only gets better.

[Frances Bertles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treat

Great underlying story!. Three very different heroines. Repetitious sex scenes. How ever
the Seduction Scenes Where as different Heroines


y

[Kat W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the entire trilogy, I liked this book the best. It seemed the most balanced in story and romantic development. It still had much of the same issues as the other books (i.e., too much lust-based attraction, typos, character inconsistencies), but even though I say that I thought it was still a benefit that a previous book character was coming into the book partially developed and Adrianne was exactly the character she is branded as at least. Despite the lust being a heavy attraction factor, I thought the hero and heroine relationship building was easier to see and mostly convincing. The main downside of this book was that Adrianne did not actually show us she's a fighter other than waving a dagger around. Even Laura got more sword time than her. smh.