Highland Song

The Highland Brides #4.5

by Tanya Anne Crosby

Gavin Mac Brodie fears the thought of becoming the man his father was. Driven into solitude by visions of what he would not be and could not have, he vows never to wed. But this last of the available Brodie men is about to encounter a wee bit of Highland magic...

Catrìona is no stranger to solitude. Driven deep into the Highland mountains, her kinsmen have become little more than legend. But no one knows better than Cat that you cannot hide from fate. Naked and painted in the woad of her ancestors, she appears to Gavin Mac Brodie ...

But is she flesh and blood--a chance for a future--or just a faerie creature who will vanish if Gavin dares to open his heart?

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

96 pages, ebook

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Reviews

[KatieV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick listen. Nothing too memorable, but it helped me clean the house.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

for being 100 pages this thing took me forever! LOL!
I think it was because conversations looked a lot like this, all the time

"Och, well, who else di ye think would help? All these bluidy cats?"

and

"Nay," she refused. "Not 'til you say go raibh maith agat."

It took me some time with every exchange to really decipher what on earth they were saying. Although I thought the language went with the time and location for the book, it was frustrating for me to, first, learn their slang and dialect and, second, to get comfortable with it. With every exchange, I knew I was missing a little piece - like the last line above, I have no idea what she's talking about?! "Raibh maith agat" rub my agat? rub math a got? I just..I got nothing....

But the story was there. I really liked Gavin. He was cute in his "I'm the brother nobody wants" but at least he was building a house and making a mark for himself. I also loved his blush, blood running red and his obsession with seeing Cat naked and painted (from their first meeting...LOL!) He was pretty cute.

and finishing a man's house by making his roof over night - that should impress any of them! You go girl!

my only other frustrations were the varying POV. I would like to just stick with Gavin. He was, by far, the best person to hang with. Cat just seemed....whiny? and sometimes inconsistent? And the others...ugh, they were just confusing! Too many names and people!
And the POV changes midchapter were jarring - I kept forgetting who I was with - we'd go from gavin to cat in one paragraph and then back again after just a few sentences.

and this was the last name I had to search for a huge challenge I had, so I'm very glad for this book!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but good. I really like this author.

[Drea Damara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin MacBrodie is sick of living under the family roof now that his two brothers are happily wed. Seeking out his own path he works on building his own home whenever he can steal away from his tight-knit clan. His secret project leads him to discover yet another secret - who is the beautiful painted naked woman that appears out of the woods?

Revealing herself to him only as Cat, he is sure she is hiding something and when he gets an inkling of what it may be, he can't seem to let his bachelor-sworn heart to betray the effect she has on him.

Full of charm, treachery, laughter, suspense, sexy flirtation, and lovable return characters Highland Song leaves nothing to disappoint. The best thing about this series is that you can read them out of order and still feel like you're discovering a new world and new characters.

And, damn it, now I want to read all of them!

[Kristy McCaffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last story in the Highland Brides series features Gavin Brodie and the woman who captures his heart. She's wild and irreverent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. All the other major characters made appearances, which was an added treat.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/15/2021)! 🎁

[Emmalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Song is the beginning of a series, and a novella, and I have to admit, I picked it up for three reasons: it was free, the cover art is stunning, and I was looking for a short read.
I am not a typical romance reader, in that, I like my romance to have some history and/or fantasy to it, and Highland Song hit my mark. Though I was initially put off by the dialogue that other reviewers have mentioned, I soon found it charming and enveloping. If I imagine what the story would have been like without it, I imagine it would have taken away some of the charm and absorption of the story, so what I stumbled over in the beginning, I adored in the end.

The relationship between Cat and Gavin is both intriguing and original…not to mention tantalizing! The secondary plot of the rival clans brilliantly worked into the main romantic plot and ties up beautifully in the end and a slow build between the characters has original settings that kept me intrigued and wondering.

The magical aspect just adds ambiance to the book—showing a bit of old-fashioned mind-set and mysticism.

Even though the book is short (which is exactly the time span I had for reading with two small kids!), it’s satiating and a complete story leaving you wanting for nothing when it all wraps up.

I have to admit, I really adore this book and admire the author and when I’ve got a chance to read something longer, I’ll definitely seek out more books from her.

[Melissa Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. Although I'm usually a fan of the Scottish/Irish characters. One thing! I wish the story would have been longer.


At one point a curse is mentioned, "...wondering if Seana and Alison would break the curse for Brodie women at long last." FYI, this is the first story I've read in this series. So I'll assume that the author had already explained it in previous books?

I couldn't really figure out what certain things meant.
"Raibh maith agat" Thank you?
"usige beatha" Couldn't find anything on that one.

One thing that was different from any other story I've read was when the author referred to the characters when they were confused. Or had another emotion like that. "Gavin's brow collided." I like that. The colliding of the brows that is.

When Gavin was digging the well hole I was confused as to what Cat was wearing. At times she's wearing Gavin's shirt but others it seems like she's naked. "He paused suddenly...swallowing as his eyes lit upon the moon of her arse...and the other secrets displayed for his eyes only. Don't tell me she was randomly lifting the shirt and showing her goods to him?

[J.L. McFadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start with my only real complaint about the book,it is too short; as I read this book I kept looking down at my kindling thinking that it was going by too fast.

I have read a few other reviews and I cannot agree with the problems others are having with the way the characters spoke(maybe,because I am part Highlander), for me it was a light read that flowed very nicely.

Gavin was troubled by his brothers' love for their women always being dawned around even as he was around, alone to witness this. He manages to come across a women on the run from a false King(my inner Highlander speaking) trying to marry her off to resolve a feud despite her feelings and even going to lengths of humiliating her.

Ms. Crosby did a delightful job of writing a a quirky off beat love story and I look forward to reading more of her books, but I am hoping that the next one is a bit longer and like I said, that is due to her crafting a great tale.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What does it matter what a mon believes, Gavin Mac Brodie...as long as he believes in something?" Gavin blinked at her answer, taken aback by the simplicity of it. "With faith there are no questions," she offered, "but without it there are no answers." In one fell swoop, she had slain both his curiosity and his ambivalence.

My first Tanya Anne Crosby book and I liked it very much; a nice quick read being a novella. I love historical romances set in the Highlands and this one was set the earliest I've read. I can't wait to read one of her full length novels to learn more about that time period.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Gavin MacBrodie is surprised to see a woman walking towards him , nothing strange there , except she’s completely naked and sporting blue tattoos, giving her his shirt seems the gentlemanly thing to do , he must have had to much sun .
Catriona has escaped persecution by people trying to wipe out what is left of her people, but they are survivors and for now she needs to keep one step ahead of them , maybe Gavin is her answer . I love this story , it’s a great addition to the series of Highland Brides , and best to start at the beginning .
Gavin is so sweet, and Catriona so feisty, they make a great couple .

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highland Song by Tanya Anne Crosby is a novella about 12th century Scotland and their clansman. It's about Gavin Mac Brodie and his brothers and sister with their spouses, and a warrior girl named Cat, short for Catriona, and her brother Aiden against the English. Gavin meets Cat and they fall hard for each other. The English were notorious for kidnapping a relative of potential kings and making them wards then marrying them off when they reach the required age. See how Gavin fights for his love.

[Whitebeard Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking to read a perfect blend of Highland history and just the right dose of folklore and Highland Magic then this is the perfect place to start. Ms. Crosby not only knows the tales of the Highland woods and the variety of peoples who inhabit them, she uses their very own language when describing their trickery. I found it so easy to believe every bit of magic and each surrounding soul. Highland Song is a pleasure in reading.

[Noreen Kellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The story line was smooth and moved ahead at a good pace. The H and h were adorable, funny, sigh worthy and romantic. The innocence of the H was appealing and the fun they had "playing" was great. Loved how this book gives you an ending for this series and yet starts the next series off. Am looking forward to the journey continuing. Hats off to Tanya on a really enjoyable romp! My only complaint is that it was the shortest book in the series...sigh.

[Ravven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I don't read a lot of romances since I find many of them quite formulaic. Tanya's books are different, and I loved this one. I need to go back to the series and read the ones that I haven't read yet, as their stories intertwine (although this does stand on its own). Lovely writing.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

This sweet novella starts with a drool-worthy Highlander, adds a unique twist to the damsel in distress and finishes with a love story to devour!

Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this novella, I was lucky enough to get it free on my Kindle from Amazon. Good story, and the author has four books about the family before this one. I liked this short story enough that I will check them out!

[Kirsten Lenius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance novella set in Scotland and featuring a hunky man in a kilt. Who could object?

[pianogirl05 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I only wish it were longer so we could read about them as a married couple. Catina's character was outstanding.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

[Nubia Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't bad. I really like it. Though now I have to read the other 4 books before this from this series.

[Anabela Jesus]

I loved this one,the first time that Gavin meets Catrìona...wonderful. This was my first read of Tanya Anne Crosby and loved it...Now i will have to read all her other books ;)

[Kyra Dunst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella. Gavin is a bit rough around the edges, but what you would expect from a highland man, and Cat is a saucy wench who smooths a few edges. I enjoyed the conflict and the humor.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gavin the pious, who irritates his family with his sermonizing doesn’t bat an eye when a naked, paint-covered female appears out of nowhere. This does not appear logical considering his religious bent. He most likely would have been preaching at her from the get-go for her immodesty and pagan symbols. He seems more curious about the numerous cats lurking about.

Cat, the aforementioned female, takes it upon herself to single-handedly put a roof on the house he is building. She is also able to water witch the site where a well can be dug. There is mutual attraction between the two, etc., etc.

This short story didn’t have as harrowing a plot as some of the earlier ones. HEA rules the day.

[Regiane Moreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah... que delícia ler um enredo da Tanya bom com uma tradução decente.

Dessa vez me deliciei. Mudaram a tradutora e melhorou muitoooooooooooo o nível. Não excelente, mas consegui ler sem ficar com raiva ou marcando cada erro e informando para a amazon. Encontrei apenas alguns errinhos que eram de digitação, mas se não chegaram a 5.
Este é a passagem da Série das Esposas para a dos Guardiões da Pedra do Destino, dando mais ênfase ao misticismo das Highlands.
Delicioso de ler e ver tantos gatinhos que amo... (gatos mesmo... os gatos místicos da floresta).
Um enredo envolvente ao qual dou 4 estrelas e indico, sem medo dessa vez.

[Sharon Kayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although wonderfully written, this book is very short, and there’s not nearly enough development of the two main characters. In fact, at least as much space is given to the political machinations of the clans as to why Gavin and Cat fall in love. Sadly, we don’t get to know Cat much at all even though she is drawn as an enigmatic, nearly fae, sort of creature. This may be because it is part of a series. Even though I enjoyed it, I’m not terribly inclined to read the rest of the series as it was all over way too soon. I know there is a clamor for shorter books these days, but I prefer a bit more meat.

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Gavin has decided to leave his family home after his 2 older brothers bring home new wives. He wants to be on his own but also feels something is missing in his life. He begins to long for love and companionship. Then one day Cat shows up in the woods as he is building his new home and is covered in blue paint and nothing else. A very interesting story begins.

[Landon Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although only 95 pages was a great book. Enjoyed the way she brought all the characters to together and they all worked for one purpose

Although this is a novella, I thoroughly enjoyed it, when I’ve read this authors books before. I’ve always loved the fact that she makes me giggle with her stories. Although there is serious bits in them there is always parts of it that just make you giggle and this was no exception. It was a lovely romance.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

The book was well written and the characters are realistic. You get all the feels with this book. Can't wait to see what happens next! If you have not had a chance to pick up the others in the series I would totally go and grab them and fall in love and understand the relationships and loyalty of all the characters in this book.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short Scottish Medieval novella revolves around a runaway, Cat, who finds Gavin in the forest building his home away from his kin. Well-written, particularly with descriptive details and historical accuracy, revolving around the way of life in the times. Ends somewhat abruptly, but entertaining in the telling of the tale.