Beneath A Highland Moon

The Highland Moon #1

by Gwyn Brodie

After her clan's castle falls under siege, the fair-haired Lady Jillian MacRae finds a way to escape with her four-year-old brother, seeking help from the handsome Kade MacLachlan, laird and master of Ravenskull Castle. Four years past their love had been strong—until her father betrothed her to another man who was later killed. Now, it is Kade she turns to for help in regaining control of her own castle from the wicked man who has taken over and intends to marry her. Once she is again face-to-face with Kade, she realizes the love she thought she'd put aside is alive and thriving.
Kade is speechless when the beautiful Jillian offers herself to him in exchange for protecting her young brother and banishing the intruders from her castle—an offer he is more than willing to accept. He has no intention of allowing her to slip through his fingers again. And when her life hangs in the balance, he will not let anything—or anyone—stop him from saving her, even as his own life dangles by a thread.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Scotland, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Love Story

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2013

Reviews

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in my element reading Beneath a Highland Moon by Gwyn Brodie. I really enjoy the books about the Scottish highlands. This one started with a broken hearted Jillian McRae being betrothed to someone other than her love Kade MacLachlan. Four years pass, Jillian never married. Kade married and lost his son and wife in child birth 2 years prior. Jillian is awakened to fighting in the great hall. She goes and grabs Ian, her 4 year old brother and tries to open the passageway to the tunnels in the castle. She wakes up the nursemaid and tells her to hide Ian in the tunnels. She finds her father's evil, ruthless cousin sitting in her deceased father's chair. Her father died a month ago in a hunting accident. He plans to eventually kill Ian so he can have the baron title along with her father's wealth. Shortly Jilly and Ian escape the castle and head to Ravenskull Castle for assistance. On the way Jillian is clubbed by a highwayman. They flee to Ravenskull where Jilly faints. Kade agrees to foster Ian and marry her and rid Gordon from the castle. Gordon MacRae runs from the castle and escapes on a stolen horse. He kidnaps Jillian telling her he left Kade for dead and he's going to ravish her and kill her. Will Kade make it in time to rescue Jilly? Will Gordon get away with murder? Discover for yourself.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 1 out of 5]

++SPOILERS++

I stopped skimming and quit at 20%

The pace was too fast with large chunks of time missing. The antagonists were too cartoonish and the actions of the heroine as well as the plot were unrealistic and illogical.


This was free thank goodness on KU.

Not for me.

Cannot comment on safety because I did not finish.

[Patty McKenna Van Hulle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwyn Brodie

How is a Highlander beauty going to kick her evil and creepy cousin's a$$ out of her castle? With the help of a yummy KILT wearing Scot, that's how!

Lady Jillian MacRae is a Highland beauty with a heart of Gold! She is also very courageous and fights with everything she has for the ones she loves! Jillian has always been captivated by her neighbor Kade MacLachlan, but their love would never be because of her betrothal, who later dies. After her mother dies in childbirth, Jillian gives her life and heart to her little brother, Ian, and helps her grieving father, Baron Lochstorm, with Lochstorm Castle. When her father dies in a riding accident, her cruel and evil cousin, Gordon MacRae, attacks her home and she must flee (with Winnie and Roderick's help) before he marries her and kills her brother. Who will help her protect Ian and take Lochstorm back?

Kade MacLachlan has always craved, loved and wanted his Jilly, but when he asked for her hand, he was told of her 2 week old betrothal contract and was devastated. Since he can't have Jilly, he marries Isabelle and does grow to love her until her and his son's death in childbirth. He has great childhood friends that he trusts and help him through his grieve. Now he is lonely and has become the new Laird of Ravenskull Castle, but Jilly is always in the back of his mind. Kade misses her sweet and passionate kisses. Will he ever see her again?

When Kade and Jilly meet again, she offers herself to him if he will protect Ian and help her run Gordon from Lochstorm Castle. Kade agrees to her plan and they begin the time honor tradition of wooing, marrying and finally unleashing their passions and it only takes Kade 2 days to do it. On their wedding night, Jilly holds nothing back and embraced her inner sex kitten and Kade is such a happy groom. As they prepare for battle, these 2 can't keep their lips and hands off each other and their clothes are always falling off. Jilly tells Kade that she wants to ride to Lochstorm with him and he tells her, "NO!" Will Jilly take her life in her hands and ride anyway? Can Kade kick Gordon out on his a$$? Who will protect Ian? Will Jilly and Kade's love be strong enough to protect both Ravenskull and Lochstorm?

This is my first Gwyn Brodie tale and I don't usual like stories in the 1600s, but her love for Scotland on Facebook snagged me. Plus a yummy KILT wearing Scot is always a bonus. And yes, Kade does wear his with proud and he always carries an extra one to warm up a cold female. Ms. Brodie writes with believable characters who have huge Highland hearts and courage. Jillian is a beauty, but she is so much more. Her heart is her greatest strength and she will fight with her teeth, nails, legs and if needed, her trusty Sgian-dubh! Her heart is also her biggest weakness because she leaps then looks and that is always trouble. Kade is a strong, yummy, sexy and did I mention the whole KILT wearing thing, Scot. He has strength, but his intellect and passionate sense of right and wrong make him the amazing Highlander he is. Now let's chat about the steamy scenes, Ms. Brodie did make my Kindle sizzle, steam up and some sparks were involved and I am very GRATEFUL because it would not be a great Scottish romance tale without it. Ms. Brodie has made me love her Scotland and I can't wait to read her next Highlander tale. She has earned my score of 4 fingers up and 8 toes and I am (insert pompoms here) her newest FAN!

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good storyline..

I really liked this story and I can certainly see myself reading the others in this series. I’ve gotten to the point that I look for these smaller books instead the 300 and 400 pages books that become so drawn out and repetitive that they become boring. 177 pages and plenty of vivid descriptions and an entertaining story, including a siege, a horrible man taking over the castle, the threat that she would have to marry the creep, the escape with her 4 year old brother, the escape from the highwayman who just about killed her with a blow to the back of the head, the return to the man she’s loved since she was 14 years old, their marriage, then the taking of Lochstorm back from Gordon MacRae, then him escaping, then him capturing Jillian, and on and on.

The one thing I didn’t like was when Kade left her sleeping when he went off to try to take back Lochstorm and she ended up following him. It makes perfect sense for him not to want her there so he doesn’t have to worry about her safety. I know a lot of authors do the same kind of thing thinking it makes the heroine appear strong but in actuality it makes her look stupid and uncaring about what anyone wants but her. I won’t tell you what happened but it showed how stupid she was and I do hate stupid heroines.

I really did like the other characters: Galen, Ian, Winnie and Roderick.

There was a little sexual tension and a lot of chemistry between Kade and Jillian so that was nice, too. The sex was simple and hardly descriptive at all. But that was ok since the story was good.

I can tell you that these people were very polite. I just started getting real tired of “much thanks.” So, I looked up how many times it was said. In a 177 page book it was used 45 times. That’s a lot when you think about it. But, at least, they were thankful.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, I really liked this novella! I will be looking for more books from Gwyn Brodie. The heroine and hero fell in love four years prior, she didn't know that her father had betrothed her to another man. After her father refused to let her marry the hero, she is upset, but resigned. She never marries, her betrothed dies, and then her father dies. She needs help and goes back to the hero for help. The description makes you think that maybe he dislikes her because he couldn't marry her four years ago, that isn't the case. He jumps at the chance to marry her when she arrives at his home, he is still in love with her. Really good, really sweet story, that I really enjoyed. Sex was a little steamy, has promise, most novellas are a little tamer, so maybe in a full length book the sex will be hot. Will be looking forward to another book by this author!

[Kathy]

Some loves are just meant to be...

Kade and Jillian friends in their youth,
grow to love each other then are separated as Jilly's father has betrothed her to another. Time and distance do not squelch their feelings for each other but many obstacles lay in the path of their reuniting. Upon the death of her parents Jillian tries to protect their home for her younger brother, the rightful heir but when the child is only four this becomes quite the challenge.

I loved all the characters in the story. The author does a great job of creating believable and amazing characters. My first read by this author and I look forward to many more.

[Emmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book took 30 pages at the beginning to get set up a plot device that could've easily been explained (even used by the heroine) in 5 pages and spared us the long boring anticlimactic start. The romance was too simplistic, no real conflict to keep them apart. Villain was also flat. Sex scenes were also flat and vanilla. The whole book was vanilla.

[A.C. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read Highland Romance novels and Beneath a Highland Moon didn't disappoint. Gwyn Brodie has woven a beautiful love story mixed with loss, intrigue, destiny and passion. I would recommend this author to anyone who wants a Highland experience!

[Nubia Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Scots stories is simply amazing!! Though the villain seems so stubborn which is quite annoying, but still made it impossible for this cute couple to be together. Kade and Jillian are just the best couple ever! :)

[Marisa Valle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise. The relationship developed naturally between the two main characters without any of the stupid misunderstandings or stubborn hangups that so often appear in these historical romances. They were kind of perfect for each other. Can't to wait read more from this author.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I can wait to read the the next book in the series Once in a Highland Moon! I like that it moved at a face pace.

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath a Highland Moon has everything one would expect in a Scottish historical but there’s nothing for me that sets it apart either... if that makes sense? That’s not to say it isn’t good, because it is. It’s a solid read, easy to follow, with a wide array of intriguing characters, enough action and adventure to keep a person interested, it has a sound plot too. I just had a really hard time connecting with the characters and understanding them. They didn’t seem completely real to me. Distant and beyond my reach I guess is what I mean. I’d of liked to see them come alive just a little bit more. That’s really my only complaint with this story. It was a good read, a nice diverting story. 3.5 stars.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this book it was simply love at first chapter.

The strong willed woman in this story, paired with a heart of gold man. Only to be topped off with an adorable younger brother who could steal anyone's hearts (including mine).

Set in a Scottish setting in older times, there were no cars or technology. Everything was see almost as a "savage" way from people who came from higher classes. Still with its setting, this book easily stole my heart.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Loved the strong characters and great story. First book I have read from this author and it won't be the last. I am pleased there is more to this series.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

A keeper for sure. I found myself being drawn into the story right from the beginning. Jillian and Kade romance started out right away and although miles and years pulled them apart along with life, if was nice to know that true love always finds its way back to you. Makes you believe in true love all over again.

Jillian finds that she is in desperate need of a hero. Kade fits the bill. Kade at one time had asked for Jillian’s hand in marriage only to be turned down because she was promised to someone else. Years later Jillian’s parents have died. She has to protect her young brother when her cousin comes to try and take over the keep and what is rightfully hers. The only one she can turn to and trust is Kade.

Jillian and her very young brother find Kade. The intensity in which they were in love when they were younger is still there.

She offers herself to Kade for protection in return. Circumstances kept getting in the way of their HEA.

I loved the characters they were easy to fall in love with. They were realistic. Even the evil, leering cousin was very lifelike. Jillian was very loyal to her brother knowing that no matter what happened to her she had to keep him safe. Kade was the perfect hero. He was strong, sexy, gentle and very protective. He was definitely {{{{sigh}}} worthy. Ms. Brodie did do an excellent job of the description of the kisses that left steam lifting off the pages…and me wanting more.

I loved the fierce loyalty of the servants even knowing that they could at any time be beaten…and yet they never once faulted in their love for Jillian and Ian. Kade had some trusted friends who went to great lengths to help him also.

The Highlands have always drawn me to them however; I really would have enjoyed a bit more of the description of the said highlands and also of the castles/keeps. Overall this is a very nice start and I am looking forward to the next in the series. No mention of the men wearing Kilts…I guess I will use my imagination.

[Vonda Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and emotional story with lots of suspense and action. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it!

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 It was free. I wish I could rate it higher. It was not well written and the storyline was really not very good. I wouldn't read any others by this author.

[Reka Beezy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate romance novels with a stupid villain, and this one surely fit that category. Won't be continuing with this series.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

tell, not show book... not a lot of detail of imagery... predictable and very little description to entice and engage

[Reading Fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Highland Romance

Is this Ms. Brodie's first book? If it is then, OMG, her career has gotten off to a smoking hot start! I absolutely loved Kade and Jillian's (Jilly's) story! Is the book perfect, no? But then, what book is? Rarely have I read a book where I can say that I had absolutely no issue with any part of the story. This is not one of those super rare books, but it comes darn close! The book is well written and I love the plot....which IMO isn't a typical Highland historical romance plot. Here we have two people who were very much in love and, due to circumstances beyond their control, were prevented from being together.

During the intervening four years that have past since they were denied the ability to marry, Kade and Jilly have both grown up and done a lot of living. In Kade's case he has lost both parents, become Laird of his clan, and has lost his wife and newborn baby son. As for Jilly, her betrothed was killed (though that is no big loss, actually quite the opposite!) both her parents died, and she is left to raise her young brother as best she can. Jilly's unscrupulous cousin has designs on being the next Laird of the MacRae clan. Unfortunately for him, he has no legitimate claim to the title because Jilly's 4 year old brother, Ian, is now Laird. Her cousin, Gordon, storms the keep and takes over, imprisoning Jilly in her chambers. Jilly manages to escape with Ian and make her way the McLachlan keep to enlist Kade's help in wresting control of the MacRae holding from Gordon. In exchange for his support, Jilly offers herself to Kade. From the book blurb I got the impression that Jilly was offering herself to Kade as his mistress, but that was not the case. Jilly was offering marriage....remember in those days women came with dowries and apparently Jilly's was quite substantial. So, even if Kade was not interested in Jilly herself, he could have still seen marriage as a viable option considering the wealth he would have obtained from the union. In any event, Kade has no intention of letting Jilly slip through his fingers again and agrees to her proposition.

This book is unusual in that, for a Highland romance it is really short....the website says it 177 pages. Most books I've read that are set in the Highlands are significantly longer....closer to 300 pages. However, despite the short length this story has a fully developed plot and was a very satisfying read. As you would expect the plot moved at a good pace. What I really loved about this book is the relationship between Kade and Jilly. There were no misunderstandings or secrets between the two. If I had to describe this book in one word I'd say it is romantic. Kade and Jilly are just plain good together.

***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER***

The only issue I had with the story was the part where Jilly disregarded Kade's instructions and followed him to the MacRae keep when he went to do battle against Gordon. I thought that was really stupid on her part and, of course, she got herself captured into the bargain. I was really disappointed when that happened as I felt that Ms. Brodie was falling into a cliché plot. IMO the story would have better unfolded had Gordon gone to the McLachlan keep and somehow managed to kidnap Jilly from there.

***END OF SPOILER***

But, that is the only issue I had with the plot. The rest, IMHO, is darn near perfect! I read another review where that reviewer complained that at no time after his wife's death did Kade go after Jilly, whom he knew remained unwed. I, had different perception and thought the book's explanation of that situation was perfectly acceptable. By the time Kade's wife died, two years had already passed since he and Jilly's love had been thwarted. It is reasonable for him to think that she might no longer care for him and for him to be afraid to risk being rejected by her. Kade felt that if Jilly did reject him he would not be able to bear the heartache of having to walk away from her for a second time. I did not find his belief to be unrealistic....I mean even after Jilly offered herself to him in return for his help he still wondered if she would really be his or whether this was another trick by fate.

Anyhow, that is my take on this book. I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Highland historical romance books. BTW this is not a clean romance, but the sex is not, IMO, overly graphic. What I want to know is where is Galen's (he is Kade's best friend) story???? Supposedly it was to have been released this fall, but so far nothing! I can't wait!

[Sieravonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The novel was fast-paced until the 72% (Chapter 11), after that it became dragging that I just read it without thoroughly understanding everything. Plus, it was one of the most stupidest stories I ever encountered.

- "Jilly" is an unpretty nickname and it made me cringed every time.

- I don't think a heated argument was warranted between Kade and Jillian's father when it was revealed that Jillian was already betrothed to another. Verra, verra overreacting.

- Is this really a Scottish historical romance? How come they don't speak like Scots? More research on Scottish words/terms is necessary.

- Gordon MacRae, the enemy, let a stable lad, sword-bearer and nursemaid roam freely around the castle and grounds, and because of that the loyal sword-bearer was able to sneak out a mare without being detected. This is mega idiotic for the reason that the enemy's guard should keep an eagle eye on particularly him due to the fact that he was the loyal sword-bearer. If there is someone going to do something fishy, it'll be definitely him.

- According to Roderick, the sword-bearer, since Jillian and Ian were in safe hands, he saw no harm in telling Gordon where they had gone. Gaaaaad! Super duper obtuse reasoning!

- I thought Gordon's garrison was powerful, so how come it was defeated easily by a group that had just traveled the whole day? And I'm pretty sure they were terribly tired.

[Ingrid Quitslund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love meant to be

Jillian and Kade's story is one of love beginning in their teens yet unfulfilled due to their fathers deciding betrothals without their knowledge. Years later when Jillian and her young brother"s lives are at risk, she seeks Kade's help. At this point danger lurks everywhere, keeping you unable to stop reading. One threat after another must be faced. Will they survive the threats, at times it seems doubtful. I recommend this book and look forward to be series.

[Marlene Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a wonderfully, romantic story..

What was a nice change was that every time they parted, they didn't keep missing each other, like in many stories. No female that decides... " it's better I leave....." then they never find each til near the end, and half the story is about them wondering,( same old storyline) This story had a nice " flow" to it. ( if that makes sense?) I really enjoyed it and I look forward to th e other books in the series!

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute story but...
Lacked a bit a steam.
Everything seamed to fit into place too easily. Just like in really corny movies, the bad guy takes time to narrate his thought process and explain his actions and what is to come thus giving the good guys time to come to the rescue. Too much unrealistic or shall I say not very plausible events.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you prefer everything is as easy as pie, then this is a book you will love. Even the "conflicts" were too easily solved, and the only personal "conflict" worth mentioning is the "heroin's" inability to be reasonable to follow orders to stay put or run when in danger!

[Belinda K Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh a Scottish love story!! Love at its best!

Love historical Scottish love stories! Handsome scotsman, strong Scottish women and excitement at its best! Advise this for anyone wanting a great read!

[Jocelyn Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath a Highland Moon

I loved the action, suspense, and romance between Kade and his Jilly. Couldn't get enough of them. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to reading more Highland Moon novels

[Jeanie McCoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written.

[Irileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!!

I recommend this book. My first time reading from this author and I loved it. I will be reading the next book in the series asap!!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moon one

I enjoyed this book so much I read it twice. Nice Highland second chance romance with lots of action and good plot