To Wed a Wicked Highlander

Bad Boys of the Highlands #3

by Victoria Roberts

She Always Wanted to be One of the Boys...

Sybella would do anything to prove she's just as valuable to the MacKenzie clan as her brother is. She'd go on any hunt, take any dare. But her father has a different sort of mission in mind: marriage. It's simple, he explains. All she has to do is marry Alexander MacDonell and report back on his family's secrets. It will be easy, he says, as long as she doesn't do anything foolish...like fall in love.

Until She Got a Man...

As laird of the McDonell's, Alex has a duty to produce an heir. It's a duty he won't mind with the lovely Ella as his wife even if she is one of the dreaded MacKenzies. He's wooed and won many ladies, but Ella is a challenge like no other. He can tell she's holding something back. But not for long. Because inch by inch, he plans to expose everything she's been hiding and claim the ultimate prize: her heart.

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

319 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Award-winning author Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was the recipient of the 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice award for Best Medieval Historical Romance for X MARKS THE SCOT, as well as the 2014 BTS Book Reviews Red Carpet award for Best Historical and Best Book of the Year for MY HIGHLAND SPY.

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, several local chapters, in addition to being a contributing author to the online magazine CELTIC GUIDE.

Victoria resides in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty two years and their two beautiful children--not to mention one spoiled dog. When she's not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she's dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Please visit Victoria at VictoriaRobertsAuthor.com.

Reviews

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

So I haven't read this author in quite some time, and yes there is some *banging head against wall* and probably causing damage, but honestly I am so ashamed it took me FOREVER to pick up this book..but thanks to Audible's Romance Package, I was able to listen to this book, which this author has AMAZING narrators so I highly recommend listening to her books if you have the opportunity.

So this is book three of the trilogy, and I will say that you don't need to read the books in order (since I have yet to pick up book two) however I will recommend you read book one before reading this one. Because we do see quite a bit of the couple from book one and there are details to this story that are discussed in this book, so I do feel it will make it easier if you just pick up book one (which is fantastic). So this story features enemies to lovers trope and an arranged marriage.

It starts out with Lady Sybella MacKenzie, which it begins (I am guessing when she is a teenager) and she finds herself trying to beat her "brother" and ends up almost drowning, and while recovering, she runs into a MacDonnell....and granted she was playing on their land and begs him not to call out a warning to his clan or it could mean war between their clans and so he grants her wish is she will kiss him because he wants her to "remember" her first kiss by the enemy clan. Yes, he is a bit of a rogue when he is younger. So skip ahead a few years. Alexander has become the new laird when his father passes away and leaves him one request "protect the sacred stone" which he has no idea what that means. Sybella's father has arranged a marriage with Alexander, for a secret purpose but all Sybella knows is to gain his trust and find a hidden sacred stone that their clan needs and was once they're's and the MacDonnell's stole it. At first, Sybella has her reservations, but she really has no choice, she knows what is expected of her. However, as she gets to know Alexander, she starts to see the goodness in him and how kind he can be and she hates deceiving him and as she starts to fall hard for her Highlander, she begins to put the clues together and seeing that what her father is asking of her...there is something he is hiding from her and she basically feels she is torn having to decide between her love for her family and the love she has for her husband. But what choice will our lovely heroine choose?

I truly had a blast with this book, and I am not saying its a perfect romance, because it's not. Its definitely packed with some flaws, both our hero and heroine make mistakes. Our heroine doesn't trust in our hero enough, and our hero draws to conclusions about Sybella even though he knows that there is more going on that what appears to be going on...but he is a highland laird and pride is his downfall at times. I did find it interesting to see how well they get on together. They do have some powerful chemistry, and the clan is very accepting of Sybella for the most part. I love how sweet and kind Sybella is, and she tries to delay her father's plan as long as she can. But when her father draws her husband into a plan to destroy his enemy without his knowledge even though her father's enemy is innocent of any wrongdoing, she knows that time is running out and she hatches her own plan but of course nothing goes as planned right?? And Sybella is tested and learns some truths about those she loves the most and I love what a fighter she becomes. Even though she learns it a bit too late I really loved her courage in standing up and defending those that need it.

The romance is, of course, the primary focus of the story, with this side evil plot of our heroine's father and I felt like the love story was definitely the main point of the story. There is so much focus on their relationship and seeing the trust slowly form and I loved seeing that trust turn into love and then to be tested. It's very easy to fall hard for this story because you become so invested in these characters and seeing them fight for their happy ending. A truly heartwarming and sexy Scottish love story that I received many warm fuzzies from....TRULY LOVELY!!





[foogallery id="51868"]

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

I’ve gradually come to appreciate Victoria Robert’s writing, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed book 3 of Bad Boys of the Highlands, To Wed a Wicked Highlander! Love her light, fun writing style with entertaining dialogues and characters. I did have a wee bit trouble about remembering Alexander or Alex because I had just finished, book 2, X Marks the Scot and was hoping for James’s book who was featured in both book 1, Temptation in a Kilt and book 2.

It took me a while to remember that Alex is Rosalia’s (h of book 1) cousin. He helped the H, Ciaran, the MacGregor laird, in rescuing Rosalia from the villain, the Earl of Argyll’s clutches. That one was rather mediocre for me story-wise. It was book 2 that took me by complete surprise! Can’t explain how much I enjoyed that, and by far, my most favorite of the series. This was Ciaran’s younger brother, Declan’s book. The h was Argyll’s younger half-sister, the beautiful healer, Liadain, for whom Declan the rake falls hard. Even when they’re forced to marry because of King James’s machinations, I knew they’d find love as their attraction was very much palpable. James about whom I was talking earlier, is a childhood friend of Rosalia and a thorn on Ciaran’s arse who is jealous of this friendship as James is a charmer.

Book 3 can be read as a standalone, as the setting and the characters are entirely new. Even though Alex was in book 1, his was a small enough role. But we do get a revisit from Ciaran and Rosalia in the later parts, who is here to visit Rosalia’s seanmhair, or grandmother, Alex’s aunt Iseabail.

Alex MacDonnell met Sybella MacKenzie about 5 years ago after an incident that was followed by a secret and forbidden kiss on Alex’s insistence. Both clans are mortal enemies and have been fighting with each-other for long. But, Alex has never been able to forget the sprightly girl who was already showing the signs of blonde beauty even at that young age.

At present, Alex’s father, the Laird has passed away some weeks ago. Alex’s mother has been dead for a long time and now, he’s missing his father greatly. The responsibilities of a laird are already upon him, him being the only son and heir. Alex always knew he has to fulfill this and yet, the suddenness of his responsibilities is a bit suffocating. But he’s trying is best, ordering some much needed changes i.e. in the army, making his childhood friend, John as the new head, while giving the old man Donald his long awaited rest and settlement.

Now, Alex’s longtime mistress (and soon to be ex), as I assumed, was Donald’s daughter, Doireann. Before she leaves, she tries for the last time to coax him into marrying her. Not that I found any fault at her wishing for a union but Alex is set on not marrying her since... well, she’s not a lady (and later we learn that she’s been mistress to other men even as she was with Alex). He claims that he never promised her anything, so he can’t marry her. The girl understands and they have that parting shag before leaving Glengarry. Well, TBH, this did make me a little unhappy. One, I didn’t think the girl was one of those evil-type mistresses and even though Alex later claims that this was her way of ‘trapping him into marriage’, I didn’t agree with his sentiments. Two, I don’t like reading descriptive sex scenes between the OW and the H.

Anyway, that was the last of Doireann in the story. She’s mentioned in Alex’s musing a few times but that’s all. My dread that she’ll be back as a trouble for Alex (as was Ciaran’s b!tchy ex-mistress in his book) didn’t happen.

Even though he won’t marry that girl, Alex is going to have to marry. Of course, he needs his heir. His aunt Iseabail, who is not well in the head, keeps reminding him that he needs to do this duty to the clan by producing one and soon. Alex has an invitation from the MacKenzie laird Kenneth, Sybella’s father, for a deal. Apparently Kenneth wants to end the bloody feud between the clans by giving Sybella’s hand in marriage. Alex’s clan will also get a big dowry, among other things. Though Alex tries to convince himself that it was for the clan that he’s marrying his enemy’s daughter, but on the inside, he’s remembering Sybella, expecting that she’s grown into a great beauty by now. Alex can’t wait to meet his fiancée!!

Sybella, on the other hand, has grown into a beauty alright but she’s also a tom boy-ish type. She can’t cook, clean or sew even if her life depends on it! We find her trying the sewing, as her cousin’s wife Mary keeps showing her, but all Sybella wants is to go out to roam the hills and the forests. She likes being outside, riding a horse, feeling breathless, bating in the sun. Who stays closeted indoors?! Not Sybella! But her life of freedom was coming to an end as she soon learns from her father. Kenneth has a plan and he makes Sybella listen to it, then getting her consent that she’ll do exactly what he tells her. More accurately, orders her to do. Already he has worn down his son, Colin, Sybella’s older brother, to help with this. But Sybella has to play the biggest part in this. She’ll marry The MacDonnell and steal a seer’s stone of sort. This seer’s stone originally belonged to the MacKenzies but the MacDonnells stole it quite a while ago. Kenneth wants it so that their secret seer (Sybella didn’t even know one exists in her clan!) can foretell if he’s plan is going to be successful or not. And Kenneth wants the MacKenzies destroyed, along with his other enemies such as the MacLeods. He’s a very ambitious and greedy man, nothing will come between the Power he wants over the Highlands; even if it means sacrificing his own daughter.

Presently, even Colin doesn’t know the depth of this cunning plan, let alone Sybella. She only knows she has to gain Alex’s trust after they marry and then, find a way to steal the stone and get it back to her clan. I wanted to kick both her father and Colin, who also convinces Sybella that this is for the best. Giving her such a dangerous job, while they sit back and watch from their home! Such cowards!! You can already guess, the amount of distrust the both clans harbor for each-other, if Sybella gets caught... *SMH*

Moving on, Sybella does accept the marriage, not only because she wanted to ‘help her clan’ but also, of course, she has been daydreaming about that kiss in private. Seeing Alex when they arrive at Glengarry was another shock. For Alex too. Both are not only attracted to each-other, but Alex begins anticipating his wedding night pronto!

But, the wedding night is a... erm, disaster; mainly due to the fact that Sybella had no one to talk about it and her cousin’s wife, Mary the ninny, gave her some ‘directions’ that made me roll my eyes. Couldn’t help laughing, even as I was feeling for Sybella, embarrassed by what she does because this is what Mary told her. Oh lord! Lol Alex is dumbfounded, unhappy. Even though the marriage is consummated, he thinks his wife doesn’t want him, or the sex, and decides to sleep alone after that. Like that’s going to help the matter! Even when his aunt begins reminding him that he needs an heir and ASAP, Alex is undecided about it. At night, he’d go horny and think of Sybella, then he’d think how shagging his ex-mistress was convenient as she was always welcoming him anywhere he wanted it to be! Bah, Alex!!! I was like, puhleez make some move to woo your wife!

Later though, the truth is out. Alex talks to Sybella about that night and laughs his a$$ off when she confesses what Mary had told her. Then things begin getting normal for them. Both have an easy companionship, if not the hot sex at night. Sybella thinks she can be happy here, if only she could get on over with this stone business. Better yet, could forget about it entirely.

Sybella begins searching in places but without any result. In between, a few months pass by and Alex becomes more intimate with her, even begins trusting her a little. Sybella discovers that he’s not a terrible man himself. But, to mar her enjoyment, her father sends words through Colin that she needs to do it soon, in a couple of weeks max. I could feel the poor girl’s indecision. She wanted to do the right thing and in order to do that, she needed to choose a side as there was no middle ground for her here. But how can she take a side? She loves her own clan. But she is also falling in love with her husband each day, and choosing his side is something she’s expected to do. She wants to do, in fact. So Sybella decides that she’ll retrieve the stone (I didn’t see how since she had no idea where it was and no plan to speak of), send it to her father in the hopes that he’ll let her be in peace afterwards. Obviously, she was too naïve to think her father would let her get away so easily! From Colin, Sybella gets an idea of how the stone looks like. Then she figures out where the stone is hidden! Now she only needs to find a stone to replace that one…

At that point, Ciaran and Rosalia come to Glengarry to visit Iseabail. I liked their easy banters, and meeting their newest addition to the family, Lachlan, Ciaran’s heir. Iseabail is so happy to see her granddaughter, also her only great-grandson. Sybella welcomes them, and soon friends with Rosalia. She loves watching Lachlan, seeing Ciaran and Rosalia having that loving bond she so craves from her husband but more and more, she’s scared that she might not achieve it in the end. I say, her worries were quite valid. Just how much, we get to see soon enough as things turn frantic.

Alex read a letter from his father right after he died, where the matter of this stone was mentioned. Since his father never explained this in his lifetime, Alex became confused. Then, he asks Aunt Iseabail. She, in her crazy monologues, confuses him even more. When, later on, Iseabail begins feeling better because of the way Rosalia’s visit was having some good influence on her, she also begins remembering about the stone. Alex learns what this stone means and why it’s needed to be kept guarded. The only problem is, he has no idea where the stone is; also the fact that his wife too is looking for it so send to her clan!

Two back to back attempts are made on Sybella’s life. Alex gets anxious. When, finally, a man is caught and held, he confesses to be working for the MacLeod. Alex now wants satisfaction from the MacLeod for sending men to kill his wife. Yah, I could see he was beginning to care for Syballa, though he was often not good at demonstrating it. After a discussion with Ciaran, Alex decides to talk to Kenneth about this and what’s to be done about the MacLeod as he’s also Kenneth’s enemy.

Sybella was curious to see the man who would want to kill her. And when she does, she’s stunned to find it’s someone works for her father! The man, bruised and bloody as he was from... well, he was being tortured for information, confesses about Kenneth’s plan; his thirsts for the stone and to destroy not only the MacLeods but also Alex and his clan. Sybella is so scared now, desperate to find the stone and stop her father. She can’t let anything happen to Alex, who was already in Kintail, meeting with Kenneth and planning an attack on the MacLeods. Sybella’s father already has set his evil plan in motion, persuading Alex to take action and set out for Lewis. Alex was immature enough to trust the man, his only thought on revenge.

When Sybella learns of this treachery, she’s force to make decisions. Two most important ones- one, to support Alex, to try and make him understand so that he doesn’t leave for Lewis. Two, that she won’t ever handover the stone to her father. After Alex’s return, one night, she takes the initiative to chisel out the rock from its place (I did roll my eyes, it was midnight and she was hammering away on a rocky surface inside the castle... I’m not sure how she wouldn’t have been caught anyway!). Sybella was being followed by John, who had already seen her loitering about in places she shouldn’t be, such as the dungeon, and duly reported it to Alex. Alex asked him to keep an eye on her. This time, she’s caught while throwing the stone in the loch flowing next to the castle. She confesses to John about knowing everything and I applauded her for it, that she didn’t act the dumb blonde and try to weasel her way out.

Next when John reports it to Alex, he’s furious. So much so that he judges her without giving her a chance to explain. That night he shags her like some ho. The next day he humiliates her by calling her a ‘MacKenzie whore’ in broad daylight! That was SO idiotic! Ugh!! And made Alex double the douche in my eyes. I wanted to kick him so hard... well, let’s just move on (no point in hearing my muttering curses) because a heartbroken Sybella by then has left, riding out to her father’s house, back to her own clan. The only place she knew she’d be welcome since she could see that Glengarry will never be her home.

Or so she thought, hoped... expected even. But oh how wrong she was! Not only her father doesn’t believe that she threw the stone in the loch but also, is angry and decides to lock her up in the dark, dirty dungeon of his keep. No one was aware of it but a few soldiers, who could do nothing but to obey the order. I was agape in horror and WOW, so mad at that SOB. How could he do this to his own daughter? Then again, he had no conscience to speak of and Colin was his heir as far as it was concerned. Sybella held no importance for him! I felt for her. Two such blows one after the other. :(

Then things start moving fast, incidents that I started enjoying a lot. John talks to Alex and is exasperated by his rash judgment. Yah, I was too. Even though he rides out immediately after finding out what an a$$ he was, I just shook my head and moved on because Alex was like that throughout; making decisions and handing out judgments in anger, which didn’t make him much of a laird in my eyes. Not a cool, clear headed one anyway. I wanted to see him grovelling his heart out for the way he treated Sybella. Unfortunately, there was none and I was really disappointed, for without that, he didn’t redeem himself much in my eyes. I ended the book while contemplating on who will be getting the next installment. There was no definite pointer on that regard. Will it be James? Or Colin (I have a feeling he’d get his own book...)? Let’s see, shall we? 4 stars.


This ARC was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.

[*TANYA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh, this book pulled at my heartstrings. 'Twas a formidable read. The narrator was truly amazing. I LOVE HIGHLANDERS!! Yes I'm screaming it!! Lol

[Amanda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley.
You can also see this review on www.chillreview.blogspot.com


Lady Sybella is a MacKenzie and her clan's biggest enemies are the MacDonnell clan, but now that the older Laird, Alexander's father has died, Alex needs a wife and Sybella's father see's that as a way to smooth over any ill's that the clans have against each other. A treaty of sorts. Until her father tells her that there is a stone the MacDonnell clan stole from them and she's to find it and send it back to where it belongs, with the MacKenzie's. Easy enough, its not as though she's marrying for love, its a business deal. Her mind though wanders back to a time when the young Alex bribed her out of a kiss, a kiss she's never forgotten. Alex doesn't want her though, she's the enemy. Right??

Newly appointed Laird Alexander MacDonnell doesn't even want to get married but he is because he wants peace between the two clans and his aunt is begging him to bring a bairn in to the castle again. He has been fascinated with Sybella since he caught her and her brothers jumping a waterfall on his clan's land and bribed her for a kiss. But can he trust her?

Sybella is a head strong woman that can do what she pleases, shes not swoony. She can ride a horse better than most men and can shoot an arrow too. She has no fear and is fiercely loyal.

Alex is gentle, gentlemanly and protective of his own and that includes Sybella. Can he teach her that his word is his bond, that he will protect her against anything or anyone?

It was nice to see the McGregor from the first book with his wife Rosalia and their bairn Lachlan.

This was a fast paced book and it kept me engaged from the start. I hated to put it down to read. I mean seriously who doesn't love a guy in a kilt?! I'm always ready to see whats under his kilt! Check it out and show the author some love for it by way of a review!

[Debra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book to review for Night Owl Reviews.

This book was absolutely perfect. A wonderful Highland romance loaded with likeable characters, an engaging plot and lots of angst & heartache. It was so good that I couldn't put it down. Luckily , I had some time on my hands so I read straight through without stopping. The story had some suspense, but mostly centered around the romantic relationship.

To Wed a Wicked Highlander was a fantastic book & I enjoyed every minute of reading it. It's gonna get another five star rating from this happy reader. Lovers of Highland romance are bound to love it as much as I did. A not to be missed book that I am recommending to everyone.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided as an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This 3rd book in the trilogy is similar to the other two in the series: it's comfortable and familiar, with hunky alpha-male Highlanders and feisty but secretive heroines. It follows the "rules" of its genre. But the bad boys aren't really so bad.... and that's why I can't give the book more than 3 stars.

Sybella (Ella) MacKenzie is forced into a marriage with the chief of the warring clan MacDonell, Alex MacDonell of Glengarry. A generation or so ago, the MacDonell's stole the Seeing Stone that helped the MacKenzie clan success in wealth and battle, and Ella's father, now the MacKenzie chief, wants it back. So he decides the best way is to have Ella on the inside - appease Alex MacDonell with a wife, while that wife finds the Seeing Stone. Once Ella finds it, her father fully intends to declare the marriage invalid, take back his daughter and the stone, and marry her to his other rival clan, the Lewis clan.

But Ella isn't aware of all the machinations, like her brother Colin is. She's frightened to marry into the MacDonell clan, but just a few years back, she ran into Alex MacDonell when she and her brother were swimming in the MacDonell swimming hole. She was immediately taken with Alex's good looks, and he seemed to be charmed with her as well. They exchanged light flirting banter and went their separate ways. When she sees Alex again on her wedding day, she's struck anew at how handsome and brawny he is. But Ella can't seem to find time to search for the stone; she's constantly guarded by Alex's men. While Alex seems to trust her, the MacDonell clan does not. So Alex compromises by asking his guardsmen to tend to his wife's safety.

As Ella gets to know Alex's clan, especially his Aunt Isabeail, she's torn between duty to her father and the kindness of her husband and his clan. That intensifies when Alex's cousin Rosalie, her infant son, and her husband Ciaran MacGregor of Glenorchy come for an extended visit. But Ella's father decides things aren't moving fast enough, and he sends an archer to put Ella's safety in jeopardy, thus hoping that Alex will move Ella inside and give her time to search for the stone.

But, of course, in the end, Ella discovers that her father's ambitions go beyond her well-being and happiness. When the archer is discovered wearing a Lewis tartan, Ella's father lies to Alex's face, trying to get Alex to kill his Lewis enemies or be killed himself. And then the inevitable moment when Alex realizes that Ella's after the Seeing Stone and hasn't been completely honest with him. That deeply hurts Alex, because after they were married, Alex asked Ella to always be honest with him, regardless. So we get The Big Misunderstanding between Ella and Alex in play.

However, all's well that ends well... as usual.

My BIGGEST COMPLAINT about this book is that Ms. Roberts didn't do her research. At the time in history that she's set this book (Scotland 1606), the MacGregor clan was outlawed - the name and the tartan. No MacGregor would have been allowed to hold a title and lands, as Ciaran MacGregor, Rosalia's husband is. And while Rosalia and Ciaran are only guests in this book (the 2nd book being theres), that one little fact really disturbed my enjoyment of the books.

Another nit is that the book is overly predictable, which makes it sometimes feel long and drawn out. But I will give Ms. Roberts credit for building engaging characters. I cared about Ella and Alex and what would become of them. I wanted their happy ending.

Overall, this series is a decent read. But it's not a great read, and for that reason, I'll read the ARCs or borrow the books from the library rather than purchase them for my own Kindle library.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please leave comments to Lady McNeill's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

Another excellent highlander novel from author Victoria Roberts! To Wed a Wicked Highlander is the last book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands trilogy featuring Laird Alexander MacDonnell. He is cousin to Rosalie who we met in the very first novel. Alexander has just taken over as Laird since his father has recently passed. Neighboring and decade long enemy, Laird MacKenzie, decides it would be a good idea to for his daughter Sybella to wed Alexander. Under the guise of mending fences, MacDonnell agrees to the union not to mention the 250 heads of cattle dowry will help his clan. While still not trusting the MacKenzie’s, Alex finds himself definitely attracted to Sybella. Little does Sybella know this whole union is a scheme of her father’s. Instead of forming an alliance, MacKenzie wants her to find a secret stone to help the MacKenzie’s seer tell her father how to ultimately destroy the MacDonnell clan. So what happens if she finds the stone…will she betray Alexander or does she love him enough to betray her father?

First I love the main characters. Alex is a fair and trusting man. He appears to really want to make this marriage work and he continuously is emphasizing the importance of trust and honesty. Sybella is another head strong woman who can ride a horse and shoot an arrow as good as a man. I love that Ms. Roberts writes empowered women. Sybella takes joining the new clan in stride and is very attracted to Alex. She is torn between her duties as his wife and her duty to her father. I could feel my anxiety building throughout the story as they became closer as a couple and yet Sybella was getting closer to finding the stone. I kind of thought I knew how the story would reach the end and it took a surprising twist.

Along with Alex and Sybella there are a host of other great characters. Alex’s aging Aunt Iseabail was a spit fire even with her failing memory. Rosalia and Ciaran come to visit which is always great to have past couples be part of a story. BUT, once again I’ve falling in love with another man in the series, Colin, Sybella’s brother. As I’ve pleaded before with Ms. Roberts to write James’ story, I now also want Colin’s book. I know she’s busying writing more but Sourcebooks needs to get on board and get her to write their books!

Overall another excellent story! Great characters, humor, action and it’s a pretty spicy read! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, you could read this as a standalone. But, I say buy all three and you won’t be disappointed!

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as lovely as the previous books in the series! The Bad Boys of the Highlands is one of my favorite highland romance series, so I was expecting a lot from this final book. And it didn't disappoint. To Wed a Wicked Highlander was a fantastic historical romance that had me hooked.

Sybella was a good heroine. She was strong and intensely loyal. And, for the most part, she was likable. However, I did have one issue with her that was big enough to knock off a point on the rating. I could not understand why she didn't tell Alexander the truth about her search for the stone. At first, it was understandable why she wouldn't tell him. She didn't trust him at the beginning of their marriage, especially because their clans used to be enemies. But, later on, when she saw that Alexander was trustworthy and fell in love with him, I couldn't figure out why she wouldn't tell him. Her reasons were justifiable, but not excusable. Anything would have been better than how he eventually found out. (BTW, I also don't get why everyone was against him when he got angry at her. I think he had good reason to be angry.)

That whole issue wasn't a deal breaker, but it was a source of frustration, given how big that secret became. I still liked Sybella. I thought she was a lovely character. I just wanted to shake a little sense into her.

Alexander was amazing from the beginning. He was so sweet and gentlemanly and protective of his loved ones. Honestly, he was perfect. I adored him.

The romance was lovely. Both sweet and spicy, these two were a lovely couple. The sparks between them were hot. And they were so adorable together.

The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were definitely thrills that had me on the edge of my seat. And the ending was perfect!

To Wed a Wicked Highlander was a wonderful highland romance! I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see more from this author. Lovers of romance, you really have to read this book.

*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, romantic Highlander historic Trilogy, this is #3. The three books are loosely connected, but still best done in order. Sadly, #1 & #3 are in audiobook format, but #2 is not. Available on HoopLa and Libby.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in a trilogy by Victoria Roberts. A great story about Laird Alexander MacDonell and Sybella MacKenzie. Both clans have been enemies yet a marriage alliance is formed. Alex not realizing that it is a setup is happy to accept Ella as his bride. He has never forgotten their stolen kiss when both were just kids. He is tired of the fighting between the two clans and wants peace.

Ella remembers Alex as the cocky teenager who forced her to chose a kiss over being caught on enemy lands. She is less than enthusiastic about the marriage, but is willingly to do her duty in order to try and get her family's stolen seeing stone back. Little does she know that she will find her true love in marriage to the enemy.

What follows is a touching story about a lady torn between duty to her family and duty to her own heart. As Ella struggles with her guilt over deceiving her husband, she falls more and more in love with Alex and his clan daily. But can their fragile love survive when Alex finds out she has been lying to him from the start? Great ending to a good trilogy. I recommend this author and series for anyone who loves a strong characters setting in the highlands.

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I picked up from from Victoria Roberts and I am surely not dissapointed with the out come !

I have randomly picked this book from my local library and and I am not dissapointed in fact I am quite thrilled that I have to say this book will soon be added to my growing library collection.

The Story is about Sybella MAckenzie who has to wed her rival clan Alexander MacDonell in order to steal back the Mackenzie stone but Ella did not expect that she will fall in love with her highlander and unable to go through with the mission she is meant to do.

Among the struggles and betrayal Alex & Ella find their own happily ever after !!
Now if only Ella's older brother Colin will i find his own happily ever after like his sister Ella .

I will be watching out books from this author .

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story behind this book was good, but the "romantic" interludes were a tad too quick. I mean, it was like they started here, and then in 2 sentences there were there, even if it was the first time. Then, it was like the female lead was a pro. Too unbelievable. I like books with a bit more romance during the love scenes. This could have been a book like that, but the author skims over it all a bit too quick. Couldn't really believe the scenes, and therefore, I lost my connection with the characters. But, it was a quick read. I just won't be reading this author again.

[Iiris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ridiculous and trashy but somewhat entertaining.

[Nessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS NOTHING WICKED ABOUT THE HERO AT ALL IN THIS STORY, AND IT WAS SORELY LACKING IN FACTORS THAT WOULD ELICIT AN EXCITING, HEADY AND ADVENTUROUS STORY FILLED WITH PASSION, ROMANCE AND ACTION. I DARESAY, WHAT I JUST DESCRIBED SOUNDED BETTER THAN THIS BOOK ITSELF.

OUR HERO is a highlander who just ascended into the position of laird and now finds that he has to wed, carrying on the duties of being the leader and all. We first met him at the waterfalls, stealing a kiss from our heroine when he was but a lad. I truly DID NOT care for the scene whereby he shagged with his leman right before she left. Umm was there a fucking purpose for that? It was just gross. And I do like rakes, but it was deemed unnecessary if the leman wasn't even going to play a vital role of a bitchy temptress in this story. Jeez. Anyways, he struck me as shallow when he was captivated first by the heroine's beauty and decided, okay getting leg-shackled to her probably wouldn't be that bad cause she's bonny. Sorry for getting ahead of myself, let me explain that the hero is later offered the hand of the enemy's daughter - our heroine. Normally I enjoy stories with marriage before love troupes, but this one was just a bit of a snooze fest. Apart from being a man who jumps easily to conclusions, prone to temper, and a little bit touchy, I am blinded to his good sides.

OUR HEROINE is more tomboy than a woman and she's horrified to be told that her father was marrying her off for his sinister plot of retrieving some crystal from the hero's family. In other words, her father wedded her off to the enemy so that she can infiltrate the castle and steal what he wanted. The downside is, the heroine doesn't know shit about what's needed of her until she gets threatened. Unfortunately for her, she has already begun falling in love with her husband and is later torn between her father and husband. The poor gel.

OVERALL it had a terrible plot, if I may say so. I rarely criticize authors' plots unless they are really quite to the point where you question yourself 'Seriously? When you can write about more dashing figures who are caught up in hangman adventures, and this is all you can think of? Seers and Crystals?' I'm sorry but I couldn't accept the plot, nor the weak romance and the equally bland characters. The sex just made me cringe.

[Matilda BGR · Rating 1 out of 5]

P.U. This one stunk. The number of positive reviews is a head-scratcher for me. Were all these people paid to praise this stinky book?

Silly plot, bad writing and -- the worst -- a heroine who is TSTL.

Seriously, the writing is terrible. PLUS, it starts with the hero having one last quickie with his fuck-friend, who he won't marry because she's not a "lady" -- what a dick. Why would a romance novel begin with the hero slamming his regular bedmate against a wall and fucking her, then saying, "Well, thanks for some great sex, you were awesome, have a nice life, sorry I can't marry you because you're not good enough to be my wife." And she's just like, OK, let me adjust my dress, I really liked fucking you, wish you'd marry me but I totes understand why you can't. See ya!

And then, like the next day, he greets his betrothed and the "romance" begins. WHAT. What was the point of the fuck buddy if she just disappears? She didn't even show up again as a menace or anything. She walks away from him with no regrets and she's never heard from again. What exactly was the point of her?

[Beech · Rating 1 out of 5]

Characters: Laird Alexander MacDonnell & Lady Sybella MacKenzie
Setting: Scottish Highlands
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, arranged marriage
TW: violence/death/torture, abusive parent
Spice: 🌶️

Sybella has despised Alex since she was a young teen. Not just because he's from a neighboring enemy clan, but because he blackmailed her to give him her first kiss when he caught her on his land. Since then she's held a grudge, so when her father tells her she's to marry him she becomes incensed. Thankfully her father has a genius plan where Sybella marries Alex to gain his trust, find her clan's missing seer stone, and betray her new husband by bringing the stone back to her father. Sybella thinks the plan is quite simple really, so long as her new husband doesn't find out her plans. But when she starts to actually fall for Alex she will be torn between duty to her family and love for her husband.

My thoughts: I found this story incredibly boring. All the elements were great, but the execution was not it. I didn't buy into their love story and their chemistry fell flat for me. I also think the plot of the seer and the stone was ridiculous, especially when previous books in this series were grounded in court intrigue and murder plots. Not mystics and fortune telling. I also don't think Sybella should have been so forgiving of Alex when everything was concluded given some of the horrible things he said to her and never bothered to apologize for. Overall a boring story for a boring couple.

[Melissa Spencer feehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished in one sitting!

I've been on a run of pretty badly written books. Books I did NOT finish, and I really try to finish a book and give it a fair chance. It was nice to again be so caught up in a book that I lost track of time! My first book by this author, definitely not my last.

The good: I enjoyed the setting, plot, characters, dialogue....everything. It even has an epilogue, which I love.

The cons: There were times the story skipped days of time where I wanted details. Other than that, no problems.

Overall good book!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sybella's father would like her to marry their clans enemy in order to bring a perceived peace to the clans, but she is there to spy on her husband and to steal a seeing stone. Alexander McDonnel will do what needs to be done to ensure his clan is fed. It is a good read, and I was hoping she would see her father for what he was before she returned home to assist him in his evil. A good romance of two unlikely people.

[Evelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to grab onto this story at the beginning because it felt like it had zero connection to the previous two other than existing at the same time in a place mentioned in the first two. I do wish the connection was clearer from earlier on. Like the others, it wrapped up rather quickly, but the epilogue finally did include the series name of 'bad boys of the highlands'. Overall it was an entertaining read, though I do kind of wish it was just a series of the first two books.

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was better than the second. Actual plot, better characters, though in general it was easy to see the "bad guys" and there was a wholly unsatisfactory ending for our villan.

[maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love their passion, and the not-postponed wedding night. Again great story.
tba

[Abbie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rating
This series was so good I enjoyed it so much!

[Meranda Semeniuk-Wappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH!!! Such a great page turner!!!

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a nice lighthearted Highlander romance! I enjoyed this. The narrator did a great job of keeping my interest!

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will have honesty. ~ Victoria Roberts

[F · Rating 2 out of 5]

God. It ended with a pregnancy. SPOILER ALERT but after the spoiler because if you did not see that coming, you're as daft as the love interest in this book.

[Matteja LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Všeč mi je, da ni bila "krvoločna" in polna bitk ampak je bil poudarek na sami poroki, povezovanju klanov in zaljubljanju.

[Elizabeth Mckernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book good series

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of chick lit, it was an entertaining diversion.