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The Highlanders #5

The Highlander

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Anora, the shepherdess, finds a half-naked man in her bed, so what's a woman living alone in a cottage in the Lowlands of Scotland supposed to do? Prod him with her pitchfork to chase him off! Only the man is not just a traveller seeking her bed for a rest - but a wounded Highlander, who fights back, swinging his sword!

Niall MacNeill is searching for a French woman of nobility to escort to his cousin's castle for safekeeping, when he and his friend, Gunnolf, are attacked by another Highland clan, seeking the same woman. The other Highlanders wish to sell her to the highest bidder - English or French - it does not matter.

Niall takes refuge in a sheepherder's cottage to heal up from his wounds and discovers the shepherdess taking care of him may very well be the woman he seeks. He has no intention of doing anything but what his cousin requests of him - ensure her safety on their way to Craigly Castle - but when the lass so bravely wields her pitchfork at him, he is thinking of other, more interesting possibilities.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2013

18 people are currently reading
366 people want to read

About the author

Terry Spear

167 books1,628 followers
Love, love, love romance, the paranormal, hunky Highlanders with their delicious brogue and hot kilts, so Terry Spear writes about those hunky Highlanders both in medieval times and as wolves in contemporary times. Jaguar shifters too! And young adult urban fantasy. And romantic suspense.

She grew up reading mystery, adventure, mythologies from around the world, ghost stories, the paranormal, fell in love with Dracula and Wolfman, and felt they needed loving too. Everyone should have someone to love. Which means her stories always have a HEA.

USA Today Bestseller residing in Central Texas from Sacramento, California who creates award-winning teddy bears too!

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews76 followers
July 26, 2019
(Audible version)

I enjoyed listening to Rosalind Ashford narrate THE HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear, very smooth, easy to listen to and I enjoyed her different pinches in the characters. I enjoyed Anora, she is feisty, and meets her hero head on, they have an exciting chemistry, for sure. THE HIGHLANDER is full of danger, love, romance and mystery, a bit if humor along the long way. There was tenderness between the hero and Heroine, which I enjoyed deeply. What a great Scottish Romance!! 

AprilR
Profile Image for Virginia Campbell.
1,282 reviews351 followers
October 19, 2013
Niall MacNeill, cousin and "like a brother" to the famed MacNeill brothers of author Terry Spear's " The Highlanders" series, is finally the star of his own story in "The Highlander". Niall and his friend and compatriot, Gunnolf, have been sent on a mission to locate a French noblewoman and escort her to a MacNeill stronghold for safekeeping. While on their search, Niall and Gunnolf are attacked by a rival Highland clan who seek the same woman--their purpose to sell her to the highest bidder--the buyer matters nought. Wounded during the ambush, and separated from Gunnolf, Niall finds refuge in a sheepherder's cottage. However, it is not a shepherd who awakens him by prodding him with a pitch fork--it is the bonny shepherdess Anora, who lives alone in the cottage and considers Highlanders to be barbarians. Nonetheless, Anora tends Niall's wounds, feeds him and offers him shelter for the night. The more time that Niall spends with Anora, and the more he learns of her history, the more he suspects she may be the Frenchwoman whom he seeks. When the men who ambushed Niall and Gunnolf arrive at the cottage, Anora and Niall are forced to fight for their lives. Later, they are reunited with Gunnolf, and the three of them began a treacherous journey that will be filled with intrigue, peril, and a growing love between Niall and his noble shepherdess. When all truths are revealed, who will Anora really be? Niall knows that he wants her for his very own, but will that be possible? What will be Anora's heart's desire? The men of the MacNeill clan are fearsome in battle, intelligent and strong-willed. When they find the special woman who will rule their heart, they are tender, protective and passionate. "The Highlanders" series from author Terry Spear--recommended for lovers of tough-tender Highland warriors whose capacity to love is as great as their strength in battle.

Review Copy Gratis Author
Profile Image for Monica **can't read fast enough**.
1,033 reviews376 followers
August 14, 2014
Listening to The Highlander just made me happy. I read a lot of erotica, however every once in a while I love to read a historical romance that is heavier on the actual romance than the physical act of love. The Highlander definitely fits the bill for a cleaner, sweeter yet still entertaining romance. The narration by Rosalind Ashford was wonderfully done with realistic accents and inflection that definitely aided in drawing the listener into the story. If you are a fan of sweetly sensual historical romance The Highlander is great story to dive into. Niall and Anna meet in an unusual manner after Niall stumbles upon her cottage badly injured and in need of shelter and rest. Anna, being alone and taken off guard wields a pitchfork in self defense and unwittingly impressed Niall even under duress.

Anna is an independent shepherdess with a secret past. While Niall is a highland warrior on a mission to return a missing noble Frenchwoman to the Highlands where she can be protected until her uncle can come for her. There aren't any secondary stories or subplots to distract from Anna and Niall's story; however I do hope Gunnolf gets his own story. Anytime I'm presented with a rough and tough Viking who has a hidden soft spot for dogs and puppies my interest is piqued. If you are a fan of historical romances The Highlander will surely please and leave you with a smile and a sigh.

**I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/

Profile Image for Terree.
284 reviews
October 18, 2013
A Highland Warrior and his Viking brother go on a rescue mission… oh man that is my kind of book! I couldn’t wait to get started on this book, and then it seemed it was over too soon, but isn’t that what always happens when you read a great book with well written characters?

Niall MacNiell, a Highland warrior, was on a mission along with his brother by choice, Gunnolf. They were in search of a French woman who was rumored to be living in the lowland’s of Scotland. Niall’s laird and uncle owed a debt to the lass’s own uncle, and Niall was sent to find her and bring her safely to Craigly Castle. Her uncle feared that his niece’s life was in peril and couldn’t reach her himself. The fly in the ointment was Clan Murray; the blackguards ambushed Niall and Gunnolf, leaving them for dead. When Niall woke, Gunnolf was nowhere to be found, but what he did find was a small cottage and a bed, which he made use of.

Anora was just a shepherdess. Her adopted family had just recently died and she was now alone, crofting for the local laird. Just home from selling some of her sheep at market, Anora noticed her dog was acting strange, so, armed with a pitch fork she went into her home and found a man sleeping in her bed! Anora ended up tied to a chair. Then her humble life was turned upside down as she became hunted by enemies she didn’t even know she had. Anora had many stories to tell and many secrets to keep.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was so refreshing to see an alpha hero have human failings. It was also a great change of pace for a hero to be just a relation of the laird and not the laird himself! Anora, was the consummate storyteller! Niall was constantly trying to get information from her, and she would begin her sentence with, “there once was a girl…” Niall was so patient as he listened to the stories. I loved watching their love for each other develop, and I giggled at the antics Niall used to find reasons to cuddle with Anora, all while using a straight face…as if he needed them!

Ms. Spear has a way of inventing the most charismatic bad boys that are oh, so good! Then she went and added dimples…*swoon* this girl can’t resist dimples! Niall wasn’t ready to settle down, he was just a warrior on a mission for his Laird and when he found his love Anora, she wasn’t ready for love either. They were perfect for each other. I also fell in love with Gunnolf. He gave the impression to all that he was the manliest Viking, but he has such a soft heart. I’m hoping that he has his own book soon, I can’t wait to see the woman that tames that Viking!

All of Ms. Spear’s books are on my auto-buy list. She has something for most every genre, so I am always entertained! I love the fact that even though she writes books in a series, you can read in any order and not be lost. I encourage you to pick up one of these books, but be warned…one will not be enough!

Until Next Time!
xxoo Terree

Profile Image for Becky Condit.
2,377 reviews66 followers
October 28, 2013
Please leave comments on Lady McNeill's 4 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

“Is tú mo ghrá, Anora,” Niall said, kissing her cheek. “You are my love.”
The Highlander by Terry Spear was an action-packed, romantic love story featuring Naill MacNeill and Anora a shepardess living near Laird Callahan. Naill has been sent on a mission to retrieve a Frenchwoman but he and Gunnolf run into a battle with the Murray Clan who is also after the same Frenchwoman. It seems Anora is the woman but Naill doesn’t realize that when he first meets her. In fact, he invades her cottage while she is away to attempt to recover from his wounds and hopefully be able to resume his search for Gunnolf who disappeared during the battle.

Anora is shocked when she finds a strange man in her bed, prepared to attack with a pitchfork Naill quickly overpowers her and ties her to a chair so he can rest. Naill can’t leave because he’s pretty hurt so begins their friendship. Looking back I would have thought this initial storyline would make me dislike Naill for being such a brute but really you can tell he has such a tender heart. I actually chuckled with his behavior. I loved Anora all the way around throughout the story. What a woman of that era to live alone and take care of sheep. Ms. Spear included a great character Charlie. Well Charlie is a dog but I loved his inclusion in the story. I’m an animal lover and you could tell so was Anora and it just made me love her more.

Unfortunately Anora isn’t safe in her cottage and Naill has to get her out of there. So begins the long trek back to the Clan MacNeill. The whole trip turns into a life and death adventure. Thankfully Gunnolf is there to help but they can’t seem to keep Anora safe from many people wanting to capture her. My favorite parts of the story are Naill and his affection for Anora; Charlie the dog; and all of the excitement and action trying to save Anora. Naill and Gunnolf are some serious badass highlanders. There is a secondary character Matthew, the son of the local butcher. He was supposed to be Anora’s friend but what a jerk and a wimp. His actions confused me in the end, I never really trusted him and I couldn’t figure out why others did either. Also didn’t understand the French knights who were there to capture Anora in one instance they seemed evil trying to kidnap Anora and then in another they were friendly. This story is romantic and sexy though not at all erotic. I did get a little tired of the word staff being used. The story is pretty PG in terms of sexual descriptions but it didn’t distract from how much in love they were or dilute the heat when they were together. A definite must read for Highlander fans!

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Profile Image for Tanielle.
Author 0 books38 followers
September 20, 2016
Couldn't really get into this one with Niall and Anora. Seemed like a stretch with little besides her status really being the talk. Even the battles were off, I thought Niall was always the one not wanting to get into any trouble. The whole meeting with the uncle was really a waste of time as well as the “sister” going in search of her all of a sudden. She’d been living alone all that time and the uncle couldn’t search for her before this? We lose another guy but what did the two of them gain? Do they go back to Craigly, then what? I hope the next one will be a bit more interesting.
Profile Image for Dani C. (Polly's Place).
546 reviews251 followers
December 3, 2013
I am amazed with the way author Terry Spear comes up with these wonderful, epic romance novels. Her books just sweep you off into another world and the fast moving plot keeps you engaged with these characters that you come to find so fascinating.

Niall MacNeill has been given the task of finding a French woman and bringing her home so her uncle can take her back to France. He has to battle another Highland Clan and when he becomes injured and separated from his friend he takes refuge in a shepherdess’ cottage. A shepherdess who tells the most interesting stories… Could these stories lead him to the missing French woman?

I have completely enjoyed this series and The Highlander is a lovely addition to it. This is book five in the series and yet you can read this as a standalone and totally enjoy it. I know that after you read this you will stop what you are doing and read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,144 reviews64 followers
October 22, 2013
I loved this book. I have enjoyed the entire Highlander series, but this may be my favorite.

Anora was a wonderful heroine. Maybe just a tad bit on the "too good to be true" side, but still a total delight. And Niall - sigh....sigh....sigh, he is a perfect highland hero.

There is a lot of action and adventure in this story, but it never overwhelms the romance, I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves medieval highland romance. This is book is the fifth in the series, but it not necessary to read the others to enjoy this one - but you really should, they are all great!
Profile Image for Kim.
553 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2019
Nial McNeill is sent on a mission with his friend to save and protect a unknown woman. Anora is a shepherdess who has a secret. When an injured man makes him self at home in her cottage. She must figure out a way to escape and keep her secret. What happens when a independent woman with a secret meets The Highlander sent to protect her? Sparks fly and love blooms while they find danger around every corner.

Nial has been injured from an attack of his clan's enemy and separated from his friend. He takes refuge in a cottage to recover. Anora has been out tending her sheep and comes home to find a Highlander asleep in her bed. She protects herself with a pitchfork. Intrigued and amused by this woman Nial takes control. He tries to explain but reluctantly ties her up overnight. Anora is plotting her escape but her compassion kicks in when she realizes he's been injured. When a friend shows up she must explain that Nail is a distant cousin come to visit. She's surprised by her friends attitude toward her with Nial around. She's always thought of Matthew as a friend, knowing nothing but friendship can be between them. Matthew has different ideas. As Nial's passion for Anora grows so does his respect and suspicion about who she really is. When he gets a fever Anora takes care of him. He gets jealous of Matthew. Anora must ask questions in the village about Nial's friend. She gets a warning from the bar owner's daughter about Matthew. She sees a man who looks familiar. Nial goes looking for his friend. While he's away his enemy shows up at Anora's looking for him. She must protect her self and Nial comes to the rescue. After they kill the small band of enemy, their friends coming looking for them only to be sent away by Anora. Nial's friend gets news of his whereabouts and comes to the cottage. Anora reveals her secret to Nial. They realize they have feelings for each other and he plans to marry her. Anora realizes she can't stay at the cottage anymore. With a party of French knights and the enemy clan looking for them its not safe. They leave her sheep with a local shepherd and head for Nial's clan's castle taking her dog Charlie along. They avoid the people looking for them. When they make a stop and Anora goes off alone and finds a stray puppy. She's set upon by the a french woman and her knights claiming to be her sister. Matthew comes along but doesn't get the clues that Anora has given him. Nial is worried and goes looking for Anora and watches her being taken. Outnumbered, he must track them while Anora thinks of a way to escape and hopes Matthew tells Nial what she said. Matthew comes across Nial and his friend and the three of them go to Anora's rescue. Anora escapes and Nial saves her from the river. They take refuge in a cave and reveal their feelings for each other. They become hand-fasted while trying to survive. A visit from the enemy has Nial fighting for their lives. A noise alerts them to someone coming from a different direction. When allies come to help them, they must traverse treacherous tunnel to get to freedom. Anora plays decoy allowing Nial and friends to get the upper hand. A friend's life is taken. An alternate destination has them meeting up with her French relatives and the Uncle who is her protector. A decision is made and accepted. Nial promises to give Anora what she's lost.

The Highlander is an action packed historical adventure full of passion and danger. Terry Spear weaves a tale of instant attraction that grows into love. A woman in danger leads a Highlander to the woman, he must protect and tries to keep at arms length with no luck. It was a surprise that this was a historical book. I'd read and listened to Terry Spear in the past but they were her shifter books. So this came as a pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of her Highlanders series.
Profile Image for Angela.
569 reviews
December 26, 2020
Enjoyed this sweet read but little disappointed. They didn't even tell their love out loud, Only "loving them". Aye, they said they love each other but only they were thinking it.

Say it, "I love you" out loud.

Niall ❤️ Anora
Profile Image for Stormi (StormReads).
1,944 reviews208 followers
August 15, 2014
First thoughts: I really enjoyed The Highlander.

I have only read one other book by Terry Spear and it was a paranormal romance. This book is the 5th book in The Highlander series and I think I would really enjoy going back and reading the others as I really prefer going in order. That being said this book can really be read as a stand alone.

The Highlander starts out kind of funny with Anora finding a Highlander sleeping in her bed and she pokes him with a pitchfork. I love a heroine who is not afraid to take care of herself. That doesn’t mean she is not afraid or that it will always go her way but at least she tried. That being said she does get herself tied up by the Highlander. It was just fun start to a good read.

Anora lives by herself as a shepherdess and she does pretty good on her own. She has people that watch out for her and her dog Charlie. One of the men from the village that she grew up with checks on her a lot and has it in his head that they might marry but she is not into Mathew that way. Anora comes in and finds the highlander in her bed and is a bit concerned and tries to find ways of getting away from him, which is how she ends up tied up.

Naill, is searching for a Frenchwoman of nobility so that he can escort her back to his brothers for safe keeping. There are also others out there who are trying to find her and he ends up getting in a fight and is wounded. He finds the shepherdess house and crashes in the bed. He can’t have her running off on him while he tries to heel as she could warn those after him of his whereabouts .

The longer he is in the care of Anora the more he finds out about her and starts to think that she could actually be the frenchwoman he seeks. She tends his wounds and soon they sort of form a bond. Naill gets upset with Mathew’s visit although he has no right to be jealous.

Soon they have to try and head off the bad guys along with one of Naill’s friends and that leads to quite the adventure that leads to a bit of romance.

I really loved the characters in The Highlander, Anora is a strong female character and doesn’t just cower when faced with scary situation. I love it when a female is NOT whiny. Naill, is a huge highlander with a soft heart and is fierce when he needs to be, but sweet and loving when around Anora. I think he fell for Anora when she poked him with a pitchfork. :) It was so easy to fall for Naill and it was sort of sad when the book ended as I wanted more Naill.

The story for me was very fast paced and smooth. I always like those stories where two people are sort of thrown together and have to make it to a safe haven and then along the way fall for each other.

Overall, I very much enjoyed The Highlander and I want to go back and check out the other Highlander books. Terry Spears is more known for her paranormal romances but she does just as good with historicals. I would recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances.

Narrator: Rosalind Ashford
At first I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this narrator but it didn’t take long for me to enjoy it. I love accents but not every time do I enjoy the voice that goes with it but Rosalind has a real good flowing voice. She really brought the story to life and it was such a delight to listen too. I can definitely listen to more novels narrated by her.
Profile Image for Farrah.
1,248 reviews210 followers
August 4, 2014
A delightful historical romance, The Highlander was a lovely read. With wonderfully sweet romance and the thrill of danger, this book was fantastic and I really liked it.

Anora was a strong heroine. In the midst of all the chaos, she never backed down and kept up with her highland warrior just fine. She was a kind, likable character and I thought she was great.

Niall was also wonderful. He was a formidable warrior, but also gentle and kind. He was very sweet, determined to protect Anora, and just adorable in general. I really liked him, as well.

The romance was great. Anora and Niall were a lovely couple. They were both strong and determined to be together, despite the odds against them. And, there was definitely some heat there, as well. I thought they were perfect together.

The plot was well paced and I was drawn in the entire way through. There was plenty of danger to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was simply lovely.

The Highlander was a wonderful historical romance that I really enjoyed. With romance, and the constant threat of danger, this book was a delight. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews54 followers
August 19, 2014
“Is tú mo ghrá, Anora,” Niall said, kissing her cheek. “You are my love.”

THE HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear is an awesome Scottish romance and another incredible read from Terry! She is one talented author competently writing multiple genres and I relish her tales! THE HIGHLANDER is the fifth book in her Highlanders series, but it can be easily read as a standalone. I will confess that I LOVE highlander romances. I have wanted to read this book since I read the synopsis: A shepherdess who finds a half-naked man in her bed and prods him with a pitchfork to chase him away? Oh my! I was NOT disappointed! This book is everything I thought it would be and more!

My full review has been posted to Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4,559 reviews29 followers
June 19, 2025
Didn't like it as well as the last one, but not bad. Hated that Matthew character and was glad to see him dispatched. Did NOT believe that she would still consider him a friend after all of the revelations about his true character. That was bad writing.
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