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The Highland Chiefs #1

Bound to the Highlander

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Aileana Chattan suffers a devastating loss, then discovers she is to wed neighboring chief and baron, James MacIntosh -- a man she despises and whose loyalty deprived her of the father she loved. Despite him and his traitorous clan, Aileana will do her duty, but she doesn't have to like it or him. But when the MacIntosh awakens something inside her so absolute and consuming, she is forced to question everything.

James MacIntosh is a nobleman torn between tradition and progress. He must make a sacrifice if he is to help Scotland move forward as a unified country. Forced to sign a marriage contract years earlier binding Lady Aileana to him, James must find a way to break it, or risk losing all -- including his heart.

From the wild and rugged Highlands near Inverness to the dungeons of Edinburgh Castle, James and Aileana’s preconceptions of honor, duty and love are challenged at every adventurous turn.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2013

379 people are currently reading
1341 people want to read

About the author

Kate Robbins

36 books137 followers
Kate Robbins writes historical romance novels out of pure escapism and a love for all things Scottish, not to mention a life-long enjoyment of reading romance.

Kate loves the research process and delving into secondary sources in order to blend authentic historical fact into her stories. She has travelled to Scotland twice and visited the sites described in her Highland Chiefs series.

Her debut award winning novel, Bound to the Highlander, is the first of five books set in the early fifteenth century during the reign of James Stewart, first of his name.

Kate is the pen name of Debbie Robbins who lives in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

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5 stars
465 (38%)
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362 (30%)
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249 (20%)
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78 (6%)
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41 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Anne.
546 reviews130 followers
February 2, 2015
I was looking forward to reading this book but it didn't come up to expectations. The heroine was irritating and I couldn't warm to her. It was getting boring as I progressed through the book. Not one I would recommend. It is a shame as it had promise. I have to warm to the lead characters and this just wasn't happening.
Profile Image for Victoria Barbour.
Author 19 books78 followers
October 9, 2013
If you like your highland romances with a good dose of political intrigue, historical realism, and a smokin' hot hero, then Bound to the Highlander is for you.

This is Kate Robbins' debut novel, and it is a fantastic read. The first in Robbins’ Highland Chiefs series, this novel delves into the heart of James MacIntosh, head of his clan and ally with the new Scottish King. Aileana Chattan discovers she’d bound to this Laird, and it’s not a bond she’s looking forward to since she is not a fan of the new King, or of James’ politics. Still, there’s a smoldering bond between them that can’t be denied.

There are several things that make this novel stand out. It’s set in a period of Scottish history that few authors have chosen for their romantic setting. It’s also a traditional Scottish romance. Robbins’ makes you wait for her characters to meet, let alone get together. If you’re looking for bodice ripping in the first few pages, move on. But if you’re looking for a true romance, one that has you on the seat of your chair waiting for their combustable union, then read on, friends.

James is a highland hero you won’t soon forget. And Aileana is as modern a woman as she can be for her period. When you put them together, you get a larger-than-life story that’s as big on conflict as it is on love. I can’t wait to read the next Kate Robbins’ book!
Profile Image for Tara.
Author 2 books28 followers
October 19, 2013
James MacIntosh is the strong, highland warrior who has not found love. Lady Aileana changes all that with a chance encounter while she picks flowers after her Uncle's death.

Torn between the world of childhood protection from her Uncle and thrust into the world of medieval Scotland where women don't have a lot of say she is left confused, kidnapped, rescued and presented to the King.

Her life is a whirlwind but she reacts with grace, responsibility to her people and honor. She finds a furious, passionate love with James that leaves her taken aback by the new world she lives in.

Set in the Scotland we love, this story makes us see how love is fire and heat. The sub-characters of James' brother and Aileana's maid add a softening to a world gone astray but one Lady Aileana is helped through.

Vivid descriptions of the world around them bring in the history of the Highlands.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,991 reviews109 followers
January 10, 2015
I liked it well enough and although their falling in love was quite quick and a bit unexpected I loved how It developed. Especially James devotion at the end was very romantic. I would have liked to see more of his POV at the end though
Profile Image for Jade aka MrsTosh.
1,100 reviews63 followers
October 16, 2014
I loved this book. I was originally attached to the cover as I am also a Mackintosh ;)

The story is about Aileana Chattan, brought up by her Uncle after loosing her parents, always thinking she would be married to her Cousin Gwain, but on her Uncles death she finds out he has made a pact with a neighbouring Chief James Mackintosh. James Mackintosh is a typical Scotsman and Alpha male a brilliant character thought the book. To make things worse the only one who can break the pact is the King. With such unrest in Scotland between the English, Scots and Clan Wars he tries to get the marriage contract cancelled whilst trying to see to his and Aileana's safety.

Aileana can't deny her growing attraction to the Mackintosh and finds him both wildly attractive and annoying. He finds her the most beautiful creature he has seen and the most aggravating at the same time.

For me the book managed to have enough of every element a beautiful love story, acts of violence and war mixed in with the history of the Clans.

Being a Mackintosh and visiting Colloden battle ground hearing about the Clans and Inverness a number of times the book was magical and I will definitely be reading the next book in the Highland Chiefs Series. But obviously nothing will be the 'Mackintosh Chief' although mine is a Stephen not James ;)
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,035 reviews256 followers
January 27, 2015
I enjoyed this story but felt like some things were left unfinished. It makes me wonder why some things were in the book to not be wrapped up with a conclusion.

I felt like James was a stubborn idiot most of the book and I can't recall Aileana ever saying outloud that she loved James. One other frustration would be how she came to love him when he was cruel to her most of the book then boom! She magically loves him?

I did like James mostly when he wasn't being an idiot, and I loved his brother Calum. I really liked Aileana as she wasn't some frail teen and had a good head on her shoulders, except when she fell in love with James. That was a little hard for me to wrap my head around at first as he wasn't always kind to her when she fell for him.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,429 reviews208 followers
September 14, 2022
Reread: 3 stars

Old review: This was good easy read! It had interesting moments and fast pacing.
Problems: Too many stories in one book. The book missed some great opportunities. The ending ruined the book.! The last 30 pages were unnecessary and create a ridiculous ending. That little section belong with rest of the book. BAD editing.

I give 3 stars because it was still pretty good. Also it's free so why not?
Profile Image for TJ.
3,241 reviews257 followers
October 18, 2017
Awesome highland yumminess! I devoured the book in a day and would have enthusiastically given it 5 stars if not for the weird twist near the end that completely threw me out of the story. After some serious confusion, I was able to enjoy the last of the book but it never did fit just right again.
Profile Image for Tonya.
288 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2019
4.5/5

This is the first Kate Robbins book I have read and it really sucked me in after the first couple of chapters. Even though James MacIntosh is rather an ass in the beginning, he redeems himself quickly and becomes a book boyfriend. The only reason I don't rate this story a 5 is the plot twist at the end. It just seemed kind of odd with little transition. Regardless of that, it's worth the read and I will be adding the rest of the series to my TBR list!!!
Profile Image for Valerie Francis.
Author 21 books14 followers
February 12, 2014
“Bound to the Highlander” is the award-winning debut novel of Newfoundland author Kate Robbins. Earlier this year Robbins won the Tampa Area Romance Authors (TARA) award for this first book in her Highland Chiefs trilogy. This is the kind of book you want to curl up with on a cold, stormy day. Nothing compliments a fuzzy blanket and blazing fire like a historical romance.

The characters are well developed and engaging. James MacIntosh is everything a romance hero should be – strong, virile and sexy. Likewise Aileana Chattan is everything a modern reader wants her heroine to be – strong-willed, beautiful and educated. When I first read “Bound to the Highlander,” I feared Robbins would create a female character that was typical of her time, the 15th century. That is, a woman who was taught to be subservient and unable to think for herself. Needless to say, I was thrilled with Aileana. I caught myself cheering her independence and rooting on her efforts to become head of her family home.

As much as I loved these characters, for me, the historical elements of the novel stole the show. Robbins picked a fascinating period of Scottish history in which to set her story. The time of King James I was filled with political intrigue – and the fact that she gives the reader a glimpse of the man himself, was a fun detail. Of course the highland landscape, period clothes and descriptions of the castle and estates all provide a wonderful richness to her story and helps set it apart from other novels in her genre.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her Highland Chiefs series.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
March 8, 2014
Two stubborn fools that I wanted to slap half the time. Lots of misunderstandings which led to both of them thinking the worst of the other. At least that did not drag on a ridiculous amount of time. The story, itself, was good.
Profile Image for Tin.
340 reviews109 followers
June 28, 2014
This is a 2.5-star book for me.

* * *

Disclosure: I received this review copy from the author. Thank you to Kate Robbins for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.

* * *

The basic premise of Bound to the Highlander is this: Lady Aileana's uncle, the Laird of Clan Chattan has died under mysterious circumstances, leaving Aileana alone to fend for herself. Aileana believes that she is expected to marry her distant cousin, Gawain, but it seems her uncle had other plans for Aileana.

James MacIntosh is laird of a neighboring clan and promised Aileana's uncle to marry his niece, but now James isn't certain he wants to bind himself to a stranger.

When Aileana discovers her uncle's plan for her, she initially resists -- believing James, a stranger, to usurp what should rightfully belong to her cousin, Gawain.

Their relationship begins on a reluctant tone and becomes complicated by misunderstandings and suspicion between Aileana and James ... But there is also a spark of attraction between them, that pulls them towards each other despite their protestations. And beyond their own personal challenges, James and Aileana must deal with a brewing war between clans.

This has the makings of a truly great story, filled with politics, subterfuge, and secrets ... And I was really looking forward to seeing all these elements come together in a cohesive vision ... But Bound to the Highlander never seems to hit the right stride. There are abrupt shifts and twists and developments that made it difficult for me to get immersed in the lives and difficulties of James and Aileana.

I could relate the Aileana and her bewilderment at her situation. I felt a bit sad for Aileana that her uncle never told her of his plans for her. And sadder still that Aileana didn't seem to realize that she was capable of making decisions. She seemed to rely heavily on the the guidance of others -- never on herself.

James annoyed me with his suspicions of Aileana, and, especially his poor treatment of her when he discovers her innocence. He seemed too arrogant and incapable of admitting wrong. I guess his guardedness could be justified by the suddenness of what is happening. His one redeeming factor is how much he cared for his clan, how he respected his brother, and how loyal he was to the King.

"How have I abused you?"

"You ask me that after accusing me of being faithless and impure? Even after you discover that I -- when we --"

"That you didn't share your body with Gawain?"

Put like that, his words were much less cutting than when he first accused her.

"Aileana, I am sorry I accused you of lying with him."

"And?"

"And what?"

"And the rest of it! I didn't run away with him either, yet you treat me like I did."

"What's past cannot be undone. I am willing to forgive you."

"Forgive me? For what?"

He sighed. "For deceiving myself and countless others. Aileana, I don't know why you continue this pretence. I said I am willing to forgive the past. Doesn't that please you?"
- loc 2588


I had wished that the author focused on the development of James's and Aileana's relationship because the premise offered such a wealth of possibility: James and Aileana are strangers who are betrothed, and who must make a decision whether they will proceed with marriage.

MacIntosh. They supported the king. It wasn't well known, but Uncle had speculated to those he trusted. Anyone who supported a man who pawned his people like cattle for his personal gain was no friend of hers.
- loc 404


My attention was divided between Aileana and James's story and the problems growing between the Highland clans. Then the author adds a villain who complicates things for Aileana and James. There was, especially, a lot of vagueness about this development, and, while the author does plant the seeds of suspicions early enough, I really didn't understand the full implication until it was eventually explained in the latter part of the story (Chapter 11).

She broke free from Andrews's embrace and moved to Gawain's side, her fingers itching to touch his. She hoped he would comfort her, as Andrews had, but Gawain never would.
- loc 89

* * *

... "I shall marry Sir Gawain and he will be our new chief. I am certain 'tis what Uncle intended."

Gwen's grip on Aileana's hand tightened.

"Gwen, what is it? You realise that while he and I are not yet betrothed, the ceremony would no doubt have occurred after my birthday."

"But Gawain --"

"Must I always remind you? He is a knight and deserves our respect." Aileana retrieved her hand from Gwen's grasp. "We do so by addressing him as he is due. I'm uncertain why you find that impossible to remember." Why did Gwen react so? She trusted the woman's judgment under normal circumstances. On the subject of Gawain, their opinions differed.
- loc 133


On one hand, I felt that there was too much going on, but, of the other hand, I understand the author's attempt at broadening the scope of her story, considering that Scottish historical romances come "pre-programed" with a lot of interesting elements that makes it unique: clan wars, Scotland vs England, etc.

Bound to the Highlander is the first book in Kate Robbins's Into the Highland Mist series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
151 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2019
Bound to the Highlander

This was the story of old, a story of love, and a story of struggle for James and Aeliena. It had a lot of twist and turns and kept you thinking what the hell but in the end they found their love and their happy ever after, all of the struggles , fights and tragedies They at last come together and start their new life
39 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2019
Enjoyable

I like stories about Scotland and Highlanders. This was both romantic and with a little humor. The relationship between the main characters was interesting to see unfold.
208 reviews
March 10, 2019
Good book

I loved the story and the characters. The romance and the action of the main characters held my interest. I like this author and look forward to reading more of her historical tales of Scotland.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,482 reviews15 followers
March 9, 2019
Good highlander story

This book was a good read. Most parts were fast paced. I liked the plot and characters. I would like to read the rest of the series. Hoping it is in MY eventually.
349 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2019
Sexy Scottish Historical

Spoiler Alert: I’m not sure how accurate it was to find a doctor of that time who was versed in the ways of amnesia .
Profile Image for Merry.
148 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2019
Great read

I love the stories of the clans of Scotland. This book is one of the best. Love James and Aileana.
Profile Image for Victoria.
8,372 reviews11 followers
June 9, 2019
It is a great book to read
Profile Image for Belinda K Miller.
227 reviews
March 5, 2019
Love at its best!

Great story line with dashing lairds, strong ladies and the greatness of they love! Good friends, loving family and the wilds of Scotland!
870 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2019
Bound to the Highlander (#1)

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story line was good. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
Profile Image for Barbee.
777 reviews21 followers
June 10, 2014


"Bound To The Highlander" by Kate Robbins is the first debut book in The Highland Chief's Series and let me tell you for a first book this book totally dazzled me from start to finish. Plus there is an unusual amount of adventure and intrigue as I literally couldn't put this book down, as you never knew what was about to happen another thing I loved about this read. I totally fell in love with this book! I can see why Ms. Robbins won a TARA award for best debut historical romance in 2013 for this book as well.

In this wonderful book it is about the heroine Aileana Chatten who was raised by a loving Uncle who unexpectedly dies and as she is expects she now will have to marry right away and she expects it to be her cousin Gawain Chattan which to her makes sense. Yet she finds out with a bit of a shock and betrayal she is suppose marry a nobleman, a Baron, from a traitorous clan who supports a King that she thinks murdered her Father! Plus she has heard he is a bit of ladies man and philanderer as well. Not exactly the type of husband she dreamed about. Aileana always wanted an equal partnership, yet being the obedient person her Uncle raised her to be, she will do her duty and marry this man.

The hero of this book is James MacIntosh and he seems to have a prejudice toward Aileana, her family and women in general. James is not happy about this arrangement that his father and Uncle seemed to have made. He intends not to honor as he is very much one of the King's supporters plus he has a reputation as a libertine, philander going from bed to bed with women. As he is over the top handsome by all accounts, but then again Aileana is extremely beautiful as well. He also has no trust in the fairer sex due to a past betrayal by a former love. Of course when he see's Aileana he is a constant contradiction one second he is as cold, as the next second he just want to kiss the life of her and seems totally smitten.

I also loved the secondary characters in this book of Alieana's maid and best friend Gwen and Jame's brother Callum who see's what his brother cannot from the beginning. Callum sees a good woman and that his brother is not being honest of his true feelings for Alieana.

There is also a villain in their mix whom James accuses Alieana in being in cohorts with and suspects they are lovers as well. Is she? Or is James so blind by a past betrayal he can't see what's really in front of him as Aileana starts to develop feelings for him. You will have to read this amazing book and find out.

I was thrilled to see a backdrop as the reader is introduced to Fergus MacKay and Nessia Stephenson. The hero and heroine for book #two in this (Highland Chief's Series) called "Promised To The Highlander". This is another fabulous book that I have already read and reviewed. As I read out of order which tells you can read alone or in series order.

I highly recommend you read "Bound ToThe Highlander" first, as I think I would of had a better understanding of some of the characters and what was going to happen in book #two if I had. Again you can read either book in order or as stand alone book, as it's the readers choice.

Another thing and reason I was so impressed this being Ms. Robbin's debut book, I love when authors put some actual true historical facts mixed with their own fictional story. BRAVO MS. ROBBINS! As you the reader will see an appearance by King James Stewart I and his Queen Joan!!! I absolutely love when an author does that for me the book becomes so much more as I adore Scottish history!

There are so many twist and turns in this book you never knew what was going to happen next. I really love that and that only happens in a spectacular read, which "Bound To The Highlander" absolutely is. I hope you give this new author a chance. I see a big future for her in the literary world of Scottish historical romance and look forward to more books and wonderful stories by this talented author Kate Robbins.

I totally loved this captivating, outstanding, dazzling, wonderful book!

It was fantabulous!!!

Saor Alba~ B
Profile Image for Barbee.
777 reviews21 followers
June 10, 2014
"Bound To The Highlander" by Kate Robbins is the first debut book in (The Highland Chief's Series) and let me tell you for a first book this book totally dazzled me from start to finish. Plus there is an unusual amount of adventure and intrigue as I literally couldn't put this book down, as you never knew what was about to happen another thing I loved about this read. I totally fell in love with this book! I can see why Ms. Robbins won a TARA award for best debut historical romance in 2013 for this book as well.

In this wonderful book it is about the heroine Aileana Chatten who was raised by a loving Uncle who unexpectedly dies and as she is expects she now will have to marry right away and she expects it to be her cousin Gawain Chattan which to her makes sense. Yet she finds out with a bit of a shock and betrayal she is suppose marry a nobleman, a Baron, from a traitorous clan who supports a King that she thinks murdered her Father! Plus she has heard he is a bit of ladies man and philanderer as well. Not exactly the type of husband she dreamed about. Aileana always wanted an equal partnership, yet being the obedient person her Uncle raised her to be, she will do her duty and marry this man.

The hero of this book is James MacIntosh and he seems to have a prejudice toward Aileana, her family and women in general. James is not happy about this arrangement that his father and Uncle seemed to have made. He intends not to honor as he is very much one of the King's supporters plus he has a reputation as a libertine, philander going from bed to bed with women. As he is over the top handsome by all accounts, but then again Aileana is extremely beautiful as well. He also has no trust in the fairer sex due to a past betrayal by a former love. Of course when he see's Aileana he is a constant contradiction one second he is as cold, as the next second he just want to kiss the life of her and seems totally smitten.
P
I also loved the secondary characters in this book of Alieana's maid and best friend Gwen and Jame's brother Callum who see's what his brother cannot from the beginning. Callum sees a good woman and that his brother is not being honest of his true feelings for Alieana.

There is also a villain in their mix whom James accuses Alieana in being in cohorts with and suspects they are lovers as well. Is she? Or is James so blind by a past betrayal he can't see what's really in front of him as Aileana starts to develop feelings for him. You will have to read this amazing book and find out.

I was thrilled to see a backdrop as the reader is introduced to Fergus MacKay and Nessia Stephenson. The hero and heroine for book #two in this (Highland Chief's Series) called "Promised To The Highlander". This is another fabulous book that I have already read and reviewed. As I read out of order which tells you can read alone or in series order.

I highly recommend you read "Bound To The Highlander" first, as I think I would of had a better understanding of some of the characters and what was going to happen in book #two if I had. Again you can read either book in order or as stand alone book, as it's the readers choice.

Another thing and reason I was so impressed this being Ms. Robbin's debut book, I love when authors put some actual true historical facts mixed with their own fictional story. BRAVO MS. ROBBINS! As you the reader will see an appearance by King James Stewart I and his Queen Joan!!! I absolutely love when an author does that for me the book becomes so much more as I adore Scottish history!

There are so many twist and turns in this book you never knew what was going to happen next. I really love that and that only happens in a spectacular read, which "Bound To The Highlander" absolutely is. I hope you give this new author a chance. I see a big future for her in the literary world of Scottish historical romance and look forward to more books and wonderful stories by this talented author Kate Robbins.

I totally loved this captivating, outstanding, dazzling, wonderful book!

It was fantabulous!!!

Saor Alba~ B
Profile Image for Jami.
193 reviews
May 1, 2019
Enjoyable story

Loved the character development and details that went into each relationship. Very sweet story. Will definitely be looking for more in this series.
Profile Image for Caro.
1,776 reviews42 followers
March 17, 2019
This was a really good book. I loved the characters and their personalities. There is plenty of emotions, some action, suspense, courage, bravery, strength, passion, some aggravation, stubbornness, creativity and imagination, and a perfect ending. I wouldn't mind reading this again and would definitely like to read more in the series. I'll be keeping a look-out. This was written well and pulled me in. I loved all the characters and would like to get to know the rest better. Great for the anytime read, but best for the snuggle-in getaway kinda night. Enjoy!
339 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2019
A fantastic love story.

Kate Robbins has delivered a novel with an amazing storyline with well developed characters. Aileana and James have a very passionate relationship, but the threat from another causes tragic heartache for both of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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