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MacKinnon Clan #1
The Honor Of A Highlander
Honor is not the only thing worth fighting for.Laird Rory MacKinnon set out to join William Wallace after discovering an imminent threat that the English have planned an attack. Raised as a warrior, he has given his heart and soul to fight for Scotland’s freedom, until he meets a lass who has captured his heart like no other, Lady Annella. After a brutal attack on her land, Rory discovers that Annella has been taken prisoner by the English. Now Rory must fight; not only to secure his own clan’s freedom but to save the woman he loves.Annella, the eldest daughter of the MacCallum clan vows to never marry, until the day Rory MacKinnon enters her life and opens her heart. Heading off to war she knew they had no future. After her father offers aid to Laird MacKinnon and his men to help in their campaign, her castle is attacked and her father is killed by the English for treason. Starved and beaten for denying to pledge her allegiance to the English King, Annella has earned her place in the gallows. Her fate now rests in Rory’s hands. Continue the series Book Escape to the Highlands Book Highland Daydreams
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2013
39 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
April Holthaus
46 books233 followersApril lives in central Minnesota. April developed her passion of historical romances from her love of history and geneaology. She has complied over 350+ grandparents of her direct bloodline dating back to 1100s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 28, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I'm so glad I picked up this book! I never realized I was such a fan of historical romance but there is something to be said for sexy, highlanders and the women they love. I look forward to continuing this series and reading more from this author.
I'm so glad I picked up this book! I never realized I was such a fan of historical romance but there is something to be said for sexy, highlanders and the women they love. I look forward to continuing this series and reading more from this author.
January 1, 2020
I started reading this book not knowing what to expect. I was surprised at how well the author wrote this short book. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a short historical Romance novel. The character Anella was not one of my favorites however she had a strength about her that not many characters have. Rory the main male character is one of my favorite characters so far. He is very honorable and knows how to achieve his goals. I will read more books by this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2015
The year is 1297 and the many of the highland Scottish clans have joined William Wallace in a war to rid them of the curse of Longshanks and the bloodthirsty rule of England. Laird Rory MacKinnon has been sent by Wallace to requisition supplies and men to fight in the war against the English. Stopping at Dunstan Castle and visiting Laird Hamish MacCallum, a longtime and close friend of his father, Rory meets Lady Annella. She is a fiery, free and rebellious lass with re d hair and a beauty only found in the highlands. At nineteen she is ready for marriage but has already refused the proposal of Laird Steward, a smelly and much older man. Being both young and innocent she dreams of falling deeply in love with her husband before they wed. So far she has yet to discover him but this newcomer peaks feelings in her she has never before experienced. The attraction is mutual but Rory’s mission and duties to Scotland force him to continue on. After leaving he soon discovers that Dunstan Castle has been attacked, Hamish MacCallum killed and Annella captured. His mission for Wallace and Scotland is immediately forgotten and his only thoughts are of the lass with the fiery red hair. This is a historical romance anno 2000 where erotica is spread throughout like spices to a meal. The historical aspects are scarce but the entertainment value is high. For those readers that are looking for modern Barbara Cartland historical romance, this might be a story for you.
September 6, 2014
AMAZING HIGHLAND DEBUT
This book is a debut for the author, and a fine debut it is. The story grabs your attention from the first pages and holds tight through till the end of the last page.
The story is set in the Highlands in Scotland during the time of William Wallace. The hero saves the heroine the first night he actually sees her and the two are entwined from there. The heroine has some really tough times in her past and ahead of her, but she is strong and capable enough to endure. The hero is really a knight of the times and wants to help the damsel. The story is well developed and holds true to the time period. It is a fast paced adventure which holds the reader’s attention enough to make them feel like they are in the story themselves and makes them keep turning pages.
The story is filled with drama, action, sexy passionate romance, as well as tears of sadness and depth of feeling. I am glad this first book is part of a series and that we can look forward to the next release of the series.
Also if you are a fan of audio books, this audio is absolutely terrific. I read the book and I also listened to the audio while driving. Both captures holds tight. I am looking forward to the next in the series and will add this author to my keeper shelf.
This book is a debut for the author, and a fine debut it is. The story grabs your attention from the first pages and holds tight through till the end of the last page.
The story is set in the Highlands in Scotland during the time of William Wallace. The hero saves the heroine the first night he actually sees her and the two are entwined from there. The heroine has some really tough times in her past and ahead of her, but she is strong and capable enough to endure. The hero is really a knight of the times and wants to help the damsel. The story is well developed and holds true to the time period. It is a fast paced adventure which holds the reader’s attention enough to make them feel like they are in the story themselves and makes them keep turning pages.
The story is filled with drama, action, sexy passionate romance, as well as tears of sadness and depth of feeling. I am glad this first book is part of a series and that we can look forward to the next release of the series.
Also if you are a fan of audio books, this audio is absolutely terrific. I read the book and I also listened to the audio while driving. Both captures holds tight. I am looking forward to the next in the series and will add this author to my keeper shelf.
August 30, 2014
This seemed like it was quickly written and could be a draft for a longer novel. The characters are very generic, not a lot of development. Rory, torn between his loyalty to his clan and the woman of his dreams. She vows never to marry until she sees the very handsome Rory. There are traitors, a kidnapping, an unbelievable rescue and decently written romance.
Typical and predictable but unbelievable in parts. It would be a good read for the beach.
Typical and predictable but unbelievable in parts. It would be a good read for the beach.
February 15, 2014
“The Honor of a Highlander” is a short novella (under 200 pages) with all the expected ingredients of a highland romance, which should be comforting and familiar to readers of the genre.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 17, 2017
This is a great read with a very traditional story of romance and rescue in the Highlands. Rory rescues Annella from the English and a nasty Scottish earl who tries to force her into marriage in order to bed her and steal her lands and property. The story has great climactic moments, wonderful romantic and steamy scenes and enough action to keep you in suspense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2016
This book was good, but not great. The characters were not well developed. I did like the hero, but the heroine was somewhat dumb to be so intelligent. The story seemed rushed. I have read other books by this author and will continue to do so.
November 29, 2021
This book ia okay okay for me..
The leads just fall in love..
There is no chemistry at all..
The love story if i can it one..is not justified..
The story line was good..bit it could have been much better..
The leads just fall in love..
There is no chemistry at all..
The love story if i can it one..is not justified..
The story line was good..bit it could have been much better..
October 29, 2013
I'm normally not a novella reader, but I enjoyed this book. It didn't feel rushed, had a nice storyline and sweet love story.
January 8, 2022
Good
Lady Annella swore she wouldn't marry any the men who came for her hand. Her father whom is Laird has guest and she see the most handsome man she has ever seen thinking he was there for her hand she learns he is as king her father for provisions. While he is there she get feelings she don't want to have for the laird Rory of clan MacKinnon. Upon his departure her castle is attacked her father killed and she taken as prisoner as a traitor. Learning the enemy is a scorned suitor whom sided with the English she hopes for rescue but will gladly b take death over pledging loyalty to the English king and marrying Laird Stewart. Lobe comes when least expect it and hopes Rory will rescue her if it not too late.
Good book couldn't out down
Lady Annella swore she wouldn't marry any the men who came for her hand. Her father whom is Laird has guest and she see the most handsome man she has ever seen thinking he was there for her hand she learns he is as king her father for provisions. While he is there she get feelings she don't want to have for the laird Rory of clan MacKinnon. Upon his departure her castle is attacked her father killed and she taken as prisoner as a traitor. Learning the enemy is a scorned suitor whom sided with the English she hopes for rescue but will gladly b take death over pledging loyalty to the English king and marrying Laird Stewart. Lobe comes when least expect it and hopes Rory will rescue her if it not too late.
Good book couldn't out down
May 10, 2017
A lovely romance set in Scotland.
Annella doesn't want to marry and is refusing all matches her father is presenting. She wants to find someone she loves. Along comes Rory, a young Laird. He has come not as a suitor but to ask for men to join him and William Wallace to fight the English. Both become attracted to one another.
As Annella's father is murdered by traitors she is kidnapped. Rory is determined to find and rescue her. This is easier said than done.
Annella doesn't want to marry and is refusing all matches her father is presenting. She wants to find someone she loves. Along comes Rory, a young Laird. He has come not as a suitor but to ask for men to join him and William Wallace to fight the English. Both become attracted to one another.
As Annella's father is murdered by traitors she is kidnapped. Rory is determined to find and rescue her. This is easier said than done.
October 30, 2020
This was good for a quick brainless listen. It was action packed and sweet and it didn’t take a lot of thought, it was enjoyable to listen to while driving.
January 13, 2021
Enjoyed the book. Would have been complete without the love scene at the end.
August 11, 2021
Good debut novel
September 27, 2016
While combing the country for soldiers and supplies in support for William Wallace, Laird Rory MacKinnon meets Lady Annella MacCallum. As a soldier, Rory knows his life is constantly at risk, so he vows he will not take a wife and risk leaving behind a widow if he should be killed in service to the King. But when he meets Lady Annella, sparks fly. Still, Rory adheres to his vow and moves on after he has completed his mission and gathered his supplies. But shortly after Rory's forces leave, loyalist troops move in and summarily hang Annella's father for helping Wallace's forces, slaughter villagers in their wake and take Annella prisoner. Annella is being held prisoner, about to be forced to wed loyalist Laird Stewart so he can legally seize her clan's holdings, and then she will be tried and hung for treason. Her only hope is Laird MacKinnon, who knows he cannot allow such a terrible fate to befall the beautiful, fiery daughter of the former Laird MacCallum who provided assistance to their cause, but will he arrive in time? How will he help her escape the stronghold where she is being held? If he is able to rescue her, what should he do with her then?
This story has all the adventure and romance of a good Scottish tale. Although some of the plot elements rang a little false or unrealistic, it was an entertaining and quick read. Some of the minor editing details seemed a little unfinished or unpolished, but it didn't really detract significantly from the story. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in the Jacobites, will enjoy this story. After being kidnapped by her father at the age of 9, Viola Carlyle became a notorious privateeer working the waters off the North American coastline. Seeking to return a lifelong debt to his friend, the Earl of Savege for rescuing him from slavery, Captain Jinan Seton hunts down Viola, the Earl's long lost sister-in-law. Through the weeks it takes for Jin to convince Viola to return to England with him, Jin and Viola discover an undeniable attraction to each other. But will Viola decide to return to her English family and become the lady she could have been, or will she decide to remain with the sea-faring family aboard ship she has gathered around her among the years? What about the feelings she and Jin have for each other? Can two hardened sea captains soften their hearts enough to allow love to grow between them?
The character development in this book is phenomenal. Both Viola and Jinan are complex, well-rounded and compelling figures. Their stories drew me in and kept me rapt from start to finish. The pain and struggle Jinan and Viola both go through in their early childhood makes them uniquely well suited to each other, and Ashe does an excellent job of bringing both to life. This novel has plenty of action and witty banter as well to keep the plot moving along at a quick clip. Anyone who likes historical fiction will love this book.
This story has all the adventure and romance of a good Scottish tale. Although some of the plot elements rang a little false or unrealistic, it was an entertaining and quick read. Some of the minor editing details seemed a little unfinished or unpolished, but it didn't really detract significantly from the story. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in the Jacobites, will enjoy this story. After being kidnapped by her father at the age of 9, Viola Carlyle became a notorious privateeer working the waters off the North American coastline. Seeking to return a lifelong debt to his friend, the Earl of Savege for rescuing him from slavery, Captain Jinan Seton hunts down Viola, the Earl's long lost sister-in-law. Through the weeks it takes for Jin to convince Viola to return to England with him, Jin and Viola discover an undeniable attraction to each other. But will Viola decide to return to her English family and become the lady she could have been, or will she decide to remain with the sea-faring family aboard ship she has gathered around her among the years? What about the feelings she and Jin have for each other? Can two hardened sea captains soften their hearts enough to allow love to grow between them?
The character development in this book is phenomenal. Both Viola and Jinan are complex, well-rounded and compelling figures. Their stories drew me in and kept me rapt from start to finish. The pain and struggle Jinan and Viola both go through in their early childhood makes them uniquely well suited to each other, and Ashe does an excellent job of bringing both to life. This novel has plenty of action and witty banter as well to keep the plot moving along at a quick clip. Anyone who likes historical fiction will love this book.
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May 4, 2017Sweet
This book was very sweet. I loved the interaction between the characters. This book was a different with Scottish romance books. Which I liked the different aspects in it.
This book was very sweet. I loved the interaction between the characters. This book was a different with Scottish romance books. Which I liked the different aspects in it.
January 31, 2014
The Honor of a Highlander is a wonderful novella! I loved Lady Annella’s character. She is a strong, independent and beautiful young woman who does not want to marry a man for the sake of being wed, she wants to find love. Her father is running out of patience and wants her to be wed soon. With a war raging, Laird Rory MacKinnon has stopped to ask Annella’s father for men to aid in the battle and some supplies. What Rory did not bargain for was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. The spark between Rory and Annella was instant and strong. I loved following these two on their journey to be together. The events that unfold in The Honor of a Highlander will have you on the edge of your seat and ready to jump into the book to help Lady Annella. April Holthaus has knocked it out of the park with her first book! She is a talented author who captured my attention right away and I could not put this book down! I finished reading The Honor of a Highlander in just a few hours and cannot wait to be swept away by the next book, Escape to the Highlands and find out more about Ewan! Thank you April for a wonderful story!
February 9, 2017
4stars
This was my first book by this author,I will definitely read more. It was a well written historical romance and i liked the characters and became invested and wanted them to find their happy everafter.
I did roll my eyes at the heroine once or twice it's like watching tv and your screaming at the stupid woman walking alone down the darkest alley ever, I have very low tolerance for stupid but overall i liked her. A really good read .
This was my first book by this author,I will definitely read more. It was a well written historical romance and i liked the characters and became invested and wanted them to find their happy everafter.
I did roll my eyes at the heroine once or twice it's like watching tv and your screaming at the stupid woman walking alone down the darkest alley ever, I have very low tolerance for stupid but overall i liked her. A really good read .
December 9, 2013
The Honor of A Highlander is April Holthaus's debut novella. A fast paced, brilliant Scottish love story. I highly enjoyed this story. April did a great job with Annella and Rory's characters. Undoubtedly, I could feel their heartache and joy throughout the story. Well written and fast paced, April kept me entertained.
Laird Rory MacKinnon is a true Highlander warrior, in his quest for freeing Scotland from English rule he has ended up at the MacCallum clan castle asking for their aid in the war. The last thing he thought he would find was love.
Annella MacCallum vowed to never marry... until she met Rory. After her castle was attacked she was taken prisoner by the English. Will Rory reach her in time before she is forced to marry a man who is after her land?
If you love a good Scottish romance then I highly recommend The Honor of A Highlander.
Laird Rory MacKinnon is a true Highlander warrior, in his quest for freeing Scotland from English rule he has ended up at the MacCallum clan castle asking for their aid in the war. The last thing he thought he would find was love.
Annella MacCallum vowed to never marry... until she met Rory. After her castle was attacked she was taken prisoner by the English. Will Rory reach her in time before she is forced to marry a man who is after her land?
If you love a good Scottish romance then I highly recommend The Honor of A Highlander.
April 18, 2014
I got this book last month. I won a gift card at FB party and decided since it was April who gave It to me I should get her book. I was so not disappointed after reading this book. It is action, romance, chivalry, funny, and lots more. I loved it from beginning to end. The characters are spot on, I can't say enough about this book. Why am I praising it so? Well because I honestly didn't think it would be a great book. So I was so surprised by it. I couldn't put it down, The book had me from the beginning to end. I enjoyed Annella, she is female but has a little tom boy in her. Rory is Alpha male but is so gentle when it comes to Annella. You will love this book.
February 21, 2015
This book makes me think of Braveheart. It could easily be a side story for one of he Scots in the movie with the time frame of Wallace fighting against the English but focuses more on Rory and Lady Annalia. Very enjoyable read. I wasn't really feeling the anticipation and suspense you would usually have during a rescue, but that could have been due to background distractions on my part. One other thing that broke up the flow of the book was a couple of unusual terms for their clothing that I had to look up to figure out what it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2015
A Gutsy Heroine
I loved this story. The heroine was original and plucky, although there are a few scenes I thought she wouldn't have given up so easily in, then again the author spares us those behind the scenes details, which may be a good thing.
A lot of the characters were cardboard characters, which is the only thing I didn't like about this book. The only well-developed one's being or hero and heroine.
Still, I would read it again and well definitely continue with the series.
I loved this story. The heroine was original and plucky, although there are a few scenes I thought she wouldn't have given up so easily in, then again the author spares us those behind the scenes details, which may be a good thing.
A lot of the characters were cardboard characters, which is the only thing I didn't like about this book. The only well-developed one's being or hero and heroine.
Still, I would read it again and well definitely continue with the series.
August 4, 2015
The Honor of a Highlander
Author April Holthaus
A captivating and beautiful love story.
A great highland story, with a tall, sexy highlander that will make you wish he could pop off the page and into your lap. This story has everything, conspiracy, intrigue, great historical reference and a sweet, tender love story, that melts your heart. Author April Holthaus has written an exceptional story. This is an absolute must read. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more stories from this author. I am definitely a fan of this author's captivating stories.
Author April Holthaus
A captivating and beautiful love story.
A great highland story, with a tall, sexy highlander that will make you wish he could pop off the page and into your lap. This story has everything, conspiracy, intrigue, great historical reference and a sweet, tender love story, that melts your heart. Author April Holthaus has written an exceptional story. This is an absolute must read. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more stories from this author. I am definitely a fan of this author's captivating stories.
September 26, 2013
The Honor of a Highlander: A Novella (Volume 1) (Paperback)
I loved this book! This is the Author's first book and she has an indescribable talent. I am anxious for her next book. The story was full of excitement and suspense. It was heartwarming as well as heartbreaking bringing smiles and tears. I loved the flavor of the Scottish brogue in the writing. It was an on the edge of your seat kind of story. I finished it in less than 3 hours. I couldn't put it down.
I loved this book! This is the Author's first book and she has an indescribable talent. I am anxious for her next book. The story was full of excitement and suspense. It was heartwarming as well as heartbreaking bringing smiles and tears. I loved the flavor of the Scottish brogue in the writing. It was an on the edge of your seat kind of story. I finished it in less than 3 hours. I couldn't put it down.
September 28, 2013
The Honor of a Highlander was an amazing read, I bought the book on Wednesday and was finished with it early thursday morning, i was captured but the story from the first page, The Author April Holthaus has a real talent for writing and I can't wait for the next in the series..
November 22, 2013
Congratulations for you debut book, you nailed it. What a great story about Rory ( the hunky highlander hero ) and Annella ( the beautiful heroine ) Can't wait to read your next one when it comes out. You have a great future ahead of you as writer.
June 11, 2015
Awesome Story!
Fast paced , heartwarming, and nail biting tension that keeps you glued to the book till the very end. First time I read a book from this author, and I will be looking forward to more of her books.
Fast paced , heartwarming, and nail biting tension that keeps you glued to the book till the very end. First time I read a book from this author, and I will be looking forward to more of her books.
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March 14, 2023He says you are Mine
She wanted to wait on love, like all women, before she married. Does she find it? Will she have a happy ending. I really like this book and I think you will also.
She wanted to wait on love, like all women, before she married. Does she find it? Will she have a happy ending. I really like this book and I think you will also.
December 19, 2013
i thought this was a really good debut book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews