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Blood & Honor Highland Trilogy #1

The Scarred Highlander

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Cavell is searching for the wife he never wanted.

A marriage has been arranged without his consent by his ambitious father, but he cannot locate his wife and he hopes it is because she wants nothing to do with the marriage, though a more likely reason is she doesn’t want to be wed to a badly scarred Highlander. His time with the feared and soulless Gallowglass warriors earned him the facial scars that had not only stolen his fine features but much more from him. He intends to find his wife and end the marriage.

Elsie is searching for the husband she desperately needs.

With her da ill and her and her two sisters lives in danger and things happening that make no sense, she needs the formidable Gallowglass warrior. He possesses the strength and skill required to lead the clan and keep it safe. But how can she do that when she has been confined to an abbey and declared insane. She daringly makes an escape and searches for him with plans to seal their arranged marriage permanently.

Anger sparks and passion flares when the two get together surprising them both. But more surprises await them when a long-concealed secret shrouded in darkness for years begins to reveal itself and places Elsie and her sisters’ lives in danger.

While Cavell and Elsie teeter on the edge of falling in love, they delve into the heart of the mystery, determined to unearth the secret and determined to save her sisters, and Cavell determined to save the woman he never wanted to wed and now the woman he cannot live without.

Author
Cavell was first introduced in Highland Hearts A Cree & Dawn Novella. He popped in unexpectedly and I knew I had to give him his own book which developed into the Blood & Honor Highland Trilogy. There is a story arc that begins in this book and carries through to the third book but each individual love story finishes in each book.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2023

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105 people want to read

About the author

Donna Fletcher

102 books962 followers

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59 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,484 reviews216 followers
December 24, 2024
Read: 12/24/24
Meh! I can't believe DF wrote this book!. Maybe she needs to stop writing so many books because the quality has definitely gone down in the last few years.

The story starts off with Cavell coming to the abbey to see his wife. He was married by proxy arranged by his father. Cavill wants to end this farce and get an annulment. He's surprised to find that the monks have turned their monastery into an insane asylum. The wife he has never met is apparently crazy and has escaped the day before he arrived. Cavell now has to track her down. After days of searching, he arrives at a tavern and mets a woman. He finds out later that the woman is his wife. To say he is pissed about being tricked into consummating the marriage would be an understatement.

Elsie had to trick her husband because she needed him. Her sisters are still stuck in that horrible place. She also knows that she needs a strongman to protect her clan. It doesn't hurt that she feels an instant spark with him. Together, they need to solve the mysteries as to why her loving father sent his daughters to that horrific place? Why is he scared for his daughters safety? Why did he secretly marry his 3 daughters by proxy to strong warriors?

Other mysteries: Then the abbey is set on fire. Who set the fire and where are her missing sisters. Why are mercenaries in the area? Who is behind the sinister acts, or is it two people?

The story had some great potential, but it kind of fizzled out. It was just boring and lazily written. The couple fell in love too quickly. They had some sweet moments but not enough that I believed in their romance. It's like they woke up and just decided it's love. I like how the h never noticed the H's scared face. She saw the person he used to be before injuries. Cavell probably fell for her because she never flinched at his face. Still, that's not enough for me. I also couldn't have cared less about the plot or the mystery of the sisters' birth. It wasn't hard to figure out.

Conclusion: Part of me wants to continue the sisters' stories in the series, but the other half is still shell-shocked. How could my favorite author let me down this bad 😢?
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
783 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2023
WOW!! What an amazing start to this brand new series by the very talented Donna Fletcher!
This was a great page turner full of intrigue mystery and sizzling heat between Cavell and Elsie.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
I highly recommend this and all of Donna Fletchers books I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

I received a complimentary copy all opinions are solely my own.
Profile Image for Lady Tea.
1,787 reviews126 followers
August 6, 2024
Rating: 4 / 5

While it's not at the level of Cree + Dawn, I must admit that this...is pretty good, actually.

The story centres around Cavell, a "Gallowglass" warrior--which is like an elite brotherhood of Highland warriors that, honestly, is pretty badass--who was left scarred from a battle, both inside and out. Cavell no longer attracts women because of his scars, but that's neither here nor there since his wife, Elsie, has already been chosen for him. When Cavell journeys to an abbey to collect her though, it's only to find out that she's run away, leaving him to find her--and hopefully dissolve the marriage that he's sure neither of them wants.

Cavell still has "needs" though, so he pays for a woman to sleep with him. Surprise surprise though, that woman turns out to be Elsie herself, who knew exactly what she was doing and actually tricked Cavell into bedding her so that he wouldn't be able to back out of their marriage. She needs his help, desperately, both for her clan and for her two sisters, Leora and Sky.

The romance proceeds from there in what I can only describe as the usual Donna Fletcher fashion, with alternating between battle/action scenes and love scenes, but at a pace with a lot of secrets being held back until they're finally revealed. Honestly, it's all the secrets that really drive the plot forward and that, yes, make it interesting enough to expand into a trilogy.

That being said, I look forward to both Leora's--and especially Sky's--stories that are coming up.
(Cause, seriously, we never find out just what's "wrong" with Sky, though I expect that we will in Sky's own book, and though I have my guesses right now, I can wait to find out. Fingers crossed it's something simperingly sweet though, as Sky is going to be paired up with the mysterious and monstrous Lord Slayer!
Profile Image for Shell.
Author 2 books
August 28, 2023
Finding True Love in the most unlikely of places...

Cavell of Clan McCabe initially sought out his wife, Elsie of Clan Murdock, to dissolve the marriage. Elsie on the other hand escaped the abbey she and her sisters were sent to in search of her husband to consumate their marriage for the sake of her clan and her sisters. When the two finally met and with Elsie succeeding in her plan, the unlikely couple journeyed their way back to Clan Murdock to convince Elsie's father to bring her sisters home.

But a secret kept for many years was slowly unravelling and the more Cavell and Elsie sought answers, the closer they've become and soon they realised they cannot be without the other.

The Scarred Highlander is the first book in the Blood and Honor Highland Trilogy. The book started after the events of Highland Hearts. I guess I got my wish when I was hoping for a story about Cavell. And I was really happy with it!

After receiving deep scars in the face after a gruesome battle, Cavell experienced physicall and emotional pain. Being used to having a fair features, his scars made him doubt himself and his ability to love. But Elsie changed his way of thinking by accepting him and his scars as something to be proud of. Elsie was also suffered from people comparing her to her more beautiful sisters that she thought herself plain featured and unremarkable. Cavell has also helped her changed her outlook by making her feel beautiful inside and out.

Donna has weaved their tale in such a way that makes you want to root for their happily ever after. That with every trial that they face, they come out stronger because they dealt with it together. And I love how she ends with a slight peek of what is to come on her next book. It makes you anticipate and excited for what's to come next.
Profile Image for Marcy G.
443 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2023
An Arranged Marriage That Turned Into A Forever Love
Donna Fletcher has given us this new Series Blood and Honor : The Scarred Highlander Book 1 with such Mystery and Intrigue you can’t begin to imagine or explain , to you delve into it. From the start to the end you heart is either racing or emotionally spent. The Hooded Warrior and his arranged marriage Wife are the Enchantment to the story. He being scarred and she thinks he is a handsome. She being plain and he thinks she is beautiful. Together the inner strength they pull form one another in just Magical . Oh there is much more ! Secrets kept, Danger, Mystery’s Unsolved , The Three Sisters, and Family or Clan Loyalty !
Elsie Murdock is the eldest of the three sisters . With her Father Laird Norris Murdock health failing he sends the girls away the Abbey for protection. Only a surprise wants there along with other unexpected twists.
Carnell McCabe is a second son to Laird McCabe. So making his own way he becomes a Gallowglass Warrior. They are feared by all for abilities in strength and winning. His battles cost him his scars on his face , which was once extremely handsome.
Elise and Cannell meet not like anything you can imagine. After that there Journey begins. Now promised to each other. He not wanting a wife and she she needed a husband to protect her Clan. Can this tiny strong willed Lass , tame this big strong minded Warrior to help her Clan? Can he allow himself to Love ? Can she allow herself to believe that she not plain and beautiful in his eyes ? Oh there is so much to Enjoy!
This is Beyond Fabulous ! Can’t say enough. The end has you Panting for Leona’s Story to come ! A Absolute Must Read !
Profile Image for Sherri Gibson.
21 reviews
September 1, 2023
Another great trilogy beginning. Cavell is an Gallowglass Warrior suddenly finding himself in an unwanted marriage manipulated by his own father. While going to retrieve his unwanted wife from The Abbey for the insane he learns she has escaped and makes a deal to return her in have his marriage annulled.
Not such an easy task, his unwanted wife is not so easily found, since a terrible battle Cavell is scarred and cannot so easily woo a lass into his bed even with coin, but luck comes upon him and a lass in desperate need to take care of her family agrees to a single night.
And what a night Cavell has never felt this in depth with a woman before they enjoy each other multiple times during the darken night, when the new day arrives and the search again for his unwanted wife, Cavell is greeted with another manipulation, Hello Husband the woman he found such pleasure with is his unwanted and possibly insane wife Elise and on the bed cover proof of innocence!!!!!
Now Cavell must find the truth of it all, is his wife insane? And Elise must get her husband to trust in her in order to save her remaining sisters in The Abbey.
Cavell and Elise must learn to trust, learn and fight through the deception because there's so many plots and mysterious turns at every angle that their Love will truly be teste
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,100 reviews19 followers
August 23, 2023
Secrets, Deceived, Mystery, True Love:
First off, this awesome cover had me captured right away and then the story I read was completely all encompassing. I could not stop reading this incredible story. In my opinion it is worthy of more than 5 stars.
The excitement, the deeply moving characters, the complex plot never had a dull moment, and the romance was so emotional and heartfelt it just grips at your heartstrings as you follow the fearless Highland Gallowglass warrior Cavell who never wanted a wife and the sweet yet feisty Elsie one of three sisters which the mystery is built around.
I wish my words would convey just how incredibly good this story is.
There are many surprises, it's brimming with excitement, terror and the ending is filled with unexpected shocks that had my heart racing.
The romance is lovely and just the right amount of passion to satisfy my enjoyment of a good historical romance book.
✔Awesome Cover 5 Stars
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Profile Image for Linda.
628 reviews
May 18, 2025
This was a free book on Kobo and I thought I’d read a light romance as a palate cleanser after reading several long, complex fantasy stories. OMG lol. I almost DNF’ed it but I wanted to find out who the bad guys were. Ugh…you only get a sliver of a resolution because you’re meant to go to book 2. I lost count on how many times the words “Gallowglass Warrior”, shaft & /couple/coupling were used. I read one page out loud to my husband & the word ‘shaft’ was used 5 times on one page. (Elsie liked his shaft lol) And it definitely is meant for a reader who enjoys the “I love you - I’m horny for you - beat my chest I’m the boss do what I say” hero type. A basic story with lots of repeated dialogue between the couple - it made up the majority of the story with a bit of intrigue in between those bits. I skimmed most of the second half.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
September 4, 2023
The Scarred Highlander by Donna Fletcher is the First book in the Blood & Honor Highland Trilogy. This is the story of Elsie of Clan Murdock and Cavell of Clan McCabe. Cavell is badly scared from a battle along with some emotional scars. So when he finds that he father has married him off he goes in search of the wife to cancel their union. Elsie is in need of a strong husband to help her clan and her immediate family. So she goes searching for her husband to get him to help her. But along the way they start to have more personal wants for each other. Loved this book and can't wait to read more from Ms. Fletcher.






1,086 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2023
I do like a historical fiction now and again and this one peaked my interested. Learning a little bit about history is always a bonus and the Gallowglass warriors was a new one for me. This is book one in a trilogy about three sisters and what I expect includes the stories of their arranged husbands. Overall I liked the story with it's intrigue. On occasion I did find that the story was slow and I wanted it to move along more quickly. I am interested to find out more about Sky, however, so will likely continue to read the series. 3.5 to 4.0 star read.
Profile Image for Beth Sheehe.
54 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2023
Book One is a awesome new series by the best story teller. The scarred highlander Gallowglass warrior Cavell and Elsie who were married by proxy by their parent. Cavell didn't want the marriage and Elsie who wanted to save her sisters made an amazing story full of mystery and intrigue. I will be at the head of the line for book 2 & 3. Donna Fletcher always leaves me wanting for her next book.
550 reviews
September 10, 2023
Outstanding

I love this book and the author will keep you involved and the characters are well developed and likeable. There is suspense, humour, betrayal, off the wall lovemaking and great passion. You will not be able to determine who is the evil person but as you continue to read, you will began to eliminate others. Great reader and story involvement. You will not be disappointed by selecting this book.
Profile Image for Laura Higgs.
9 reviews
August 23, 2023
Highlander at its best!!

I always look forward to a Donna Fletcher Highland story. And she has yet to disappoint me. Another first book of a new series, and now I am wanting the next one yesterday. I love how her couples discover their love early in the books. You get a real feel of their love.
2 reviews
August 25, 2023
Epic highlander romance

As usual, Donna Fletcher doesn't disappoint. This is a suspenseful romance with intriguing characters. I love how the books weave together, though can be read as stand-alone reads. Donna Fletcher is one of only 2 authors that I read everything they write without question and have never been disappointed.
Profile Image for Lori Meehan.
1,130 reviews
August 27, 2023
3.75*
I enjoyed this book and its unique storyline that I’ve never read before. I liked Cavell and Elsie very much they had great chemistry and their personalities worked well together. The suspense and action was good and the secondary characters were entertaining and I’m looking forward to the next books to come.
36 reviews
April 20, 2025
Another great Donna Fletcher read

I've waited until all 3 books in the Blood & Honor series were out before I started to read them! Donna is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint me with Cavell & E!sie's story. I loved the book from beginning to end and now can't to read Noble and Lenor's story.
Profile Image for Esther Bea.
82 reviews
August 21, 2023
entertaining

I love all her books, but this was a little different. It was so entertaining with banters and the secrets, it was awesome read. It will take forever of following book and I can’t wait.
149 reviews
August 22, 2023
Another winner from this author

I love this authors books and she has written a book that is simply the wow factor. My only hope is that it doesn’t take to long for the next one to arrive
Profile Image for Aj.
2,489 reviews
August 26, 2023
A captivating highlander romance with a great story. An arranged marriage that develops into a tender and emotional love. Cavell and Elsie are strong characters in a backdrop of danger between clans, searching for answers and also finding love.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
56 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2023
This was the beginning of a new series by Donna Fletcher. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series. It had great characters lots of drama and Steam. I can't wait to find out what happens to the other two sisters. I recommend this book highly.
2 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2023
Donna does it again!

Donna never fails to deliver amazing stories. Can't wait for the 2nd installment. I'm not going to divulge any info about the book except if you enjoy the Cree and Dawn series, you'll love this one too!!
30 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
Secrets

I couldn't wait to turn the page. I can't wait to read the adventures of the other sisters. Let all of the adventures begin.
And
Profile Image for Nikki.
471 reviews
August 22, 2023
*3.5
I can't wait for the next two books, especially Sky!
9 reviews
August 23, 2023
another intriguing series

Loved The first book in the series and can’t wait for the remaining two books in the series. Thank you.

13 reviews
August 24, 2023
Enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book one that started not so good and the mystery got you hooked to the end
Profile Image for pauline motte.
1 review
November 4, 2023
I had to keep reading

Could not put this book down, I loved the relationship between the two main characters and the mystery keeps you reading and wanting more.
5 reviews
December 24, 2023
Kept me guessing

Absolutely enjoyed the growing bond between Elise and her warrior! I cannot wait to read the book 2 and learn more about Leonra.
6 reviews
January 16, 2024
Great story

A truly enjoyable read. The love between the characters and the great ending for all was truly captivating. Would read again.
Profile Image for Rebekah Gwyn.
33 reviews
Read
January 18, 2024
DNF, I could not get into this book. If you don’t grab me by the sixth chapter, I’m out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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