Never Fall for a Highlander

The Mackays of Dun Ugadale #1

by Callie Hutton

Laird Robin Macay has been pushed for some time by the Clan Council to choose a wife from one of the clans with daughters and widowed sisters. He doesn't feel ready, but when Helena Ross arrives from the Sutherland clan to help her sister, Jena who is about to give birth to her first bairn, she catches Robin's attention. Then he is injured in battle and Helena must spend hours with him, helping him heal.

He must marry for coin and alliances; she must return to Dornoch to take her aunt's place as the clan healer so the woman who raised her can ease back from her duties.

With those responsibilities, there can be nothing between them. But the attraction is so strong, can they deny their duties to have each other?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2024

About the author

http://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)

Hi Romance Fans,

My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.

I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.

I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.

Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.

Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore]

I am not sure I can finish reading. Called is one of my favorite writers but this was just blah. I will. Come back at a later time and try. Too finish. I just am not feeling the feels. Sadly

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Never Fall For A Highlander
Author: Callie Hutton
Series: The Mackays of Dun Ugadale, Book #1
Length: 192 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags

Dun Ugadale, 1661

Helena and her older sister Jena are little girls since their mother died and their Aunt Dorathia raised them. She is a healer for the Sutherland clan and their Aunt assumed both would learn this job. As they became young women, Jena was not interested however Helena did enjoy being a healer. Her sister met and fell in love with a Mackay warrior named Blair. Now she was expecting her first child and wanted Helena to help with her delivery. So Helena went to the MacKay clan to see the sister she missed dearly.

Unfortunately Helena and the handsome laird who got hurt in battle become close. Their healer can’t even stand the sight of blood and doesn’t seem ready to be a healer. So Helena took over the duties as the MacKay healer trying to train their healer though she admitted this job was not for her. Laird Robin MacKay and Helena Ross fall for each other, she knows it is a mistake and that he must marry for an alliance for his clan. Afterall she is only an orphan of a blacksmith not suitable at all. Except her heart is breaking knowing the truth.

Robin had been advised by the elders since he became laird at such a young age it is his duty to marry and get heirs. He had told him he had not been ready previously. He soon realizes he only wants to marry Helena as that is the woman he loves. The elders are furious saying she is not appropriate and insults her which makes Robin see red! Letting them know he is the boss as the laird, not these old men who advise him!

He soon is forced to make a decision that could ruin his chances to have the woman he loves. As the Gunn woman in the forced alliance is being abused by her evil brother. She also claims her brother will make an alliance with someone who might kill her. She was already in one abusive marriage and threatened to take her own life. So what shall Laird Robin MacKay do? Shall he marry the lass he feels nothing for to save her from harm or marry the healer he loves? Read and find out!

Hutton writes a beautiful emotional story I absolutely loved. This is the first book in The Mackays of Dun Ugadale series which was absolutely brilliant! I look forward to Craig MacKay’s story next in Never Marry a Highlander.

Disclaimer: I received this advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Very Good Story!

Except for the editing issues I absolutely loved reading this one. There were some laughs. The characters and storyline were so good. Except for the Gunn’s!! I’m excited to read Craig and Lenora’s story. That ought to have loads of laughs. Helena and Robin were perfect for each other. Now the sisters are back together. 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜😊😊😊

[Mandy Grepares · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Callie Hutton. Helena is visiting her sister, where she meets the Laird, Robin. There is an instant attraction that they both try to fight. I loved seeing their budding romance. They had some obstacles to overcome in order to be together. This story was the definition of love conquers all!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a highlander historical romance and I got one! I am a mood reader and this sounded right up my alley. This is not a crazy out of the box plot, but it is fun, entertaining, and I liked the characters. There were a couple of mishaps with names on the kindle version, but I understood and kept going. I want to read the next one. This was short and sweet.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena Ross, her sister Jena, were orphaned you and raised by their aunt a healer for Clan Southerland, Aunt Dorathia, who cared a great deal for them. Helena trained to take over as Dorathia, wants to retire.

Helena has arrived at Castle Dun Ugadale, to help with Men's delivery of her first bairn. Jena married and moved away laird.Dornoch Castle so the two don't get to visit often. Helena catches the eye of the laird.

Robin Mackay, Laird of Clan Mackay, brothers Craig and Finn, sisters Mairi and Kenna, lost their parents a few years ago and Robin has stepped in as the parental figure. The Clan elders have given good advise while he was growing into the laird position but now they are stuck on him getting married to forge an alliance.Robin wants no part in their advise.

When a group of outlaws start attacking crofter, Robin takes men to track them down and is hurt. The same day as Jena goes into labor. The clan midwife is a doom and gloom person that no one wants there but she forces her help. The clan healer is not even trained, can't stand the sight of blood, and has no midwife skills. So Helena is bouncing between it all. After Jena has her son, the laird stitched, the midwife instructed on better ways, and the healer not wanting the job, Helens sees to the ill and hurt while helping Jena with the baby. All the while the attraction between her and the pairs grow stronger.

Now add into the mix the laird of Clan Gunn wants to foist his widowed sister on him and the council wants him to accept. Robin wants Helena but does not know if it will be best. Then the Gunn Laird invites several clan for a competition only to force the marriage issue.

What happens is why you will need to read this fighting story to find out. s always Called has thrown in great witty banter, antagonists for and against the two, and complication that keep you guessing on the outcome. Her strong portraits of her characters draw you in and keep you with a smile and hope for that happy ending. Her endings always give you a chuckle and sigh.

[Lynne Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in Callie Hutton’s new series, it is a spin off of the Sutherland’s of Dornoch Castle Highland stories titled The Mackays of Dun Ugadale. Although some characters from the previous series are mentioned or even appear in this book, previous reading is not required. Having said that you will want to after reading this.
When she was a child, Helena and her sister Jena were taken in by their aunt Dorothea, the Sutherland healer when their mother died. For many years she has trained to be a healer and midwife with the hope she would take over from Dorothea when she retires. Jena married and moved to the Mackays Castle, where Helena has traveled to help in the birth of her sister’s first child. Having been born a Ross, Helena has never really felt she belonged with the Sutherland’s and has desperately missed Jena since she moved away.
The Mackays healer is young and very inexperienced and Helena begins helping out and tries to teach her but the lass is very squeamish and this leads to a big headache for Helena.
Robin, the Mackays Laird, feels an immediate attraction to Helena but is being pressured by the clan council to make an advantageous match that will strengthen the Mackays position. When he is injured in battle, Helena and Robin give into their passion, leading to headache for them both.
Eventually our couple, after many bumps in the path to true love get their happy ever after. This is a great start to the new series and I highly recommend this book to the reader.

I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinions and review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she was orphaned at the age of eight, Helena Ross and her older sister Jana went to live with their aunt who was the healer for the Sutherland Clan. Now twelve years later, her aunt plans to retire and leave Helena in charge. For the last two years, Jana has been married to Blair, a Mackay warrior, and will soon be having their first baby. Helena is determined to use her skills as a midwife to assist her sister and heads off to Dun Ugadale. Meanwhile, Laird Robin Mackay has been dealing with border issues on his Clan Gunn boundary. Of course shortly after Jana goes into labor, Robin is brought in with an injury that requires Helena’s healing services. Fast forward and the baby is born, the injury is healing and there is an obvious connection between Robin and Helena … but the Clan Council is pushing him to marry for financial and alliance purposes. A combination of threats and manipulation force Robin to sign an agreement that will break two hearts and doom him to a loveless life. This is a ‘duty vs love’ story filled with conflicts, some of which are humorous and others are heartbreaking. It has raw emotion, intense moments and passionate kisses. You will find an unexpected hero step forward to save the day, but at what expense? This story is so good! It is well written, a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and the ending tees up the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sabilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need an easy read? I think you should add this into your TBR!

When I read the last instalment of The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle, I thought the series was ending but Callie Hutton had another story, Helena, a healer from The Sutherlands. Helena is a talented, compassionate and kind healer. She comes to the Mackay clan to help her sister give birth. From the first time Robin sees Helena, he feels a strong attraction towards her, however the Mackay council is against the match yet he continues to pursue and seduce her until the time comes when he must choose between Helena and the future of his clan.

I enjoyed the book as it is an easy read with a good storyline. The character development may not be as engaging as the other series but the plot kept me entertained. I hope the story of Robin’s brother will be as entertaining as this one. Thank you, Callie Hutton for the digital copy which I volunteered to review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin is the Laird of Clan Mackay and had been urged by the clan council it was high time he married for a clan Alliance! With two brothers Robin is in no hurry and has not like any of the women he had met so far! Helena is an orphan of a blacksmith but has come to assist her sister in her lying in as it is close to her birthing time! There are some laugh out loud moments between the current healer and the older healer neither are fit for the title! When the Laird is injured he grows close to Helena but marriage is improbable nigh impossible as Helena is from a poor background and brings no coin to a union! When Robin is backed into a corner by the Gunn clan it seems hopeless and no way out! But love finds a way! This is a fast paced sweet love story in the heart of the Highlanders! Robin doesn’t know what hit him and Helena definitely helps heal more than his injury! Bravo I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!

[Margaret Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Helena Ross, a healer and midwife of clan Sutherland, travels to clan McKay where she is to help her sister, Jena with her childbirth. She meets the Laird, Robin McKay and their is an instant attraction but due to their differences in social standing, there isn't a chance of anything serious could come of it. Robin is under pressure from the council to accept a betrothal agreement from another clan in order to strength alliances and have an heir to his title. Helena knows that as an orphan and a blacksmith's daughter, she has no chance of forming a relationship with Robin. The story tells of a love that is destined between two people who are not expecting to be together and fight against their attraction as hard as they can. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series which promises to be exciting based upon my reading of the synopsis provided at the end of this book.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Marie Lutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helena, a healer, and Robin, a laird, fall in love, but he’s being pressured by the Council to make a more advantageous marriage. The first part of this book was great. I loved the characters and it was very well plotted. But the last part is disappointing and is meant to lead to the next book with the laird’s brother as the main character.

5* for first part 2* for end.

The laird decides to make the advantageous marriage with the widowed sister of another clan’s laird. Why? Because the lovely widow threatens to kill herself if she’s forced to marry the man her vicious brother has chosen for her if she doesn’t marry Robin. But, suddenly, we find Robin’s marriage to the widow is off and the widow will marry Robin’s brother. So Robin can marry Helena. Didn’t completely make sense, at least not to me.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Mackay is Laird of Clan Mackay. He has worked and gained confidence, and wants to convince his council to advise, and let him make decisions. Helena Ross, a healer and midwife, has come to Dun Ugadale to be with her sister when her baby comes. At the same time the baby decides to arrive, the laird is injured. Circumstances make it necessary for Helena to see to both situations. Can she handle both? You bet! This is a truly enjoyable beginning for the new series. The storyline is good, and the characters are likable and quite entertaining. There is some excitement, a bit of intrigue and danger, wit, and humor. Along the way, Robin and Helena fall for each other, but duty may prevent their being together. A charming, fun Highland romance. I look forward to what’s next, Craig’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hutton’s books! I’ve been following this Scottish series of hers for some time and I loved each and every book of it. The characters are always lovable and interesting and I enjoy learning about Scottish traditions and the dynamics of things inside and between the clans. This book was no exception. I particularly loved Helena, who’s strong and capable and I was slightly irritated by Robert, who nonetheless proved to have a heart of gold at the end. And I found the ending very intriguing and very promising for the next book of the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS

This was just okay for me. There's drama off page, in the beginning where the H is attacked by an enemy. Women were raped and people killed and there was little mentioned afterwards. The other issue that was off page, was the relationship with a betrothed changing.

I never felt a true connection to this story, everything seemed to be on the service. That includes the character's main and secondary.

Some suspense, physical abuse off page, HEA, little on romance, lovemaking within marriage heat level 3 out of 5. No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple but the H's brother and his wife are left hanging. (ljb)

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Highland story by Callie. Caught between duty and desire Laird Robin McCay knows what he should do. But it isn't what he wants. The Council and everyone around him wants to tell him what he must do. But he is the Laird. He should be the one deciding. The beautiful Helena who is so kind and compassionate and a healer or some unnamed woman that will bring an alliance. Robin knows what he wants but you have to read it to see if he can get it.

As always looking forward to the next great read.

[Cindy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I'm a sucker for men who grow into their roles and women who know their own worth. Robin and Helena more than fit these roles. The around about way they find themselves with each other is half the fun in the book. The other half is the dialogue and relationships each has with his "family," either by birth or by situation. Loved the book and heartily recommend it to others looking for a solid read. Although I received an ARC for free, my opinions are my own and I give them voluntarily.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young love facing hurdles that are overcome for a happy ending.

Robin McKay Laird of the clan is forced by his council to marry for gold and alliances. Then comes Helena, beautiful healer, sister to a clan member, kind and sweet. The connection between Robin and Helena is strong, but their situations do not allow to deepen their attraction. Robin has to marry to fortify his clan, Helena needs to head back to her clan.

A forced situation tears the couple apart, but love conquers.

This is a great short read. Be aware that the language is true to Scotland so it may need some patience.

[Patricia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar!

This warm, loving story features heart mates seemingly separated by duty. As Laird, it's Robin's duty to marry for money and alliances. As the orphaned daughter of a blacksmith, the healer/ midwife Helene can bring neither to a marriage. But Robin is determined to have his love and no one else despite pressure that both his Advisory Council and their choice for him. However the clever characters work out their dilemma the reader can have confidence in an HEA for everyone.

[Melissa McKinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not read the Sutherlands series, I have nothing to base the characters on.
That being said, I found this story intriguing, which made it difficult to put down. Unlike the typical hate to love, Robin and Helena were destined to be together from the beginning. They just needed to get their situations handled and realize what they already knew.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading Robin and Helena's story set in the Scottish Highlands. Robin is a laird who is injured during a battle and Helena is an experienced midwife and healer who is visiting her pregnant sister. The enforced proximity of caring for an injured Robin an attraction sparks, but Robin is being pressured into marriage to a woman he doesn't want. A misunderstanding and miscommunication serves to drive them apart. Can Robin win back the woman he loves whilst betrothed to another.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healers, Family, A Wonderful Romance Story:
Exciting form the get go with lots of action and turmoil throughout this delightful story
Robin and Helens were lovable characters with lots of emotions and yummy desirous kisses that captured my interest and my attention to the very interesting and surprising ending. 
My first time reading this author and I certainly hope to read more of her highland stories. 

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected love is always a treat. Helena and Robin had instant chemistry and many challenges. Helena faced many duties she never thought she would when arriving to assist her sister bring her new bairn. She met each challenge head on, but none were simple. I was drawn into the characters and couldn’t put down the book until the end. I was left feeling very satisfied and looking forward to more from this author and series.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena catches the eye of the Laird, Robin at the keep where her sister lives. Robin is constantly reminded of his duty to marry for an alliance but Helena starts to make him feel differently. When Robin is persuaded to sign a betrothal, Helena thinks all is lost. Robin will have to come up with a good plan to be able to marry the woman he loves.

[Natassja Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book once i got used to the speech patterns and spelling. I am a fan of historical fiction. There was a good flow within the writing itself, never appearing wooden or choppy. There was sass and quite a few moments of tongue in cheek humour.

I recommend for any fans of the grumpy Scot vibe, I know i am.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review.
I love the Sutherland series by Callie and this book is just as entertaining. I finished it in two days because I had to know what was going to happen!
Loved the main characters Robin and Helena...cannot wait for the next one in this series!
If you want an entertaining read with a lil spice in it. It's this one. Not as much spice as the other books but very good plot!

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Laird and a Lady

Callie Hutton writes some of the best Scottish Highland tales around. This book is no exception. I love the interaction of the characters and their stories. I love the interaction between the main characters, and I so look forward to the second book in the series. Callie Hutton never fails to write a great book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Ms. Hutton knows how to tell a story! I’m looking forward to this next series of hers. The first was brilliant and I loved the story of Robin and Helena. The characters are well developed and the story is difficult to put down!!

[Nora Griswold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Story

This was a very enjoyable story to read. It is not too violent, but it has its complications with being a laird in a large clan and a healer from a different clan as well as an orphan.

[Betty Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about highlanders is always exciting.

Highlander books are always exciting and interesting and this one is no exception. Duty and advisors to the Laird can be very demanding but true love can find a way to avoid an undesirable marriage.