What do you think?
Rate this book
Taken by Highland Devils #1
Taken by the Cruel Highlander
“Who dared to touch ye, Molly? Tell me now, I’ll kill them.”
Desperate to escape her cruel life as a nun, Molly runs away. And the only man willing to take her in is the most ruthless Highlander of them all…
Bloodshed is the only thing Laird Ciaran knows. Yet when sweet Molly comes into his life, she awakens something even more dangerous. Something so dark and obsessive that drives him mad.
Distancing himself to protect her, Ciaran soon realizes there is only one way to keep her safe. Molly must marry. And he’d rather burn everything to the ground than allow anyone else to touch her…
*Taken by the Cruel Highlander is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Desperate to escape her cruel life as a nun, Molly runs away. And the only man willing to take her in is the most ruthless Highlander of them all…
Bloodshed is the only thing Laird Ciaran knows. Yet when sweet Molly comes into his life, she awakens something even more dangerous. Something so dark and obsessive that drives him mad.
Distancing himself to protect her, Ciaran soon realizes there is only one way to keep her safe. Molly must marry. And he’d rather burn everything to the ground than allow anyone else to touch her…
*Taken by the Cruel Highlander is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2024
460 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 3, 2024
Part 1
2,5 💘🤔⭐️s
It wasn’t bad, I liked the premise and the suspense, yet the middle chapters could have been more concise.
It was unnecessary lengthy.
2,5 💘🤔⭐️s
It wasn’t bad, I liked the premise and the suspense, yet the middle chapters could have been more concise.
It was unnecessary lengthy.
December 9, 2024
I was craving a historical romance and this absolutely scratched that itch. It had everything I wanted. Action, romance, and of course slow burn steamy love story unraveling across the pages. The midsection did get a bit slow but I loved the suspense and the romance that was built by the end.
Of course, there’s an HEA and I will be reading the next one!
Of course, there’s an HEA and I will be reading the next one!
March 26, 2024
The story started off strong, however it fizzled out for me about midway through. Where I expected character growth both the heroine and hero seemed stuck in the same old patterns; which grows annoying very fast. Overall not a bad book but not a book I would willingly read again
December 5, 2024
Not bad. I thought it could have been a bit more concise, at least in the middle. I did think the title was a bit inaccurate in that Ciaran isn't really ever cruel to anyone. 🤔I guess that is only really a side of him that his enemies would know (and we only see a hint of that towards the end), because we don't see it with Molly or those under his responsibility/care. All in all, it was a good read.
December 8, 2025
FMC -Molly
MMC- Cieren
good read, did feel long winded at times but the plot was good and lots of interesting characters.
a few spicey scenes, liked how the MMC fell for FMC straight away and pined to win her favour.
MMC- Cieren
good read, did feel long winded at times but the plot was good and lots of interesting characters.
a few spicey scenes, liked how the MMC fell for FMC straight away and pined to win her favour.
August 11, 2024
Hello Ciaran!!!
This one is a very good enjoyable read, it held me captive from beginning to the very end. The characters both main and supporting are very well written, their description and character they portrayed for me really brought a visual which brought them to life. But I have to say the last books I've read by this Author or a couple anyway did make me wonder if they were written by her, in any case this one is a 5star gem !!! I'm a lover of highland romance and have read a plenty some good some awesome some not, so again this is a very well written read and all you historical romance lovers like me you will not be disappointed !!!!
This one is a very good enjoyable read, it held me captive from beginning to the very end. The characters both main and supporting are very well written, their description and character they portrayed for me really brought a visual which brought them to life. But I have to say the last books I've read by this Author or a couple anyway did make me wonder if they were written by her, in any case this one is a 5star gem !!! I'm a lover of highland romance and have read a plenty some good some awesome some not, so again this is a very well written read and all you historical romance lovers like me you will not be disappointed !!!!
November 15, 2024
(4.25/5) Woo! I’ve been diving into the Kindle Universe and have struggled to find authors whose work really stands out. Luckily, I stumbled across MacKenna! I really thoroughly enjoyed “Taken by the Cruel Highlander” - although I have to say, Molly was not really taken by Ciaran, and he wasn’t cruel! Molly and Ciaran were GREAT characters. Molly is strong and independent, but it’s not overdone, and she is still rescued by Ciaran. And then for Ciaran, he is of course a huge and scary highlander, but to Molly, he is anything but cruel. I also loved the side characters and felt like they really added to the story without being annoying. The plot was unique and had high stakes without resulting to graphic threats or displays of violence against women, which is something I really hate to read in this genre of books. Overall, this was a great read, and if I had this in paperback, I would gladly shelve it next to my books by Julie Garwood, Lyndsay Sands, and other household names of the Highlander romance scene.
April 4, 2024
Unlikely couple.
Molly has lived most of her life in an abbey suffering beatings and other abuse. She does not remember her past before she came there or her sir name. When she finally executes a plan to escape and run to Scotland for safety, she is chased by 3 men just as she crosses the border. Seeing a large Scot by a pond she runs for him and screams for help which he willingly offers. He is laird Carian MacMahon. Molly convinces him to take her with him to his home far north. Ciaran is unsure if it’s a good idea but he knows she needs his protection. The problem is he wants to offer her so much more. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. But their road ahead is wrought with unknown secrets from Molly’s past that bring danger to their door. Loved the characters, primary and secondary, and the story was fantastic. I hope we will see a story for Felix and Sinclair as well.
Molly has lived most of her life in an abbey suffering beatings and other abuse. She does not remember her past before she came there or her sir name. When she finally executes a plan to escape and run to Scotland for safety, she is chased by 3 men just as she crosses the border. Seeing a large Scot by a pond she runs for him and screams for help which he willingly offers. He is laird Carian MacMahon. Molly convinces him to take her with him to his home far north. Ciaran is unsure if it’s a good idea but he knows she needs his protection. The problem is he wants to offer her so much more. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. But their road ahead is wrought with unknown secrets from Molly’s past that bring danger to their door. Loved the characters, primary and secondary, and the story was fantastic. I hope we will see a story for Felix and Sinclair as well.
April 20, 2024
TREAT URSELF 2 A RARE GLIMPSE OF HONEST 2 GOODNESS SCOTTISH LOVE!
This book is exceptional. The characters exemplary embraced their roles within the dialogue maximizing the intensity of action immersing the reader within a glorious symphony of Scottish lore, love and pursuit of justice. I really enjoyed this book! As a new reader of the author, Maddie MacKenna -- I can honestly state there WILL BE other books by her that I look forward to garnering my imagination soring to new heights and feeling good about the historical past. IF ur looking 4 a GREAT book this is it! The buck stops here,...get the point? Pottsville PA_SAT; 04202024. Thanx Maddie MacKenna 4 this FAB read.
This book is exceptional. The characters exemplary embraced their roles within the dialogue maximizing the intensity of action immersing the reader within a glorious symphony of Scottish lore, love and pursuit of justice. I really enjoyed this book! As a new reader of the author, Maddie MacKenna -- I can honestly state there WILL BE other books by her that I look forward to garnering my imagination soring to new heights and feeling good about the historical past. IF ur looking 4 a GREAT book this is it! The buck stops here,...get the point? Pottsville PA_SAT; 04202024. Thanx Maddie MacKenna 4 this FAB read.
November 13, 2024
was a fluffy, easy-to-digest romance that served its purpose as a filler during my reading slump. While it didn’t blow me away with its writing or originality, it was enjoyable enough to get through. The plot was light and straightforward, making it a decent choice for when you’re not in the mood for anything too intense. However, it lacked the depth and finesse that would have made it memorable.
It’s not a book I’d pick up again, but it was nice while it lasted—just not the kind of story that leaves a lasting mark. Overall, it’s a middle-ground read that earns a fair 2.75 to 3 stars from me. If you’re looking for a simple, fluffy romance without high expectations, this might do the trick.
It’s not a book I’d pick up again, but it was nice while it lasted—just not the kind of story that leaves a lasting mark. Overall, it’s a middle-ground read that earns a fair 2.75 to 3 stars from me. If you’re looking for a simple, fluffy romance without high expectations, this might do the trick.
March 25, 2024
Taken by the Cruel Highlander
Ciaran and Molly's story was full of twists and turns. They both have their share of painful memories, but Molly's are not clear. She was cruelly abused at the abbey and escapes. Molly is saved by Ciaran and taken to his Castle where she begins to learn the art of healing. Molly is feisty and does not fear speaking her mind and add to that she is a Sassenach now living in the home of Laird Ciaran. Can we say crazy, spicy, funny, sensual and great to read? Yes, and I highly recommend it!!
Ciaran and Molly's story was full of twists and turns. They both have their share of painful memories, but Molly's are not clear. She was cruelly abused at the abbey and escapes. Molly is saved by Ciaran and taken to his Castle where she begins to learn the art of healing. Molly is feisty and does not fear speaking her mind and add to that she is a Sassenach now living in the home of Laird Ciaran. Can we say crazy, spicy, funny, sensual and great to read? Yes, and I highly recommend it!!
April 20, 2025
I have read Taken By the Cruel Highlander twice and the rest of the series as well. Maddie MacKenna is fabulous, and her books are too. Molly, a postulate, escaped from a cruel English convent, where she had been for 19 years. Chased by pursuing horsemen, she crossed the Scottish border, and was saved by a Laird. This petite protagonist delights with an adventure fraught with danger and unimaginable plot twists. There are a number of antagonists, who do receive their just desserts, and one handsome male protagonist who is amply rewarded.
Read and enjoy. I am certain that you will!
Read and enjoy. I am certain that you will!
April 7, 2024
From start to finish you won't be able to put it down
What a great story conflict, love, sassiness This writer puts everything into the story. She had me with tears in my eyes And laughing us well. This is about a father's greed and his uncaring About his child and the love she finds. This is a kind of love that everybody looks for and the author spells it out quite clearly By the links that they go to And what they endure.
What a great story conflict, love, sassiness This writer puts everything into the story. She had me with tears in my eyes And laughing us well. This is about a father's greed and his uncaring About his child and the love she finds. This is a kind of love that everybody looks for and the author spells it out quite clearly By the links that they go to And what they endure.
April 9, 2024
The fiery laird and the nun
Molly a young nun escaped an abbey and seeked protection from a fiery laird she met in the woods when she was running away.
Molly has lost her memory of who she was until she met Ciaran the Scottish laird.
Ciaran despite being a beast of the laird is a big softie at heart and will do anything for his wife Molly. She started getting bits of her memory back. A beautiful story not to be missed.
Molly a young nun escaped an abbey and seeked protection from a fiery laird she met in the woods when she was running away.
Molly has lost her memory of who she was until she met Ciaran the Scottish laird.
Ciaran despite being a beast of the laird is a big softie at heart and will do anything for his wife Molly. She started getting bits of her memory back. A beautiful story not to be missed.
April 10, 2024
Beautiful journey of adventure, mystery and romance
LOVED IT!! Awesome character development and excellent story line. I just love this beautiful book with so much adventure and mystery. Love the characters, especially Ciaran and Molly, their stories are just beautiful so inspiring. This story is so heartwarming and hard to put down. It kept me up all night. Beautiful extended epilogue. Just lovely. A must read and I definitely recommend reading it. I think I will again.
LOVED IT!! Awesome character development and excellent story line. I just love this beautiful book with so much adventure and mystery. Love the characters, especially Ciaran and Molly, their stories are just beautiful so inspiring. This story is so heartwarming and hard to put down. It kept me up all night. Beautiful extended epilogue. Just lovely. A must read and I definitely recommend reading it. I think I will again.
April 27, 2024
Great story!
Ciaran was on his way home, to his castle when he saw a young lady scream and she was running toward him. She needed help , so he helped her and got rid of the men trying to kill her. He learned she was running away from the Abbey after being hit many times. They were brutal, she said. So he would take her and find a place for her, but things changed. He fell for her and she for him. The story goes on with many twists. Please read.
Ciaran was on his way home, to his castle when he saw a young lady scream and she was running toward him. She needed help , so he helped her and got rid of the men trying to kill her. He learned she was running away from the Abbey after being hit many times. They were brutal, she said. So he would take her and find a place for her, but things changed. He fell for her and she for him. The story goes on with many twists. Please read.
May 1, 2024
This is a well written Scottish medieval romance with strong characters in Molly and Ciaran. The author does a great job developing the story and takes you into their lives with humor, anxiety and love and kept me turning the pages with all the surprises and danger. She moves the story fluidly and delivers an exciting read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Want to read
September 16, 2024It was a little long in the latter part of the book, however, I was a great story. It is amazing even now, how women were treated and used to gain power. Molly hung tight and got through her ordeal by meeting and falling in love with Cerian. I know my husband is selfish and thinks only of himself. I would have liked to have a man like many of the Scottish Lairds. Life would have been so much more enjoyable if me were not so selfish. But again, women are also very selfish.
September 23, 2024
DNF 59%
I hate Molly‘s guts… I truly do…
I stuck it out as much as I could because of all the 5 star ratings… I just don’t understand…
Ciaran killed for her the minute he met her, he saved her life, he rescued her and took her to his castle, he treated her like a princess, she was ungrateful, nasty, short tempered, stubborn— I don’t want to keep reading because I don’t want to see them married because she doesn’t deserve him.
Why is this book called taken by the cruel Highlander?!?!?
I hate Molly‘s guts… I truly do…
I stuck it out as much as I could because of all the 5 star ratings… I just don’t understand…
Ciaran killed for her the minute he met her, he saved her life, he rescued her and took her to his castle, he treated her like a princess, she was ungrateful, nasty, short tempered, stubborn— I don’t want to keep reading because I don’t want to see them married because she doesn’t deserve him.
Why is this book called taken by the cruel Highlander?!?!?
December 20, 2024
Word Vomit
DNF @62% but literally skipped entire chapters to get to that point. I think this was to be a slow burn but turned into a slow slog. I’m not a fan of storylines where grown ass adults spend all their time in their heads. The internal narrative is based on assumptions and they don’t talk to one another. It ruins the book for me. What also ruined this book was the first sex scene and how the author writes the female lead losing her virginity. No, nope!
DNF @62% but literally skipped entire chapters to get to that point. I think this was to be a slow burn but turned into a slow slog. I’m not a fan of storylines where grown ass adults spend all their time in their heads. The internal narrative is based on assumptions and they don’t talk to one another. It ruins the book for me. What also ruined this book was the first sex scene and how the author writes the female lead losing her virginity. No, nope!
January 6, 2025
DNF @ 51%
Just could not get into it. Descriptions of places weren't really there so I couldn't imagine any setting or scenery. Didn't like that she constantly refuses to tell Ciaran about her past but tells everyone else. Didn't like that he obviously wanted her but kept pushing her away but was also stalking her kind of?
The beginning had a lot of promise and I was looking forward to it based on the synopsis but alas, no dice.
Just could not get into it. Descriptions of places weren't really there so I couldn't imagine any setting or scenery. Didn't like that she constantly refuses to tell Ciaran about her past but tells everyone else. Didn't like that he obviously wanted her but kept pushing her away but was also stalking her kind of?
The beginning had a lot of promise and I was looking forward to it based on the synopsis but alas, no dice.
January 6, 2025
There was no cruel Highlander and she was not taken, so the title is a lie. This wasn't a "Bad" story, but it sure needs lots of work. The use of modern words and sayings just ripped me out of the story and I hated that. Its like it wants to be a historical romance, but should be a modern, I enjoyed some of it, but the author does have promise and I do plan to try the next book, but will get a sample in case its like this one.
June 22, 2025
A little disappointing
From the cover picture and the description I thought this book was going to have a little more spice and angst going on. The description was misleading he did not take her she asked to go with him. It wasn't bad it was just very Bland and it was way too long. Someone else might love it. The descriptive writing kept me interested for a while but I just had to scroll to the end.
From the cover picture and the description I thought this book was going to have a little more spice and angst going on. The description was misleading he did not take her she asked to go with him. It wasn't bad it was just very Bland and it was way too long. Someone else might love it. The descriptive writing kept me interested for a while but I just had to scroll to the end.
March 25, 2024
All Girls 😂😂😂😂
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. As always Maddie writes a superb story. I just loved the characters and storyline so much. Except for the bad ones. This book was great from start to finish. Molly and Cairan made me laugh. I love that they were both such strong characters and loved each other so much. Can’t wait to see what comes next. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. As always Maddie writes a superb story. I just loved the characters and storyline so much. Except for the bad ones. This book was great from start to finish. Molly and Cairan made me laugh. I love that they were both such strong characters and loved each other so much. Can’t wait to see what comes next. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
March 26, 2024
This story is an adventure with some twists. The heroine is a runaway from a convent where she has been abused. She is found and saved by the hero and taken to his castle where she starts to learn about healing. The hero is a warrior and feels he isn’t worthy of her, but his emotions won’t let him find another for her to wed. The book did keep my interest.
March 27, 2024
When Molly runs away from the Abbey after she is treated so badly, she is found by Laird Ciaran who takes her to his clan. Being around her has opened up a part of him and to deal with it he thinks she should marry but to whom. This thrilling story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
April 18, 2024
Wow
This was one action pack story. Full of love, hatred, as well as kidnapping and murder. This story was so intense that I didn’t want to put it down. The ending of every chapter wanted you to just open up to read what was going to happen next. But after all said and done love prevailed and hatred never stood a chance. So happily ever after here we are. Wow!!
This was one action pack story. Full of love, hatred, as well as kidnapping and murder. This story was so intense that I didn’t want to put it down. The ending of every chapter wanted you to just open up to read what was going to happen next. But after all said and done love prevailed and hatred never stood a chance. So happily ever after here we are. Wow!!
May 22, 2024
Great Romance but a little slow at times
I love the plot. The only thing I dislike about it was how the character plot was slow in some parts especially in the beginning to middle. Plus the two main characters who were both broken were afraid to admit their weaknesses and trust each other. But overall it was a wonderful
I love the plot. The only thing I dislike about it was how the character plot was slow in some parts especially in the beginning to middle. Plus the two main characters who were both broken were afraid to admit their weaknesses and trust each other. But overall it was a wonderful
July 17, 2024
Excellent Highlander and the Nun?
Loved this story of Molly and Ciarans, This book had it all love, suspense, mystery, cold brutal deceit. Molly's character was great like it when the heroin is feisty. Ciarans character was strong, smart and protector. Couldn't put it down, I laughed and cried, very emotional. Would recommend very gripping!
Loved this story of Molly and Ciarans, This book had it all love, suspense, mystery, cold brutal deceit. Molly's character was great like it when the heroin is feisty. Ciarans character was strong, smart and protector. Couldn't put it down, I laughed and cried, very emotional. Would recommend very gripping!
October 8, 2024
Oh my goodness, this story pulled me in from the beginning! I couldn't put it down. Molly went through so much suffering at the Abbey until she met Ciaran. He was so good to her and she was so innocent in the ways of love. It's a great story and it's wonderful how it unfolds with the help of Felix and friends. This is one story by Ms. MacKenna that you sure don't want to miss!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews