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Taken by Highland Devils #2

Taken by the Scarred Highlander

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“For a month, ye belong to me, lass.”

Finding a mute child near her orphanage, Charlotte vows to protect him. Even if it leads her to Scotland…trapped with the monster claiming to be his father.

There is only one way for beastly Laird Alasdair to bring his son home. Take the alluring Englishwoman with them. But only for a month. Because even a day longer will drive him mad with desire…and he just might devour her.

*Taken by the Scarred 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.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

334 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

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Maddie MacKenna

93 books87 followers

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5 stars
545 (64%)
4 stars
191 (22%)
3 stars
83 (9%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
9,376 reviews140 followers
August 7, 2024
Another terrific read by Ms. MacKenna who once again brings a historical romance with strong characters and takes you back to the day with her descriptive scenes. She brings mystery and intrigue and delivers an entertaining story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
1,051 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2024
Finding the truth.

Allisdair, Laird O’Malley, lost his wife and son on the same night. His castle was attacked in the night and his son was kidnapped and his wife was killed. Two years later, his son Ben ends up on the porch of an orphanage managed by Charlotte a former nun. Ben was not able to speak and was covered in Bruises. But he was able to write his name and who his father was so Charlotte was able to make contact with Allisdair. To help with Ben who was attached to her, Charlotte agreed to accompany them home for a month. That started a journey to finding the truth about the kidnapping, finding love and finding family. Great story and great characters.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,365 reviews15 followers
September 13, 2024
Two years ago there was a surprise attack on O’Malley’s castle. The assailants were masked, Laird Alasdair was gravely injured, his wife was killed and his son was taken. Alasdair had been searching for his son Benjamin from the moment he was healed enough to do so. Meanwhile Charlotte, a former nun, had turned an English monestary into an orphanage, taking in sick, injured and unwanted children. One evening a boy about seven years old was found on their doorstep, malnurished and covered in bruises and welts. She took him in, fed and nurtured him, and even though he would not speak, he wrote that a monster was coming for him. So when a large man with scars on his face and arms burst through the orphanage doors, it wasn’t a huge leap to believe that he was the monster to whom Benjamin referred. Alasdair had finally found his son, and he was not going to let anyone keep them apart for one more minute. Charlotte ended up accompanying Benjamin and Alasdair back to O’Malley castle, as she was unwilling to let him take Benjamin without making sure that the frightened boy would be safe. She agreed to stay for one month to help Benjamin with the transition, and then she would return to the orphanage. Fast forward and Alasdair is trying to conjole Benjamin into telling him who kidnapped him, while ignoring the growing attraction between Charlotte and himself. Tempers flare, frustration mounts and danger lurks. Progress is made and when it is time for Charlotte to return to the orphanage, everyone is an emotional mess. Danger comes from an unexpected source, culminating in a disturbing revelation and a fierce life or death battle. Aunt Orlaith and Hayden are the unsung heroes of the tale. He provides perspective, sage advice and comic relief, while she offers stability and love. This story has strong emotions, heartbreaking moments, steamy ecounters and a few spectacular fight scenes. It is fast pace and exciting, and I strongly suggest reading the prequel chapter, as it sets the underlying tone for the tale. Most enjoyable!
666 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2024
Charlotte Repington runs an orphanage in order to help children that were like her, alone in the world.
Finding a small child on the steps of the orphanage was nothing new, but this particular child who had fear in his eyes and not speaking began a new chapter in her life. The little boy was nothing but skin and bones. The first step was to figure out what was most important for him, whether food, bath, or sleep. He was scared and unsure of everything, but he gave a warning and his name and his dad’s name written on a piece of paper.
Laird Alasdair O’Malley was a man who had been through so much, his wife was killed and his son was taken from him 2 years ago. He had not given up looking for him, nor had he stopped trying to figure out who took him.
Taken By The Scarred Highlander is a great book that is sure to capture your attention and hold it all of the way through the end.
Make sure you grab it and share with your friends!
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,771 reviews15 followers
June 10, 2025
Maddie MacKenna … Taken By the Scarred Highlander

Heroine is a nun who renounced her vows to start an orphanage in the monastery that had become defunct. A starving young boy who did not talk but wrote his name as Ben and that a monster was after him but he was the son of the Laird O’Malley. She writes to her friend Molly who now lives in Scotland to tell of Ben. It’s not long after that his father shows up to take him back to his home after he was kidnapped two years ago. Our heroine declares she must accompany Ben and his father for a month. So begins the adventure. Recommend read.
Profile Image for Natasha.
433 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
I was looking for some light reading when I came across this story. What drew me was Ben's muteness however this story has the same trope with millions of others. There was nothing unique or special about it worth remembering.

The title is all wrong since Charlotte didnt get taken by Alasdaire. She willingly volunteered to go with him to Scotland to ease the transition for Ben. Also the author touted the book as steamy but I would hardly call the smut in it steam.

I knew the villain from the time he was introduced in the story at Ben's homecoming so I wasn't surprised at the reveal. It was glaringly obvious.

Meh.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,071 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2024
Lost child

Alasdair son is kidnapped and after two years he was able to escape and found his way to an orphanage that is run by Charlotte that was a former nun. A message is sent when the boy writes his name to his father. When he arrives to get his son Ben back the boy is afraid and so Charlotte travels to his home. Then there is another attempt that let them know that the bad guy was closer than they knew. Battle ends with the bad guys taken out. Good story as always Ms. MacKenna!
195 reviews
July 17, 2024
Attention grabbing from the beginning. I loved the care they both had for Ben Charlotte's relationship with Ben was special. I loved Alasdair & Charlotte's relationship, they have a great back & forth from the start, & I appreciated how strong she was in standing up for Ben & reasoning through problems instead of being irrational & I love how caring & protective he was & the way he teased Charlotte. I was a great story!
278 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2024
It's a beautiful love story.

It was a really special book to read. It was a story of love. The love of an ex nun for the children she cared for. Of finally finding one child's family and learning that sometimes life had a way of changing around you. Of sadness, and longing and of a treacherous man who wanted to destroy, even at the expense of a child. I loved the whole story. So now, if you don't mind I want to read what happens next.
11 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2024
Historical? How do We Know?

I really wanted to like these books. Really. But aside from the fact that there is no indication of when this “historical romance” takes place, the book is rife with misspellings (the scared highlander?), misuse of words, and even a continuity error where our hero draws Charlotte into his chambers and his bed only for the scene to end inexplicably in her bed. So, although the premise was good the follow-through was lacking. Do better.
363 reviews
October 8, 2024
Charlotte was such a kind and loving person taking care of all the children in the orphanage. She took care of little Ben until his father arrives to take him home, but Ben is attached to her and needs her kindness. She goes to the castle and makes friends with everyone while helping Ben to speak again. Ben has a secret that he isn't telling anyone. This story has suspense, intrigue and and innocent love. You don't want to miss this wonderful treasure by Ms MacKenna.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.5k reviews155 followers
July 16, 2024
Charlotte runs an orphanage where she finds a boy near it. Vowing to protect the boy starts her on an adventurous journey when she connects with Laird Alasdair the boy's father. Will it turn out to be everything she expects and will it lead them to happiness. This riveting story had me all caught up in Charlotte and Laird Alasdair.
16.8k reviews159 followers
July 18, 2024
She is going to try to help the young child who is mute. He will appear to demand the child as he believes they are his children. He will take her and them back to Scotland for a month but he does not want it to be any longer as he may never let her go. What is going to happen? Will he let her leave? Will she want to leave? See how it will all go
210 reviews
July 23, 2024
Outstanding story to get lost in!!!

I love Maddie’s books. Alastair & Charlotte’s story did not disappoint. I could stay reading with them & the orphanage for some time. What a hunt to find out who is stealing & harming son Ben. Fascinating progression of Ben thru the trauma to a state to be able to speak. Love her very real stories!
Profile Image for Linda.
218 reviews
July 24, 2024
This is a new author for me and this book was a very engaging and enjoyable read although some of the language threw me off for the time period. I loved the characters and the strength of the heroine and in my opinion there where really two Heros in this story. Ben was as much a Hero in the end as his father. I was given a chance to review this book and am Voluntarily leaving a review.
7 reviews
July 27, 2024
Great characters and a surprising twist

The characters and back story were interesting. I loved that both of the main characters were vulnerable. The boy was utterly protective of his father and Charlotte even though he was young and a victim. I would have liked to read more about the uncle suffering. Hehe!
Profile Image for Anuradha Ghose.
9 reviews
February 24, 2025
Possibly the stupidest historical romance I've read till date!😴😴 You believe it's medieval because the author said so😏 Lacking in any and all description of medieval Scotland.... landscape, castle, clothes ....name it and it's not there🙄Characters are boring, silly, no depth whatsoever. DND at 60%. Shame because I really liked the cover😒
113 reviews
July 14, 2024
Maddie MacKenna delivers another spellbinding story

Maddie MacKenna brings this story to life with very real characters and a story that will keep you turning pages after page. Set in Scotland a story of intrigue and scandal that brings a family together. I couldn't put it down!!!
107 reviews
July 16, 2024
This is a well written intriguing story!

Such a great story of a lost son and the lady that was able to help him get home. There is nothing to dislike about this book Maddie MacKenna has written and so much to fall in love with!
200 reviews
July 17, 2024
Charlotte

Different storyline which I enjoy. The characters were delightful, Charlotte was a strong female and Alistdair was a Laird who was strong yet sensitive. His son Ben was the key to unlocking the mystery. A great read!
53 reviews
July 17, 2024
Scarred Highlander with a heart

Loved the story and the characters. Highlander's son is kidnapped and finally showed up two years later. Kept you guessing who the kidnapper was. Once started I couldn't put it down. Already looking to read another of Madrid's great books.
5,422 reviews67 followers
July 18, 2024
Taken by the Scarred Highlander

Charlotte runs an orphanage and when the laird shows up to take his son home she agrees to go for A month to help Ben adjust .She and the laird fell in love and he rescued.her from his enemy A good story
76 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2024
monster

He looked so scary with all his scars but he went through so much. Ben was a beautiful catalyst to bring them together. I loved the prequel and that the characters from book 1 were brought back. It was a great story. Thank you.
132 reviews
July 21, 2024
Taken by the Scarred Highlander.

That was a wonderful Scottish tale of love and exciting story ,between an English Nun and a scared Scottish Laird.
I highly recommend this very well written love story.
289 reviews
July 25, 2024
Taken by the Scarred Highlander

If Scottish Midieval romance is your thing or just romance then this is one for you! With colorful characters, excitement, a bit of mystery and suspense and love of all kinds throughout. A great story and one to keep you reading.
172 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2024
a happy ending for a former nun

My favourite of this series so far, it was a page turner. Maddie knows how to keep her readers engaged. The storyline, the characters and the plot were just thrilling and i highly recommend.
33 reviews
July 29, 2024
I tried to write a review after reading both books for "Taken by Highland Devils" but was unable to.

I was unable to put the books down, The stories had me glued to see what would happen next.

"THANK YOU VERY MUCH" "THEY WERE GREAT"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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