He may be heaven-sent...but she might be an irresistible hellion-in-disguise in this deliciously compelling Highlander romance from USA Today bestselling author Heather McCollum.
Three months after escaping an English prison, Kenan Macdonald’s been taken captive. Again. Only this time, he’s been taken by a green-eyed slip of a lass. The crafty maiden snuck him a sleeping draught in hopes of convincing the Highland chief to help save her clan. This lovely creature could certainly be the devil...and oh, he is tempted.
Tierney MacNicol is desperate. She’s on the verge of being forced into marriage to a vicious brute who’s determined to take over the MacNicol clan. Her only hope of escape is to find another man to marry her— and fast. But convincing the brawny, towering chief of Clan Macdonald isn’t going to be easy. And her last, most desperate plan requires a near-unthinkable approach that sends her pulse seducing Kenan.
Tierney has a reputation for being rash, almost foolhardy. But with her clan on the brink of destruction, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves—and the secret she’s been hiding from Kenan. Even if it means an all-out war among the clans…
Each book in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series is * The Highlander’s Wild Flame * The Highlander's Fallen Angel * The Highlander's Lady of Loch and Sea
I am Heather McCollum, writer of 16th and 17th century Scottish romance full of adventure and intrigue, sprinkled with humor, history, and spice. Brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines are my favorite characters!
I am also a mom of three kids, dog-mom of one rescued geriatric golden retriever, and wife of one 6 foot 4 inch Highlander. When I’m not trying to help my kids make it through the day, baking things I see on The Great British Baking Show, or writing, I’m usually educating women on ovarian cancer (I’m a nine-year survivor).
I love kilted heroes, chai lattes, and eating buttered air-popped popcorn for dinner on Friday nights (my dog loves this one too).
If you’re interested in my new releases, fun historical tidbits, sales, and giveaways, sign up for my newsletter!
5 Stars! Loved this book! Heather McCollum is my favorite author, hands down! She writes such amazing books that have historical facts, lovable characters, strong female main characters and swoon worthy sexy times scenes! This is the second book in the ‘Brotherhood of Solway Moss’ series & can be read as a standalone but I think it would be better read in order. I read book one & absolutely loved that also. The main characters were Tierney & Kenan and I really liked both of them. Kenan wants to unite the Scottish Isles against England and Tierney wants help because another clan is trying to force her to marry. Steamy sexy times, strong female main character, sexy main male character, easy to hate evil bad guys, surprising moments, an HEA ending, and much more. Totally worth reading. I have nothing bad to say about this book. 100% recommend this series! *I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
Three months after escaping an English prison, Kenan Macdonald’s been taken captive again. Only this time, it's crafty Tierney MacNicol who lays him low with a sleeping draught in order to get him alone and convince Kenan to help save her clan.
This is the second book in the Brothers of Solway Moss series, which follows lairds imprisoned together who made a pact to unite their clans on Skye against England and other invaders.
This is another solid Scottish historical from McCollum. I loved that Tierney was a strong character with a plan b, or c or d... Sacrificed once for a clan alliance, she refuses to do it again when the man is a known brute who wants to take over her land by force. She needs the appearance of a marriage to another laird in order to void the contract...by Kenan has his own clan to protect and isn't initally interested in helping Tierney. Of course, his defenses come down and his protective side puffs up. Eventually, they work together. While I felt like this book could be read alone, there were a lot of characters to keep track of on the back third of the story. Perhaps some of the characters would have been more familiar if I had read the previous book first.
Tropes: Scottish Romance, Widow, Kidnapped, Enemies to Lovers, Protector
The Highlander's Fallen Angel by Heather McCollum Book 2 of the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series Out 4/29!
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for entrusting me with this early copy.
Historical romance Dual POV, she k!dn@ps him, enemies to lovers, feminine rage, clever FMC with schemes, cinnamon roll MMC who doesn't like to be called nice, both have traumatic backstories, politics
Tierney is desperate to convince Kenan to help her and her people. But just how far will she go? When her initial plan fails, her backup plan is to take Kenan and chain him up until he agrees to pretend to wed her to protect her from yet another abus!ve marriage. Kenan, besides being angry she was able to manage her plan, is unofficially betrothed to his friend's sister to continue furthering their alliance and plans to unite the highlands. This marriage would also prevent that calm from attacking his while they are still rebuilding from a fire. What will happen to that alliance if a breath of this fake marriage gets back to them?
This book had me starting out laughing with Tierney's plan and poor Kenan's stumbling into it. With Tierney's past, this book was a love letter to finding hope in relationships when @buse has been the norm before. Kenan was patient and steadfast and while he tried to stifle Tier helping to keep her out of danger, he quickly learned and accepted (grudgingly) that Tier will not be sidelined. Also, I loved Aunt Morag! She is a gem. This was an enjoyable book and had several reveals and perilous situations along the way that definitely kept things moving and interesting.
The Highlander’s Fallen Angel is a story of trust, community, and overcoming hardship, intertwined with humorous adventures, traumatic pasts, and a growing love between two characters that deserve it. Featuring some of your favourite characters from Book 1 of the series as well as some new additions (including a newt!), you’ll definitely find yourself laughing and crying with this one.
If you have not read book 1, I would suggest reading it first as there is background and character crossover that would be helpful (but not necessarily vital) to understanding.
Tierney and Kenan may actually be my favourite of Heather’s couples (and I’ve read every single Heather McCollum book, so that’s saying something!)- his kindness, her dedication, and their collective goal of saving their people is incredibly inspiring. Tierney represents a strong FMC that will go to the ends of the earth to save those she loves.
For sensitive readers, please note that this book does feature some dark themes that may be triggering. These themes have been sensitively articulated and the writing showcases a good understanding of traumatic responses.
Overall, this is yet another fantastic book from Heather that will go back on my re-read list immediately! 10/10, highly recommended.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback. Thank you for this book!!
I LOVED this storyline. It was a fantastic read. Tierney is a great main character that shows how a person can overcome trauma and learn to love and trust again. I love how determined Kenan is to unite the isles.
Klanını kurtarmak için KLAN ŞEFİNİ KAÇIRAN DUL HATUN MU!!!
Bana bunlarla gelin.
Kenan İngiliz esirliğinden yeni kurtulmuş, İskoç klanları arasında birlik için başka kadınla sözlü. Tierney ise babası tarafından başka biriyle ikinci kez evlendirilmek üzere sözleşiyor, tabii toprakların da sahibi olacak, ama onun korumaya çalıştığı bir kızı (Maggie) ve sefil haldeki klanı var. Bir plan yapıp asıl amacı Kenan'ın Da Vinci aletini çalarak şantaj yapmayı düşünse de işler istediği gibi gitmiyor ve denize düşüyor. Ve tabii ki Kenan tarafından kurtarılıyor ama herifim o ara büyülenmekle meşgul adfasdfasdf
İlişkileri insta-lustvari başlamış olsa da inanılmaz organik ilerledi. Kadının yıllarca yaşadığı istismarcı evliliğe ve şefimizin politik çıkmazına rağmen
Çok beğendim. Dili de çok güzel fakat biraz zor okudum. Gömülü çeviri olmasa bıkabilirdim eski ve haliyle yöre kelimeleri çok kullanılmıştı çünkü.
Çok komik, çok duygusal, çok ateşli.
Şey çok şahane mesela Tierney kendisine yardım etmesi için konuşuyor, Kenan diyo ki ne güzel bir avrat... Tierney dikilmiş cevap bekliyor, Kenan diyo ki ben de onun gibi yumuşak hiç bişi' yok??? Tierney bunu kaçırıp bağlamış, Kenan diyo ki her şey yalan mıydı her şey evli mi yoksa asdfasdfasdf
Sonra Kenan, gördüğü anda Maggie'ye 'kızım' diyor. Kenan, Tierney için savaşa giriyor. Kenan, Tierney'i adaba uygun olmayan haliyle seviyor.
Kesinlikle daha sonra okurum bu yazarı. Historicalda aradığım üç şey de var çünkü. Ayrıca kitap uzun ve olaylı olsa da hiçbiri gereksiz uzatılmamıştı. Ki dikbaşlı yazayım derken cadaloz, naif yazayım derken salak heroine yazılıyor genelde burada öyle değil *şükür moments*.
baktık olmuyor biz mi kaçırcaz şimdi :( ;;; deamorski
This historical romance is part of a series that revolves around four highlanders that made a pledge to work for peace while they were imprisoned. I personally think they are better read in order, but you could read each one on its own.
Our brave heroine has suffered terrible trauma but came through it stronger and more determined than ever. She will not be stopped from protecting her immediate family and her Clan.
Our hero's plans, both personal and for his Clan are about to be thrown into extreme chaos.
I couldn't help but giggle at the frustration he must have felt. A great adventure with lots of danger and fantastic characters.
There’s just something about Highlander historical romances that hit oh so right!
I loved The Highlander’s Fallen Angel in equal measure to the first title in this interconnected series. I swooned, I dreamy sighed, I clutched my pearls! It had it all– action, high-stakes, and passionate romancing! All led by two marvelous leads, Kenan and Tierney.
Tierney is desperate to receive Kenan’s aid in dissuading away an unwanted marriage and alliance she faces with a cruel man. And it’s more than just a marriage she needs dissuading– it’s the protection of her people, including her young daughter. So Tierney does the unexpected– she kidnaps the chief of the Macdonalds. Kenan should rebel against such action, but upon witnessing the reality Tierney faces without his aid, he forsakes his own personal and clan’s goals to protect this woman of great courage and heart. This alliance will threaten war, break friendships, and arise suspicion– and yet Kenan and Tierney will confront it all, for what pulls them together runs far deeper than either would ever expect.
Tierney is such an admirable, resilient heroine. She puts the love she has for her people, especially her daughter, above all else. But she is also desperate to save herself from another unwanted union that could further scar her heart. There is a moment where she mentions she wanting to find Kenan for help not just because of his and his clan’s strength– but because she was told he is kind. Kindness is not a familiar friend to Tierney, so to see her desperation coupled with the why of it all– the need for kindness- rather broke my heart. Seeing her grow as a leader, seeing her brave her fears, and seeing her face the unknown with an open heart is inspiring. Tierney for the win, forever! Tierney deserves the world.
And Kenan is absolutely at the ready to give her just that. This giant man with his brute strength and blunt words harbors a soft, bleeding heart. He sees a woman who has be wronged, a mother desperate to save her child, and a leader desiring to protect her people, and he readily gives up his own desires to protect Tierney. I loved how deliberate he is in every action taken, even knowing the potential consequence. He is a man who does right by all, at least as much as he can. And once Tierney enters his heart, he will do whatever is needed to safeguard her-- and to lift her up.
Their romance unfurls rather quickly, especially its consumption, and while I would have loved a bit more of a slow burn I so utterly believed in the fiery nature of their connection. They are like magnets whose sole purpose is to always find one another. I loved their partnership in politics, their emotional bond as friends, and their passion as lovers. It worked so beautifully together!
This story brings heart-stopping action, stomach-dropping turns, and soul-lighting romance.
Chef’s kiss to this remarkable series! I can’t wait for the third installment!
Thank you Entangled and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
____ original thoughts
It's the way I am forever gone for Highlander romances. I don't know what it is-- but it's this specific subgenre in historical romances that continuously does it for me! Dare I say, another hit!
Yes ma'am. Ms. Heather McCollum deserves an award for writing Kenan's story.
If you want a man built like a god (he was compared to Zeus but I hate that fella, sooo...), kind hearted, intelligent, morals, a mouth on him, a protector, and a warrior that craves peace and unity over war and dominion...then you have found your man. Look no further. Kenan gets all the stars. Yum.
Tierney may just be who I want to be when I grow up. She lived in a world where she was just a pawn to be sold to whomever could help her dads clan regardless of how she was treated....but she didn't let it keep her down. She learned how to survive in the woods, protect her child, rule her clan, find a way out of a horrid marriage and brutality towards her people, studied, was creative, had spunk and personality, could take down a warrior on her own, and love like no other.
🤌🏽 Lines: An honorable man doesn't hurt any woman, and he protects his wife.
Men have the strength. Imagine what the world would be like if women were physically stronger.
"Ye will sleep with me, Tierney, until ye only feel cold when ye think of me." "What if I never feel cold when I think of you?" He leaned in and kissed her chilled forehead. "Then ye will always know where to sleep."
If ye feel heat or warmth or kindness toward me, we will never be done.
Three months after escaping an English prison, Kenan Macdonald’s been taken captive. Again. Only this time, he’s been taken by a green-eyed slip of a lass. The crafty maiden snuck him a sleeping draught in hopes of convincing the Highland chief to help save her clan. Tierney MacNicol is desperate. She’s on the verge of being forced into marriage to a vicious brute who’s determined to take over the MacNicol clan. Her only hope of escape is to find another man to marry her— and fast. Tierney has a reputation for being rash, almost foolhardy. But with her clan on the brink of destruction, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves—and the secret she’s been hiding from Kenan. Even if it means an all-out war among the clans The second book in the series featuring four Scottish warriors who are captured by the English & they pledge to work towards peace amongst their clans. Whilst it could be read on its own characters do overlap. I loved both Kenan & Tierney who locked horns from their first meeting & continued to do so throughout the book but their chemistry also sizzled. I loved their journey to a HEA which had quite a few obstacles plus she had to learn to trust again. There were adventures, intrigue, steam & some humour which added together made foe an engrossing book I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
This captivating Highland romance is full of heart, action, and heat. I loved Tierney MacNicol; she’s bold, clever, and desperate to protect her clan and daughter from a cruel forced marriage. Her plan to kidnap Kenan Macdonald, a brooding Highland chief, is reckless but compelling. Kenan’s gruff exterior hides a fiercely loyal heart, and their chemistry is immediate and intense. I appreciated how their relationship balanced passion with genuine emotional connection and political partnership. The side characters, especially Aunt Morag, added humor and charm. While the romance moved quickly, it felt earned and deeply rooted in trust and mutual respect. This book had it all: danger, drama, swoon-worthy moments, and I can't wait for the next in the series.
GIRLS....just read it. GUYS...take notes. Heather McCollum is a masterful author who knows what us romance readers WANT. This book was killing it from start to finish especially because I had read the prev book but I was completely intrigued by this woman pulling the wool over this man's eyes and tricks him! Of course we all know the cover has this hottie on it, but he is even hotter in the reading. I loved the HEA at the end of this book, her writing is definitely something that is all around feel-good no matter what in the books that I have read from her. Best part is that because we know of the characters' heritage, we can definitely imagine those accents while reading! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Do not waste your time thinking about reading it, just DO it.
Book 2 in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss Series did NOT disappoint! Kenan Macdonald is just the Scot for Tierney despite her past experience and trauma. She’s the hot mess express that you cannot help but love and she’s exactly who I picture myself being if I were living in that time period!
Her antics and tactics are strategic and just a bit hare-brained. Nevertheless, Tierney manages to put herself in the position to be everything that Kenan needs (and wants) even if he doesn’t realize it at first.
Just like book 1, McCollum writes with humor giving the two main characters a banter that moves the story along quickly and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish!
Swooning in the Highlands: Kenan, Tierney, and All My Feelings 💚🔥
From the first page, The Highlander’s Angel pulled me in—and I didn’t want it to end. I kept stopping just to savor it longer. This book reminded me why I fell in love with historical romances in the first place. There’s just nothing like a Highlander in love. 💚
Tierney is everything. I love how single-minded and tenacious she is—drugging a full-grown man and practically kidnapping him? Iconic. She’s also brave and not afraid to be vulnerable, which made me love her even more. She’s clearly been burned before by marriage, and I was dying to know what happened to her in the past. 🔥
Kenan is chef’s kiss. I’m pretty sure he falls first, and I savored every single moment of it. He’s so kindhearted (the way he calls Maggie his daughter nearly broke me), and those swoony compliments? Dead. Even after being tricked, his protectiveness over Tierney never wavers. And the fact that he’s willing to break his alliance for her? I MELTED. Add in his “touch her and die” energy and the way he gives Tierney choices—ugh, perfection. 🌶️🔥
The slow build of tension and seduction between them is literally perfect. There’s a conscious effort on both sides to work through misunderstandings and communicate—it made everything feel so real and earned. Also… that bathtub scene? Whew.🤯
Aunt Morag deserves her own crown. She’s like the Downton Abbey grandmother if she were Scottish, hilarious, scheming, and somehow always one step ahead. Her POV chapter? Absolute joy. Her distractions and plans? Queen behavior. 👑
Kenan and Tierney are the blueprint for what I want in a relationship. This book gave me everything—romance, adventure, found family, and characters that feel like real people. Seriously, why does Kenan want the glider so badly? And more importantly, how do I get my own Highlander?
Thank you Entangled and Heather McCollum for the ARC!
Really enjoyed reading Kenan & Tierney’s story! Heather McCollum is a fantastic author & writes such captivating stories.
Tierney is a strong & resilient FMC. I really appreciated that she stayed true to herself & looked for solutions in unlikely places. Kenan is kind & patient & such a good fit for Tierney. I loved watching them grow throughout the book.
I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series!
The Highlander's Fallen Angel Brotherhood of Solway Moss #2 Heather McCollum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kenan MacDonald is once again taken captive and he just escaped from an English prison three months ago. Only this time he has been taken by a lass with green eyes. This slip of a lass snuck him a sleeping draught in a tart hoping that she could get the Highland chief to help her save her clan. And this lass can certainly tempt him into doing it if anyone can.
Tierney MacNicol is more than desperate. The poor woman is being forced into a marriage to a vicious brute who's determined to take over her clan. Her only hope of redemption is to find another Highland Chief to marry her and as fast as she can. But she knows convincing the chief of Clan McDonald isn't going to be easy. It's the last part of her plan that she knows will not be easy. She will have to seduce Kenan and get him to hand fast with her.
Tierney doesn't really have the best reputation. Usually she's rash and almost foolhardy but with her clan on the brink of destruction she just wants to do whatever it takes to protect the one she loves. And then there is the secret she's been hiding from Kenan. Tierney is willing to do what it takes even if it means all out war among the clans.
Heather McCullom is absolutely brilliant. I devoured this book like it was the best cheesecake I've ever eaten. And that says a lot. Tierney was incredible. She was so tough and took so many chances that I found myself holding my breath and cheering for her all the way. Kenan was your perfect Highlander. He gave up a marriage proposal that could have gotten him everything he needed just to help Tierney. As for Morag (Kenan's Aunt) she was incredible. The way she helped had me cheering for her as well. All in all this is one book you won't want to miss. This is Heather McCullom at her best doing what she loves. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
The Highlander’s Fallen Angel sweeps readers away to the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye in the 1540s. This is the second installment in Heather McCollum’s series about four Scottish warriors, once imprisoned by the English, who are now determined to unite the clans.
At the heart of this story are Tierney and Kenan. Tierney, facing a brutal arranged marriage, hatches a desperate plan—convincing Kenan to pretend to be her husband to save herself and her clan. I absolutely loved both of these characters. Tierney’s strength, especially as she struggles with the scars of an abusive past, is inspiring. She’s determined never to be trapped again, and Kenan is the perfect partner to show her what love and life can truly be. Their chemistry had me completely hooked.
The side characters added so much richness to the story, with Morag quickly becoming a standout favorite. Every interaction made the world feel even more alive and vibrant.
It had been years since I last picked up a historical fiction novel, and I couldn’t be happier that The Highlander’s Fallen Angel was my first step back into the genre. Heather McCollum’s writing reminded me why I fell in love with these kinds of stories in the first place—strong characters, sweeping landscapes, and high stakes driven by loyalty, love, and courage.
If you love strong heroines who will do anything for the people they love, heart-melting Highlanders, and a historical backdrop filled with action and emotion, this book is a must-read.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Fantastic story. To save her clan Tierney MacNicol is willing to do anything, anything but marry Ranulf Matheson. To stop that happening she needs Kenan Macdonald to make the proposed marriage null and void and act as a deterrent to Ranulf taking over the clan. Unfortunately she has no time to plead her case and instead undertakes a risky plan to get Keenan to Scorrybreac. A headstrong woman and a clear-headed man join forces to save Scorrybreac, risking war with neighbouring clans but with an eye to forming peaceful alliances. Loved it as much as the first book, cannot wait for the next. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This series continues to deliver! Kenan might not be sure about his future, but he’s pretty sure it doesn’t lie with the one who wants him. Instead, he’s certain that Tierney just might be important. So he goes along with her wishes to save her clan. But imagine everyone’s surprise when the truth comes out and far more dangers await them all.
Tierney may seem headstrong, but she’s surviving how she knows she can. She also doesn’t want to rely on a man, but Kenan is proving that not all men are horrible. So they embark on a journey to save others, each other, and themselves, and honestly? I loved the whole path from Never to Maybe to NOW for these two. I look forward to finding out what comes our way next.
Widow Tierney MacNicol’s father betrothed her to Ranulf Matheson, and now that her father has gone missing, her cousin Asher MacNicol has left and her clan has been decimated by war and sickness, Ranulf is insisting that she marry him, but lucky for Tierney there was a clause in the betrothal contract stating that the contract would be void if Tierney marries another clan chief. To save herself and her daughter from another brutal man, Tierney needs Kenan Macdonald, and desperate times call for desperate measures! During the wedding for Kenan’s sister Sara and Rory MacLeod, Tierney steals Kenan’s flying machine and crashes it into the ocean, which leads to Kenan saving her and ultimately leads to her taking him captive. She needs to convince Kenan to return with her to Scorrybreac and pretend to be her husband. But nothing could have prepared her for Kenan Macdonald…
Kenan Macdonald has the weight of the world on his shoulders, he was held prisoner for 18 months by King Henry after the Battle of Solway Moss and returned home only to lose his father, be betrayed by his own brother, watch his castle burn and now have his flying machine stolen – again! All Kenan wants is a united Scotland and the bonds he made in prison with his fellow captives are a good start to that, in fact he is on the brink of making an alliance with the powerful Mackinnon clan by marrying Cyrus Mackinnon’s sister Grace. Things are finally looking up, until Tierney MacNicol crashes into his life – literally. She threatens everything he has been working for and her interference could drag his clan into a war, but there is something about her that intrigues him and question everything he has planned.
I am not sure how I feel about this story – I loved Kenan and Tierney, but I didn’t really care for the inequality of the characters. Both Kenan and Tierney have suffered at the hands of others and have been subjected to life-altering horrors that reforged both of them. Overall, this was an interesting story with a strong heroine, a hero who really is a hero, a lot of action, emotion, heartache, betrayal, warm love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, evil villains, redemption and finally a HEA. The problem I had with this story is that while their experiences have changed them both, the reader is still urged to believe that Tierney’s needs and wants are more important than Kenan’s – I just don’t care for stories where one character surrenders their desires to make the other character happy rather than coming to a mutual compromise. This is the second book in the series and could be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience. It should also be noted that readers with sensitivity to spousal abuse, imprisonment, and spousal rape should read the content warnings before reading this book.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
I love a good Highland romance novel and Heather McCollum delivers on all levels. Wonderful characters, a rich and detailed world, and a riveting story that pulled me in from the beginning to the very last page. The Highlander's Fallen Angel is the 2nd book in McCollum's Brotherhood of Solway Moss series, but it was easy to follow as a standalone book. That being said, I still plan to purchase the first book of the series, The Highlander's Wild Flame.
I enjoyed the banter between the main characters, Laird Kenan Macdonald & Tierney MacNichol. I loved the chemistry between them as well. McCollum's writing was excellent in fully fleshing out Kenan & Tierney to be realistic, not flat characters on a page. Kenan was strong and just, wanting to unite the Isles of Sky with the three men he had shared a cell with after the doomed battle of Solway Moss. The four of them have sworn that they will work together to unite the clans on the Isles to live in strength and peace. Yet he was also compassionate and gentle-hearted, torn between his desire to help Tierney and the MacNichol clan and his nearly formalized betrothal to the sister of his sworn brother Cyrus MacKinnon. Tierney was clever and determined, dealing with the emotional scars of her dismissive father and abusive former husband, she's a widow and a mother who will try everything to protect her daughter and her clan from the violent brother of the Matheson laird. Ranulf Matheson is cut from the same cloth as Tierney's former husband, she refuses to suffer that abuse again or subject her daughter or any MacNichol to Ranulf's cruelty. Kenan does not want the Mathesons to gain a foothold on the Isles of Sky so he agrees to help, while working together they fall more and more deeply for each other. It leaves Kenan in a quandary, will he follow his heart and marry Tierney, which could possibly destroy his relationship with Cyrus MacKinnon? The betrothal was not signed, but Cyrus' father hates the Macdonalds and wants any reason to destroy them. Or will Kenan deny his feelings and choose duty by marrying Grace MacKinnon?
The Highlander's Fallen Angel is a fascinating story with many twists and turns. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and am looking forward to reading the stories for the rest of the men in the brotherhood. My highlight of the book was Aunt Morag. She was absolutely brilliant and I hope I'll see her again.
Thank you NetGalley & Heather McCollum for providing me with this ARC for my review. I enjoyed the book so much I'm adding the author to my follow list on Amazon, Bookbub & Goodreads.
Book: The Highlander’s Fallen Angel Author: Heather McCollum Series: Brotherhood of Solway Moss, Book 2 Publisher: Entangled Book Length: 347 Pages Overall rating: 5/5 Stars Tumblr Blog Rating: 5/5 Stars
This is the second book in this series Brotherhood of Solway Moss which is another phenomenal read. This is the second installment…
Isle of Skye, Scotland, 1544
Tierney MacNicol of Scorrybreac, is the female main character (FMC) who feels she is between a rock and a hard place. She has been in one abusive marriage and is headed down that road once again to another unwanted forced marriage. She will do anything to protect her daughter and clan so she is not forced into another nightmare marriage once again!
In this book Chief Kenan MacDonald is the male main character who has only been out of captivity for a few months (MMC) when his life is changed by force once again. He is taken away from his clan, drugged and abducted. How will he be able to escape to be able to protect his people? His family and clan must be besides themselves when they discover he is missing!
On top of this there is another woman who believes she is Keenan’s betrothed. Plus the Mathson clan who believe Kenan feels used and abused. Tierney MacNicol treated Kenan badly, humiliating him but a lot had to do with her past. The more you read about Tierney and all her trauma the more I understand her desperation in her bad decisions and mistakes. Shall Tierney ever be able to trust a man and discover all men are not the same? Will Kenan ever be able to understand, open his heart and forgive Tierney for hurting him from her past mistakes? Read and discover their fate.
I have been reading Heather McCollum books for over a decade and her books always draw me into her Scottish historical world of yesterday. I love the mention of Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine. If you ever see the film “Everafter” based on the Cinderella fairytale with Drew Barrymore and Angelica Huston there is a scene with him and his flying machine too. I love when iconic real people are mentioned in historical fiction books! Another book I absolutely loved and I look forward to the next book in this riveting series. A book I highly recommend.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Entangled publishing and Netgalley for this advanced readers copy. All thoughts, words and ideas are my own.
The Highlander’s Fallen Angel by Heather McCollum The Brotherhood of Solway Moss #2
What would YOU do to save yourself from a second abusive husband, keep your daughter safe, and prevent your clan from being taken over by the brutish man who intends to claim you? Tierney has a plan that is a bit unorthodox and hopes this plan won’t fail. Excellent addition to the series!
What I Liked: * Tierney MacNicol: daughter of a laird, mother of Maggie, widow of abusive husband, bartered by her father, survivor, strong, strategic thinker, protective, spontaneous, vowed to never marry again * Kenan Macdonald: Laird of his clan, castle burned and in need of repair, one of four men who made an alliance in prison, strong, kind, caring, lethal, follows his heart, attracted to Tierney * The meet-cute that ties into the Fallen Angel title * The ease of falling back into the story * The way the four men who made the alliance stand with one another even when things don’t go as one or more might have thought they would * The way women were strong and assertive and often able to save the day * Morag: considered a with and murderer by some, in tune with earth, crows, ancient religion and deities, unorthodox, able to cause a scene, admirable, a crone worthy of being emulated * The animals that were part of the story: crows, horses, dogs, and a salamander * Some of the supporting characters – would like to know what happens to Jacob, Maggie, Cora, Gabriel, and a few others * Being able to dislike the villains and wish for their demise * Being thankful that Kenan did NOT end up with Grace but now wonder who she will end up with * All of it except…
What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like * That women were considered chattel to be sold off for alliances between clans – they had no rights * Thinking about how difficult living must have been in this time period
Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in the series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing-Amara for the ARC – this is my honest review.
Kenan Macdonald barely survived being a captive of the English after a battle where the Scots vastly outnumbered the English was lost because the clans couldn't work together. Back on the Isle of Skye, he's determined to band together to strengthen Scotland. But not only does he have to fight the hate and prejudice most clans have against each other, he soon finds himself kidnapped by a desperate Tierney MacNicol in a desperate plan to save her clan. Tierney only wanted Kenan to pretend to marry her so she could get out of a wedding contract her dad signed against her will, but her last-ditch plan has widespread consequences that could start a war on Skye with dire consequences for all.
McCollum is the queen of Highland romances, and she proves it once again with this book. We get the mandatory warrior and his feisty female counterpart in a story that has it all. The romance is at the forefront with Kenan and Tierney having amazing chemistry from the get-go, plus there's lots of action, politicking, and, best of all, humor. There isn't a page that doesn't have something interesting happening on it, which makes for a truly exciting read. Also, the fact that there's always that cooky aunt that lives by herself, who no one is entirely sure isn't a real witch, and who takes the most drastic actions in the story is one of my favorite things about McCollum's books. Aunt Morag is quite possibly the best one yet, and I loved every single scene she was in. I will say that there were a couple of things that were set up and didn't lead to much or were resolved a little too quickly for my taste, but it doesn't take away from how good I found the story overall so I'm ignoring it.
Delighted thanks to Entangled: Amara for the action-packed romance read!
Whew! What a ride! First we have a nail-biting prologue that kept me on the edge of my seat. Then we meet our main characters, Kenan and Tierney, who don't have a single easy day on the way to their HEA, and I loved every bit of their story! It starts with a desperate Tierney doing everything she can to keep her freedom and protect what's left of her family, even if that means kidnapping a neighboring clan leader and forcing him to fight for her.
Kenan has only been home for a very short time after being held by the English, so he's in no mood to tolerate being held captive again. But, as he gets Tierney to open up, he begins to understand what she's up against and he wants to figure out a way to help her, but maybe not the way she wants.
This romance was as wild and free as the Scottish Highlands, filled with political intrigue, secrets and surprises, and villains who are well deserving of their eventual reward. The relationship between Kenan and Tierney bloomed softly, slowly, but with plenty of steam once it took off. I love the emphasis on family and community, and I adored all the well-developed characters.
This is the second book in the series, taking place immediately following the events of the first, but as these are interconnected standalones you don't have to have read the earlier book to enjoy this one. However, if you enjoy 16th century Highlander romances, this series is exactly what you're looking for. This author is consistently at the top of my favorites list and I couldn't recommend this book more.
This is the second book in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series and tells the story of Tierney and Kenan's historical romance set in the 1500s in warring Scotland.
Kenan has escaped an English prison with fellow rival clansmen and returned to Scotland with a peace oath between them and a promise to try to unite Scotland against English oppression.
Tierney has already survived through one abusive marriage and will do whatever it takes to try to avoid being tied to another abuser ever since her father has promised her through a marriage contract to another violent man from a different clan without her consent.
Tierney forces Kenan into a fake union with her in order to exploit a clause in the marriage contract her father wrote, even if it means starting a war between clans. Although as the charade progresses, the intensity of their feelings also increases for each other.
I really liked the way the author wrote Tierney's personal journey and her struggle with her abusive past, her self reflection and doubts, and then how Kenan helps her to see her self-worth, respecting her boundaries in order to process her feelings. It showed compassion, understanding, and made his character all the more lovable. There were plenty of other colorful and interesting characters in this story as well, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next installment in this series!
This starts with four men is prison from different clans. The only way to survive is to work together to escape. Once they do, the agree to try and unite their clans. This is Kenan's story and he is giving serious consideration to getting betrothed to Grace, who is Cyrus's sister. Then he gets kidnapped by Tierney who is desperate to find a way to save herself and her clan from the betrothal her father signed before he disappeared. Kenan is not amused at any of this especially after Tierney is the one who crashed his glider the day before. Grudgingly, he agrees to go to her home and see if he can help. Tierney is on plan 2 at this time as she is a planner who makes multiple ones as they don't always go well. Once at her home, Kenan quickly finds himself immersed in some of her plans as she has intrigued him. Things get dangerous quickly and they know they need his friends and family help to save her parents who have been kidnapped. Kenan is wise enough to know that they plans he and his friends make are probably not going to be followed by the women, who along with his Aunt Morag insisted on coming along. What follows is danger, action, adventure, family, and love. There is a lot to this story about a strong willed lass and the highlander who was confident enough to love her. Highly recommend.
ARC Review of the Highlander's Fallen Angel by Heather McCollum * * * * * A highlander historical romance that takes a chance in the face of danger, saving family, and uniting together to protect those you love.
The story literally starts with the heroine falling for the big muscular highlander - and by falling, we mean off a cliff on a contraption that leads to a very stranger turn of events. Kenan is interested and slightly ticked by the blonde haired angel Tierney who has one itsy bitsy MASSIVE favour from him. She's desperate enough to take pretty drastic messures, which leads our big strong man to help defend her clan against a cruel enemy. It was all meant to be an arrangement. Fake. Now, it was all becoming too real.
Absolutely love this series and so happy I came back for more after reading the first book. Tierney has had it rough in her marriage life, with the only good thing coming out of it being her daughter. After loosing one husband, she's now near trapped with another monster. She's a strong woman and will do anything to save her people and family, but she's also willing to save herself. Kenan refuses to accept he's a kind man, but let's face it, he's a grumpy sweetheart! Poor lad also gets hit in the head a couple of times! Thrown a few unexpected surprises and last minute twists, just to zing up the story! 5 stars!
Thrilling, intricate tale of love told with steam, humor and more As the second book in this series about The Brotherhood of Solway Moss, Ms. McCollum has done a good job of giving just enough detail from the first book to aid the reader in understanding this one. The premise was what intrigued me: four men meet and endure torture and more under the hands of the English, abandoned by their clans, all of which forced them to work together for the first time ever. United the clans might have a chance under the tyranny of the English. Three months after escaping the English and returning home from that trial, Kenan Macdonald encounters his next big challenge, the angel-looking, devil-behaving snippet of a woman: Tierney MacNicol from Scorrybreac. Her backstory is tragic and unfortunately, still timely. This book was written so well that I “felt” Tierney’s pain and in other circumstances, I felt like I was in the room watching what transpired. Together Kenan and Tierney are stronger but tell that to Grace Mackinnon who thinks Kenan is her betrothed! And then there are the Mathesons, one of whom expects to marry Tierney. Very intricate tale and multi-faceted story which I highly recommend to readers who enjoy big burly Scots hopelessly falling for his woman. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled and NetGalley.
Heather McCollum’s The Highlander’s Fallen Angel is an absolute masterpiece that had me hooked from the very first page. This page-turning romantic drama effortlessly weaves together passion, intrigue, and the deep-rooted bonds of clan and family loyalty.
The plot is brilliantly crafted, filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth that kept me eagerly flipping pages late into the night. McCollum’s rich storytelling transports readers straight into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, painting vivid scenes that feel both authentic and enchantingly atmospheric.
The characters are compelling, with the romantic tension between the protagonists sizzling off the pages. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their personal struggles are heartfelt, making their journey both relatable and inspiring. The emphasis on clan dynamics and family loyalty adds an additional layer of depth, providing a well-rounded narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
In essence, The Highlander’s Fallen Angel is a gripping tale of love, honor, and resilience. It’s the perfect read for anyone enchanted by historical romance with a strong sense of place and beautifully developed characters. Highly recommend!