He thought he would never love again… Then he fell for the lass he must give up to save his clan.
Desperate to keep his children and clan from starving, Laird Alasdair MacLachlan joins the ranks of mercenaries searching for the missing lass of a powerful clan. The mission seems simple—find the lass, return her to her family, and claim the hefty reward. But when fate throws bow and arrow wielding Sorcha MacGregor in his path, he’s about to discover how complicated one mule-headed, beguiling beauty can make things. For a man who has lost and loved and has no interest in doing either ever again, he’s confounded by the desire the opinionated woman awakens in him, and he’s shocked to discover his heart might not be permanently frozen after all. But his duty to his family and clan must come before all else, and that means sticking to the plan. Or is that just an excuse to avoid burying his painful past and taking a risk on a new future? One thing is certain—if he doesn’t figure it out soon, Sorcha will be lost to him forever.
Life has taught Sorcha MacGregor that only a harebrained fool would wish to wed and become a man’s chattel to control. So when she’s kidnapped by a Highlander who intends to deliver her like a trussed pig to a family she’s never known, she instantly decides he’s a selfish barbarian like all other men. Her opinion becomes harder to maintain, though, when the devilishly handsome warrior risks his life for hers. Still, she has no intention of lowering her well-placed guard and making herself vulnerable. But with each act of kindness Alasdair shows her, every moving interaction between him and his children, and the simmering way he looks at her, not to mention the toe-curling kisses, she comes to see the gentle, brokenhearted man behind the hardened exterior, and she does the one thing she swore she’d never falls in love. When the time comes for Alasdair to make the ultimate sacrifice for her, for love, will he prove he’s really the man of her dreams or just a fantasy that is too good to be true?
Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Laird Alasdair MacLachlan is a widower with twins & a clan struggling to make ends meet after a series of disasters. So Alasdair joins the ranks of mercenaries searching for the missing lass of a powerful clan. The mission seems simple—find the lass, return her to her family, and claim the hefty reward. Life has taught Sorcha MacGregor that only a harebrained fool would wish to wed and become a man’s chattel to control. So when she’s kidnapped by a Highlander who intends to deliver her to a family she’s never known, she instantly decides he’s selfish like all other men. Then he risks his life for hers & almost dies because of it. The second book in the series that follows the search for three missing siblings who are now grown & this time it’s Sorcha’s story. I was drawn in from the start when the stablemaster was tasked with hiding the young Margaret away until the end when Alasdair & Sorcha find there HEA. A beautifully written book that had me at the edge of my seat, laughing, sighing & yes shedding a tear. The characters were wonderful, I loved both Alasdair & Sorcha he was still grieving his wife who died in childbirth & was afraid to love anyone again. Sorcha thought she was an innkeeper’s daughter & was at the beck & call of her abusive father. I loved how she was still feisty & gave as good as she got. The chemistry between the couple sizzled but their banter was also witty & entertaining. Huw & Beatie were a delight & I loved Alasdair growing to openly love them. An engrossing, captivating read which once again showed why the author is a must read for me I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Tangled Up With The Highlander Julie Johnstone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Laird Alasdair MacLachan has just become one of the mercenaries searching for the missing lass of a powerful clan. It seems simple enough at first. Find the lass, return her to her family, and then claim the reward. But fate is oh so fickle, so she puts bow and arrow weilding Sorcha MacGreggor in his path. But he's about to find out how complicated things can be when a beautiful woman is involved. For a man who has lost and loved, Alastair has no interest in doing anything that has to do with love ever again. But he knows that duty to his clan and family must come before all else.
Sorcha MacGreggor believes that all men are terrible and she doesn't want to wed. Ever! So when she is kidnapped by a Highlander who intends to deliver her to a family, she doesn't know so that she can be married to a man she has never met she decides that is not going to happen. Sorcha is sure he is just like every other man, and that makes him selfish. But as time goes by, she finds that thought harder and harder to maintain. Then, when she goes with Alasdair to his castle and sees him with his children, she realizes that she has judged him unfairly.
Will Alasdair be able to give Sorcha up? Or will he get lost in the memories of his deceased wife and give up the best thing that could ever happen to him and his children.
Julie Johnstone brings history to life. This book was absolutely amazing. I couldn't pull my nose out of it. Sorcha was a feisty, firey red head that has had enough of being ruled by a man. Alasdair had more chivalry in his baby toe than any lass could want. These two main characters were meant for each other and were oh so perfect together. If you enjoy reading about sexy hot highlanders and the beautiful women that save them, then look no further this is the book for you. Ms. Johnstone, once again, you have made my heart race and sing, and for that, I thank you.
Book: Tangled Up with the Highlander Author: Julie Johnstone Return of the Highlanders, Book #2 Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags Publisher: DBA Darbyshire Book Length: 264 pages Overall Rating: 5 Stars Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
This is the story of widower Laird Alastair MacLachlan who is widower and who can’t seem to move on with his life, He just lives in grief missing his deceased wife he won't even look at another lass.He allowing his mother-in-law to care for his children where he can’t bare to be around them since they remind him of his late wife. Unfortunately his clan is now suffering and he needs to find a way to make it so they can survive another winter. Until he discovers there is an archery competition. This is where he meets the bonny Sorcha MacGregor who tries to disguise herself as a man to get coin from this competition to open her own shop, help her sister win the man she loves and get away from her abusive drunkard father who will never let her go. He only uses her as a servant to care for their run down Inn and he beats her often if he has been drinking which is all the time.
Now Alastair discovers the new Laird Stewart is looking for his missing siblings and one is a sister named Margaret (Mags) with Sorcha’s description which includes a brand and a missing toe. He offers a big reward and this would solve all of his problems. Of course he discovers that she has been betrothed to a Campbell since birth which is another powerful family. However not everyone in power wants this alliance, plus Sorcha’s mother convinces her all men are bad and to never to get married.
Then Alastair abducts her but he is convinced he is helping her join a family that will give her a better life. Except Sorcha feels an attraction to this man but also a betrayal as he never told her of this marriage alliance plus he will be paid to hand her over for a family she never knew. The problem is she is attracted to him and she is the first woman he has ever wanted. Can he give her to her long lost brother and family, yes the reward money will help Alastair’s clan and children but will his heart allow it? Read and discover their fate.
Another wonderful Julie Johnstone story that checks all the boxes. You couldn't help but root for Margaret/Sorcha for all she suffered. Even her true parents demise as she had the difficult life when she should have had a much different one being powerful Laird’s daughter. Another book in this wonderful series that I absolutely loved. One that readers do not want to miss!
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy from the author for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. It’s the second in the Return of the Highlanders series and focuses on the youngest child of Laird Stewart, who disappeared the night he and his wife were killed. Margaret “Mags” now goes by the name Sorcha and has no idea who she is, but people are looking for her. Her oldest brother, recently discovered and now the new Laird Stewart hopes that she is still alive and offers a reward for whoever tracks her down. He also announces that because she was betrothed to Laird Campbell as a baby, he is willing to honor that betrothal. And Laird Campbell has graciously “agreed to wed Margeret Stewart if she is alive and her innocence is intact.” Ugh.
Laird Alasdair MacLachlan is an expert tracker and he’s the first to find Sorcha/Margaret. His clan is in desperate need of funds so he determines to bring her to her brother and gain the reward. Sorcha desperately does not want to go, and especially does not want to marry a man she doesn’t know, and because Alasdair is so honorable, he takes her to his castle and promises not to force her to go to her brother until she’s ready. He sends his number one man Calan to find out more about Laird Campbell and whether he is a good man.
Scorch was raised in poverty by a woman who loved her and a man who was abusive to Sorcha, her mother, and her younger sister. On her deathbed, Sorcha’s mother told her never to trust a man and give up her independence, so Sorcha is dead-set against ever marrying. Alasdair lost his wife six years ago while she gave birth to twins Beatie and Hew. He was so heartbroken, he vowed never to love again. In fact, his pain is so great, he has avoided his children and allowed his mother-in-law to raise them. That changes when Sorcha arrives; she immediately reaches out to the children and invites them to participate in activities with their father. And Alasdair begins to realize what he has been missing by avoiding additional heartbreak. To no one’s surprise, Sorcha and Alasdair fall in love, but Alasdair doesn’t know if he can love her as much as he loved his first wife Mariot. It takes almost losing her to make him realize he’s already fallen in love.
I enjoyed the story. It has characters who transform over the course of their journey toward love, and if some aspects of the story are predictable, that’s just the nature of romance sometimes. The storytelling, as always, is engaging and descriptions pull the reader into the scene. I recommend it. It’s a standalone, but I recommend reading Secrets of a Highlander’s Heart first. It more clearly depicts the scene preceding the disappearance of Laird Stewart’s three children. Next up, we’ll be looking for Graeme.
This is book 2 in Julie Johnstone’s new medieval series Return of the Highlanders, set in the wilds of Scotland when the men were muscled and braw and the women were strong and canny. Although part of a series and characters from previous book are mentioned and part of the book this can be read as a standalone. As a fan of Julie’s previous work I can say this is a great introduction to her fabulous writing. She has a way of making you feel as though you are in the Highlands of Scotland, with amazing characters who have depth and personality. This story finds our hero widowed, Laird Alasdair MacLachlan, trying to save his clan from starvation and despair. Unable to let go of the heartbreak and guilt from the death of his wife Mariot, in childbirth 6 years ago his heart is firmly closed to all, even his twins Hew and Beatie. He is determined not to marry out of necessity but instead seek the prize at a tourney in the hope of changing his clan’s fortunes. Sorcha MacGregor is tired of living with her drunk of a father, made to be his slave doing all the work at their tavern. Determined to win the prize money at the tourney to free herself so she can realize her dream of opening an apothecary and give her sister Ada, a dowry so she can marry her beau. While at the tourney, Alasdiar discovers from his cousin Ollie, there is a reward to find one of the lost siblings of Laird Stewart. His sister Margaret, was last spotted on the Isle of Skye many years ago, where the tourney is being held. This would save his clan many times over, he decides to take up the challenge after the tourney. Without wishing to spoils the ending, as you can imagine things do not go smoothly for our headstrong pair. Ultimately they find their happy ever after together. I am a huge fan of Scottish medieval stories and this did not disappoint it had everything you would expect from Julie’s brilliant writing. I highly recommend this book.
I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
This has all the feels, a totally gutsy heroine, honorable hero, and my heart totally melted!
This is the 2nd book in the Return of the Highlanders series. The first book was awesome and this one is the same. Laird Alasdair MacLachlan, handsome, brave, 6 years mourning his dead wife, father to twins, the adorable Hew and Beatie, trying to earn money to feed his clan without resorting to marriage. He says he will never marry again. A man of true honor and integrity.
Sorcha MacGregor lost her mother and she and her sister were left with an abusive drunken father..She has had a truly difficult and horrible life, but she is a survivor ... then she meets Alasdair. And secrets she was unaware of come out and she doesn't know who to trust or what to believe. Sorcha is a very strong lass, excellent with a bow and arrow and stubborn, with a good heart. Sorcha says she will never marry and be under the thumb of a man.
I truly enjoyed how Julie Johnstone wove this story from beginning to end, the pace was perfect, and how Alasdair and Sorcha met both trying to win an archery competition for the purse. From there, the tale moves on with initial trust issues on both sides and evil trying to interfere. And the ending - oh my heart!! Perfectly written with my heart getting all soft and squishy when these two characters finally found their way to loving each other! I seriously cannot put into words how much I loved this book, it just has it all. One of my very favorites! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review of this book. I highly recommend this book and series.
This is the second book in this series, and I think I liked it better than the first. This time around we are introduced to Sorcha, (or really Margaret Stewart) who has had a very abused life with her adoptive father, especially after her mother dies. She decides to enter an archery contest, to win coin for her sister and her to get out from under the horrible living conditions. Laird Alasdair will enter the same contest to win coin for his clan, and when he finds Sorcha and believes her to be the sister that Laird Ross Stewart (whom we met in the first book) and worth a mighty reward. He decides to tell her the truth of who she is and take her with him back to his lands until they can take her to her brother. Supposedly, she’s been betrothed to a man since she was wee. But the more time Alasdair spends with her, the less he wants to let her go. And Sorcha will begin to see that all men are not the dishonorable men she’s always believed.
This book has danger, romance and a second chance for love for Alasdair. As the two get to know each other and respect each other, will Sorcha really be torn away from his home and the two children from his first wife who died in childbirth? I enjoyed the two of these characters and the children were fun. It was also great to see Ross again, and even though his involvement came late in the book, it was worth the read to get there. There isn’t much better of a read than the Highlanders, and the author does them justice. Even though I guessed pretty quickly what was going to happen in this book from very early on, it was a very enjoyable read. I hope in the next book, that they find their brother Graeme.
Archibald Stewart who was the stablemaster for Laird Stewart was riding for his life with little Margaret Stewart clutching to him, he was being chased by warriors who shot him with arrows. He had to get Margaret away to the inn. She had to be branded in case her mother and father were killed so anyone would know she was the daughter to the Laird. They reach the inn and the owner’s wife Martha is going to treat his wounds while he writes a letter to his sister explaining the situation and prepares to brand little Margaret. When Martha returns she finds Archibald dead and Margaret crying. She discovers the brand. She reads the letter and burns it in the fireplace and decides she is going to keep the child thinking she is better off with her than with her parents if they are still alive. She decides to name her Sorcha.
Laird Alasdair MacLachlan’s keep was slowly deteriorating and all his men were leaving, there was not much money in the coffers. His only way out was to marry Lady Elspeth which he refused to do. Not after losing his wife Mariot. They had two children Beattie and Hew who he could not get close to for fear of losing them also. So he decides to go to the tournaments to win money and talk with his cousin Ollie who was a mercenary since he was a good tracker he thought his cousin might have work that he could do. Ollie tells him of the lass that was hidden away and her brother was anxious to have her return. When Alasdair realizes it is Sorcha who is the Lairds sister he steals her away.
Although second book in the series, and a slight continuation from book one, this book can be read without reading the first one.
With this author you can be assured of a great story. Set in beautifully written backdrops, this historical romance will have you on the edge of your seat with the drama/suspense and romance.
Widower Laird Alasdair MacLachlan is at his wits end! His clan is starving! He sees no other option than to join a band of mercenaries ordered to find a missing woman of another clan. The reward will feed his clan.
Sorcha is sick and tired of her life! Her mother 💀 leaving her and her sister to a father who likes to drink and use his fists! Entering a competition will ensure both her future and her sister a dowry to marry the man she loves.
The thing I love the most about this author’s storytelling is her attention to detail. The sights and sounds of the highland can transport you there.
Both Alistair and Sorcha have no intentions of marrying, his heart is hardened after losing his wife to childbirth, and she has seen what marriage can do to a woman. But as they spend more and more time together, it brings the best out in both of them, they also see a side to one another that makes them stop and think!
So will Alistair do the right thing? Will he hand over the woman who has made him see the good around him? To become a better father to his own children. Or will he take this opportunity of happiness?
Tangled Up with the Highlander is an engrossing tale of mystery, family, and love that grips readers from the first page to the last. Set against the rugged and romantic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the novel tells the story of a young woman whose life is upended by a shocking revelation that propels her on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and unexpected romance.The story begins with our protagonist, Sorcha, who has grown up in a small village, never suspecting that the parents who raised her were not her biological family. Unbeknownst to her, Sorcha's real parents were tragically murdered when she was just a baby.Years later, Sorcha's life takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious Highlander named Alasdair arrives in her village and reveals that she is not who she thought she was. This revelation shakes Sorcha to her core, and she reluctantly agrees to accompany Alasdair on a perilous journey back to her true family.The tension of Sorcha's uncertain future is beautifully balanced with the blossoming love between her and Alasdair.Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, adventurous love story with a strong, relatable heroine at its center.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Laird Alasdair MacLachlan needs money for his clan that is recovering from the loss of their flock to a plague. He plans to win a bow and arrow tournament to start and then come up with another plan for additional funds. Sorcha is a young woman who plans to win that same competition so she can open an apothecary shop and get herself and her sister away from her evil father. But then Alasdair is told of a reward for Laird Stewart’s missing sister that will solve his financial problems. Sorcha has no idea she is the missing sister. When Alasdair realizes Sorcha is the one he takes her from her home to bring her to her real family. Their journey is fraught with obstacles that only seem to draw them together. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline very much. There wasn’t much steam between the two but it was insinuated. Betrayal, deception, grief, longing, illness, manipulation, delightful children, and finding hope, make this a good read.
4.6 We have two very stubborn people Sorcha aka Margaret or Mags and Laird Alasdair MacLachlan! Alasdair needs coin to make it through the winter they are poor bit strong clan and not great in size! Sorcha does not know her heritage but others do and have withheld that information from her! Alasdair takes her home with him and waits to find out if her betrothed is honorable! There are several adventures along the way! Sorcha endures heartache because she did not want to believe after years of abuse the man who raised her was basically evil and worthless! I wanted to give it five stars but he showed her over and over again who and what he was! It takes Alasdair a while to connect with his children and let go of his grief! They have each saved each others life! Can Alasdair love Sorcha with the fierceness she deserves? We definitely will know by the end! Bravo
Hope, Lies, Mystery, Love: A gripping prologue sets the plot for this amazing emotional romance story that grabbed at my heart A story of different stations in life along with family dynamics, adventure, grieving, desires, a thrilling romance so hold on for these pages had me captivated with this compelling love story of two very interesting and wonderful characters that overcome many challenges that not only had them igniting a smoldering love but a surprising joyous heartfelt reunion that made this an excellent story. for anyone to enjoy. I highly recommend this sweet emotional ride with a very happy ever after. 🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Such a good story, the beginning was a bit hard for me to read. Loved Sorcha and Alastair and hoped they'd find a way to heal each other. I did have one character completely wrong and you'll find out near the end who I meant. I think this was a story mainly of healing, clan strengths, and how easily one could misconstrue what is right before them. The one and only thing I didn't like about the story was the back and forth. Seemed like they'd take two steps forward and one step back which became frustrating for me. But then again, maybe that was the author's intent. Ha ha I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts. I would recommend this book to anyone loving historical romance.
Laird Alasdair MacLachlan is a widower with twins, Hew and Beatie, he needs money for his struggling Clan, so he becomes a mercenary. Sorcha MacGregor is the mission he needs to find her for a hefty payout. I love how the best laid plans can go wrong Sorcha is a firebrand she's feisty, head strong Highlander. He's more than met his match with her. He finds himself quite attracted to her she brings out the best in him, feelings he thought he would never feel again. A captivating story as life changing secrets are uncovered as these two face challenges and danger along the road to love. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this great story.
I really enjoyed this tale with all the up, down, and sideway events. Sorcha was a delight in her archery skills, loyalty to her sister, big heart, and a willingness to adjust to what was happening around her. Alasdair was quite a broken man but drew strength from his duties to his clan. He was instantly protective of Sorcha. They both fell for each other despite all their best efforts to put distance and obstacles between them. Alasdair's children, Hew and Beatie, were a kick as well. I had moments of tears as this story found its way to the end. I recommend this story.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
This delightful, Scottish historical romance grabbed me from the very first page and kept me enthralled until the very last. Two stubborn people found themselves tangled up together. He wanted nothing to do with love; she wanted nothing to do with marriage. Could love change their minds? Alasdair and Sorcha would have many challenges to overcome. I loved this story and would recommend it to those who enjoy Scottish historical romance that keeps you turning the pages. This author's books are some of the best written in this genre.
Martha was disgusting and I hate that she was still seen as a "heroic" figure even after what she did. That made me mad from the get-go, and I was waiting for her to find justice, but she never did and that angered me beyond belief. What she did wasn't "cute" or "out of love" - she was selfish and kidnapped a child. End of.
Not to mention, Sorcha was beyond stubborn and there was barely any reunion between her and her real family.
The story felt way too repetitive and yet, it was also very boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An endearing tale of two people who overcome hardship, loss, and political intrigues to be with one another.
The MMC is one to die for. Any lass would wish him for a husband. The MFC is spunky, determined never to wed, until she meets a warrior that is frozen in grief and still mourning his wife, six years after she died bringing their twins into the world.
Add to that the political intrigues of King & Clans, a forgotten identity, and reuniting with a brother she doesn’t remember, and it’s one hell of a story.
Alasdair and Sorcha’s story is full of action and intense drama, murder, secrets, hidden identities, this has it all.
Alasdair is the Laird of his clan and undertakes a mission in finding Sorcha for the reward. Sorcha had been living a lie to protect her from danger, Alasdair convinces her to return with him to her real family.
It’s a fantastic story with plenty of Highland dram to keep you entertained.
L3 Margaret Stewart’s home was attacked and the Stable master got her to safety before he died. She was forever known as Sorcha. Lair MacLachlan found her & wanted the reward to carry her home. Escapes, fierce fighting and a very independent stubborn lass. Great characters and forever love made the pages keep turning!
This is the second book which is geared towards finding Margaret Stewart. An engaging story filled with a sassy red haired woman who is determined to never get married, and a gorgeous Laird who is in the throes of deep regret. You don't want to miss this new installment.
I loved the next story in the series. It was suspenseful, imaginative & interesting. I like that the new characters interact with the characters from the first story. Ms. Johnstone has a way of weaving a story that grabs you and keeps you involved to the last page and makes you want more.
This story is the continuation of the search for the long lost (and thought dead) children of the Stewart Laird from the Return of the Highlanders series. Alasdair and Sorcha are both characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Hew & Beatie were a pleasant surprise. I do hope that Calan gets his HEA, perhaps in a novella? Great series. Hope we don’t have to wait to long for book 3.
This book immediately drew me into the story and I loved every minute of it! Alasdair and Sorcha are such rich characters with love, loss, drama, family, friends, enemies, etc. I loved all the interactions with the background characters throughout their adventures. I was sorry to reach the end of their tale but I know there is more to come in the series and I am looking forward to that.
I'm really enjoying this series, it contains everything you need, to keep you interested its an intriguing adventure, with just enough heat to warm ye, Sorcha and Alisdair, are wonderful and well written, so go on now, read it!
This is the second book in the series and proved to be another winning story. The main characters are interesting, humorous well developed. The story is well written, interesting and entertaining.
I have enjoyed this book. This was a heartwarming story and Alistair’s love for Mariot was great but Sorcha won his heart in the end. His mother in law was trying to get him to be her lover.