The Widow and the Highlander

Tales from the Highlands #1

by Martha Keyes

She needs to be protected. He'll take on the job...for a price.

Christina MacKinnon is secretly relieved to be a widow. She is equally desperate to distance herself from the clan of her dead husband, but as the heir to his estate—one she needs in order to support her siblings—she must first stave off both the advances and threats of the man next in line to inherit. It seems the only person she can turn to is a nearby stranger who seems inclined to help her. But he has a request...

Freshly returned from the war, Lachlan Kincaid has one aim: to see justice served to the MacKinnons for betraying his family years ago and depriving him of his inheritance. While biding his time at a nearby inn, he discovers the death of the MacKinnon laird—whose widow has inherited everything. The way to accomplish his goal is becoming more evident, but the path is murkier than he could have foreseen.

As Christina’s and Lachlan’s lives intersect, it becomes clear that their separate aims may well only be achievable if they join forces. But to do so is to court more danger, and it requires a sacrifice Christina isn’t sure she’s prepared to make.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Scotland, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

First published February 15, 2021

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical romance novel. It has likable and engaging characters, a sweet romance, mystery, a supportive sister, an evil villain, and a happily ever after ending. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Mhairi Morrison, has a lovely voice and does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5* Really sweet story, but zero steam. You’ll get two very tame kisses.

It begins in West Inverness-shire, Scotland 1762. Christina MacKinnon is recently widowed, her husband was abusive and she is relieved he’s gone. But his relatives hang around, making it clear, they intend to take over.

Lachlan Kincaid is in hiding. After spending many years in the army, he’s returned to the land his family has owned for generations.

His father had been a good laird, but it had been more than fifteen years since a Kincaid had inhabited Dunverlockie.

It takes quite a long time, but these two finally decide to join forces. The ending left me highly unsatisfied, with one major plot point completely ignored. Christina is pregnant with her deceased husband’s baby!! Maybe this will pick up again in book 2, but that book features another couple.

Highland historical
Fabulous sister, BFF
A true hero
Marriage of convenience
Squeaky clean romance
Disappointing ending (see huge spoiler)
HFN

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

My first Martha Keyes book and will NOT be my last! Excited to read ALL her books now because this was wonderful! As someone who loves a good Scotland setting, especially in the 1700s, this clean historical romance did not disappoint! Such a charming story! We also have one of my favorite tropes - marriage of convenience! :) This is a very well written story with great characters, a sweet romance and an engaging storyline. I read this in less than 1 day y'all!

We start off with Christina MacKinnon inheriting the estate from her husband who passed away. There is someone who was next in line that threatens everything she has inherited when Lachlan Kincaid returns to the MacKinnon's property to reclaim what was rightfully his. Lachlan wants justice served to the MacKinnons for betraying his family years ago and depriving him of his inheritance. What Lachlan finds is more than he anticipated though as Christina and Lachlan's lives intersect and they join forces to achieve what they want together. During this time together, they grow close and a romance begins.....

I truly loved this story. I want to continue in the series and see what happens next! The Scottish details were fantastic for me personally and I loved the sweet romance. Lachlan is the PERFECT guy for her. I loved seeing this because of the bad relationship Christina had with her previous husband.

There were a couple of things I didn’t love about the ending but overall this was a solid 4.5 star book and I’m looking forward to the next one in this series and other books by her!❤️🙌🏼

[Kremena Koleva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Жаждата за неограничена власт създава хора с души на хищни животни. Такива бродят навред, явно от векове. Често пътя им е осеян с труповете на нищо неподозиращи жертви, изпречели се пътя им преди да достигнат жадуваната цел. Но все пак се случва да се сблъскат с хора, които отказват да се признаят за жертви, а още по - малко пък да се превърнат в трупове. Тогава битката не е на живот и смърт. Битката е, за да победи правотата.
The Widow and The Highlander на Martha Keyes беше истинска наслада за душата ми! Широкоскроените хора знаят как да правят компромиси, как да обмислят всяка крачка, как да лавират и да се доближат до правото си на щастлив живот, дори когато трябва да отмъстят за минали болки. А злобата и жестокостта, облечени само с ненаситност и тесногръдие, рано или късно обръщат съдбата срещу себе си.
Този развой на събитията се нарича справедливост!

[Katie T · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Sweet and completely clean historical romance. Zero smut for those who appreciate that.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a simple girl. if there's a "stay away from my wife!" moment in a marriage of convenience romance, I'm gonna melt. 💕 add to it an absolute sweetheart of a mmc + a hurt but healing fmc + a sassy sister sidekick, and it's an absolute win in my book! this had been on my kindle tbr for FAR too long, and I'm so glad that now I've read it (and really liked it! I definitely think I'll be checking out the sequel soon 👀)

I listened to the audiobook while reading, and it was super well done! 4 stars from me!

** content warnings for mention of marital abuse and the trauma that leaves, there's a garbage human making advances on christina, a couple of murder attempts, and a few mild profanities

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good dive into this time period. We have lots of characters that are in tough situations. This was a sweet romance with some nice moments and some twists. I enjoyed this one and enjoy Keyes as an author.
This book deals with serious issues, rape and abuse in marriage. It is handled very well. I would let my teen read this.

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Keyes book set in the highlands? Yes please.

These books are always so well crafted and the historical presence in them is never overshadowed by the romance which I really appreciate as a historical fiction fan.

The Widow and the Highlander has two strong leads. A woman who is trying to deal with the aftermath (and the relief) of a dead husband she despised...and a man who is struggling to find his place and take back what he most desires most. Their two paths intersect and the story takes off from there.

Go in blind. It’s how I read all of my books actually. Synopsis’ can spoil (this one doesn’t) BUT there will be some fun surprises along the way that will definitely keep you reading and are handled very well and with realism. Lochlan is an honorable, strong but sensitive character who I really enjoyed, while Christina is brave and holds her own for a character that has been through....A LOT.

I get excited every time these books come out and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Men in kilts, family feuds, loss of identity, extreme trauma and acceptance all wrapped up in a beautiful story. Pick this up if you love a proper romance and you won’t regret it.

[Breny and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many months ago I discovered Outlander in Vidangel. I was hooked. The vibes and the way of live in castles captivated my mind. It was so different and so unique… the historical lover inside me was obsessed.

And then I found this book 🤍.

Even though we don’t have a fantasy element with this one, it is just so unique and sweet!

I picked it up a couple weeks ago when it was free and decided to give it a go while I took a mini break from fantasy.

I love it.

It is more on the slower side but it’s just so sweet and the main characters are just made for each other.

This story doesn’t shy away from some deep themes like abuse, but it does so shining so much light and without being explicit, which I appreciate so much. It truly made my heart break, but also sing to see how gentle and kind the male MC was to show the female MC how beautiful and worthy she was to be loved like God loves us 🥺🤍.

I’m about to start book 2 rn and I can’t wait to share my thoughts!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squeaky squeaky clean romance. Gently paced with a well written villain. Fantastic narrator too!

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an engaging quick read, a historical romance set in post-Jacobite Scotland and the next generation dealing with all the fallout from that conflict.

I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. it was clean and well written.

One thing I disliked is something that I increasingly see in romances these days: the woman in the story desperately needs help, in fact she's in danger and needs someone to rescue her and defend her. Enter a strong, capable, and good man who is willing to help, defend, and rescue. But no! our endangered female is a STRONG woman and she don't need no man! 🙄 Which she protests repeatedly, albeit gently and kindly because she's a sweet woman generally speaking. but in the end, the man saves her, even though to the end she is telling him she's a strong woman and all that jazz. Annoying. just admit you need help and let the man help you for goodness sake.

[Miriam Simut · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 This book delivered the Outlander vibes I was hoping for, but while keeping everything PG. 😂 I had some issues with the pacing, but I found the story to be so charming, the characters so endearing, and the conflict believable. I can't wait to read the next book and get some more answers! A couple characters still need to get their comeuppance.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotland 1762

Enjoyable first of the series. While not a unique story line, it captured my interest from beginning to end.

[Eloisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 ⭐️

historical romances always seem to be so surface level. i’m just reading the story instead of being submerged into it. i will say, listing to the audiobook helped me get more into it and helped move things along lol. i definitely have more of an appreciation for them now.

i’ll probably read the rest of the series at some point when i need a palette cleanser. they’re easy and short and i do really like the characters!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 ⭐️
I loved the setting, history, and feels this gave me!

The main plot had great elements and the pov’s of the characters were well done.

There were a few disconnections however, and some specific scenes to get from one point to another didn’t flow as well. There were some redundancies too. The actual ending seemed a little rushed but.
the surprises getting there were worth it! Wow, this packed a couple punches! The themes were well intertwined.

I love the name Lachlan 🫶🏻

It’s clean but there’s hard topics addressed. Some violence and suggestions of abuse, drunkenness(not of the mc’s but the antagonists family), threats, kidnapping, and attempted harm to several characters(especially one incident to the mc’s sister) that could be triggering but none detailed or dwelt on more than necessary. These were all mostly to give a sense of how dark the circumstances of the family Christina had married in to, wanted away from, and how a woman at that time was at the mercy of the men, whether those men were good or bad and the aftermath thereof. So Lachlan does come to the rescue 😍 Some physical descriptions of Lachlan were a bit dramatized but nothing inappropriate(or -cough- unappreciated).

I enjoyed this and am not opposed to reading the rest of the series! ❤️ I liked that the author included the accent in the dialogue -sigh- there is definitely something about a man with a Scottish brogue that lends to the romance of it, hmm?

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED the romance in this book and I'm so excited to find a new-to-me author whose writing style I can totally get lost in. The characters and plot drew me right in and I know I'll be binge-reading the rest of the books in the series. My only complaint is that there were a few loose ends to the story and I'm really hoping they get tied up in the next book. Other than that, this book was really well done.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Heroine Stoooopid and Weak

CONTAINS SPOILERS
I have read (and enjoyed) several Regency romances by this author, but this is the first Scottish Highlander romance of hers I've read. Honestly, I think she did an extremely poor job with it, and I'm truly surprised at how poorly done it is. The fundamental problem is that the heroine is being incredibly stupid and weak. I prefer strong heroines, even if they are quietly strong or their attempts at showing strength do not always work out. The story had incredible potential, as the heroine is a newly minted widow, an automatically sympathetic character… and even more so as we discover the abusive and controlling of her former husband. Her husband's rude clan members certainly overstay their welcome after her husband's funeral, and instead of making them leave (or at least asking them to), she first makes a rather weak excuse about why she doesn't and actually does not respond even verbally when they first threaten sexual abuse and then attempt it with her sister. So many times in this book I felt my back teeth grinding at how weak this heroine was... and not terribly bright. I also couldn't quite believe that the heroine did not attribute her sickness symptoms to pregnancy; everybody's mind went straight to poison, which seems more like the proverbial zebra when you should be considering horses.

I liked this hero up to a certain point, but then her stupidity seemed to rub off on him. Seriously, too, when they were getting rid of employees that seem to have an allegiance to the leader of the former husband’s clan (one of the villains in this story), why wouldn't they have gotten rid of the stablemaster who clearly was in cahoots with him or didn't know his job well. All these points just mentioned seemed to only have happened because the plot needed them to happen. That just isn't right; a plot should spring from character, not artifice or contrivance. More than just plot necessity for the certain actions or certain characters into being a particular way. It's a sign of a weak writer who just fulfills a contrived plot’s needs, not the needs of the greater story or the characters created. I was also highly annoyed that the book ended abruptly with several plot threads left hanging. Yes, the author has a new book in the series coming out soon, but certain storylines should have wrapped up within this one, as they will not be the focus of the next one. For instance, was justice served on the villains—the book ends literally just as their trial is about to start—and we really should have seen the discussion between the hero and heroine about her former husband's baby she was carrying at the end. Highly disappointed in this book by someone who is normally an amazing historical romantic fiction writer. Perhaps she should stick to Regency, a romance subgenre she writes well most of the time.

[Bess · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
The was my first read by Martha.
It was a slow, steady read. However, I found myself skimming the last 15 pages or so. I was so tired of waiting for something to happen.
Christina finds herself a widow. And she is grateful. He was an abusive man and thankfully, we don't live any of that with her.
Lachlan is a soldier that comes back to town to regain his family's home. Except for one small problem, it belongs to Christina now.
To rid herself of her cousin-in-law's threats and to help keep her safe, Christina and Lachlan marry. It's a marriage of convenience and protection.
Not much really happens until close to the end. Now Lachlan has to save Christina and a dear friend from being kidnapped and sent to the colonies. But there aren't 2 people that need him but 3. Christina finds out she's pregnant with her late husband's child, much to everyone's chagrin.
Not a cliffhanger if you don't read the epilogue. But if you read the epilogue, you'll find that book ends on a cliffhanger.
To be fair, it is a lovely love story. Very slow at blossoming but it there.
I'm not sure I'll finish the series. After all the adventure and fantasy I've read recently, this was slower than I had hoped. But maybe if I finish the series, I'll enjoy it better.
Content: man slapping a woman, a couple of profanities, no sex, no gore.

[Melanie (lemonyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Scottish bingeable read. I love Martha Keys and how she made her characters with depth in only a few chapters.

I felt transported to Scotland and the romance was had some tender moments.

I thought the plot twist was interesting and not one I saw coming.

THOUGHTS:
While the romance was sweet, it felt like it happened too suddenly. They spend *maybe* a few days together and then they're in love. I needed the relationship to take more time to develop.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I enjoyed The Donovans - series so much, I was eager to read other books by Martha Keyes and and started the series Tales From The Highlands.
I really liked the first book in the series
The characters, their lives, the whole storyline are a bit different from The Donovans, though, because the story is set in Scotland in the middle of the 18th century.
I appreciated the author's note explaining the historical setting of the series.
4 stars.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Martha Keyes! This one hooked me from the beginning. I loved the Scotland setting, and loved (and hated ;)) the whole cast of characters! Elizabeth is a favorite and I’m excited that the next book will be hers!

One plot point near the end kept this from a five star read for me (I know it’s just a personal preference and may not affect other readers the same. Until this point it was a five star all the way!)

I received an ARC and all opinions are my own.

[Caryn Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! The audiobook's narrator was wonderful as well. I'm looking forward to continuing in the series.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweeping historical romance is one that will stay with me for a while! It’s the story of loss, overcoming a painful past, redemption, hope, and love. The characters were endearing and multifaceted. The villian is one of those you love to hate. There’s action, suspense, a gorgeous Scottish setting, and swoonworthy romance.

Christina’s previous marriage was filled with pain and abuse. With the sudden death of her husband, she’s now the one in control of the Dunverlockie estate. Wanting to take control of her life, she’s biding her time until her husband’s brother and the rest of the clan leave her home.

Lachlan has just returned from war and seeks to reclaim his family home he believes was stolen from him by the MacKinnons. He hides his true identity and takes a job as a stableman at the local inn. Learning that Christina has inherited everything with the death of the laird, he hopes to find a way to seek justice. Neither one is looking for romance, but as they work together to solve the mystery of Lachlan’s inheritance, they can’t help but grow closer together. Will they trust in each other and risk their hearts or will the past prove too insurmountable?

Definitely one clean historical romance you need to read! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The audiobook was fantastic. I loved the way the narrator distinguished each of the characters. I also loved the Scottish brogue. It was so well done. The narrator captured the accent while making it easily understandable. Highly recommend!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading book set in Scotland, and the 1700s is definitely an untapped era!

The characters in this book were my favourite part. Angus is a perfectly nasty bad guy and makes my blood boil. Lachlan (love that name!) is a perfectly lovely leading man…so thoughtful, kind, and gentle. Christina’s hardship make my heart break. Glenna is a wonderful friend, and Elizabeth’s stubbornness and spunk is admirable.

I wouldn’t consider this Christian fiction (I think the author is Mormon?), but it was clean, sweet, and lovely.

The mystery aspect was intriguing to read, but the ending felt a touch rushed.

I look forward to continuing the series!

Content: man makes advances on a woman but is rebuffed; suggestive innuendo; husband abused his wife; d*mn is used; semi-detailed kissing; physical attraction

[kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited selection-taking advantage of my free membership while it lasts.

I was pleasantly surprised with this KU offering, I have not read many KU books but perhaps I have been missing out. I liked the characters (other than one evil brother-in-law) and I loved the Highland setting and time period (1760s). I plan to read more from this author as most of my old favorites have left me disappointed lately.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time trying Martha Keyes and I really like her writing! I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Christina and Lachlan. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator was fabulous! Her accent made the book come alive even more. I liked how the problem was resloved...it was a bit fantastical, but still believable somehow.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Scottish Romance

Fabulous Scottish romance with a dashing hero and lots of adventure. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!!

[Kim Becker (MIDDLE of the Book MARCH)]

DNF. Just like Outlander without the time travel...

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enh. It was a nice story, but it went on and on and on.

[Jess Reads Fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been on such a Scottish Historical Romance kick lately, and this book fits the bill perfectly! 😍 It has so many of my favorite elements—“touch her and 💀,” marriage of convenience, found family, slow-burn romance, and a tender tale of redemption and forgiveness. From the tragic beginning to the tense, page-turning ending, I was completely engrossed and found it nearly impossible to put down.

There’s a saying: “The same fire that melts butter hardens steel.” Lachlan Kincaid, our MMC, is such a beautiful embodiment of this. Life’s hardships could have left him bitter and broken, but instead they refined him into a man of strength, integrity, and quiet gentleness. His perceptiveness and the tender, genuine way he interacts with Christina melted my heart. I absolutely adore a hero who can be both fierce when needed and nurturing toward those he loves.

As for Christina MacKinnon, life had dealt her such a painful hand. Watching her wrestle with the scars of her past and slowly begin to trust again pulled at my heartstrings. It was moving to see her bloom under Lachlan’s care—what began as a marriage of necessity became the very thing that helped her heal and reclaim her joy. That said, I did find her insistence on never needing help a little frustrating at times. It was so clear she was hurting and deserved care, and I just wanted her to let herself lean on others sooner.

Still, this story is a beautiful mix of emotional depth, tension, and tender romance. While that one element kept it from being a full 5 stars for me, the payoff was absolutely worth it. Fans of Scottish historicals and deeply emotional love stories will want this one on their TBR!