Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Return of the Highlanders #3

The Highlander Burns for Vengeance

Rate this book
Divided by treachery, bound by an edict, they must decide their to love or to hate.

After years of captivity, Graeme Stewart has returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it’s all directed at the Campbell clan. They attacked his home, killed his parents, and imprisoned him for eighteen long years. So when the king demands Graeme handfast with his enemy’s sister to end the warring of their clans, he intends to use her to get the revenge he yearns for. But Maisie’s courage and character surprise him at every turn, conjuring admiration and stirring desire. Now, with revenge within his grasp, he must make a choice before it’s too either cling to the malice that kept him alive or release it for the chance at love.

The vengeful and unreasonable Highlander intends to destroy her family, and Maisie Campbell is bound to him for a year and a day. She hates everything about Graeme, except the way he kisses, which is a force that nearly brings her to her knees. But lust does not a marriage make, and the man is hell-bent on proving her brother a traitor and herself treacherous, so she sets out to prove otherwise. Yet, as questions of her brother’s character arise in her own mind and Graeme displays an honorable, fiercely protective nature, Maisie faces a seek a truth that will doom the brother she adores or remain blindly loyal to those she’s always held dear and lose the man she has come to love with all her heart.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2024

229 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Julie Johnstone

98 books764 followers
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.


Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
133 (67%)
4 stars
50 (25%)
3 stars
12 (6%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
5,229 reviews66 followers
December 22, 2024
After eighteen years of captivity, Graeme Stewart has returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it’s all directed at the Campbell clan. So when the king demands Graeme handfast with his enemy’s sister to end the warring of their clans, he intends to use her to get the revenge he yearns for. But Maisie’s courage and character surprise him at every turn, conjuring admiration and stirring desire.
The third book in the series which tells of three young siblings who were sent into hiding when their clan was attacked, now almost two decades later they are reunited. I found it heart wrenching to read all that Graeme & Eppie suffered & what a truly honourable, caring man he was not to desert Eppie. I loved Graeme but he was a little blinkered at times but did listen to reasoning. I also loved Maisie who loved her family but realised that there could be more than one side to a person, she was strong & started to win respect from the Stewart clan. There were twists, turns, intrigue, lies & deceit which all made for an engrossing romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Barbee.
796 reviews22 followers
December 26, 2024
Book: The Highlander Burns For Vengeance
Author: Julie Johnstone
Series:Return of the Highlanders, Book #3
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Publisher: DBA Darbyshire
Book Length: 283 pages
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

Scotland, 1478

Graham Stewart had been in captivity by evil monks at an Abbey for eighteen years. He and his siblings were all separated as children when their clan was betrayed by Laird Campbell and his clan. His parents and many clan members were brutally murdered. They all had a tattoo on their body so they could prove their identity and who they were once their name was cleared. Finally they had the opportunity to escape and they had no other choice being abused and whipped even by his caretaker Ippy.

His Da, the former Laird of Clan Stewart put each child in the care of someone they trusted and would be passed off as a servant's child. Unfortunately things did not go well for Graham and Ippy who were immediately captured after his parents and other clan members were brutally murdered by the Campbell clan. Ippy became a mother to him. As this also destroyed her life where she could never become a mother or have a future due to their captivity. Graham had no memory of his biological mother and became the only mother he knew and would do anything to protect her. This includes remaining in captivity as he would never abandon Ippy in this Campbell prison at the Abbey where they were both mistreated and tortured,

When Graham saw Maisie Campbell for the first time it was the first time he saw a young woman in his life. He wondered if all young women close to his age were this beautiful. Unfortunately Maisie felt compassion for the two prisoners when she put her trust in them. However she was a Campbell and he could never trust a Campbell as all Graham wanted was vengeance for keeping him in captivity since he was a toddler and separated from his siblings since he was three years old. After Ippy had knocked Maise who was trying to help them she had no idea that her father had murdered his parents and killed so many other Stewart clan members. They Had no choice as they would have been executed if they did not successfully escape!

Now Graham and Ippy had finally escaped and he was finally reunited with the siblings. A clan he had no memory of being so young when he was captured. The Stewart clan gets a message from the King who wants the fighting between the clans to stop. To do this there must be a marriage alliance, except he is to marry Masie Campbell. The very woman he had betrayed. Will Graham and Masie spend their marriage sleeping with one eye open or will they discover trust, joy, honor and love? Plus his clan follows Graham’s clan who can see Masie

Can a couple who met with mistrust and betrayal have a marriage filled with trust and love? Is this marriage doomed before it even begins? Read and discover their fate.

This is the third book in Julie Johnstones Return of the Highlanders series. This was an enemies to lovers trope that was a very emotional read so definitely bring your Kleenex. It is a Scottish fictional story with some true facts about warring clans and how a marriage alliance was the best way to end the clan feuds. Especially if they need a united front and put their differences aside so they can fight together, especially if they are ever needed on the battlefield. This book is fast paced and action packed that any reader will love. Will Graham and Masie spend their marriage sleeping with one eye open or will they discover trust, joy, honor and love. All Masie ever wanted was to have a marriage filled with passion, love and joy. Will she ever achieve that when her father destroyed this clan and murdered so many Stewart clan members read and find out.

Another magnificent Julie Johnstone read that I highly recommend.

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.



Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,140 reviews64 followers
December 30, 2024
When his home was attacked by the Lord of the Isles and the Campbell clan, leaving his parents dead and 3-year-old Graeme Stewart captured along with Eppie Stewart, a family retainer tasked with getting him to safety and held prisoner for the next 18 years. After enduring years of beatings and horrific tortures, he finally escapes with Eppie on the very evening his captors got word from their laird via a message delivered by Maisie Campbell to kill him. Graeme carries Eppie and makes the 40 mile walk to his family’s holding of Dunstaffnage and is reunited with his brother Ross, the new laird. For the next 3 months, with the help of his brother, he prepares his mind and body for revenge, the Campbell laird who attacked his family was found to be a traitor and is dead, but they are sure his son Brody was also a traitor and at the very least knew of Graeme’s imprisonment and did nothing to help him. They have an audience with the king to discuss the broken betrothal between his sister and Brody Campbell and plan to ask for retribution. But the king surprises them by being unwilling to condemn Brody and demands that Graeme handfast with Campbell’s daughter – the same woman who arrived with the missive the night he escaped. Graeme wants nothing to do with Maisie Campbell but won’t defy his king. But handfasting with her doesn’t mean he will stop looking for proof to convict her brother of treason, nor does it mean he will ever trust her. Too bad he desires her more than any woman he has ever known and despite his plans, he can’t seem to ignore her.

Maisie Campbell is on the cusp of marriage with her brother’s best friend, Aidan Buchannan when she is sent to St. Benedicts’ Abbey to deliver a message for her brother and finds herself caught up in an unforgivable act perpetrated by her family. Maisie was crushed when her father was found to be a traitor and further devasted when he killed himself, but despite her father’s crimes, she cannot believe her brother knew anything about the attack on the Stewarts or Graeme’s imprisonment. She agrees to the handfast, intent on proving Graeme wrong about her brother. They butt heads from the start, but Maisie is a good person and knows that Graeme has suffered at the hands of her family, she tries to show him that she is not like her father and slowly it seems like Graeme is coming around, but trust is hard for these two and familial loyalty just makes everything harder. Can there be a happy ever after for them or are they doomed to heartbreak?

As usual, Ms. Johnstone delivers another well-written, emotionally satisfying story filled with likable characters and a dash of intrigue. Graeme and Maisie are both wonderful characters, Graeme has suffered unimaginable horror at the hands of the Campbells and Maisie is appalled by that fact, but they each are firm in their convictions and sure that their understanding of the situation is the right one. Together they have a lot to overcome and despite seemingly impossible odds, they do find their HEA. I really enjoyed this story, but I will be honest, I had a really hard time believing that Graeme who had been a prisoner, who hadn’t been around any women besides his caregiver since he was 3, and had no true sword training managed to become not only an accomplished lover and swordsman but also learned to ride a horse and oversee the family’s holdings in less than 3 month after escaping his 18 year captivity. That point aside, I found this to be a well-crafted story that finishes up the series nicely, reuniting the Stewart siblings and finding them each a love to help them overcome the tragedies of their youth. This is the third book in the series but can be easily read as a standalone title with no problems.

*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. *
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
2,015 reviews41 followers
January 1, 2025
Revenge/passion/deceit and loyalty all in one book? sign me up.

Graeme Stewart returns home after being held captive for many years! He’s seeking revenge against the ones who held him! But fate has a different plan…..

Being commanded by the King to marry (handfast) his bitter enemies sister to retain peace between his clan and the Campbell’s has Graeme firstly refusing, then realising he can access the clan through his bride, he can use to her get his revenge. Bitterly he agrees…..

Maisie has no option but to tie herself to the bully Graeme Stewart, thank goodness it’s not forever. It’s going to be a hellish year, but Maisie is a Scot of her word. But if he’s expecting a meek and mild woman, he’s surely mistaken.

Both are extremely hostile towards one another, distrust is easier to maintain than trust. Both are seeking the truth, but what happens when Graeme’s truth muddies Maisie’s? She’s sure her brother is a just and good man, he’s the leader of their clan. But doubts begin to creep in…..

I love this series. I’ve read the previous two books (but not necessary to enjoy this book.) The characters are brought to life with this author, as is her descriptions of the scenery and feelings these two have towards one another. I really like how fact and fiction are woven together to create something so compelling, that I didn’t stop reading until the last page was done.

This book’s full of intrigue and mystery, and a few twists. We see Graeme’s love for his nursemaid/nanny (she was captured with him) we learn of his distrust and immense dislike for the Campbell clan. And we begin to put pieces together of what really happened on the day Graeme was taken prisoner….

Maisie is a great character, she’s no wallflower, she knows her own mind and speaks it. But she’s only a woman, and they were used to broker deals, and form alliances.

Graeme is part of a clan that as children were separated to keep them safe. Their parents were murdered and the children were scattered to keep them safe. So technically Graeme doesn’t know his clan, it’s only what his beloved Eppie has told him through the years. But he’s loyal and he will have his revenge!

Other characters we see are added to the story, and there are a few you need to keep your eyes on 🤐

As time passes distrust turns to trust, and the characters begin to like one another, love isn’t far away, but how can they put aside their differences and doubts to be with one another? Can Graeme really trust a Campbell? And if Maisie finds out her clan had something to do with her husband’s imprisonment, can she turn her back on them?

Another fantastic story from this author. I’m not going to spoil the rest of the book.
But I think you’re going to love this book if you’re a fan of historical romance. If you like your book full of action and suspense then this one I highly recommend.


🦋
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,472 reviews40 followers
January 2, 2025
Thanks to the author for an ARC of the last in the Return of the Highlanders series. I was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. Unlike Graeme’s siblings Ross and Sorcha, who led difficult lives after being secreted from their castle when their parents were murdered, Graeme was instead imprisoned from the age of three along with Eppie, the woman charged with hiding him. They had been caught immediately and, despite Laird Campbell directing to have them killed, they were imprisoned at a monastery instead. There, they were treated like slaves. Eppie told Graeme who he was, and he burned to escape and seek vengeance, but he wouldn’t leave without Eppie, who he loved as a mother. Eventually, he carried her out of there.

When Graeme returns home to find his brother and sister, both now happily married, he also finds they are at near-constant war with the Campbells. The king is disgusted with the ongoing war between the clans and demands a marriage between Graeme and one of the sisters of the current laird (their father was the one who ordered the killing of Graeme). Naturally, Graeme is sickened by the idea, but cannot refuse the king. Likewise, Maisie, the sister Graeme chooses for the marriage is not thrilled with the idea either. She has recently almost agreed to marry her brother’s friend Aiden. But when Graeme kisses her at the handfasting, she realizes this is the passion she has been looking for.

The problem is that Graeme and the rest of the Stewarts don’t trust the Campbells because her father killed so many in their clan. And, they believe that Maisie’s brother Brody was aware of their imprisonment—and they plan to prove it. Maisie is convinced her brother is innocent and doesn’t want to entertain the notion he might be guilty. Meanwhile, Graeme has trouble trusting Maisie because of who she is. But they are both drawn to one another and are finding it very hard to resist the pull.

The tension between Graeme and Maisie is perfect. The reader never quite knows what’s going to happen, even if they do know there will be a happy ending. It’s also pretty much a foregone conclusion that Brody is guilty of keeping Graeme and Eppie imprisoned for most of Graeme’s life. Graeme has to learn to trust Maisie, and Maisie needs to come to terms with the idea that her brother might be guilty. It’s an emotional story that relies on the growing love between them to carry them through the uncertainty of what their relationship will ultimately be. I had a few questions at the end, which I don’t want to outline because it could spoil the story for those who haven’t read it yet. I am letting the author know so, perhaps, those issues will be fixed.
Profile Image for Lynne Wilson.
106 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2024
This is the 3rd in Julie Johnstone’s fabulous Return of the Highlanders series which follows the children of the murdered Laird Stewart and his wife. On the night of the attack on the Stewart stronghold each child was spirited away by a loyal friend to keep safe until the traitor was discovered.
Unfortunately Graeme and Eppie Stewart were captured while escaping and have been held captive on the island where St. Benedict’s Abbey lies. They have faced grueling work and torture in the years they have been imprisoned. Determined to make one last attempt at escape, they are interrupted by the arrival of a Campbell ship.
Maisie Campbell has been sent to St. Benedict’s Abbey on a mission from her brother the Campbell Laird. Here she meets the 2 prisoners after they have failed in their escape attempt. Tricked into opening their cell she is injured when Graeme and Eppie make a break for it and finally manage to get off the island back to Stewart land.
Some months later when the war between the Stewart and Campbells angers the King, he forces them into a truce for the good of the country. This however involves Graeme and Maisie entering into a temporary marriage of sorts.
With vengeance in his heart Graeme is determined not to fall for Maisie. While she is blindly loyal to her brother it seems there can never be hope for more between them. As expected there are many bumps along the road for our couple, eventually lies are exposed and traitors revealed. Our couple do get their happy ever after in the end when they realize their love for one another. This has been my favorite of the series so far, I highly recommend it and the whole series. Julie writes a great story with wonderful characters all set within the beautiful Scottish countryside.

I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,574 reviews88 followers
December 26, 2024
An incredible book that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, keeping me riveted to the very last page. The mark of a good story-teller is one where you come to the end of a novel, still wanting more. I found this romance suspenseful, dramatic, and fast-paced as Graeme Stewart determines to exact vengeance on his enemies. Cruelly imprisoned with Eppie, who had been tasked with keeping him safe as a toddler, Graeme has only known deprivation, cruelty, and harsh conditions. However, with the guiding hand of Eppie, who has suffered every bit as much as he has, he has grown into a young man of honor, albeit one with a vengeance burning in his heart. When the chance presents itself, Graeme and Eppie make a break for it and find their way back to their Clan. Unfortunately, their escape escalates the tension between the Clans until the King has no option other than to force a handfasting between Graeme and the sister of his enemy, who had inadvertently been instrumental in their escape. Distrust lies deep between Maisie Campbell and Graeme, although the attraction between them cannot be denied. The years of captivity and burning anger have resulted in Graeme being somewhat obtuse when dealing with a lady and it is up to Eppie to help him understand his behaviour. The plot gallops towards a dramatic conclusion with the truth of his incarceration finally coming out. However, it does not bring joy or happiness as victory is tainted with horror and loss. I received a copy of this amazing standalone romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
47 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2024
Graeme Stewart and Maisie Campbell! This book tore at my heart at what Graeme went through for so long in captivity! These 2 characters were truly justified in their feelings with the facts they knew and forced into a handfasted marriage for a year and a day by the King. Graeme . . . SO strong, both physically and mentally! Justified in his feelings of vengence, for himself and Eppie, the servant that tried to help him escape death by the Campbell's as a young child, imprisoned together for 18 years. Maisie . . . also strong in her love and belief in her family and their lies. Even after she found her father to be the traitor, she believed in her brother, but as she really got to know him, also came to be strong in her belief in and love for Graeme. Her determination to be accepted by the Stewart Clan was inspiring. She believes in honesty and truth and will do anything to seek it, even put herself in danger. Graeme's feeling for Maisie also began to change from hating her as a Campbell to admiration, but was easily swayed to suspicion even though he cared for her.

The author's storyline and pace were perfect. Graeme and Maisie's love story may be my favorite of the 3, but I think I can say that about all Julie Johnstone's books. I truly loved this book and hated to see it end, however, the end was, yes, perfect.

I was given an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and this review is my honest and true opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Alison.
859 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2025
The Highlander Burns for Vengeance
Return of the Highlanders #3
Julie Johnstone
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Graeme Stewart has spent his life in captivity. He has now finally returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it's all directed at the Campbell Clan. They attacked his home, killed his parents, and imprisoned him and Eppie for eighteen long years that involved beating after beating as well as manual labor. So when the king demands that Graeme handfast with his enemies sister, he intends to use her to get the revenge he years for. But Maisie is not what he expected and her courage and character surprise him at every turn bringing out feelings he never thought possible.

Maisie Campbell knows she's bound to Graeme for a year and a day. She hates everything about Graeme, except for his kisses which almost bring her to her knees, but lust is not what you should start a relationship with. As time goes on Maisie realizes that there is more to Graeme that meets the eye and she starts to fall in love with him without even realizing it.

Julie Johnstone is one of my go to authors for this very reason. This book had me from the get go and it held me in until it was finished. Wow, and what a book it was. These two main characters were perfect for each other and it took alot to admit their love, but when they did there was no turning back. All in all I would highly recommend this book to historical readers everywhere.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,120 reviews18 followers
December 22, 2024
Traitor's, Kings Commands, Gripping Love Story Not to Miss
First off, I must say I have not read a story this good in a long time.
An epic journey of two wonderful characters that deserves more than 5 stars.
A brutal beginning sets the stage for this incredibly emotional love story with an amazing cast of characters that will grab at your heart strings
and not let go.
The amazing cover gives you some insight as to what Graeme has brutally endured for many years. Now free and on a mission for revenge until the king has other plans.
This is where a love story begins as we follow Graeme and Maisie through and extremely complicated, gripping romance story which brings out the passion and distrust in both characters.
This is a heart pounding gut wrenching story that just keeps unraveling until the very terrifying mind-blowing final chapters which made this story one could not put down.
The best word to describe this story is Incredible.
💖Special Mention to: Eppie due to her perseverance and motherly care of Graeme. Wonderful character that adds so much to this story.
💋Passion is fan worthy 3/5
🙋‍♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
10 reviews
December 29, 2024
The Highander burns for Vengeance is the third book of Julie Johnstone series, but could be a stand along book. In 1470 in Inverie Scotland Graeme Stewart and Eppie had been held as prisoners by monks for eighteen years. Graeme was a young child when he was taken as a prisoner, the monk Bernard was very cruel and would beat the two of them . They finally escaped and made it home to their home, where his brother Ross is Laird, Graeme wants revenge against the Campell clan because Maisie Campell father was responsible for holding Graeme and Eppie prisoners! This story is incredibly emotionally story. Was captivating held my attention from start to end, there was so much happening between Graeme and Maisie Campell starting out as enemies and finding love, and misunderstanding between them. The secondary people were very important to the plot, loved Eppie part in the story her motherly love for Graeme! I was given this book for a honest review of book, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a Highlander book with wonderful story and two people who were loveable in their own way! 5 stars book !
Profile Image for Sharon Pauley.
110 reviews39 followers
December 21, 2024
Julia Johnstone's " The Highlander Burns for Vengence." is an age old story of Scottish Clan Rivalry, murder, betrayal and love. Graeme, age 3, alongwith his nurse Eppie were kidnapped and held captive after his father and other Stewart Clans members were killed by Laird Campbell.They were held in an old abbey by ruthless Abbot Atholl and Bernard a Campbell henchment for years. Finally Graeme and Eppie escaped when Lady Maisie Campbell visited the abbey. The warring between the clans was becoming a problem for King James of the Scots.The King decided both families, the Campbells and the Stewarts would come together and Graeme would be handfasted to Lady Maisie Campbell while they looked for what really happened all those years ago. Graeme must learn to trust again and Maisie has to learn who is lying to her and others. Will they ever know the truth. Love complicates things as they are handfasted for one year and day. Will they find the truth and true love. It is a great story to read for the twists and turns.A wonderful read.


Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,506 reviews30 followers
January 7, 2025
Whew if there is a recipe for anguish, pain and perseverance then we have one in Graeme Stewart the last of the three branded children!
He has suffered so much abuse physically and mentally from monks supposedly men of God! They marred his handsome face and took a whip to his back several times!
He remained alive and refused to leave his father’s cook turned surrogate mother Eppie Stewart! More treachery involving Maisie Campbell who unwittingly was delivering a missive to rain more terror had Graeme found a way to escape!
There is a lot of misunderstanding and mischief made on behalf of the Stewart clan towards Maisie and she does not say a word!
There are times I wish she would speak and is silent and it drives a wedge between her and Graeme who feels betrayal easily as it has been for much of his lifetime!
When it seems Maisie has been silent one time too many it may cost her more than she can pay!
I wonder if her sister will get a story! She is jealous and spiteful at times! Definitely not one to trust! Bravo well done! You won’t put this one down!
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,413 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2025
I was very excited to read Graeme’s book, and it didn’t disappoint. This is my favorite of the three books so far, and when Graeme finally escapes the prison that he and Eppie (the older woman that was tasked with taking Graeme away as a boy to keep him safe) have been in for eighteen years, all that’s in his heart is revenge. But the king is tired of the two warring clans – the Campbells and the Stewarts, and insists that Graeme will be handfasted for one year and a day, to one of his enemies daughters. Forced to protect her, Graeme and Maisie will need to find the truth, both about their families and their feelings that have grown between them.

This book has everything you could want in a Highlander book. There is mystery, danger, and the enemies-to-lovers trope working here and this book is very difficult to put down and I was sad when it was over. The ending is satisfying and the pace is steady and fast to the finish line. The reader will understand the feelings of distrust from both Graeme and Maisie, but will also cheer them on. The epilogue was a great touch.
1,279 reviews15 followers
December 30, 2024
Fantastic, Scottish Historical Romance

He spent his life as a prisoner because of his enemies, and now, he seeks vengeance. The king wants an end to the feud, so Graeme must handfast with Maisie. He wants revenge on her clan, and he knows her brother is guilty of the harm done to him and his family. Maisie does not believe her brother to be a villain. What is the truth, and what happens when enemies fall in love? Which will win in the end, love, or vengeance?

I absolutely loved this story. It kept me turning pages from beginning to end. If you like Scottish historical romance with mystery, treachery, and intrigue, this story will not disappoint. This author is brilliant. She pulls you into her books and does not let go until the very end. Then, she leaves you asking, “When can I read her next book?”
Profile Image for Dorothy.
201 reviews
January 6, 2025
Highlander Burns For Vengeance
Julie Johnstone

Julie Johnstone has done it again. She’s written another epic journey of the Scottish highlands under rule of the English king. Two feuding Scottish clans are forced, by the English king, to unite with the handfasted marriage of Graeme of clan Stewart and Maisie of clan Campbell. Thus begins the enemies to lovers romance of Johnstone’s novel. I was hooked on page one and was absolutely enthralled to the very end. Ms. Johnstone weaves such creative tale of the romance between the hero and heroine , she brings us along for the ride. I was invested in the characters and the storyline and had a lot of fun reading this book . I’ve read this talented author extensively and have never been disappointed. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Lorrie.
272 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2024
This book begins with an intensity and continues that way throughout the story. A Highlander with vengeance in his heart so strong, it muddles his thoughts and does not allow loyalty to be earned. Instead, an enemy name means that the whole clan is crooked. A lesson he may have to learn the hard way. I loved Maisie from the beginning and was pulling for her. I wanted to reach in and help her when others were cruel, but that is the way things were back then with these clans and this author spun a great story with a lesson to be learned by us all. Well done. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to offer my thoughts. This was one of those books you want to put down but have to read the first paragraph of two into the next chapter.... which leads to finishing that chapter.
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
937 reviews31 followers
December 30, 2024
This book exemplifies all the reasons that when I want a fast-paced, emotional, Medieval romance that I can't put down, the author I first turn to is Julie Johnstone. Her characters are complex and fully developed. Her grasp of time and place is vividly and authentically depicted. Her books never leave me feeling as though I've read a modern book set hundreds of years ago. From the first page to the last, I was fully immersed in 15th Century Scotland, these characters, their triumphs, travails, passion, and the danger that stalks them.

While this is book three in Johnstone's Return of the Highlanders trilogy and the couples from books one and two are featured, The Highlander Burns for Vengeance stands well on its own.
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,054 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2025
Graeme Stewart is a man on a mission to destroy the Campbell Clan, for them destroying his life and held him three old Graeme captive for eighteen years after they murdered his family. What better way for a king to solve clan feuding than a handfast between Graeme and Maisie Campbell. I love her she's a strong young woman who needs to prove her family are not all traitors or wanted Graeme to suffer. An intriguing story as these two are on opposite sides, but are drawn together as their attraction grows, but will he ever learn to trust a Campbell? Can he trust Maisie? I love this story and its fascinating characters as they come to life with her writing. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.
1,055 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2025
5++ Excellent enemies to lovers.

Graeme has been held in captivity for the last 18 years beaten and tortured. When he finally escaped, vengeance against the man who put him there was all he could think of. Maisie is the eldest daughter of the now deceased Laird Campbell, the traitor who killed Graeme’s parents and separated his siblings and sent Graeme into captivity at the abbey. Maisie’s brother is laird now and she cannot believe he had anything to do with what happened with Graeme or his clan. But the king has ordered a marriage between Maisie and Graeme to end the fighting between the two clans. Now they both must come to terms with the truth about what truly happened and the growing affection and passion between them.
180 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2024



The Highlander Burns for Vengeance is a truly captivating read! From Enemies to Lovers is an intense and captivating romance. This book blends fierce passion with a deep, evolving connection between two characters who start as adversaries. The book is well-paced, constantly shifting between the push and pull of the characters’ conflicting feelings. The transition from hatred to love can be one of the most rewarding arcs, as both characters must learn to let go of the past. The chemistry between the characters and their personal growth kept me hooked from start to finish! A must-read!

Profile Image for iStarr.
111 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2025
Forever and A Day

As with the previous two audiobooks in this series, the performance of the narrator is excellent.

The tale of Graeme and Maisie is darker than the books of Ross & Grace, and Sorcha and Alisdair.

The ending is almost anti-climactic. I was hoping that there would be a way for Brody to be redeemed, and I suppose, he was by his selfless act to save his sister, after trying to kill her.

Graeme is a cold hearted and brutal man, a result of 18 years in captivity where he was beaten, worked within an inch of his life. His transformation into a gentle and loving man is not without pain as he learns to trust.

A very good read with an excellent audiobook!
Profile Image for Janet.
10 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2024
I love an enemies to lovers story. The Highlander Burns for Vengeance is a great story. The need for vengeance was a main character of the story. It did not overwhelm the romance and the hero and heroine of the story. I really liked that the heroine was a strong and loyal character.
I don't do spoilers in my reviews when I really like a story. I recommend The Highlander Burns for Vengeance as another great story in the the Highlanders series by Julie Johnstone. I received an ARC of the book, however, it in no way swayed my enjoyment. Keep the stories coming Julie!!
Profile Image for CAB1217.
91 reviews
January 27, 2025
The highlander burns for vengeance

As always I can depend on a great story from Ms. Johnstone. Graeme and Masks are forced to handfast by the king to stop wearing clans. By Graeme and the women who was charged to protect him when the castle he lived in was attacked and his parents killed. Caught by the invaders and ordered to be killed Graeme and Eppie were kept as prisoners and tortured at an Abby and Graeme has nothing but hatred in his heart and a burning desire for revenge. But can he let it go for love?
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,854 reviews39 followers
December 26, 2024
A remarkable and entertaining tale of love, loyalty, and vengeance, this story captivates from start to finish.

Graeme Stewart returns home seeking revenge against the Campbells but finds himself torn between his quest for justice and his growing admiration for Maisie Campbell. Bound by duty and divided by family loyalties, their journey is filled with passion, suspense, and surprising twists.

A fantastic blend of romance and intrigue!
Profile Image for Petula.
3,105 reviews88 followers
December 29, 2024
This historical romance gives us a hero who has been in captivity for most of his life and has suffered terribly.  Our heroine come from the family responsible for his torment,  but the Scottish king demands they handfast. Obviously, this will cause fireworks.  

An emotional and danger filled story with fabulous characters and lots of action.  

This is part of a series, but each book can be read on its own.  

Exciting story. 
469 reviews5 followers
January 5, 2025
Good Read !!

I have truly enjoyed this series, especially after waiting for Graeme story it did not disappoint. I do hope this is not the end of this series, all of the characters are great but some of the supporting character's I would love to have their story, Finlay, his sister, Adian and the villain priest also broken hearted Eliza. Anyway again this is a very good read that left me wanting more.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,082 reviews131 followers
January 6, 2025
Revenge is not always the solution, but Graeme Stewart is determined after 18 mos of captivity and hatred of the Campbell clan.

When the solution to bring peace between the clans is for him to marry one of the Campbells, his plan begins.

But he did not take into consideration the young lady's strong presence, so things may not go as planned.

As always, this author is so in tune with the Highlander's history and brings her knowledge into her wonderful stories
222 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2025
Amazing Story

Read the series loved all three, but the third book was very captivating this book made me cry, laugh, and at the edge of my set on What was going to happen next with Graeme Stewart and Maisie Campbell. I loved Maisies character very outspoken and loyal. Eppie's character was great especially her relationship with Graeme. A must read. Historical romance are my favorite read.
Profile Image for Susan.
391 reviews56 followers
December 22, 2024
It broke my heart to read all the things Graeme and Eppie endured for so many years! I loved reading how they escaped and where things led with Maisie Campbell. Maisie and Graeme had a rocky action packed road home which made for a great read. I will be looking forward to the next book from Julie Johnstone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.