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Legacy of Highland Lairds #1
The Highlander’s Hellion Wife
“If ye touch her, ye’ll beg for death…”
Kidnapped from her home, Alison is saved by someone she never expected to see her husband.
Accused of killing his first wife, fearsome Laird Duncan thought his daughter and his new bride would be better off without him. Until Alison gets abducted...Now whoever dared to touch what's his will face his wrath.
For he is back. For good. And he will claim his feisty hellion until she screams his name...
*The Highlander’s Hellion Wife is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Eloise Madigan and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Kidnapped from her home, Alison is saved by someone she never expected to see her husband.
Accused of killing his first wife, fearsome Laird Duncan thought his daughter and his new bride would be better off without him. Until Alison gets abducted...Now whoever dared to touch what's his will face his wrath.
For he is back. For good. And he will claim his feisty hellion until she screams his name...
*The Highlander’s Hellion Wife is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Eloise Madigan and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
- GenresHistorical
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
327 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 30, 2025
Slow burn arranged marriage story
4.5✨
This was a comfort read with tropes like dislike to lovers, my wife, only one bed and arranged marriage.
I liked the tension and slow burn that sizzled all the way through the story. Not to mention some intrigue with whodunnit elements.
There was some nice character development and we could see how their world views slowly shifted. Like in many of her books the female characters are fierce and stubborn and will fight for their love.
Writing flowed and was just clear and to the point, while using the Scottish language well.
What I love about this authors books is the Highland atmosphere transporting you back to the time of clans, castles and battles with the backdrop of bonnie nature.
So if you like fierce female leads, broody Highland lairds, slow burn tension and some intrigue go have a read!
4.5✨
This was a comfort read with tropes like dislike to lovers, my wife, only one bed and arranged marriage.
I liked the tension and slow burn that sizzled all the way through the story. Not to mention some intrigue with whodunnit elements.
There was some nice character development and we could see how their world views slowly shifted. Like in many of her books the female characters are fierce and stubborn and will fight for their love.
Writing flowed and was just clear and to the point, while using the Scottish language well.
What I love about this authors books is the Highland atmosphere transporting you back to the time of clans, castles and battles with the backdrop of bonnie nature.
So if you like fierce female leads, broody Highland lairds, slow burn tension and some intrigue go have a read!
February 26, 2025
At the age of eighteen, Alison’s father married his very terrified daughter off to Duncan
Forrester, the Laird of Clan Marsden, a man who was rumored to have killed his first wife. On their wedding night, Clan MacKimmon attacked Clan Marsden’s borders requiring Duncan to leave the castle and battle to defend his people. His parting words were for her to take care of his daughter. Five years later, Alison found herself bound, blindfolded and being held for ransom. After three days of captivity, Duncan resuced her, and that was the first time she had seen him since their wedding day. Although she was grateful to be freed, she was furious that she had neither seen nor heard from Duncan in five years. While he was off fighting, she raised his infant daughter Rosie and made a life for herself at the castle. Duncan, whose first wife had been stabbed and left to die in their bed shortly after Rosie was born, was hoping to create a happy life with Alison and his daughter. He just needed to figure out how he fit in. Although there are some harrowing moments, and it looked like history was going to repeat itself, this story mostly deals with sorting out Alison and Duncan’s relationship. Their attraction is strong, her anger is real, and she just doesn’t trust him not to leave her again. Rosie is a hoot and her night time walk is a genius bit of parenting. Duncan vacillates between a raging warrior and a somewhat awkward but endearing gentle giant as he strives to navigate his relationship with the wife he has fallen in love with, and daughter he adores. This is well written, has a variety of realistic characters, deep emotions, and enough surprises and action to keep you satisfied.
Forrester, the Laird of Clan Marsden, a man who was rumored to have killed his first wife. On their wedding night, Clan MacKimmon attacked Clan Marsden’s borders requiring Duncan to leave the castle and battle to defend his people. His parting words were for her to take care of his daughter. Five years later, Alison found herself bound, blindfolded and being held for ransom. After three days of captivity, Duncan resuced her, and that was the first time she had seen him since their wedding day. Although she was grateful to be freed, she was furious that she had neither seen nor heard from Duncan in five years. While he was off fighting, she raised his infant daughter Rosie and made a life for herself at the castle. Duncan, whose first wife had been stabbed and left to die in their bed shortly after Rosie was born, was hoping to create a happy life with Alison and his daughter. He just needed to figure out how he fit in. Although there are some harrowing moments, and it looked like history was going to repeat itself, this story mostly deals with sorting out Alison and Duncan’s relationship. Their attraction is strong, her anger is real, and she just doesn’t trust him not to leave her again. Rosie is a hoot and her night time walk is a genius bit of parenting. Duncan vacillates between a raging warrior and a somewhat awkward but endearing gentle giant as he strives to navigate his relationship with the wife he has fallen in love with, and daughter he adores. This is well written, has a variety of realistic characters, deep emotions, and enough surprises and action to keep you satisfied.
February 21, 2025
The Highlander's Hellion Wife by Eloise Madigan
In The Highlander's Hellion Wife, Eloise Madigan crafts a delightful historical romance that will captivate fans of the genre. This sweet and suspenseful tale follows the story of Alison, a strong-willed and determined heroine who finds herself abandoned by her husband Duncan on the night of their wedding.
As the story unfolds, Alison must navigate the challenges of living alone in the absence of her husband and being a mother to a child that is not her own, all the while wondering if she will ever be reunited with her husband. Five long years pass before Duncan returns, and when he does, their reunion is met with a thrilling twist: a killer is on the loose, and Alison's life is in danger.
Madigan's writing is engaging and effortless, making it easy to become invested in the lives of her characters. Alison and Duncan are well-developed and relatable, with a chemistry that is palpable from the start. The author's use of historical detail is impressive, transporting readers to the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands.
One of the strengths of this novel is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with more intense and suspenseful scenes. The pacing is well-balanced, with a narrative that flows smoothly from one scene to the next.
Overall, "The Highlander's Hellion Wife" is a captivating historical romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its sweet and suspenseful storyline, well-developed characters, and impressive historical detail, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and emotional journey.
In The Highlander's Hellion Wife, Eloise Madigan crafts a delightful historical romance that will captivate fans of the genre. This sweet and suspenseful tale follows the story of Alison, a strong-willed and determined heroine who finds herself abandoned by her husband Duncan on the night of their wedding.
As the story unfolds, Alison must navigate the challenges of living alone in the absence of her husband and being a mother to a child that is not her own, all the while wondering if she will ever be reunited with her husband. Five long years pass before Duncan returns, and when he does, their reunion is met with a thrilling twist: a killer is on the loose, and Alison's life is in danger.
Madigan's writing is engaging and effortless, making it easy to become invested in the lives of her characters. Alison and Duncan are well-developed and relatable, with a chemistry that is palpable from the start. The author's use of historical detail is impressive, transporting readers to the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands.
One of the strengths of this novel is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with more intense and suspenseful scenes. The pacing is well-balanced, with a narrative that flows smoothly from one scene to the next.
Overall, "The Highlander's Hellion Wife" is a captivating historical romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its sweet and suspenseful storyline, well-developed characters, and impressive historical detail, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and emotional journey.
March 2, 2025
Duncan,
Duncan, Rosie, Evander and Arthur who really captured my attention, I just could not get into Allison's character or her reasoning. I understand her feelings about her wedding night, but in that era did not wars happen in defense of any kind of attack to their clan. Now I did understand her feelings about the length of time without any news or communication or I guess I should say letter also most strong alpha Lairds do not leave their men to fight a war without them. Anyway the reason of the war held my interest along with Rosie who was so funny and Duncan best friends who I think could use their own story I'm hoping for. So again the supporting character's and Duncan is who and what captured and held my attention to finish this story, Allison's attitude changes or what her changes were about didn't make sense to me. Oh let me not forget Malina now she could be a lady of a clan just saying😇.
Duncan, Rosie, Evander and Arthur who really captured my attention, I just could not get into Allison's character or her reasoning. I understand her feelings about her wedding night, but in that era did not wars happen in defense of any kind of attack to their clan. Now I did understand her feelings about the length of time without any news or communication or I guess I should say letter also most strong alpha Lairds do not leave their men to fight a war without them. Anyway the reason of the war held my interest along with Rosie who was so funny and Duncan best friends who I think could use their own story I'm hoping for. So again the supporting character's and Duncan is who and what captured and held my attention to finish this story, Allison's attitude changes or what her changes were about didn't make sense to me. Oh let me not forget Malina now she could be a lady of a clan just saying😇.
April 29, 2025
The Highlander's Hellion Wife
I love stories where the strong highlanders fall under the will of their strong minded wives. I like both the primary characters, but not sure why Duncan stayed away from his wife and daughter for 5 years. It definitely set the tone for their reunion. Alison fell in love with his daughter, as Rosie did her and it was so sweet, especially their nightly walks.
The mystery of his first wife's death, stabbed in their bed, started the 5 years of war, as her brother thought Duncan had killed her. Will Alison meet death the same way?
I thought Duncan was going to have the other Lairds build Alison a school in town. That would have been really sweet. I would like to know who did the portrait, too. Not clear what he needed his friends to do. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
I love stories where the strong highlanders fall under the will of their strong minded wives. I like both the primary characters, but not sure why Duncan stayed away from his wife and daughter for 5 years. It definitely set the tone for their reunion. Alison fell in love with his daughter, as Rosie did her and it was so sweet, especially their nightly walks.
The mystery of his first wife's death, stabbed in their bed, started the 5 years of war, as her brother thought Duncan had killed her. Will Alison meet death the same way?
I thought Duncan was going to have the other Lairds build Alison a school in town. That would have been really sweet. I would like to know who did the portrait, too. Not clear what he needed his friends to do. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
March 18, 2025
so good!
This has been the best Highlander book that I’ve read so far - and I have read quite a few! I thought both the ML & FL characters were perfect. In a lot of books that I’ve read, there are either flaws in the storyline or a character will drive me nuts. This wasn’t a quick forgiving, mushy story that makes you gag with how sappy it is. You understand where both of them are coming from and it’s nice to see that they both learn to see each other from their point of views and both make efforts to repair the damage of her feelings of abandonment and lack of trust in her husband to not leave them again. There weren’t any parts in the book that were drawn out - so nice pacing to the storytelling.
This has been the best Highlander book that I’ve read so far - and I have read quite a few! I thought both the ML & FL characters were perfect. In a lot of books that I’ve read, there are either flaws in the storyline or a character will drive me nuts. This wasn’t a quick forgiving, mushy story that makes you gag with how sappy it is. You understand where both of them are coming from and it’s nice to see that they both learn to see each other from their point of views and both make efforts to repair the damage of her feelings of abandonment and lack of trust in her husband to not leave them again. There weren’t any parts in the book that were drawn out - so nice pacing to the storytelling.
February 28, 2025
Not for me.
I loved the storyline and the males characters, Duncan (hero) and his two friends Arthur and Evander. However, I did not like Alison at all. I tried. She drug out her anger at her husband for going to war on their wedding day from the beginning of the book to the end. It was irritating. She was so dramatic and even cruel to Duncan. I kept reading thinking Alison would finally give it up but it was close to the end of the book before she did. Also there are some things I found unrealistic. Spoiler….A five year war on his own property but Duncan never went home during that time. Two wives stabbed in the bed beside him but he doesn’t wake up? Just not for me.
I loved the storyline and the males characters, Duncan (hero) and his two friends Arthur and Evander. However, I did not like Alison at all. I tried. She drug out her anger at her husband for going to war on their wedding day from the beginning of the book to the end. It was irritating. She was so dramatic and even cruel to Duncan. I kept reading thinking Alison would finally give it up but it was close to the end of the book before she did. Also there are some things I found unrealistic. Spoiler….A five year war on his own property but Duncan never went home during that time. Two wives stabbed in the bed beside him but he doesn’t wake up? Just not for me.
February 22, 2025
Alison and Duncan were married and then the next day he went to war and didn't return for 5 years. During that time Alison was in charge of the castle and Duncan's daughter Rosie that was a baby when he left. When he finally came home there was definitely a getting to know you phase for the whole family. There were some rumors that Duncan had murdered his first wife and that was what had started the war, but then Alison was also stabbed in the same way. Duncan and his fellow Lairds had to figure out what had happened and why before the past would derail the future. A really good story.
February 25, 2025
Danger around every corner!
A story of resilience, Allison was married to Laird Duncan only for him to leave, the borders of their land was attacked because the other Laird thinks Duncan murdered his wife, also the other Laird’s sister. They have been at war for five years and Allison has raised his infant daughter and loves her as her own. Now Allison has been kidnapped and fears for her life! But Duncan saves her, but she has trust issues and she has built a life for herself and Rosie, he isn’t included! Can they build anything?
A story of resilience, Allison was married to Laird Duncan only for him to leave, the borders of their land was attacked because the other Laird thinks Duncan murdered his wife, also the other Laird’s sister. They have been at war for five years and Allison has raised his infant daughter and loves her as her own. Now Allison has been kidnapped and fears for her life! But Duncan saves her, but she has trust issues and she has built a life for herself and Rosie, he isn’t included! Can they build anything?
March 3, 2025
Really loved the book! I absolutely loved Alison and I don't think I have to mention why we love Duncun because duh!
From beginning to end it was filled with tension and suspense. I loved the highstakes, the way Duncun was when he thought he was going to lose Alison. It makes you question and suspect quiet a few characters.
I can't wait for the stories of the other two Lairds. I hope Evander is next and maybe he and a certain healer are paired together. I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series and I really hope I don't have to wait forever for it.
From beginning to end it was filled with tension and suspense. I loved the highstakes, the way Duncun was when he thought he was going to lose Alison. It makes you question and suspect quiet a few characters.
I can't wait for the stories of the other two Lairds. I hope Evander is next and maybe he and a certain healer are paired together. I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series and I really hope I don't have to wait forever for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
An ok read but hmmmm.....
Hmmmm the format of these books appears to be identical to the Lydia Kendall ones, although so far at least this one had way fewer errors... I did Google search a few paragraphs from the book and oddly found some exact matches.... [Quote by Haruki Murakami: “She curled up and pressed her cheek against his...” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/5505...].
The jury is still out.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay for the subscription)
Hmmmm the format of these books appears to be identical to the Lydia Kendall ones, although so far at least this one had way fewer errors... I did Google search a few paragraphs from the book and oddly found some exact matches.... [Quote by Haruki Murakami: “She curled up and pressed her cheek against his...” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/5505...].
The jury is still out.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay for the subscription)
October 11, 2025
Excellent Read and Series
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every book and series by The Who are published by Cobalt Fairy. I wish they would just add the prologue and extended epilogue to the book so I don’t have to keep opening another window. The link to sign up for the newsletter is in or should be in the book already. Now I’m off my soapbox 🙃 I hope this is a series that overlaps between the characters. Those are my favorites. Start reading this book and series. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every book and series by The Who are published by Cobalt Fairy. I wish they would just add the prologue and extended epilogue to the book so I don’t have to keep opening another window. The link to sign up for the newsletter is in or should be in the book already. Now I’m off my soapbox 🙃 I hope this is a series that overlaps between the characters. Those are my favorites. Start reading this book and series. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
February 26, 2025
Hellion of A Wife!.
It was a hard thing for her to do. Being in charge. It would be a hard job. Being a another to her husbands daughter. But she took to taking care of her daughter. So worried about her husband. Then she was kidnapped for money. She kept telling the mean men that there would be no money. She heard a voice saying to unhandled his wife. So he takes her back home. And he sees his daughter for the first time in 5 years.
It was a hard thing for her to do. Being in charge. It would be a hard job. Being a another to her husbands daughter. But she took to taking care of her daughter. So worried about her husband. Then she was kidnapped for money. She kept telling the mean men that there would be no money. She heard a voice saying to unhandled his wife. So he takes her back home. And he sees his daughter for the first time in 5 years.
November 13, 2025
Great story!
Duncan married and left right away to a war, just after his first wife was stabbed. So his second wife was to stay and raise his daughter. Five years later, his second wife was kidnapped and Duncan saved her. Now here he was with a wife he barely knew and a child he did not know at all. He still needed to find out who killed his first wife and stabbed his second. This is a need to read book.
Duncan married and left right away to a war, just after his first wife was stabbed. So his second wife was to stay and raise his daughter. Five years later, his second wife was kidnapped and Duncan saved her. Now here he was with a wife he barely knew and a child he did not know at all. He still needed to find out who killed his first wife and stabbed his second. This is a need to read book.
February 19, 2025
Great adventure
What a beautiful book to read. The characters were awesome and incredibly funny. The adventure was really exciting and intriguing. What she went through was absolutely amazing. To be married and then left to raise a child not your own would scare even the bravest person. Thanks for sharing your story!
What a beautiful book to read. The characters were awesome and incredibly funny. The adventure was really exciting and intriguing. What she went through was absolutely amazing. To be married and then left to raise a child not your own would scare even the bravest person. Thanks for sharing your story!
February 20, 2025
are ye here to stay???
Wow! What a first 5 years Allison had to endure. She came as a child bride and used the time to grow and mature into a fabulous woman. Duncan was a good Laird who showed his men that he wouldn’t allow his men to do anything he wouldn’t do. This was a good read.
Wow! What a first 5 years Allison had to endure. She came as a child bride and used the time to grow and mature into a fabulous woman. Duncan was a good Laird who showed his men that he wouldn’t allow his men to do anything he wouldn’t do. This was a good read.
February 22, 2025
A promise to be kept.
This is a story of two hearts learning to compromise, learning to love together. After leaving on their wedding night, Duncan returns when worst happens. Alison, after being left for 5 long years, must learn to trust and get to know her husband. I enjoyed the story. Is a good read, had action a little adventure and of course love.
This is a story of two hearts learning to compromise, learning to love together. After leaving on their wedding night, Duncan returns when worst happens. Alison, after being left for 5 long years, must learn to trust and get to know her husband. I enjoyed the story. Is a good read, had action a little adventure and of course love.
February 28, 2025
What a well written story. Poor Alison had a pretty hard life after her husband left her and again when he returned. Duncan was pretty patient with her and Rosie. There's quite a bit of excitement in this tale that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can to find out how it will all work out.
February 28, 2025
A book that just keeps you reading page after page after page
This was a book that came off hard and fast at the beginning And didn't let down until the end of it. There were times the book was funny and made you laugh And there were there were times that you felt compassion and anger... I would recommend this book to anybody....
This was a book that came off hard and fast at the beginning And didn't let down until the end of it. There were times the book was funny and made you laugh And there were there were times that you felt compassion and anger... I would recommend this book to anybody....
February 28, 2025
I wish
I wish that so many good books like this would contain the whole story. You have to go to another site to get the beginning and the end of the story. Why can't it be included within the main story?? You have to give your name and email to get the real beginning and ending.
I wish that so many good books like this would contain the whole story. You have to go to another site to get the beginning and the end of the story. Why can't it be included within the main story?? You have to give your name and email to get the real beginning and ending.
March 13, 2025
Hellion Tamed by Love
Circumstances beyond their control force Allison and Duncan apart for over five years leaving Allison to raise her husband’s infant daughter. He returns to rescue her from kidnappers and they both have to tend to the wounds and fears in their hearts before they can heal and claim their love.
Circumstances beyond their control force Allison and Duncan apart for over five years leaving Allison to raise her husband’s infant daughter. He returns to rescue her from kidnappers and they both have to tend to the wounds and fears in their hearts before they can heal and claim their love.
March 18, 2025
I loved reading it this book from the beginning to the end as the author has the ability to draw you into the lives of two main characters Alison & Duncan. This story takes you on a rollercoaster coaster ride with twist and turns of kidnapping, life threatening, betrayal, misunderstanding, mistrust, compassion, love and joy. A must read A+
April 3, 2025
The Highlander’s Hellion Wife
As difficult as war is it must have been worse dealing with it as a new wife, not even a day old! This is the start of this story dealing with all new environment and a daughter to care for. The heroine shows strength and wisdom in her new life. The characters all show what it was to deal with what was dealt to them in this tale.
As difficult as war is it must have been worse dealing with it as a new wife, not even a day old! This is the start of this story dealing with all new environment and a daughter to care for. The heroine shows strength and wisdom in her new life. The characters all show what it was to deal with what was dealt to them in this tale.
July 15, 2025
Encore une bonne lecture, j'en suis contente.
J'ai totalement adoré le personnage de Rosie qui apporte une petite touche en plus dans cette histoire.
J'ai également été happée dans l'intrigue pour savoir qui a tué la première épouse de notre Highlander et qui menace la seconde.
Je me suis attachée aux personnages et à leurs interactions et évolutions.
J'ai totalement adoré le personnage de Rosie qui apporte une petite touche en plus dans cette histoire.
J'ai également été happée dans l'intrigue pour savoir qui a tué la première épouse de notre Highlander et qui menace la seconde.
Je me suis attachée aux personnages et à leurs interactions et évolutions.
February 18, 2025
Whew, what a fantastic adventure
Time to get ready to add another book to your list of favorites, Eloise Madigan brings you another Scottish tale of life in the Highlands. This book will have you turning pages and wanting more.
Time to get ready to add another book to your list of favorites, Eloise Madigan brings you another Scottish tale of life in the Highlands. This book will have you turning pages and wanting more.
February 21, 2025
Duncan and Alison's Story
I disliked Johnson Blake he was a very sick and distributed person.
I liked how Duncan and Alison's love was revealed.
I would recommend "The Highlander's Hellion Wife" to lovers of Scottish Highland Historical Fiction.
I disliked Johnson Blake he was a very sick and distributed person.
I liked how Duncan and Alison's love was revealed.
I would recommend "The Highlander's Hellion Wife" to lovers of Scottish Highland Historical Fiction.
February 22, 2025
Outstanding murder mystery!
Duncan is a winner! Allison took me a bit to like, she was so angry. Rosie was a treasure! A good many "hold your breath" moments of stabbing threats! Wow! This story will keep you reading!
Duncan is a winner! Allison took me a bit to like, she was so angry. Rosie was a treasure! A good many "hold your breath" moments of stabbing threats! Wow! This story will keep you reading!
February 24, 2025
The Highlanders Hellion Wife.
I've just finished reading this wonderful epic Scottish exciting love story , of Duncan and Alison. I highly recommend this wonderful well-written book. Looking forward to reading the epilogue.
I've just finished reading this wonderful epic Scottish exciting love story , of Duncan and Alison. I highly recommend this wonderful well-written book. Looking forward to reading the epilogue.
March 2, 2025
The Highlander's Hellion Wife
I am puzzled. Why did it take 5years to go to war and not make it home. I also was puzzled at how when they were sleeping together how the coat of arms was able to stab her. I enjoyed it anyways.
I am puzzled. Why did it take 5years to go to war and not make it home. I also was puzzled at how when they were sleeping together how the coat of arms was able to stab her. I enjoyed it anyways.
March 10, 2025
Highlander and the Hellion
The Highlander’s Hellion Wife was a wonderful book. There was a lot of twists, along with a satisfying love story. The author Eloise Madigan did a great job of writing this story.
The Highlander’s Hellion Wife was a wonderful book. There was a lot of twists, along with a satisfying love story. The author Eloise Madigan did a great job of writing this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews