Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Unwanted Highland Wives #5

Married to the Cruel Highlander

Rate this book
“As long as ye’re here, I am yer master, whether ye like it or nae. And ye’ll be a good lass to appease me, will ye nae?”

Coming across an unfair battle, Ersie interferes.
But she shouldn't have.
For when his prey flees, the villain turns his attention to her.
And she knows she shouldn't like it...
***
Laird Keith just lost the only lead he had about his son's death in years. And it's thanks to a female 'man-at-arms'.
He had heard about her. But he never thought she'd be so alluring...
So feisty...
So his.
Now he takes her to his castle.
And he won't let her leave until he breaks her…
Even if it starts a war.

*Married to the Cruel Highlander 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!

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

138 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

Eloise Madigan

70 books59 followers

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
189 (67%)
4 stars
69 (24%)
3 stars
15 (5%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,368 reviews15 followers
May 16, 2025
I really like this book! Ersie has appeared often throughout the series, and I wasn’t really her biggest fan. This story has changed everything. The prequel provides much needed background and I think the fact that so many in her circle had already married and started families softened her a bit. In this tale, Ersie interrupts Keith Dunn, Laird MacAuley, while he is in the process of forcefully extracting information from a bound and begging man. When that man escapes, Keith throws Ersie on his horse and takes her back to his keep where he insists that she help him investigate, as she aided his only lead in escaping. Five years ago, Keith’s wife died in childbirth and his infant son washed up on the shores of the loch shortly thereafter. Keith has been looking for the murderer ever since. Of course they lock horns, get into power struggles and deny their attraction inspite of the fact that kisses are shared and the air sizzles between them. Lucas, Keith’s younger brother and man-at-arms, stirs the pot alternately teasing and chiding Keith for the way he acts around Ersie. Things end rather abruptly, until a revelation sparks a deadly encounter, heating everything up again. This story is fast-paced, emotional, and filled with intense characters. It is a masterfully told tale, sweeping the reader along as heartaches heal, answers are found and love prevails. There are a few cameos and mentions of characters from the previous books, but all in all, I think this is my favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Shuvai.
636 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2025
Married to the Cruel Highlander by Eloise Madigan is a captivating tale set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland's rugged landscapes. The story follows Erse, a valiant woman-at-arms, and Keith, a brooding laird, whose fates intertwine in a gripping narrative.

When Erse is kidnapped by Keith, he blames her for the tragic disappearance of vital information regarding the killer of his son. In a twist of fate, Erse offers her assistance in uncovering the truth, leading them on a perilous journey where they discover that the enemy may be closer than they ever imagined.

Madigan’s storytelling is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the historical setting while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The character development is robust, making readers invest emotionally in Erse and Keith’s evolving relationship.

Overall, Married to the Cruel Highlander is a beautifully crafted historical romance that seamlessly blends suspense with emotion, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages. It's a must-read for fans of Scottish historical fiction!
1,051 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2025
Wrapping up the series.

Keith Dunn, Laird MacCauley has spent the last 5 years trying to find the person who killed his newborn son. When interrogating his prisoner and only lead, he is interrupted by Ersie Barclay, sister to Laird Mac Aitken, and a well known warrior in her own right. When his prisoner escapes while he is distracted with Ersie, he holds her responsible and takes her with him. Now she must help him with his investigation for the next 2 weeks. Keith and Ersie are two of a kind which causes them to clash at times but also stirs feelings neither has experienced before. I enjoyed the storyline. I just still can’t get into the female warrior thing. It is just too unbelievable to me that a female can defeat all these highland brutes. Ersie was arrogant, defensive, argumentative and annoying much of the time but she was not like that in the earlier books in the series. I just thought it was too much and unnecessary. That said, I would still recommend the book as a good ending to the series.
Profile Image for Brenda Woodman.
57 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2025
“Ye dinnae play fair.”“I never once said I did, nor did I give ye any indication that I am capable..

A mystery 5 years old, an investigation for the truth brings them together. Neither really knowing what to do with the feelings that beginning to draw them together.
Unknown to both, there are those who do not want this mystery solved. Will they?
I truly enjoyed this story. Kept me reading, discovering more of Ersie's story and just how she became the fierce warrior that she is. Enjoy this 5th story in the Unwanted Highland Wives.
38 reviews
Read
June 1, 2025
Married to the Cruel Highlander

I liked the story of two strong characters trying to dominate each other . Ersie has always had to fight for her place as the best female warrior. She is her brother's second and has only been disarmed by Keith, a Laird in search of the person who killed his infant son. Ersie has given Keith two weeks to help with his search and will eventually discover the clue that will solve the case. During that time their attraction grows stronger.
Will Ersie die to solve the murder?
220 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
Outstanding Book in the Series

Love Ersie and Keith's story! Ersie character was amazing as a warrior lass who could hold her own. Keith's character was very interesting trying to find is son killer. This story is full of surprises, mystery and unspoken emotions. I've read the entire series totally loved each book and the strong spunky women in each book! Totally recommend. Eloise doesn't disappoint makes you feel like you are there. Looking forward to reading more highlanders book by this author.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,073 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2025
Warriors

Ersie has been a warrior since she was10 and when she hears someone needing help she rushes to do that. She comes across a man on his knees in trouble and goes to help. She ends up being taken to Laird Keith Dunn's Castle. She is to help repair what she damaged when she helped the man get away. She and the Laird both drive each other crazy but still manage to have stolen time together. The figure out the mystery but aren't sure what to do about the other. Great story.
201 reviews
May 15, 2025
The Mad Laird

What a super story. Laird Keith Dunn meets his match when he meets Erskie. Warrior, lady and second on command to her brother. This book is a roller coaster of emotions. The Mad Laird has spent the last 5 years looking for who stole and then drowned his newborn son after his wife had died in childbirth, hardened and lost in his sadness he makes one last attempt to find the culprit. A surprise ending will have you in disbelief. I highly recommend this read!
363 reviews
May 17, 2025
Ersie was her own woman and didn't need a man in her life to complicate it, until she ran into Keith. This was one intriguing story about them trying to solve the mystery of what happened five years ago. They felt an attraction but thought if would not go forward. Keith had a hard time expressing himself, while she had never felt this attraction with a man before. Another wonderful book by Ms Madigan.
468 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2025
Keith & Ersie or Erise & Keith !!!!

This truly is a awesome series "Unwanted Highland Wives". I could say characters very well written, I could say good plot and each book continued with the family members from book 1 the beginning. Now I could go on to say more but this story speaks for itself, so I'm just going to say again this is a awesome series and another very well written story, Well Done Author !!!!
217 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2025
Awesome adventure

This was a very interesting, exciting, and intriguing adventure. The characters were amazing and funny at times. I thought something was up with the brother but then wasn't quite sure. The ending was very exciting. Thanks for sharing your story! I loved reading it.
48 reviews
June 11, 2025
This should be made into a movie!

I really thought I had fallen in love with so many romance stories...but this was like a hurricane...one of my favorite lines " He was a man drowning...and she was air". Truly a touching and soul burning book! But, don't take my word for it...envelope your senses from beginning to end. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
107 reviews
May 14, 2025
wow, so much in one book. I loved this story.

Elsie and Keith's story is a nonstop book filled one adventure after another. I read till I fell asleep woke up and read some more. "Married to the Cruel Highlander" by Eloise Madigan is one book that you will so want to read.
113 reviews
May 14, 2025
Story telling done right

Story telling done right, Eloise Madigan brings to life another wonderful tale in the continuation of her awesome series. Don't miss out on one awesome read.
171 reviews
May 21, 2025
Amazing

Amazing love story that will have you turning the pages in anticipation, I have read all 5 novel's and loved them all and I highly recommend , Eloise Madigan is an amazing author.
912 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2025
Journey of truth

Ersie stops Laird Keith in the forest from something she didn't understand. This book is a journey to find out the truth of what happened to his son. Excellent story and a great series
Profile Image for Sandra.
323 reviews
August 20, 2025
A good read!

A unique and entertaining story that is crafted and controlled beautifully! The pacing is excellent with a near f!awless flow. The characters are created with extreme care and are wonderfully engaging. A good read indeed!
22 reviews
October 28, 2025
Expected but then again not

Another great read - when reading you get glimpses of who it is and then it steers you away and then it pulls you back, makes you rethink… loved this story!!
20 reviews
May 12, 2025
Simply amazing!

I loved this story so much. The intrigue of the story had me hooked to the end. And oh what an ending! I couldn't put this book down and read it in one setting.
132 reviews
May 19, 2025
Such a wonderful story .I highly recommend this Scottish tale.Filled with great characters, plus epilogue.
60 reviews
June 10, 2025
Great read

This has been a wonderful series to read. Love the way each story brought back in the past characters. Great read.

Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.