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Protected By The Highlander: Mountain Men of Scotland
She’s running from danger.
He’s the danger no one warned her about.When Ellie Hart agrees to disappear for her own safety, she’s sent to the last place anyone would think to look – a remote Highland cottage owned by a blacksmith with scars he refuses to explain.
Brogan MacLeod is all muscle, silence, and steel. And from the moment Ellie steps into his care, she knows two she should be afraid of what’s hunting her … and she should definitely be afraid of him.
But Brogan would never hurt her.
He’s here to protect her.
Even if that means denying the heat that simmers between them with every breath.
She’s off-limits.
He’s sworn to keep his hands to himself.
But some fires won’t be forged into silence.
Welcome to the wild heart of the Highlands, where the mountains are steep, the fields green, the air is sharp, and the men? Unapologetically rugged.
In this modern day Mountain Men of Scotland series, each story delivers a swoon-worthy romance featuring fiercely protective heroes rooted in the land and the bold women who claim their hearts. From crofters, mountain guides, and whisky distillers, these Highland men don’t just live off the grid, they write their own rules. When fate throws unexpected love their way, they’ll fight to keep it, no matter the cost.
Steeped in centuries of history and whispered folklore, this land carries a quiet kind of magic .... one that stirs the soul, ignites the senses, and makes falling in love feel inevitable. Steamy, emotional, and set against the misty, windswept beauty of Scotland, each book in this series is a standalone romance packed with heat, heart, and happily ever afters that are as satisfying as a warm fire on a stormy night.
Are you ready for wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of scandalous charm to invade your next reading experience? Let’s keep the magic of romance flowing with cakes, kilts, and kisses.
He’s the danger no one warned her about.When Ellie Hart agrees to disappear for her own safety, she’s sent to the last place anyone would think to look – a remote Highland cottage owned by a blacksmith with scars he refuses to explain.
Brogan MacLeod is all muscle, silence, and steel. And from the moment Ellie steps into his care, she knows two she should be afraid of what’s hunting her … and she should definitely be afraid of him.
But Brogan would never hurt her.
He’s here to protect her.
Even if that means denying the heat that simmers between them with every breath.
She’s off-limits.
He’s sworn to keep his hands to himself.
But some fires won’t be forged into silence.
Welcome to the wild heart of the Highlands, where the mountains are steep, the fields green, the air is sharp, and the men? Unapologetically rugged.
In this modern day Mountain Men of Scotland series, each story delivers a swoon-worthy romance featuring fiercely protective heroes rooted in the land and the bold women who claim their hearts. From crofters, mountain guides, and whisky distillers, these Highland men don’t just live off the grid, they write their own rules. When fate throws unexpected love their way, they’ll fight to keep it, no matter the cost.
Steeped in centuries of history and whispered folklore, this land carries a quiet kind of magic .... one that stirs the soul, ignites the senses, and makes falling in love feel inevitable. Steamy, emotional, and set against the misty, windswept beauty of Scotland, each book in this series is a standalone romance packed with heat, heart, and happily ever afters that are as satisfying as a warm fire on a stormy night.
Are you ready for wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of scandalous charm to invade your next reading experience? Let’s keep the magic of romance flowing with cakes, kilts, and kisses.
- GenresForced Proximity
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Opal Nicks
47 books23 followersOpal’s steamy stories frequently feature independent, strong-willed females who find themselves surprisingly swept away by alpha males who pursue them with vigor and passion. Ultimately, they can’t resist the sweet satisfaction and protection these men offer. Who could?
On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.
In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.
Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.
On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.
In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.
Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 15, 2025
A hunted woman. A guarded Highlander. Two hearts learning to trust.
Ellie’s life is turned upside down when she uncovers secrets powerful people will do anything to hide. Forced to run, she’s whisked away to the wild Scottish Highlands by Brogan, a former soldier turned reclusive blacksmith, whose loyalty comes with an unshakable sense of duty. Their journey is filled with risks, but safety might be the most dangerous temptation of all.
Brogan’s used to silence and solitude, not to sharing his space with a woman who questions his every wall. Ellie’s used to steering her own life, not trusting it to a man who lives in the shadows. To survive, she’ll have to shed her old self and step into a new life, while he learns that protecting her might mean letting her in.
As days turn into something more, the pull between them grows impossible to ignore. Trust deepens, lines blur, and passion takes hold. In the heart of the Highlands, love becomes the safest place they’ve ever been, and for the first time, Ellie’s not running, she’s home.
A steamy, instalove, grumpy sunshine, mountain man, protective alpha, small town, romantic suspense set in the Scottish Highlands, exploring love, survival, identity, trust, transformation, redemption, and new beginnings.
Ellie’s life is turned upside down when she uncovers secrets powerful people will do anything to hide. Forced to run, she’s whisked away to the wild Scottish Highlands by Brogan, a former soldier turned reclusive blacksmith, whose loyalty comes with an unshakable sense of duty. Their journey is filled with risks, but safety might be the most dangerous temptation of all.
Brogan’s used to silence and solitude, not to sharing his space with a woman who questions his every wall. Ellie’s used to steering her own life, not trusting it to a man who lives in the shadows. To survive, she’ll have to shed her old self and step into a new life, while he learns that protecting her might mean letting her in.
As days turn into something more, the pull between them grows impossible to ignore. Trust deepens, lines blur, and passion takes hold. In the heart of the Highlands, love becomes the safest place they’ve ever been, and for the first time, Ellie’s not running, she’s home.
A steamy, instalove, grumpy sunshine, mountain man, protective alpha, small town, romantic suspense set in the Scottish Highlands, exploring love, survival, identity, trust, transformation, redemption, and new beginnings.
August 14, 2025
Highlander romance.
Ellie is a young woman who is forced to flee her life after seeing things she shouldn't have. While her father arranged for her disappearance, she didn't expect to run into a grumpy and mysterious Highlander.
Brogan is a man with a complicated past; after he disappeared, he retreated to the Highlands and lives a solitary life. But now he must help Ellie, a beautiful woman, disappear.
Will Ellie and Brogan have a beautiful story or will they be reunited by the danger that is chasing Ellie…
Ellie is a young woman who is forced to flee her life after seeing things she shouldn't have. While her father arranged for her disappearance, she didn't expect to run into a grumpy and mysterious Highlander.
Brogan is a man with a complicated past; after he disappeared, he retreated to the Highlands and lives a solitary life. But now he must help Ellie, a beautiful woman, disappear.
Will Ellie and Brogan have a beautiful story or will they be reunited by the danger that is chasing Ellie…
August 12, 2025
Escaping to Her Unexpected Happiness -
Ellie was only trying to expose a case of corruption in the government, but she soon discovered her altruism had put her life in danger and she had to go into hiding. The last thing Brogan expected when he received the call to help his friend’s daughter escape and keep her safe, was to find himself intensely attracted to her. Trying to explain to Ellie what her new normal was going to look like was difficult for Brogan, as she was really upset, especially when he had to hold her to comfort her.
However, everything came to a head after Ellie’s transformation into her new image and the sparks between them ignited into a situation where Brogan had no other choice than to acquiesce to his carnal urges. Once Brogan and Hope (nee Ellie) accepted the inevitable, it gave them the opportunity to explore the opportunity to have a happy life together. This is a fantastic story that portrayed a wonderful and beautiful healing love connection between two people disillusioned with humanity and really needed it most in their lives. Grab a copy of this book now and you will definitely find yourself hooked from the first word to the very end.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie was only trying to expose a case of corruption in the government, but she soon discovered her altruism had put her life in danger and she had to go into hiding. The last thing Brogan expected when he received the call to help his friend’s daughter escape and keep her safe, was to find himself intensely attracted to her. Trying to explain to Ellie what her new normal was going to look like was difficult for Brogan, as she was really upset, especially when he had to hold her to comfort her.
However, everything came to a head after Ellie’s transformation into her new image and the sparks between them ignited into a situation where Brogan had no other choice than to acquiesce to his carnal urges. Once Brogan and Hope (nee Ellie) accepted the inevitable, it gave them the opportunity to explore the opportunity to have a happy life together. This is a fantastic story that portrayed a wonderful and beautiful healing love connection between two people disillusioned with humanity and really needed it most in their lives. Grab a copy of this book now and you will definitely find yourself hooked from the first word to the very end.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
She needs to disappear to save her life and he is the one that will protect her. Ellie made a grave mistake trying to expose a government corruption case and puts herself in danger. Brogan, is asked to help her escape to where she will be safe. The attraction grows as they travel to a safe location. He is there for her when she breaks down, when she realizes she won’t see her family anymore, and when she has to transform herself into a new person. Will he stick to his promise he made to her father or will they build a life together. What a wonderful story showing emotions, believing in love and letting the senses come alive. What an intriguing story full of mystery and adventure that will keep you completely engaged from beginning to end. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
When you desperately need someone to turn to…..
This story was suspenseful with an ever present threat of danger that read so easily and yet was so powerful. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Obvious from the get go that Brogan is the perfect protector - even if he is not one for talking. Ellie is Brogan’s ex-military comrade’s daughter, who is being hunted and in danger for turning over information. She has to be strong and I admired her strength of will and purpose. Together, even with all the threats, they are both artists - perfect for each other, even if Brogan tries to fight it. And a wonderful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was suspenseful with an ever present threat of danger that read so easily and yet was so powerful. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Obvious from the get go that Brogan is the perfect protector - even if he is not one for talking. Ellie is Brogan’s ex-military comrade’s daughter, who is being hunted and in danger for turning over information. She has to be strong and I admired her strength of will and purpose. Together, even with all the threats, they are both artists - perfect for each other, even if Brogan tries to fight it. And a wonderful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2025
When Ellie uncovers a dangerous truth and puts herself in the crosshairs of corruption, her entire life is upended in a heartbeat. Gone is the girl who believed in justice. What’s left is someone hunted, heartbroken, and forced to vanish.
Enter Brogan—a brooding, solitary Highlander with a past he’s buried deeper than the roots of the trees around his remote cabin. He’s been off the grid and off the radar for years. Until a call from an old friend ropes him into helping Ellie disappear.
What he didn’t expect? The beautiful, furious woman who refuses to go quietly.
Their journey is as emotional as it is physical—tense with grief, fear, and the slow, steady pull of a connection neither of them saw coming. Ellie is in survival mode, but Brogan becomes her reluctant anchor, comforting her through breakdowns and helping her rebuild herself one vulnerable moment at a time.
And oh, the chemistry. It crackles in the quiet moments—between whispered arguments and the way he looks at her like he sees who she’s becoming, not just who she used to be.
✨ What I Loved:
💔 The vulnerability: Ellie’s grief for her old life, her family, and even her name is portrayed with heartbreaking honesty. Watching her morph into “Hope” is like witnessing a woman rise from the ashes.
🔥 The slow-burn tension: Brogan isn’t just the “strong, silent” type—he’s emotionally scarred, thoughtful, and loyal. And when he lets Ellie in? You’ll melt.
🌄 The setting: The Scottish Highlands practically breathe in this story. The wild beauty mirrors their emotional landscape—untamed, dangerous, breathtaking.
🛡️ The emotional stakes: This isn’t just a story about hiding—it’s about healing. About finding someone who doesn’t just protect your life, but your soul.
This book hit all the right notes—romance, suspense, growth, and heart. Protected by the Highlander is for anyone who’s ever felt broken by the world and dreamed of someone strong enough to help carry the weight, but soft enough to let you cry in their arms.
Brogan promised to keep her safe. But maybe, just maybe, they were each other’s salvation all along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enter Brogan—a brooding, solitary Highlander with a past he’s buried deeper than the roots of the trees around his remote cabin. He’s been off the grid and off the radar for years. Until a call from an old friend ropes him into helping Ellie disappear.
What he didn’t expect? The beautiful, furious woman who refuses to go quietly.
Their journey is as emotional as it is physical—tense with grief, fear, and the slow, steady pull of a connection neither of them saw coming. Ellie is in survival mode, but Brogan becomes her reluctant anchor, comforting her through breakdowns and helping her rebuild herself one vulnerable moment at a time.
And oh, the chemistry. It crackles in the quiet moments—between whispered arguments and the way he looks at her like he sees who she’s becoming, not just who she used to be.
✨ What I Loved:
💔 The vulnerability: Ellie’s grief for her old life, her family, and even her name is portrayed with heartbreaking honesty. Watching her morph into “Hope” is like witnessing a woman rise from the ashes.
🔥 The slow-burn tension: Brogan isn’t just the “strong, silent” type—he’s emotionally scarred, thoughtful, and loyal. And when he lets Ellie in? You’ll melt.
🌄 The setting: The Scottish Highlands practically breathe in this story. The wild beauty mirrors their emotional landscape—untamed, dangerous, breathtaking.
🛡️ The emotional stakes: This isn’t just a story about hiding—it’s about healing. About finding someone who doesn’t just protect your life, but your soul.
This book hit all the right notes—romance, suspense, growth, and heart. Protected by the Highlander is for anyone who’s ever felt broken by the world and dreamed of someone strong enough to help carry the weight, but soft enough to let you cry in their arms.
Brogan promised to keep her safe. But maybe, just maybe, they were each other’s salvation all along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 11, 2025Author’s Note – Protected by the Highlander
“It’s not just a love story — it’s a stay-alive, stay-hidden, stay-in-his-arms story.” — Opal Nicks
Some Highlanders just look dangerous. Brogan MacLeod? He is dangerous — but only if you threaten the woman under his roof.
When I started writing this book, I wanted a protector romance where the danger wasn’t just outside the cottage walls. It was in every glance, every touch they shouldn’t share. Ellie arrives scared, grieving the life she had to leave behind. Suddenly she’s face-to-face with a blacksmith who could melt steel — and her self-control — without even trying.
This one is all about close quarters, forbidden desire, and that simmering tension where you know they shouldn’t … and yet you turn the page because maybe they will. And when they finally do ... whew! The heat is as hot as Brogan’s forge.
This story is different from my usual instalove mountain men. It’s more intense, dangerous, and in many ways, more intimate. Ellie isn’t just falling in love, she’s rebuilding herself from the ground up. Brogan isn’t just protecting her, he’s learning that sometimes, letting someone in is the bravest act of all.
It’s grumpy meets vulnerable, protector meets fighter, heat meets heart. Thank you for stepping into this corner of the modern-day Highlands with me. I hope this story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Opal Nicks
“It’s not just a love story — it’s a stay-alive, stay-hidden, stay-in-his-arms story.” — Opal Nicks
Some Highlanders just look dangerous. Brogan MacLeod? He is dangerous — but only if you threaten the woman under his roof.
When I started writing this book, I wanted a protector romance where the danger wasn’t just outside the cottage walls. It was in every glance, every touch they shouldn’t share. Ellie arrives scared, grieving the life she had to leave behind. Suddenly she’s face-to-face with a blacksmith who could melt steel — and her self-control — without even trying.
This one is all about close quarters, forbidden desire, and that simmering tension where you know they shouldn’t … and yet you turn the page because maybe they will. And when they finally do ... whew! The heat is as hot as Brogan’s forge.
This story is different from my usual instalove mountain men. It’s more intense, dangerous, and in many ways, more intimate. Ellie isn’t just falling in love, she’s rebuilding herself from the ground up. Brogan isn’t just protecting her, he’s learning that sometimes, letting someone in is the bravest act of all.
It’s grumpy meets vulnerable, protector meets fighter, heat meets heart. Thank you for stepping into this corner of the modern-day Highlands with me. I hope this story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Opal Nicks
August 27, 2025
One more amazing read in my favorite series - Mountain Men of Scotland.
Ellie is running from danger, and Brogan is there to protect her, to get her away from her previous life and persecutors.
Is his silence dangerous? Or attractive? They need to learn to trust each other.
Beautiful short and steamy instalove romance. Dangerous one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie is running from danger, and Brogan is there to protect her, to get her away from her previous life and persecutors.
Is his silence dangerous? Or attractive? They need to learn to trust each other.
Beautiful short and steamy instalove romance. Dangerous one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2025
This was an emotional reading ride that takes our gal, Ellie, and sends her to Scotland for safe keeping. She needs to disappear, totally, and become someone else. Brogan is a loner but when he's asked to help Ellie stay safe, he's all in. Expect to feel all the feels in this one as you follow these two through adventure, mystery, danger and hot romance to get their HEA. Definitely recommend :D
August 27, 2025
A wonderful story, I was engaged from the beginning, Ellie needs to disappear and Brogan helps a friend to make it happen. I couldn't put it down, Such wonderful characters,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
Brogan was asked to protect Ellie a friend's daughter. She needs to disappear. As they navigate danger they form a connection neither saw coming. A page turning read! Received a free copy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews