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Daughters of the Isle #2
Deceived by the Highlander
His mission: To wed Freyja MacDonald – by any means possible
Alasdair Campbell, unacknowledged bastard son of the late earl, is driven by two Loyalty to his half-brother, the current earl, and a burning ambition to rise through the ranks of Clan Campbell. He’ll do whatever it takes to leave his tortured past behind him, and to climb closer to his coveted barony. If that means seducing a woman he’s never met into marriage so the earl can claim her land in the Western Isles, it’s a small price to pay.
And then he meets her, and his world is turned upside down…
He's the most honorable man she’s ever met
Freyja MacDonald isn’t easily swayed by a handsome face or honeyed tongue, but Alasdair Campbell fairly sweeps her off her feet with his down-to-earth charm. What’s more, he respects her work as a healer, something she knows to her cost not all men do.
Straight-talking and practical, she appreciates how Alasdair understands her commitment for the unvarnished truth rather than pretty lies, and their stolen kisses have her imagining a future together. Not that it’s possible, for she is bound to her land through an ancient prophecy of her foremothers and Alasdair must soon return to his grand castle in the Highlands. Yet she can’t deny the longing to be with him wherever that might be.
But the truth never stays buried forever…
Alasdair Campbell, unacknowledged bastard son of the late earl, is driven by two Loyalty to his half-brother, the current earl, and a burning ambition to rise through the ranks of Clan Campbell. He’ll do whatever it takes to leave his tortured past behind him, and to climb closer to his coveted barony. If that means seducing a woman he’s never met into marriage so the earl can claim her land in the Western Isles, it’s a small price to pay.
And then he meets her, and his world is turned upside down…
He's the most honorable man she’s ever met
Freyja MacDonald isn’t easily swayed by a handsome face or honeyed tongue, but Alasdair Campbell fairly sweeps her off her feet with his down-to-earth charm. What’s more, he respects her work as a healer, something she knows to her cost not all men do.
Straight-talking and practical, she appreciates how Alasdair understands her commitment for the unvarnished truth rather than pretty lies, and their stolen kisses have her imagining a future together. Not that it’s possible, for she is bound to her land through an ancient prophecy of her foremothers and Alasdair must soon return to his grand castle in the Highlands. Yet she can’t deny the longing to be with him wherever that might be.
But the truth never stays buried forever…
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Christina Phillips
74 books459 followersChristina grew up in England and spent her childhood visiting ruined castles and Roman remains and daydreaming about Medieval princesses and gallant knights. When she wasn’t lost in the past, she was searching for magical worlds in the backs of wardrobes and watching old Hammer Horrors from the safety of behind the sofa. She now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their two cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 9, 2025
We are back on the small isles with the MacDonald family we saw Isolde find her love in the first book this time will Freyja find hers, can she still hold with the beliefs of her foremothers and still find love?
Alasdair Campbell is the bastard son of an Earl, never acknowledged until the new Earl recognized him as his half-brother and he will do anything for him and now he has been given a task by his half brother the Earl of Argyll, and that is to marry Lady Freyja MacDonald gain her land and gain the barony that he so wants will he be able to do so without seduction?
Freyja is determined to stay on her island of Eigg and follow the path of her foremothers, she is a healer and cares deeply for people when her grandfather is taken ill on the Isle of Rum she immediately goes to help and here she meets a man Alasdair Campbell he is not only good looking but very easy going and also very supportive of her and she finds herself getting closer to him and when her grandfather makes a death bed wish that she marry Alasdair although shocked she keeps her promise and soon she is leaving her island and the ancient prophecy and making her way to the highlands but has Alasdair been keeping secrets from her?
Arriving at his castle Freyja is loving being with Alasdair and determined to be a good wife and run the castle well and there is no denying that in the bedroom they sizzle and Alasdair feels things that he has never felt before for Freyja she is the best thing that has happened to him but there are things that he must tell her but before he gets a chance things change and suddenly Freyja is in grave danger, will they be able to save each other and find the true love that they both deserve?
I did love this one, it is such a great story, it had me turning the pages and cheering them on, sensual, moving and emotional it has all the feels of a beautiful romance, fabulous characters and is one that I highly recommend, I am really looking forward to the next one in the series.
My thanks to Dragonblade Publishing Inc. and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
Alasdair Campbell is the bastard son of an Earl, never acknowledged until the new Earl recognized him as his half-brother and he will do anything for him and now he has been given a task by his half brother the Earl of Argyll, and that is to marry Lady Freyja MacDonald gain her land and gain the barony that he so wants will he be able to do so without seduction?
Freyja is determined to stay on her island of Eigg and follow the path of her foremothers, she is a healer and cares deeply for people when her grandfather is taken ill on the Isle of Rum she immediately goes to help and here she meets a man Alasdair Campbell he is not only good looking but very easy going and also very supportive of her and she finds herself getting closer to him and when her grandfather makes a death bed wish that she marry Alasdair although shocked she keeps her promise and soon she is leaving her island and the ancient prophecy and making her way to the highlands but has Alasdair been keeping secrets from her?
Arriving at his castle Freyja is loving being with Alasdair and determined to be a good wife and run the castle well and there is no denying that in the bedroom they sizzle and Alasdair feels things that he has never felt before for Freyja she is the best thing that has happened to him but there are things that he must tell her but before he gets a chance things change and suddenly Freyja is in grave danger, will they be able to save each other and find the true love that they both deserve?
I did love this one, it is such a great story, it had me turning the pages and cheering them on, sensual, moving and emotional it has all the feels of a beautiful romance, fabulous characters and is one that I highly recommend, I am really looking forward to the next one in the series.
My thanks to Dragonblade Publishing Inc. and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
August 28, 2025
Another fabulous story! Alasdair and Freyja are such a great pair, the story moves along very quickly with a lot of feel good moments and action. If you like strong heroines this is definitely a great read!
October 20, 2025
Solid 4 star read!
So, first off, I really did enjoy reading this book. It had a lot of really positive things going for it, namely the fact that I really liked both the FMC and the MMC. The FMC, Freyja, for me particularly, was a really fun heroine as she was strong and stubborn but still made smart choices throughout. it was actually sort of refreshing to read a book where the female main character was self aware of herself and her options through every step of her journey.
That being said, I do think that the pacing could have used SOME work. The amount of time that Alasdair keeps his secret is just a bit too long for something that I KNEW was going to come out. Like, it made me want to pull my hair out how many times he was all musing about how he needs to tell her and he can't keep the secret but then he.....does? Like, I get keeping it for a while but it went on for at least ten percent of the novel longer than what I think was necessary and due to this, it felt like the book sort of dragged in the middle. It lacked any real urgency and while I enjoyed getting to know the characters more, it made me put the book down often and not hurry to picking it back up.
I think the real reason that took off and entire star and not juts a half star is that the end of the book was really good. I won't spoil it here, but the communication issues didn't HAVE to be the main conflict. There were so many other things going on that it sort of was just annoying versus interesting. The other things happening on the page were so good though. I loved all the side plots and how they resolved. It seemed like after the lie came out into the open, the rest of the book was cracked open to its fullest potential and I think it would have just been better had we gotten there just a tad bit early.
But again, I liked this book, I just feel like when I read to give a review, I am going to give a review like what I would tell my friends. I would recommend this to a few of my friends.
You would like this if:
-You like Scottish men and let's be honest, who doesn't?
-You like historical romances (this was a really solid one)
-You must like books where communication issues are the biggest real hinderance (even though it definitely didn't have to be!)
-You like strong FMC who can be strong without being stubborn to the point of annoyance
You might not enjoy this book if:
-You can't handle lying being used as the primary conflict
-You hate pretty descriptions of Scottish scenery
-Historical Romance isn't your speed. *I would also add for a caveat, I might not recommend this book as your FIRST historical romance. There are others that I think ease into the genre a bit better (pus I'd recommend book 1 first)
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts are, as always, my own.
So, first off, I really did enjoy reading this book. It had a lot of really positive things going for it, namely the fact that I really liked both the FMC and the MMC. The FMC, Freyja, for me particularly, was a really fun heroine as she was strong and stubborn but still made smart choices throughout. it was actually sort of refreshing to read a book where the female main character was self aware of herself and her options through every step of her journey.
That being said, I do think that the pacing could have used SOME work. The amount of time that Alasdair keeps his secret is just a bit too long for something that I KNEW was going to come out. Like, it made me want to pull my hair out how many times he was all musing about how he needs to tell her and he can't keep the secret but then he.....does? Like, I get keeping it for a while but it went on for at least ten percent of the novel longer than what I think was necessary and due to this, it felt like the book sort of dragged in the middle. It lacked any real urgency and while I enjoyed getting to know the characters more, it made me put the book down often and not hurry to picking it back up.
I think the real reason that took off and entire star and not juts a half star is that the end of the book was really good. I won't spoil it here, but the communication issues didn't HAVE to be the main conflict. There were so many other things going on that it sort of was just annoying versus interesting. The other things happening on the page were so good though. I loved all the side plots and how they resolved. It seemed like after the lie came out into the open, the rest of the book was cracked open to its fullest potential and I think it would have just been better had we gotten there just a tad bit early.
But again, I liked this book, I just feel like when I read to give a review, I am going to give a review like what I would tell my friends. I would recommend this to a few of my friends.
You would like this if:
-You like Scottish men and let's be honest, who doesn't?
-You like historical romances (this was a really solid one)
-You must like books where communication issues are the biggest real hinderance (even though it definitely didn't have to be!)
-You like strong FMC who can be strong without being stubborn to the point of annoyance
You might not enjoy this book if:
-You can't handle lying being used as the primary conflict
-You hate pretty descriptions of Scottish scenery
-Historical Romance isn't your speed. *I would also add for a caveat, I might not recommend this book as your FIRST historical romance. There are others that I think ease into the genre a bit better (pus I'd recommend book 1 first)
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts are, as always, my own.
November 14, 2025
This story delivers a great mix of Highland drama, complicated loyalties, and a slow-build romance that actually feels earned. The setup sounds familiar—a man sent to secure a marriage for land—but the characters make it feel fresh.
Alasdair Campbell is ambitious, a little morally tangled, and carrying more hurt than he lets on. He starts out with a plan that’s definitely not heroic, but the way he softens and stumbles into real emotion makes him surprisingly endearing.
Freyja MacDonald is the highlight for me. Practical, sharp, and deeply committed to her work as a healer, she’s not impressed by charm alone. Her connection with Alasdair grows from honesty and respect, and their moments together have a warm, believable chemistry.
The hint of folklore through Freyja’s ancestral prophecy adds a nice layer of atmosphere and raises the emotional stakes without overwhelming the romance.
When Alasdair’s secret finally comes to light, the fallout feels real, messy, and satisfying to watch resolve.
If you enjoy Highland romances with heartfelt characters and a touch of myth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Alasdair Campbell is ambitious, a little morally tangled, and carrying more hurt than he lets on. He starts out with a plan that’s definitely not heroic, but the way he softens and stumbles into real emotion makes him surprisingly endearing.
Freyja MacDonald is the highlight for me. Practical, sharp, and deeply committed to her work as a healer, she’s not impressed by charm alone. Her connection with Alasdair grows from honesty and respect, and their moments together have a warm, believable chemistry.
The hint of folklore through Freyja’s ancestral prophecy adds a nice layer of atmosphere and raises the emotional stakes without overwhelming the romance.
When Alasdair’s secret finally comes to light, the fallout feels real, messy, and satisfying to watch resolve.
If you enjoy Highland romances with heartfelt characters and a touch of myth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 19, 2025
Deceived by the Highlander is the kind of Highland Romance that grabs you by the heart from the very first meeting between Alasdair and Freyja and refuses to let go. Christina Phillips blends deceit, longing, prophecy, and passion into a sweeping tale that feels both mythic and deeply human. Alasdair, the unacknowledged bastard son desperate to carve out a future, is a beautifully complicated hero torn between ambition, loyalty, and the unexpected tenderness awakened by a woman he was never meant to truly love.
Freyja MacDonald is an absolute triumph of a heroine: a healer, a truth seeker, and a woman bound by ancient prophecy but guided by her own integrity. Watching her open her heart to a man she believes is honorable while readers know the sword of betrayal hangs just overhead creates breathtaking tension. Their chemistry is fire wrapped in vulnerability, and it’s impossible not to root for their happiness even as secrets threaten to shatter everything between them.
Rich with island atmosphere, clan politics, moral conflict, and a slow burn romance that builds with irresistible intensity, this story delivers on every promise a Highland lover craves. Passion, prophecy, betrayal, redemption it’s all here, woven with Christina Phillips’ signature emotional precision.
Freyja MacDonald is an absolute triumph of a heroine: a healer, a truth seeker, and a woman bound by ancient prophecy but guided by her own integrity. Watching her open her heart to a man she believes is honorable while readers know the sword of betrayal hangs just overhead creates breathtaking tension. Their chemistry is fire wrapped in vulnerability, and it’s impossible not to root for their happiness even as secrets threaten to shatter everything between them.
Rich with island atmosphere, clan politics, moral conflict, and a slow burn romance that builds with irresistible intensity, this story delivers on every promise a Highland lover craves. Passion, prophecy, betrayal, redemption it’s all here, woven with Christina Phillips’ signature emotional precision.
September 12, 2025
Deceived by the Highlander is the second book from daughters of the Isles series by Christina Phillips.
It's been a long time since I've read historical romance and this one was an easy read, fun read. The story centers around Freyja McDonald and Alasdair Campbell. Alasdair has been tasked to win Freyja's heart and hand in marriage so he can acquire the strategic castle of Rivele which is to go to Freyja after her grandfather dies. Although marriages in those times were easily solemnized based on political matters but Freyja's grandfather is a bit distrustful of Alasdair's true motives because the Campbell's and McDonald's were once rivals.
The plot is easy to follow. The writer gives us many sweet moments between the couple. There is a third act conflict which is pretty quickly resolved. All in all the book is a cute and simple story. The two characters are were likeable. It really says a lot about authors talent that she tried to stay as true to the ancient language and customs as possible.
Plot 7/10
Pacing 8/10
Characterization 8/10
Dialogues 8/10
Spice-o-meter 6/10
Angst-o-meter 7/10
It's been a long time since I've read historical romance and this one was an easy read, fun read. The story centers around Freyja McDonald and Alasdair Campbell. Alasdair has been tasked to win Freyja's heart and hand in marriage so he can acquire the strategic castle of Rivele which is to go to Freyja after her grandfather dies. Although marriages in those times were easily solemnized based on political matters but Freyja's grandfather is a bit distrustful of Alasdair's true motives because the Campbell's and McDonald's were once rivals.
The plot is easy to follow. The writer gives us many sweet moments between the couple. There is a third act conflict which is pretty quickly resolved. All in all the book is a cute and simple story. The two characters are were likeable. It really says a lot about authors talent that she tried to stay as true to the ancient language and customs as possible.
Plot 7/10
Pacing 8/10
Characterization 8/10
Dialogues 8/10
Spice-o-meter 6/10
Angst-o-meter 7/10
September 13, 2025
Duty calls Alasdair Campbell seeks out Freya MacDonald to seduce her, claiming her as his bride and setting him on a path to become a Baron, something he has longed for all his life.
Freya a healer for her clan and her ill grandfathers heir has no intention of marrying or leaving her beloved family and is the key to Alastair’s plan
because of the land she will inherit.
Can he entice her to leave all she loves behind and marry him so he can gain all he has ever wanted?
This sweet love story has it all; deception, treachery, secrets and a HEA.
I love an angsty hero and Alasdair delivers! Torn between his dreams and his heart.
Freya won me over with her determination and strong will. Caring for creatures and humans alike, her strength and heartfelt compassion made her an instant favorite.
A captivating love story, with hidden secrets, betrayal, steamy moments and a swoon worthy hero! Count me in!!!!
Freya a healer for her clan and her ill grandfathers heir has no intention of marrying or leaving her beloved family and is the key to Alastair’s plan
because of the land she will inherit.
Can he entice her to leave all she loves behind and marry him so he can gain all he has ever wanted?
This sweet love story has it all; deception, treachery, secrets and a HEA.
I love an angsty hero and Alasdair delivers! Torn between his dreams and his heart.
Freya won me over with her determination and strong will. Caring for creatures and humans alike, her strength and heartfelt compassion made her an instant favorite.
A captivating love story, with hidden secrets, betrayal, steamy moments and a swoon worthy hero! Count me in!!!!
September 3, 2025
Release: 2/9/2025
I was lucky enough to be able to read an ARC copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked in by the first line, eager to find out where it would lead to. Our main characters had such a memorable first meeting helping out the adorable Ban and her pups.
I won’t lie, I myself had to look up most of the names for the correct pronunciation, definitely would’ve been helpful to have a little guide at the front of the book.
Aside from that I was completely invested in Alasdair and Freyja, to a point I completely missed dinner and was only stopped from reading when my stomach got in the way. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop and oh my, when it did it was written so well that your heart broke with our beloveds.
I envision a series that I will be rereading in the future. Absolutely adored their story.
I was lucky enough to be able to read an ARC copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked in by the first line, eager to find out where it would lead to. Our main characters had such a memorable first meeting helping out the adorable Ban and her pups.
I won’t lie, I myself had to look up most of the names for the correct pronunciation, definitely would’ve been helpful to have a little guide at the front of the book.
Aside from that I was completely invested in Alasdair and Freyja, to a point I completely missed dinner and was only stopped from reading when my stomach got in the way. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop and oh my, when it did it was written so well that your heart broke with our beloveds.
I envision a series that I will be rereading in the future. Absolutely adored their story.
September 1, 2025
In "Deceived by the Highlander," Alasdair Campbell intends to marry Freyja MacDonald to acquire her lands, but falls in love instead. Amidst secrets and the struggles of a female healer, their bond deepens as Alasdair supports Freyja’s ambitions. This romantic tale combines deception and heartfelt devotion, earning three stars.
I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy(ARC) of the book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and reflect my genuine reading experience. Receiving the ARC did not influence my evaluation, and I was not compensated for this review.
I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy(ARC) of the book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and reflect my genuine reading experience. Receiving the ARC did not influence my evaluation, and I was not compensated for this review.
September 6, 2025
If you love historical romance with intensity, this one is a must!
Christina Phillips captures that perfect blend of passion, betrayal, and redemption. The Highland setting adds a sweeping backdrop to a story filled with danger and longing. The tension between the leads kept me turning the pages, and when the emotional payoff came, it was so satisfying. It’s a great mix of romance and adventure.
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Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. I'll be waiting for more books from this new-to-me author.
Christina Phillips captures that perfect blend of passion, betrayal, and redemption. The Highland setting adds a sweeping backdrop to a story filled with danger and longing. The tension between the leads kept me turning the pages, and when the emotional payoff came, it was so satisfying. It’s a great mix of romance and adventure.
--
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. I'll be waiting for more books from this new-to-me author.
August 31, 2025
Romance, Deception, Discovering Love:
Another terrific book in this wonderful series.
Super interesting characters.
Alasdair who had an awful childhood that left him with emotional scars.
Freyja the intelligent strong-willed healer who captures his heart.
💖 Favorite Character Afi' the grandfather.
👵Mature Advisory🔥🔥
Another terrific book in this wonderful series.
Super interesting characters.
Alasdair who had an awful childhood that left him with emotional scars.
Freyja the intelligent strong-willed healer who captures his heart.
💖 Favorite Character Afi' the grandfather.
👵Mature Advisory🔥🔥
November 11, 2025
Set on the island of Eigg, will Freyja find love and still be able to hold with the beliefs of her foremothers?
Alasdair Campbell has been given a task by his half brother the Earl of Argyll to marry Lady Freyja MacDonald in order to get her lands and title.
It's a great conflict and a wonderful read. I can well recommend this series.
Alasdair Campbell has been given a task by his half brother the Earl of Argyll to marry Lady Freyja MacDonald in order to get her lands and title.
It's a great conflict and a wonderful read. I can well recommend this series.
September 3, 2025
Deception, secrets, romance, healing and more are the foundation for this highland story. Well written, fully engaging and well paced. The characters are realistic, determined and well defined. Strong plot with some steam. Overall very enjoyable.
September 10, 2025
Another good edition to this series. Particularly heart-warming in a scene with PUPPIES. Find a man that's kind to animals, and you'll be set. They had some misunderstandings but it all came right in the end.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
September 2, 2025
I just Want to say I really enjoyed this novel.. The Characters were beautifully developed and the plot had me hooked.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews