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Clans of Mull #5

The Defiance of a Scottish Heart

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A forced betrothal. A deadly threat. And five years of secrets finally coming to light.

When Sheona Rankin's father announces her betrothal to Taskill MacVey—the man who's ignored her for five years—she's ready to fight. But before she can refuse, danger strikes. Someone is watching her. Hunting her. And the only man who can protect her is the one she swore she'd never forgive.

Taskill MacVey has spent five years keeping Sheona at arm's length, convinced that loving her would destroy them both. But when her life is threatened, all his carefully constructed walls crumble. To keep her safe, he'll have to stay close. To earn her trust, he'll have to reveal the devastating secret he's been hiding.

As enemies close in and old wounds reopen, Sheona and Taskill must navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse—while battling an attraction that's burned between them since childhood. She demands the truth. He's terrified to give it. But on the rugged Isle of Mull, where clan loyalty is everything and trust is earned in blood, they'll discover that the deadliest threat isn't the one stalking them.
It's the one they pose to each other's carefully guarded hearts.

But in the wild beauty of the Isle of Mull, where autumn winds carry whispers of change, two stubborn hearts may discover that the greatest battles aren't fought with swords—they're fought with surrender.

A sweeping Scottish historical romance of second chances, forbidden longing, and the courage to claim the love you never knew you deserved.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2025

94 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Keira Montclair

80 books524 followers
Keira Montclair is the pen name of an author who lives in South Carolina with her husband. She writes fast-paced historical romance, often with children as secondary characters.

If she’s not writing, she prefers to spend time with her grandchildren. She’s worked as a high school math teacher, a registered nurse, and an office manager. She loves ballet, mathematics, puzzles, learning anything new, and creating new characters for her readers to fall in love with.

She considers her work done well when her readers shed tears over her stories, but there’s always a happy ending! Her bestselling series is a family saga that follows two medieval Scottish clans through three generations and now numbers over fifty books.

Contact her through her website, www.keiramontclair.com.

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5 stars
154 (71%)
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37 (17%)
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15 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Paulina .
169 reviews
October 17, 2025
Sheona & Taskill Childhood Friends

In this captivating novel, readers are immersed in the complex and compelling relationship between Sheona and Taskill.

The story begins by painting a vivid picture of their shared childhood, full of adventurous outdoor excursions where Sheona proves her strength and spirit. Their special bond, once forged through fishing, swimming, and spirited competitions, makes the later, unexplained rift between them all the more heartbreaking.

The central conflict arises from Taskill's withdrawal, stemming from his feeling that he is "not good enough" for Sheona. This personal insecurity, however, is only one thread in a larger tapestry of drama and misunderstanding that truly pulls you in.

Meanwhile, Sheona is forced to contend with her father's bizarre and unexplained demand
that she either marry or become a nun.
The book expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, including a great autumn romance that adds a layer of intense emotion and high-stakes tension.

As new and old friends from the Grant and Ramsey families visit, the story reveals a web of interactions and simmering tensions. Readers will also find themselves drawn into the search for mysterious villains, adding a thrilling subplot to the core narrative.

This is a truly engrossing read that is difficult to put down. The relationships, combined with a cast of both familiar and fresh characters, create an unforgettable experience. The tension and history between Sheona and Taskill are particularly well-developed and satisfying.

The ending perfectly sets up the next book, leaving you eager for the continuation of the story.


Profile Image for Alison.
854 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2025
The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
Clan's of Mull #5
Keira Montclair
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sheona Rankin's father announces her Betrothal to Taskill MacVey (the man who's ignored her for five long years), she is ready for a fight. But before she can even begin to understand her feelings danger strikes. Somebody is watching and hunting her. And the only man who can protect her is the one she swore she'd never ever forgive.

Taskill MacVey has spent the last five years keeping Sheona at arm's length, convinced that loving her would only destroy them both. But when her very life is threatened, all of his carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. To keep her safe, he'll have to stay close to her and earn her trust, but to do that he'll also have to reveal the devastating secret he's been hiding for so long.

As enemies close in and old wounds reopen, Sheona and Taskill must navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse. All the whole battling an attraction that's burned between them since childhood. She demands to know the truth, yet he's terrified to give it. But on the rugged Isle of Mull, where clan loyalty is everything and trust is earned in blood, they will discover that the deadliest threat isn't the only one stalking them. It's the one they pose to each other's carefully guarded hearts.

Keira Montclair is absolutely brilliant. I never know what is going to come around the next corner. You can try to guess, but it doesn't always work. There is non stop acting with some fantastic shockers that will leave you routing for the main characters. This is one of my go to authors and she never disappoints. My hat goes off to you Ms. Montclair for another fabulous family filled book
1,647 reviews15 followers
October 19, 2025
4.5 STARS - ROUNDED UP!

I love the paranormal aspect of these stories, just the right amount! There are a lot of characters and their stories all intertwine. Because of that, I would recommend you start at the beginning, they are all worth the read.

To say these stories are unique, is a huge understatement! I like the imagination of this author and I never know where the storyline is heading. Keeps you guessing and never disappoints where the journey leads me.

I didn't like the reason the H didn't want to marry, thought it was lame to deprive himself of the love of his life. Finally discovers the truth and he is set on the right path, but it was almost too late.

Story has great main and secondary characters written with depth. Has violence, suspense, twists aplenty, intrigue, rape off page, romance builds slowly, many nasty villains, kisses and bedroom door closed.

No cheating by our MC, cheating off page previously by secondary characters and HEA. Great set up for the next story. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.

I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Profile Image for Judy.
3,296 reviews
November 28, 2025
The Defiance of a Scottish Heart by Keira Montclair
Clans of Mull Series Book Five
Taskill MacVey, brother to Lennox, the chief, had worked hard for five years to ignore the beautiful Sheona. He had learned a family secret four years ago and was afraid he had bad blood. So when her father ordered him to marry her, claiming he’d made a pact with Taskill’s late father, Taskill refused. He couldn’t stick that beautiful lass with someone like himself.
Sheona Rankin had thought herself in love with Taskill for many a year. Being younger than him, she had tagged along with her brother, Sloan, Taskill, Lennox, and Eva MacVey, as well as her sister, Marta. When she hit fourteen, he turned away and never looked back. Now that her father was acting crazy, he wanted her to marry immediately, or she would go to the Iona Abbey and take her vows.
There is more to the story than the two of them can see. As trouble stirs around them once again, Lia is there to help them along the way. They must set aside what they think they know and allow their hearts to discover the truth.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,107 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2025
Family, Marriages, Discovering Love and Much More
All I can say is WOW!
This last (?) book of this amazing series knocked my socks off and took my breath away more than once.
Taskill and Sheona took me on an adventure that is quite harrowing and also a sweet romance.
They each had to conquer many personal and emotional questions they each had throughout this
amazing heartfelt intense love story.
The entire clan played a part along with many reoccurring characters that we have grown to love during the
continuation of this wonderful series.
Throughout the story the plot dealt with many situations such as kidnapping, spirits, storms, secrets, weaponry an angel, family, etc.
I truly enjoyed this gripping love story and the entire cast of characters that made this story outstanding and deserves more than the 5 stars I am allowed to give and yes; there is a happy ending
👼Favorite Character the angel.
1,041 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2025
Taskill and Shoena.

Taskill MacVey is younger brother to Lennox, Laird MacVey. Loved by the ladies but troubled by a secret he’s held since his father passed away. He will never marry because of it. The old laird Dermot Rankin demands that Taskill marry his daughter Shoena, Taskill’s friend since childhood. But Taskill has avoided her for the last 5 years because he can never marry and his feelings for her kept him away. When Shoena is in danger Taskill can’t help but get involved to save her and protect her from an unknown enemy, bringing their feelings for each other front and center. Lots of familiar characters, lots of drama, visions from the seers, and so much more. Another good one. Can’t wait to read Hagen’s story next.
11 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2025
The trials and tribulations of young love and their families. Taskill and Sheona put obstacles from their past get in their way. It didn’t help that Dermont kept insisting that they get married. While Sheona was at the nunnery, she met with Lia who gave her messages from her mother. Told to trust Tristian. Tora told her grandfather that Sona was in trouble at the nunnery and 2 men were after her. Taskill left immediately to head to the nunnery. He borrowed a boat from Tristian. They worked together to survive the storm (with the help of Lia). Sheona and Merryn were taken to a ship. Traskill and the others went to get them back. They declared their love for each other They headed to the Kirk to get married now. I can’t wait for the next book and all its twist and turns
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,705 reviews22 followers
October 16, 2025
Sheona Rankin doesn’t just defy a betrothal; she defies the man who’s ghosted her for five years. Taskill MacVey may be brooding and brave, but Sheona’s no damsel, and their reunion is anything but romantic. Keira Montclair delivers a pulse-pounding tale of survival, secrets, and slow-burn redemption set in the wilds of 1300s Scotland. The setting is beautiful, and the emotional stakes and lovable characters made it all the more worth the journey. You’ll feel the mist, hear the whispers, and root for a love that refuses to die.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 
206 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2025
Another awesome adventure

I so love reading these excilerating and intriguing adventures! All those families going after bad men is very exciting! Lia is my favorite character of all!! She makes me laugh! This adventure was really fun to read and learn how Taskill and Sheona tried to work out their feelings. The characters were awesome as usual! You have created a wonderful world that has me sucked. In that when I start your story I can't hardly put it down till I am done reading it. Can't wait for the next adventure!!! Thanks for sharing your story.
45 reviews
November 22, 2025
Absolutely wonderful!

As with all of Ms. Montclair's books you can't put them down. They are engaging, heartwarming and romantic. I love that she concentrates on the development of the characters instead of pages and pages of describing every rock, tree and castle. If you are new to this author take the time to begin with Alex and Maddie's story and follow the generations of two wonderful clans that form an exceptional family!
216 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2025
Great Read

The story of Taskill and Sheona Was full of adventure, doubt, protection and family. Keria Montclair is one of my favorite authors, so when she has a new book I can't wait to read it. Love the Grants, Ramsey's and the new clans on Mull. With each new story she includes characters from the old clan which I love. Another thrilling adventure continues. Great highlander story can't wait to read the next book! Keep the adventure going!
Profile Image for Mardi Sauve.
436 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2025
Compelling reading in a magnificent story!

I have loved every single book I have read from this author. I love the way the children are played into these books, I love the family dynamics, and the stories are just page turners I can't get enough of. Start at the beginning of the series and you will be hooked I'm sure of it.
51 reviews
November 7, 2025
Fantastic read. Keira Montclair is a favorite author of mine and she never disappoints. She just needs to keep on writing and I’ll keep on buying. I love this story and I really love the way Keira brings some of spiritual elements into her books. And I can’t wait until the next book that will carry on the story.
2 reviews
October 26, 2025
Awesome as always!

I have read every one of your books since I read the first book in the Grant series! I’m never disappointed! I enjoy how you bring people in the new stories from past stories, especially Logan Ramsey!
209 reviews
October 30, 2025
Fast paced & fascinating!

Great story to fall into. Characters we love to live in their lives. Taskill had quite a time learning to be bold about his love for Shoena. Lia’s gifts are fascinating. Keeping up with all the characters is intriguing. Go girl warriors!!!
24 reviews
November 7, 2025
4 out of 5

For myself, I much prefer the main characters spending much more time in closer proximity. Otherwise, pretty good story. I had a hard time w with the guy being quite so goofy. Most men just aren't so wishy washy.
Profile Image for Deonna.
40 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2025
Excellent Series

Books 1-5 are excellent! Visually descriptive and characters that are admirable, charming and fun! Each boom stands alone yet pairs nicely with the next in series! ! Magical and mysterious and restores hope! Read every this author writes!
Profile Image for kristine bennett.
114 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2025
Another great story

I never get tired of reading about the Grant's and their extended families. This was a well written story and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,480 reviews17 followers
October 19, 2025
Great story!

Loved seeing the Isle of Mull again! Some new characters to look forward to hearing about and some old favorites, most grown now! Wonderful series!
196 reviews
October 22, 2025
Many of the characters from this author’s earlier books are in this book. While it’s not necessary to read those books before reading this one, this book would be less confusing if you know the back story. Some anachronisms and editing needed.
176 reviews
October 28, 2025
Defiance

Is perfectly titled. So many women are under appreciated and need to be reminded that they are strong, smart and capable of more!
Excellent story beautifully told.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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