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Where Highland Thistles Bloom: Scottish Historical Romance
Love grows quietly, stubbornly, like thistles in winter.
In the wild Highlands of Lochaber, Constantine Cameron reigns as Lochiel, warrior, leader, and legend. Merciless in battle and moody in spirit, he is a force few dare challenge. When a mysterious young woman, disguised as a lad, stumbles onto his land, he saves her. But he doesn’t know that she carries secrets darker than the Highland nights. Secrets that can start another war.
Ismay MacPherson has spent her life running from cruelty, from chains, and from the truth that could destroy her. Yet under Constantine’s watchful eyes, she finds a sanctuary that feels impossibly safe, even as she weeps into her supper, her pain unspoken but not unnoticed. Can she dare to trust the Cameron Lochiel with the secret she has carried all her life? And will her past finally catch her in its merciless grip?
In a land where loyalty and vengeance collide, Constantine and Ismay must navigate the treacherous path between love and survival, where the greatest danger may be opening one’s heart.
Tropes you'll Runaway bride, brooding hero, feuding clans, Highland setting, slow burn, secrets, tragic loss, protective hero, healing through love, emotional rescue, trust, redemption, resilience.
This series is part of Dragonblade's Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Where Heaven and Earth Collide
Book 1 - Where Highland Thistles Bloom
Book 2 - Where Mountains Pierce the Highland Heart
Book 3 - Where Stars Rule the Highland Night
In the wild Highlands of Lochaber, Constantine Cameron reigns as Lochiel, warrior, leader, and legend. Merciless in battle and moody in spirit, he is a force few dare challenge. When a mysterious young woman, disguised as a lad, stumbles onto his land, he saves her. But he doesn’t know that she carries secrets darker than the Highland nights. Secrets that can start another war.
Ismay MacPherson has spent her life running from cruelty, from chains, and from the truth that could destroy her. Yet under Constantine’s watchful eyes, she finds a sanctuary that feels impossibly safe, even as she weeps into her supper, her pain unspoken but not unnoticed. Can she dare to trust the Cameron Lochiel with the secret she has carried all her life? And will her past finally catch her in its merciless grip?
In a land where loyalty and vengeance collide, Constantine and Ismay must navigate the treacherous path between love and survival, where the greatest danger may be opening one’s heart.
Tropes you'll Runaway bride, brooding hero, feuding clans, Highland setting, slow burn, secrets, tragic loss, protective hero, healing through love, emotional rescue, trust, redemption, resilience.
This series is part of Dragonblade's Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Where Heaven and Earth Collide
Book 1 - Where Highland Thistles Bloom
Book 2 - Where Mountains Pierce the Highland Heart
Book 3 - Where Stars Rule the Highland Night
- GenresHistorical Romance
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
34 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Paula Quinn
63 books1,397 followersPaula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 18, 2026
Did F ever tell you how much F love her writing?
F was already excited just from reading the prologue. It gave me that giddy, butterflies-in-my-stomach kind of feeling. You just know it's going to be good.
Ismay's life is heartbreaking from the start. Her mother... not even her real mother is absolutely cruel. The only person who truly protects her is her adoptive father. So when he suddenly dies, everything falls apart. She's left vulnerable and insecure and her mother casually decides to marry her off to a mad, abusive chief.
Their first meeting? Red flag immediately. He threatens her and even cuts her hair. That scene made me so angry. Stupid moron!
Hurt and desperate, Ismay runs. She runs nonstop until she's completely exhausted. And here comes Lochiel... the only man who truly sees her as a woman, even though she's been disguising herself as a lad.
When he offers to protect her while she sleeps at the inn, she thinks it'll only be for a day. Turns out she was so drained she slept for two whole days.
Eventually, she follows Lochiel back to his castle in Tor. And that's where it gets even better. Lochiel is clearly falling for her... the jealousy starts creeping in but of course he keeps it all under control.
F absolutely love their banter. The tension, the teasing, the slow-burn romance.
F have a soft spot for Highlander stories and her books never fail to hook me. I'm never bored. Once start, I'm completely invested.
F was already excited just from reading the prologue. It gave me that giddy, butterflies-in-my-stomach kind of feeling. You just know it's going to be good.
Ismay's life is heartbreaking from the start. Her mother... not even her real mother is absolutely cruel. The only person who truly protects her is her adoptive father. So when he suddenly dies, everything falls apart. She's left vulnerable and insecure and her mother casually decides to marry her off to a mad, abusive chief.
Their first meeting? Red flag immediately. He threatens her and even cuts her hair. That scene made me so angry. Stupid moron!
Hurt and desperate, Ismay runs. She runs nonstop until she's completely exhausted. And here comes Lochiel... the only man who truly sees her as a woman, even though she's been disguising herself as a lad.
When he offers to protect her while she sleeps at the inn, she thinks it'll only be for a day. Turns out she was so drained she slept for two whole days.
Eventually, she follows Lochiel back to his castle in Tor. And that's where it gets even better. Lochiel is clearly falling for her... the jealousy starts creeping in but of course he keeps it all under control.
F absolutely love their banter. The tension, the teasing, the slow-burn romance.
F have a soft spot for Highlander stories and her books never fail to hook me. I'm never bored. Once start, I'm completely invested.
February 6, 2026
Great book
This is one of the best books that I've read so far this year. I liked all of the characters, even the evil ones.
This is one of the best books that I've read so far this year. I liked all of the characters, even the evil ones.
February 1, 2026
Amazing closed door Highland romance! You will adore this plot strewn with adventures through the clan lands, broody men, strong FMCs, and soft healing through trusting proximity and love!
I did find the amount of fear placed around the FMCs background rather disproportionate to how the reveal and resolution played out.... It felt as if that element had run out of steam.
Thank you to Paula Quinn, Dragonblade Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this ARC!
I did find the amount of fear placed around the FMCs background rather disproportionate to how the reveal and resolution played out.... It felt as if that element had run out of steam.
Thank you to Paula Quinn, Dragonblade Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this ARC!
January 21, 2026
I have been reading Paula Quinn’s books for years and to say I was excited her new release is available on NetGalley is a huge understatement. When you read one of her Highlander books, it is all encompassing between the language used, setting descriptions, and character descriptions. Ismay and Constantine’s story was a great way to start her new series and I am curious who will be the next duo in book 2. There were some chapters that I thought could have been left and instead, addressed the situation that Ismay had been running from. Overall, this is a book I would definitely recommend, especially for the romance readers who are looking for no spice.
February 8, 2026
Where Highland Thistle Bloom
I loved the book. There were so many interesting characters and many advent
ures too. This book kept me interested until the end. I look forward to the next in the series.
I loved the book. There were so many interesting characters and many advent
ures too. This book kept me interested until the end. I look forward to the next in the series.
February 17, 2026
Captivating and fun read!
A great love story with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
A great love story with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
February 10, 2026
Where Highland This goes Bloom
A great highlander story with Chief Constatine Cameron and Lady Isla,
Trust a Chief is something Isla is terrified of. She has secrets in her past and a ruthless evil man searching for her. Can Constantine save her?
A great highlander story with Chief Constatine Cameron and Lady Isla,
Trust a Chief is something Isla is terrified of. She has secrets in her past and a ruthless evil man searching for her. Can Constantine save her?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC of this book.
This was my first book from the author, Paula Quinn. However, period romances and Highland romances were a formative part of my reading journey, so I was curious if i would enjoy this story.
Firstly, this is a zero spice, closed door, fade to black HEA Highland romance. While I prefer my stories a little darker, I did enjoy the author's concentration on character development and emotional growth. I expected instalove, not necessarily my favorite trope, but this was more insta- fascination, heading towards the inevitable. Both the FMC and MMC have past trauma and have each developed their own unhealthy ways of living with those traumas and work through their own healing while the relationship grows.
The dialog in this story mimics the Scottish dialect (for example, "did not" becomes "dinna" and "its" becomes "tis"). For some, it can be a little confusing at first, but as you continue through the story, you become used to it, and the story flows more naturally, and I think the dialect adds to the experience.
As the showdown with the villain approaches, we have a lot of lead up, which can sometimes feel redundant and bogs down the pacing a little, and the resolution feels a little rushed and wrapped up a little fast without much fanfare, but overall it was a sweet story that is well written and constructed.
This was my first book from the author, Paula Quinn. However, period romances and Highland romances were a formative part of my reading journey, so I was curious if i would enjoy this story.
Firstly, this is a zero spice, closed door, fade to black HEA Highland romance. While I prefer my stories a little darker, I did enjoy the author's concentration on character development and emotional growth. I expected instalove, not necessarily my favorite trope, but this was more insta- fascination, heading towards the inevitable. Both the FMC and MMC have past trauma and have each developed their own unhealthy ways of living with those traumas and work through their own healing while the relationship grows.
The dialog in this story mimics the Scottish dialect (for example, "did not" becomes "dinna" and "its" becomes "tis"). For some, it can be a little confusing at first, but as you continue through the story, you become used to it, and the story flows more naturally, and I think the dialect adds to the experience.
As the showdown with the villain approaches, we have a lot of lead up, which can sometimes feel redundant and bogs down the pacing a little, and the resolution feels a little rushed and wrapped up a little fast without much fanfare, but overall it was a sweet story that is well written and constructed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in historical Scottish Highlands, Ismay has had a secret she has kept all of her life, one that could get her killed. When her adoptive father, dies, his wife attempts to marry her off to a cruel man, and she runs away. Constantine is chief of his clan, and has suffered heavy grief for years now, taking his demons out on the battle field. The two meeting charges everything in their lives. Can he let go of his past? And can she trust someone with her secret? With war looming, and Ismay’s cruel betrothed on the search, she accepts Constantine’s protection. It is a slow burn and appropriate romance, with trust, healing through one another, and resilience. And they do not have it easy, there were definitely some nail-biter moments! I loved this historical Scottish romance because it was fresh, the FMC Ismay was fiery and spoke her mind, and kept her stubborn character throughout. The dialogue is written with a Scottish accent that added so much personality. With plenty of humorous moments, times of reflection on trauma and life, and an authentic romance that bloomed like the thorny thistles of the Scottish Highlands, I would highly suggest this to Romance readers and others who are interested!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thistle Blooms, Emotions Galore, Adventurous Story
My first time reading this author and to be honest with my review I will have to say it could have been so much better
The characters were very interesting and the plot was good. As far as a romance story gees it fell fairly flat for me A few kisses throughout.
This could have been a 5-star story, but I am struggling to give it higher than 3 stars.
The pace was mostly good, but it did lag with repetitive moments throughout the story.
I Was hoping for a really good ending, but it totally fizzled out when the ending fell flat with only a kiss which did bring the H and h to HEA
🚩I felt the story had triggers for some people. Child sexual abuse and violence toward adult and child.
🏆I did love the way the author brought the Thistles from the title into the story
⭐I did like the way the author brought the Thistles into the story. It was an enjoyable scene in the book.
📖Book Rating 3.5 rounded up to 4. I did enjoy the story and characters but felt it was lacking in several places. I had a hard time giving the rating of 4, but it deserved more than 3
My first time reading this author and to be honest with my review I will have to say it could have been so much better
The characters were very interesting and the plot was good. As far as a romance story gees it fell fairly flat for me A few kisses throughout.
This could have been a 5-star story, but I am struggling to give it higher than 3 stars.
The pace was mostly good, but it did lag with repetitive moments throughout the story.
I Was hoping for a really good ending, but it totally fizzled out when the ending fell flat with only a kiss which did bring the H and h to HEA
🚩I felt the story had triggers for some people. Child sexual abuse and violence toward adult and child.
🏆I did love the way the author brought the Thistles from the title into the story
⭐I did like the way the author brought the Thistles into the story. It was an enjoyable scene in the book.
📖Book Rating 3.5 rounded up to 4. I did enjoy the story and characters but felt it was lacking in several places. I had a hard time giving the rating of 4, but it deserved more than 3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ismays life was thrown into turmoil after her father’s death. When she realizes chief macrae came to collect his “prize” with no agreement from her what will she do ?
Constantine the ghost Camron was feared but is there more to him below the surface.
When Ismay is rescued by a crew of men can she trust them ? When she learns who they are can she ever be safe ?what if they found out her secrets surely they would throw her to the wolves or worse,but what if just maybe she can trust Constantine what if he’s not like other men.
I really enjoy the story line in this book but the old style talking between characters was kind of annoying . If the story is written all in current day dialogue the conversations should be as well in my opinion.
The plot was very well written and fast paced which I’m a huge fan of it kept me interested immediately and through out the whole book . I enjoyed the character development.
February 4, 2026
Not up to Quinn’s usual standards. Too much inner dialogue and not enough plot. Could have been half as long. And having the male main character get stabbed twice in the gut in a few weeks time without life threatening consequences is completely unbelievable.
March 11, 2026
Very sweet. Guilty pleasure genre. Wish it was more of a bodice ripper. It also has one of my most loathed tropes... Pining widower still in love with his wife... Ugh I loath that trope. Loath! But still this one hers 3.75 stars.
January 19, 2026
I enjoyed this book and found the characters very engaging. It was a nice quick read for me. I would have liked it to be a bit longer. The ending felt rushed.
January 31, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so enthralled by this book that I stayed up late to finish. Whenever I read the word "kilt" in a book synopsis, I can't pick it up fast enough. It's one of my buzzwords as Scottish fiction brings me great joy. Where Highland Thistles Bloom is a slow-burn historical romance with a runaway fiancee and the chieftain of another clan who rescues her from her plight. This book had so much yearning and pining between the main couple. I was rooting for them since the beginning of the story. Unfortunately, their culmination was rather abrupt and glanced over in two sentences. The villain she had been running from the entire story was also vanquished with the same briskness. The author knew how to prolong the tension, but was rather clumsy with the denouement. Despite my disappointment over the book's conclusion, it had me engaged with the story. I would be happy to read more from this author as her writing is so dreamy. I wish the "door" was cracked a bit wider for a literary voyeur like me, but I'll take what I can get. Blooming thistles inspire pining, not sloppy kissing.
I was so enthralled by this book that I stayed up late to finish. Whenever I read the word "kilt" in a book synopsis, I can't pick it up fast enough. It's one of my buzzwords as Scottish fiction brings me great joy. Where Highland Thistles Bloom is a slow-burn historical romance with a runaway fiancee and the chieftain of another clan who rescues her from her plight. This book had so much yearning and pining between the main couple. I was rooting for them since the beginning of the story. Unfortunately, their culmination was rather abrupt and glanced over in two sentences. The villain she had been running from the entire story was also vanquished with the same briskness. The author knew how to prolong the tension, but was rather clumsy with the denouement. Despite my disappointment over the book's conclusion, it had me engaged with the story. I would be happy to read more from this author as her writing is so dreamy. I wish the "door" was cracked a bit wider for a literary voyeur like me, but I'll take what I can get. Blooming thistles inspire pining, not sloppy kissing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews