Can unexpected passion and a little ancient magic turn enemies into lovers? During a fierce storm on the west coast of Scotland, Shamus MacKenzie barely survives a galley wreck only to be captured and held for ransom by the enemy MacDonalds. Aided by the gift of second sight, Maili MacDonald, sister of the ruthless chief, senses the handsome, dark-haired stranger will somehow be important in her life. Compelled to help him, she insists on providing him food and a healer to see to his injuries. She knows she is daft to fall in love with this captivating warrior after one forbidden kiss but cannot help herself. With each visit from Maili, Shamus finds his thoughts consumed by the enchanting lass. Can he convince her to help him escape the dungeon and prevent the impending battle between the two clans? The twenty-oar birlinn sliced through the rough waters off Scotland's west coast. The cool wind lashing at him, Shamus MacKenzie glanced up at the dark clouds hovering over the gray-violet sunset. A storm was fast approaching. His oldest brother, Cyrus, Chief of Clan MacKenzie, had sent him and his two brothers, Dermott and Fraser, along with full crews on their two galleys to escort the Earl of Rebbinglen to Glasgow. Having accomplished their task five days ago, the brothers and clan members were now on their way home. The weather had been calm until this night. Black clouds rolled in faster and faster. Lightning flashed, near blinding him. They were in for a thrashing. "Whose canny idea was it to leave Inveraray?" Fraser grumbled behind him. Shamus turned, barely able to make out his younger brother's blue eyes and black hair in the dimness. He well knew Fraser would've liked to have stayed at Inveraray for a fortnight with all the lovely ladies. "Cyrus wanted us to return home forthwith," Shamus said loudly enough to be heard over the rising wind. If they'd stayed any longer, no doubt his irritable older brother would've sent a fleet of galleys to fetch them home. Though now, he wished they had waited a day or two to continue their journey north. Thunder boomed and the western wind off the sea blasted them. The oarsmen heaved and grunted, trying to stay the course as the galley rode up and down through the giant swells. "Stay away from the rocks!" Shamus commanded. The white caps and swirling currents betrayed the dangerous hidden boulders closer to shore. The helmsman shouted something Shamus couldn't hear over the wind. Drops of rain stung his face, and a moment later, pounded him in cold sheets. Saints, he'd never been at sea in such a quick and terrible gale. Blood pounded in his ears as he tried to figure out a course of action. How could he keep his younger brother and his clansmen safe? Dermott manned the other galley. During a lightning flash, Shamus' gaze scanned over the rough waters and he glimpsed the other vessel some distance behind them. "May God protect us all," he whispered, salty seawater splashing into his mouth. Torrents of chill rain drove against them. Though the sail was down, the fearsome wind, along with the enormous waves, propelled the birlinn eastward, toward the shore and the treacherous unseen boulders just beneath the churning surface. "Stay the course!" Shamus commanded, scrambling over two thwarts and joining the helmsman in the stern. He grabbed hold of the rudder, helping to steer. He squinted through the rain, able to see only the outline of the mainland. The torches on shore they'd been using to help gauge their route had recently been doused in the downpour. The brilliant flashes of lightning revealed little but the violent sea. A massive wave crashed into the birlinn and sent it careening into a deep trough. Shouts sounded all around him as Shamus grappled to keep his hold on the slippery rudder, his stomach dropping. Was this the end? Would they all die this night?
Vonda Sinclair is the USA Today bestselling author of award-winning Scottish historical romance novels and novellas. Her favorite pastime is exploring Scotland and taking photos along the way. She especially loves ancient castle ruins! She also enjoys writing about hot Highland heroes, unconventional ladies and the healing power of love. Her series are the Highland Shifters Series, the Highland Adventure Series and the Scottish Treasure Series. Her books have won the National Readers' Choice Award, the CRW Award of Excellence, the Winter Rose Award of Excellence in Published Romantic Fiction--1st Place Historical, and an EPIC Award. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she is crafting another adventurous, wildly romantic Scottish story. Please visit her website at www.vondasinclair.com
My Captive Highlander is the 7th book in Vonda Sinclair’s Highland Adventure series. This installment is also a novella at only 90 pages. Maili has always been feared in her home, except by her brother, Neacal, who left their home years ago. But her other brother, who is the chief of their clan fears and despises her. Many call her a witch but that isn’t true. She has what others call “the sight.” She often sees events before they occur which includes a shipwreck and a man. Shamus Mackenzie washes up on a beach after a shipwreck, but unfortunately, he is near their enemy, the MacDonalds. The chief imprisons and beats him. His only hope is a young woman, who happens to be the chief’s sister. She is different and captivating but his first concern is getting out of the dungeons, then he will figure out what to do about his feelings for the beautiful Maili.
This is the kind of book that is perfect for a quick evening read. I made myself a hot fudge sundae, cuddles with my puppers, and finished this book in less than two hours—definitely a perfect evening. I love that this book is a novella because it helps in the transition of the series. We go from the romances of Alasdair, Lachlan, Dirk, Keegan, Torrin, Rebbie to the romances of Shamus, Neacal, Colin, and Cyrus.—which is perfect because the story, in the end, will come in full circle.
Maili is a lovely heroine and relatable. She is strong when she needs to be, but also unsure and wanting to feel loved. Add Shamus and they make the perfect pair. I love how they both encourage each other. That encouragement makes them better individually, as well.
When you pick up this book, you will not be putting it down until you reach the end. —Even then you will find yourself picking up the next book, Highlander Unbroken. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
This Highland Adventure novella was originally from anthology Kissing the Highlander. Another fast paced page turner that I know anyone who enjoy a kilted braw highlander will be doing a Scottish gig after reading this wonderful read! Vonda Sinclair has is truly a gifted author whose books are always fabulous fun reads! This is book 7 in the Highland Adventure series.
Scotland, August 1619
On a mission to escort the Earl of Rebbinglen to Glasgow is met with storm that causes Shamus Mackenzie brother to Chief of Clan MacKenzi to barely survive a a galley wreck. He is badly injured and alone assuming his brother and clan member drowned in the wreck. He would of went looking for them if he had been given a chance. Unfortunately fates are not in his favor, as He did not realize he was in enemy territory, Clan MacDonald lands. When the evil And greedy Chief finds him he has poor Shamus beaten on top of the all injuries he had already sustained from the Galley wreck! The evil-greedy MacDonald Chieftain decides to hold him for ransom of Shamus doesn't die from starvation first! Luckily it was probably the only thing that saves his life until he meets the MacDonald's sister, some who call a witch, the beautiful Maili MacDonald. From what Shamus views, she is the exact opposite of her evil brother, as he felt as if she was a kind, wee fae Fairie. Maili, whose visits are the only thing that keeps him from going mad in the dark ,cold, smelly dungeon he was being held prisoner at!
Maili MacDonald, the heroine is this story, whom no one wants to marry due to her second site and most men seem to fear her. Already she has a record of three broken betrothals her brother set up. She almost sees Shamus coming with her second site and feels he will be an essential part of her future. In what way she is not certain, but she feels he will be very important in some way to her. Maili checks on her evil brother's latest prisoner and demands she be allowed to get a healer and see to his injuries as well as bringing him clean bandages, food and water. Maili is totally disgusted by her brothers actions and believes that's his evil greed will cause the clan much destruction and death as she has another vision of The a Chieftain Cyrus MacKenzie and his warrior coming to rescue Shamus and killing most of Clan MacDonald in retaliation for holding his beloved brother Shamus hostage!
Once Mali finds out her evil brother plans to force her to marry this creepy man, old enough to be her father just to be rid of her! Maili refuses and decides time is of the essence and it is time to help Shamus escape, but with on wee catch he must take her with him! Shamus refuses knowing he would be accused of kidnapping and it could start a horrific war between their two clans. So now Maili has to figure a way to convince that just might involve some kissing! You can feel the attraction between Shamus and Maili immediately which sizzles right off the pages!
Most powerful breath taking scene to in this book is the one was at the standing stones and the marriage stone just so touching, beautiful, tender, enchanting and magical without giving anything away. This is a highland adventure you definitely don't want to miss! I highly recommend My Captive Highlander By Vonda Sinclair as again another beautiful and powerful read!
I am not sure if Vonda even knows how to write a horrible book. I mean every time she puts pen to paper, the words flow and the story takes you deep within. How can she not be one of my fav authors. I devour her books every time she writes one.
The Story was great, the plot on spot and the H/H were perfect. I wished it would never end. I want a love like that. A man so perfect and possessive, make you feel wanted and cared for. She has a soul of a saint, worry's for others and cares for everyone. The story is worth reading and I hope to read more of these brothers and hers in the next books to come.
My Captive Highlander by Vonda Sinclair. If you don't know this, Author Vonda Sinclair is truly one of my favorite authors. Her love and knowledge of Scotland comes shinning through in everything she writes. My Captive Highlander is another perfect example of this author's incredible gift of storytelling. Shamus MacKenzie, along with his brothers and clans men are traveling on a twenty-oar Berlin back to their home, when a horrible storm hits the sea and crashes Shamus's vessel against the rocks. Cut, bruised and in horrible pain, Shamus awakes on shore, only to be beaten and taken prisoner by guards of an enemy clan. His saving grace is the beautiful sister of the MacDonald Chief. Maili truly can't stand her brother's evil ways. Although she must obey him as her Chief, his greed and bloodlust disgust Maili. When she sees her brother's men drag a battered and beaten prisoner into the keep, she feels compelled to help this man. Maili soon realizes Shamus is the same man from the vision she had the previous night. Her brother and his despicable guards call her a witch, Maili knows she isn't a witch, but does have the gift of sight. Maili gets her brother to agree to let her take the clan's healer to the dungeon and attend Shamus's wounds. She then begins sneaking food into the dungeon for Shamus and soon the two of them come to know one another in those few stolen moments each day. As Shamus's wounds begin to heal and the swelling in his face goes down, Maili is struck by how handsome he is. She not only finds herself drawn to Shamus but utterly and completely attracted to him, something Maili has never experienced before. Shamus is so attracted to Maili's beauty, kindness and compassion that his desire for her grows stronger and stronger during every brief encounter. All he can think about is touching her, kissing her luscious lips. What is he thinking, this can never work between them. Maili is the sister of the enemy, the man who beat and imprisoned him. Shamus must remain focused on escaping, but Maili's presence ignites something in him, he just can't ignore. Maili wants desperately to escape her brother's tyranny and the disgusting old man her brother has ordered her to marry. Shamus is her ticket out of a dreadful and frightening future, but he's also so much more than that to Maili. After Maili has another vision, one of pure terror and destruction to her clan, she realizes Shamus's brothers are coming for him and she and Shamus plot an escape, hoping to save themselves and the destruction of her clan. Will Shamus and Maili's plan succeed. Will they find their way to freedom from her brother's brutal control and discover what lies between them is so much more than passion and desire. This is another must read by Author Vonda Sinclair. You will be swept off your feet in this beautiful, romantic tale of passion, romance and intrigue. Written with gorgeous detail, you see the Isles of Scotland, the stormy clouds over the sea, the magical circle of stones and so much more as you go on this highland adventure. Author Vonda Sinclair has an incredible ability to take her readers across Scotland on grand adventures and My Captive Highlander is a grand and romantic adventure I want to read over and over again. I was so captivated by this story, I hope the author writes a story for each MacKenzie brother. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vonda Sinclair is one of the authors I consider my treasures. Her ability to pull the reader into the story and feel the emotions as the characters come to life, will keep this author on the top shelf. The reader may open up the book, begin to read the story and escape from everyday humdrum surrounding them. My Captive Highlander is the Highlander Adventure book seven.
The story unfolds and brings enemies together. The hero, Shamus MacKenzie, is a member of a group traveling across the sea towards home. A terrible storm hits and the next thing Shamus knows he is waking up on the shore, being beaten and taken prisoner by his enemy and thrown into the dungeon.
The heroine, Maili MacDonald, is the sister of the clan chief who is blessed with the sight and has seen this particular prisoner in her visions. She disagrees on many issues with her brother and she feels she must intervene and somehow get the prisoner help. She brings the healer to the prisoner so his injuries can be tended. During her short visits Shamus becomes very attracted to Maili. Shamus knows he should be concentrating only on escaping his enemy.
Maili, being disgusted and disheartened by her brother’s plans to marry her to a man much older than herself. She has a vision revealing Shamus’ family coming to rescue him and decides to help him leave, and perhaps to with them.
I highly recommend this and any other book written by Vonda Sinclair. She delivers stories that you will read and reread. Her highlander tales makes the reader feel as if they are taken back in time as the story unfolds. I read this book in one sitting and very much look forward to each new release.
I read story in "Kissing the Highlander " anthology. I absolutely loved the passion, the plot, and the characters. Fast paced, quick read with a bit of humor, a bit of magic and lots of character. Well written. A must read for fans of Highlanders, and romance. I absolutely love this author's tales. She brings the Scottish countryside and their struggles, strengths and challenges to life on the pages of a wonderful book. She the characters and story come to life. Bring on more, please. Can't hardly wait for the next installment.
I flew through this story! It was natural, believable, and flawlessly done. A lot happened in a short amount of time. I don't know how Vonda Sinclair does it, but she makes it work. There are no holes and new elements, that makes this novella stand out. I love that Maili has the gift of sight, this is trait I love seeing a character possess, there is always something unique and magnetic about them. Then there is the standing stones, and I always find it fascinating hearing about them and the beliefs, traditions and myths regarding them, so it is always interesting to read how they are incorporated into a story. Without giving anything away i'll just say it had me completely absorbed!! Shamus is a charismatic character worthy of your attention, and I loved him! Near the ending, Neacal (Maili's brother) was brought into the story and he is unbelievably fascinating. I forgot about everything and everyone else and gravitated towards him! I am dying to hear Neacals story!!
Originally published as part of the "Kissing the Highlander" anthology. "My Captive Highlander" is the story of Shamus Mackenzie and Maili MacDonald. Shipwrecked and captured, Shamus finds only one ray of light in his dark world... the sister of his capture. Maili refuses to let the hostage starve and begs her foolhardy brother for his release, she's seen the bloodshed that his plan will bring upon their clan. In an effort to keep her premonitions from becoming reality, Maili helps the Mackenzie warrior escape his cell... with the stipulation that he take her with him. Will they both be able to escape to safety?
Short & Sweet This book was in engaging and fast paced. I loved Maili’s gift, I just wish we got a little more insight into it. She really only had 1 clear vision and then several dreams, but I would’ve liked a few more detailed visions. Maili was courageous, kindhearted, and interesting. Shamus was slightly forgettable. I like their meeting and felt their relationship built at a good speed. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-4/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
Although this is more of a novella than a book, it was absolutely wonderful! Captivating, engrossing with strong characters, both heroic and dark. Shamus Mackenzie is a lovely character, with a heroic strength, passionate nature and a quick sense of humour. Handsome and muscular, he immediately entices the very beautiful Maili MacDonald toward him. She is an upstanding and forthright heroine, who knows that Shamus has been unlawfully mistreated by her brother, the despicable bully Elrick and his band of thugs. This is a romping adventure beautifully written with descriptive and emotional text by Vonda Sinclair. I absolutely loved Maili and Shamus' tale and was sad when I finished it.
Listening to the Dave Gillies narration of this novella was a five star experience. The worldbuilding is superb. The character development comes organically from the exposition, conversations, and action that move the plot forward. It's an attention grabbing blend of romance, adventure, and highland clan-related action. Dave Gillies gives a captivating performance. His vocal skills shine in this narration. I enjoy his command of varying character voices and the emotion he brings to their story.
After his boat is destroyed at sea, Shamus washes up in enemy territory and held hostage for ransom. Maili has visions and feels like she needs to help Shamus but worries about her older brother's cruelty. They have to sneak around to see each other and have to out maneuver the hatred their clans have for each other.
I liked this a lot. Maili and Shamus were both likeable characters and I enjoyed the writing as well.
A brother of a chief from another clan is taken captive, beaten and thrown into prison to hold for ransom. The sister of the clan chief who holds him prisoner has a vision of death and destruction by the prisoner's clan. Can she free him to save her clan? More important...can she leave her clan and go with him? A short read with an HEA and the lead in to the next book.
Enjoyed this novella very much. I liked the characters and the way they developed throughout the story. Good story line also. Will read more by this author.
I enjoyed this short version of one of these stories. I prefer a longer book myself. However, Maili and Shamus’ story is good and different e.g. she has the ‘sight’.
This book grabbed me from the first page. Everything you could possibly wish for in a romance was in this book. Shamus was in a shipwreck and taken prisoner by the McDonald chief. Maili the sister of the chief tries to help Shamus. I found this book spellbinding, I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend this book to anyone!
MY CAPTIVE HIGHLANDER was originally published as part of the KISSING THE HIGHLANDER anthology which featured an assortment of Highland romances to fall in love with! AND I loved each one!
Vonda Sinclair writes lovely Scottish romances. So... when I picked up the KISSING THE HIGHLANDER anthology, MY CAPTIVE HIGHLANDER was a must-read. This novella is nothing short of an enchanted treat featuring a sexy kilted Highlander, a feisty female heroine and a happy ever after ending that will leave the reader with a case of the warm fuzzies. Another huge plus for me was that the Celtic's circle of standing stones, which have always fascinated me, were featured in this story (and in each of the stories that were in the anthology).
Briefly, here's a short synopsis: When his boat wrecks in a storm, Shamus is captured and imprisoned by the MacDonalds. The laird's sister, Maili, is gifted with the sight and sees much death for her people if he is not released. So...against her brother's orders, she aids him in escaping. Do they have a future? Here's one of my favorite quotes from this tale: Heat stole over her for she suspected he might be trying to charm her, and she was not immune. 'Twould be too easy to fall under his spell. "I've already given you food. You are mighty demanding for a prisoner." A grin quirked his lips. "There is something I want from you after I'm free." She was afraid to ask, but she had to know. "And what is that?" "A kiss.” I can see myself picking up MY CAPTIVE HIGHLANDER to read again and again and highly recommend it!
I enjoyed the book for the most part it was the length and plausibility that the two fell in love so fast that was hard for me to swallow. The couple are great you have the strong highlander, Shamus MacKenzie, who gets kidnapped after a shipwreck and is then beaten and thrown in the MacDonald dungeon for ransom. The h has visions and so I always seem to enjoy that along with healing ability. They are two kind souls that are caught in between a feud that has went on for years.
Maili MacDonald and her brother do not see eye to eye and her brother treats as though she is a pebble caught in his shoe. The beginning part of the book was strong and when the escape comes was when it began to fall apart. The, "I love you's" just came so fast and the reason behind them was just a bit shaky for me. I think if the book had been longer it could have really helped build up the strength of her characters and the plot. There is a love scene but again would have been better if there was more build up to the deed. The book was still a fast read and that seemed to be what I wanted because of my hectic schedule. If the couple had known each other prior it would have changed the whole situation because it would have made their story stronger. I was just looking for a bit more depth of love to the story. He is a fierce protector and his clan is riddled with handsome brothers so who knows I may try another book at some point. This is book 7 and a standalone. Enjoy!
Traveling back home Shamus MacKenzie who is with his brothers and clans men, are hit by a terrible storm at sea and their vessel crashes against the rocks. Shamus awaken alone on the the shore, beaten, and in pain from his ordeal. He is found by guards of an enemy clan and taken prisoner, but luckily his enemy's sister 'Maili' goes against her brother and tries to do what she can for the prisoner to heal him, which is not hard as her brother and the guards tend to leave her alone as they think her a witch as she has the 'gift of sight'. They find them selves attracted to each other, but Shamus has to escape back to his own clan and when Maili has another vision and see's his brother coming to his rescue, and see's utter destruction for her clan, what should she do?
The story is full of excitement as you are drawn into this beautiful Highland adventure. I loved the characters and the story is a page turner. I highly recommend this book.
My Captive Highlander by Vonda Sinclair is the book that introduced me to this fabulous author :) It is a tale of Lady Maili and her gift of sight. Her brother, the laird, and the rest of her clan think her a witch and are quite mean and condescending to her. She has a vision of a man, someone that will be of great importance to her. That man is Shamus, and he’s from a rival clan, and is taken prisoner after a boating accident. He’s beaten and held for ransom, and she defies her brother to take care of him. I love their passion and devotion to each other throughout all they are put through. A must read!
This is a shorter story, and I like the length. Sometimes a shorter story can really draw you in, and help make a bad day so much better. Ever since reading this story, I have devoured Vonda's other books. You can't go wrong with this author and her books :)
OMG, l just love the way Vonda Sinclair writes! The way she writes makes you feel completely immersed in the story. Her characters come across as genuine, complex, caring individuals. Who needs "Calgon" to take them away when we have such exciting and romantic adventures provided to us by Vonda Sinclair. Her love for Scotland and all things Scottish is woven innovate fabric of each of her books! I am super excited to be able to also listen to the audio versions. I can't wait until I have them all
As with all of Vonda Sinclair's books, you are swept away into the scenery and this is no exception. Who would have thought that two people who are supposed to be enemies, could fall in love against all opposition. Captured and beaten, Shamus Mackenzie has no hope until Maili MacDonald defies her brother the Laird and tries to help him. Will she succeed, read the book and find out. You won't be able to put it down.
I read this novella as part of the Kissing the Highlander anthology. I loved both the characters and the story. It didn't have the feel of a novella and felt more like a full length novel. I loved the little bit of magic that sparked throughout the tale. I will be looking to read more by Vonda Sinclair.
Maili and Shamus short story was good, but not long enough to be "book 7. I felt confused that all of the other 6 stories were full size this one was not. Because of that, I could not give this story more than 3 Stars.