Highland Chieftain

Murray Family #21

by Hannah Howell

Responsible for protecting her younger siblings from their abusive father, Bethoc Matheson is in no position to rescue another soul in Scotland. Yet when she sees a bleeding man on the verge of drowning, that's exactly what she does, securing him safely in a cave where she can return day after day to tend to his wounds. Sir Callum MacMillan can scarcely believe such a slight lass as Bethoc could save him from the grasp of death. But he knows the telltale marks of an angry fist on her skin, and he knows she has the soul of a fighter within her feminine frame. Raised to be a protector of the weak by his Murray clansman, Callum would prefer to be the one saving her--and save her, he will. If he can first survive the treacherous attack that led him into her irresistible arms . . . Contains mature themes.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Scotland

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2016

About the author

Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).

She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin

Reviews

[Christine Wallflower & Dark Romance Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars



The first thing I said when I finished this book was, "Wow, a lot happened!" And that's the truth of it, there was never a dull moment and at times I wondered if there would ever be a moment of calm.

The story starts of with Callum being beaten, and thrown overboard a boat. He manages to drag himself to sure which is how Bethoc finds him. Being injured and with the men who attacked him still out there Callum goes into hiding while Bethoc nurses him back to health. Bethoc also faced a lot of danger by helping Callum, she helped him even though she had a lot to lose. With 4 younger brothers and a 3 year old sister to take care of, all while trying to calm an abusive and insane father it took its toll on her.

I can't help but feel too little time was spent on the couples relationship, I think to much happened in this story and it didn't leave enough room for Callum and Bethoc. Now that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it just I would have liked more detail. So according to Goodreads this is the 21 book in the series but I honestly didn't feel like I had to read the previous books and I could honestly see the author writing the children's story when they're older. Especially Margaret.

All in all this book was quite enjoyable, a strong but broken hero, a virginal heroine (but not stupid) and a host of other characters to keep the reader interested.

 

  

[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting...I'm not sure how I ended up starting with book 21 of the series, but I want more!!

I'll be starting with book 1 and I'm looking forward to it.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Summary
Bethoc Matheson has been responsible for the boys her step father has stolen and use for work. They all suffer under his abusive fist. Bethoc is desperate to find a way for them to escape, especially with a couple of the boys getting older and standing up to him more which she knows can only bring death to them. Bethoc is willing to do anything to help her adoptive brothers and her younger sister who she keeps with her all the time. But then Bethoc stumbles across a young man who has a broken leg and been beaten and she helps him heal and hide him from his enemies in a cave closeby. As the weeks roll by, Bethoc and Callum realize the powerful connection they have to each other. And right when it seems like their relationship is going somewhere, the mysteries and dangers that surround the area will come to betray them. And Bethoc and Callum will need to rely on their love for each other for strength and courage and to fight the evils that would destroy their lives if given the chance and they must put a stop to it...
Plot and Story Line
It has been some time since I have read anything by this author and man it was so good to connect with this Murray Family and some characters I have missed seeing. And oh boy, have I forgotten how Hannah Howell can sweep me up in a story and I just loved the way that this author captivates you with Callum and Bethoc. Now there is some suspense, danger and mystery that has you on edge at times and I quite had a fun time seeing the way this family comes together and helps each other. Callum is a hero you can depend on, and he would make the perfect "book boyfriend" because he is a man that you could easily see yourself marrying. He is strong, capable, reliable and kind. He makes the perfect hero for Bethoc, because even while he is injured and can't move, he doesn't act like an idot and make rash decisions even knowing the type of situation at home she is living with. He listens and is understanding, and I fell hard for this hero who is definitely swoon worthy. Now Bethoc is just as strong as Callum is but in different ways. She has a certain inner strength that is vibrant and real. She has a healing touch, and does everything she can to make the situation with the boys easier for them. The story really gets some flavor when events turn in a unique way toward the end and you really see what Bethoc is capable of. The romance that develops between Callum and Bethoc is slow though. They have some great chemistry but it takes a while for the emotional element to really kick in but when it does....watch out because it might blow you away!!!
The Cover
I like it.....I LOVE the hair and you know not many men can pull of the necklace....but this one can!!!
Overall View
Simply delightful in every way.....historically real with a romance that is packed with compelling emotion and sizzling chemistry.
Click Cover To Buy
[foogallery id="23537"]

[A Klue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read numerous books by this author, this NetGalley reviewer always jumps at the chance to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. However, this one really missed the mark with me. As a big fan of Scottish historical romance that is loaded with brogue, I was surprised to find this one was overly done. So much so, I often found myself having to reread parts to understand the dialog.

But the real turn off happened about 30% into it, and ultimately I couldn’t put it behind me. You see, the main couple are intimate, after only sharing a couple passionate kisses. Bethoc, the heroine, is so innocent and naive she has absolutely no idea how the deed is done. So much so I felt embarrassed for her. Then, frankly, I felt angry. Why? Well, let me use the author’s own words: “He liked her, alot, and now they had made love, which he also liked a lot. Callum was just not sure if all of that equalled love, the one thing his foster parents insisted was essential for a good match.”...(Wow! I guess they left out the importance of respecting/not taking advantage of innocent women)....Then he starts thinking about all the experience he has had with numerous lasses and starts to feel bad….“Callum cursed, shaking away the moment of doubt. He could not change anything in his past and he had done no harm. (Oh, really, big boy, she could be pregnant now!)...”There was nothing to feel guilty about.” (Yeah, keep telling yourself that laddy. Maybe you’ll start to believe it!)...”He was just put off his stride by Bethoc’s innocence. …He had hunted experienced ladies who would allow a mon in their bed for awhile then he could walk away. No bonds, just pleasant memories.” (Well, isn’t he a keeper, ladies! Think of the money he saves! No cards, no flowers, probably doesn’t even buy them dinner first!). This true romantic at heart couldn’t stop that inner monolog from replaying in my head every time the hero’s character appeared in the story.

**spoilers possible**

Well, I somehow pushed on. Honestly, mostly because I received an ARC and hate not finishing a book. Plus, I very much wanted to love this book, because I’m a fan of this author. By 46%, the nonsensical drawn out plot featuring Bethoc’s abusive fake father collecting young boys to use as child labor on his farm then having her charged with his murder, which was likely the result of a mysterious someone wanting the land, had my eyes glazing over from boredom. I also am not a fan of child abuse being written into a storyline, btw.

Too many characters and too many conversations that didn’t seem to have anything to do with the romantic plot I had been promised had me throwing my Kindle loving hands up in surrender. I’m sure eventually they get around to traveling to Laird Callum’s home and pick up where I expected to be in the first place. I’m just too exhausted from trying to like this book and frustrated by the writing to stick around to see what finally happens.

Here’s to hoping others enjoy it. I usually love this author and will definitely continue to watch for her new releases. This one just didn’t work for me.

Title: Highland Chieftain, Series: Murray Family (Book 21), Author: Hannah Howell, Pages: 352, Pub. Date: 9/27/16, stand-alone but part of a series, could not finish, questionable romantic character of the hero, wasn’t well-written, synopsis didn’t appear to be accurate, VERY steamy scene, stopped reading at 50%.

(This review is based on ARC ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was made. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher.)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for a review

It's been a lllloooonnnggg time since I've read Ms. Howell like since her book Beauty and the Beast in 1992. And needless to say I had no idea this was book #21 in a series. But it is a stand alone with some interaction with (what I assume are) previous couples.

Callum collects stray children and takes care of them and helps find them a new home. Bethoc's "father" also collects children to work his farm, but only boys. Callum is hurt and Bethoc helps him and hides him till his friends arrive. Through a broken leg, digging up graves, a murder or two, prison, waterboarding, traveling, meeting family they fall in love. Callum is a typical male and takes forever to realize it.

I know I'll probably never have time to go back and read the previous books, but it's nice to have a dream. Have you got a dream? Some come true, some don't but keep on dreaming. (Line from Pretty Woman one of my favorite movies)

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am giving up on 2 Scottish romance writers today: May McGoldrick and Hannah Howell.

This is naturally not the first time I have tried to read Hannah Howell, And most definitely not the only time that I have been disappointed.

I do not enjoy giving 2 star ratings. But so many of the books leave me with this "meh" feeling. Hannah Howell's Murray Family series is widely popular. I just don't know why I am not crazy about it.

Our heroine Bethoc (am I the only one who thinks Bethoc is an odd name?) was a mother hen kind of heroine. Now my GR friends know I am no fan of a woman who tries to mother everybody. Bethoc saved Callum, our hero and hid him in her secret high-away. One day Callum kissed Bathoc and now all Bethoc could think of was Callum's kisses and soon after they had sex. This is about 40% of the book. The book was more about everything else than Callum and Bethoc's relationship: we read about Bethoc's "brothers" and Callum's enemies, Bethoc's abusive father and her poor dead mother and her real father. Callum and Bethoc had no chemistry. I do not know why they had sex, I do not know why Callum kissed Bethoc and I do not believe for a second that there was anything more than a girl's infatuation with the first man she slept with. Suffice it to say, this is not my kind of romance.

*I received an ARC from the publisher on NetGalley.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. It would have been one star, but I added an extra star for the actual writing.

This book made me so mad.



I probably shouldn't be so mad. I get that. I mean, a shitty romance isn't really news. It's more like bad luck. Especially when it's mostly subjective. But this...this...RARRRWWWW. This book was such an unlucky choice for me to jump back into HR. I thought it was a pretty safe choice. An abused heroine who actually saves the hero? Yey! A hero who lives to champion the weak? Yey! Two people, who deserve to be loved finding each other? LE SIGH. Hunky Scot on the cover? Whooo! But no. Just...no. This book literally has everything I didn't miss during my HR vacation.

A hero who we're supposed to adore but cares nothing for consent√
A hero who completely disregards the heroine's reputation, feelings, or plight.√
Terrible people doing terrible things to good people with no comeuppance √
Utter and complete selfishness on the part of the hero√
Depressing as fuck. √

This entire explanation of the plot and my issues with the book is full of spoilers so if you don't want them, just go by the synopsis given up top or on the back of the book. I'll just hide it under spoiler. And if you're not in the mood read my ranting I'll just say that I hated everything about this book. There is just so much darkness and not enough good to balance it. I'm fine with books with characters who go through trauma and are left with the difficulties that come with the aftermath. It happened. Happens. Life was/is tough and unfair. Bad things happen to good people. But maybe it's just me, but I need balance in my romances, some light at the end of the tunnel. I want to feel that it was all worth it, that everything the characters went through happened so that they'd find each other. That was not the case here.

Sir Callum washes up on the shore and he manages to pull himself out of the water. He's just had the crap beat out him for a mysterious reason and it's Bethoc that finds him. She helps him hide in a cave she has set up as an escape from her horrible life. She puts herself and her siblings in terrible danger to help him but that's just the kind of person Bethoc is. Keirs, Bethoc's father has this evil habit of snatching up boys and using them as free labor on his land. She's biding her time so that she can eventually leave. Callum immediately recognizes that she is frequently beaten (from her bruises and injuries) and wishes there was sometime he could do. So, what does he do? What does this big brave protector of the weak do? He takes her virginity, knowing she has no idea what he is doing and without asking. He literally puts her on his lap and says "I'm going to have you, Bethoc" and she has no idea what he means and then BAM. He says something along the lines of "I know you don't understand what's happening right now, but it'll feel good at some point." While a lack of consent is terrible on its own, I found this particularly cruel because he is aware of how absolutely horrific her life is with a father who has no problem with (and seems to enjoy) beating her and her siblings bloody and he takes away the very thing she might need to escape. Like you know, marriage? And if her father found out she'd been ruined, what do you think he would do? On top of that, he was also risking getting her pregnant. There is no excuse. NONE. They aren't in love. They don't know each other. He even thinks this to himself. He tells himself that he has no reason to want her so much, he knows nothing about her. He just has to have her. He has no plans to take her with him when he heals. But he's stuck in a cave with nothing to do and he's just really horny and so he decides to rob her of her options with a few thrusts on a cave floor.



Depressing, right? Well, we haven't even scratched the surface yet.
So, a few weeks go by and with Bethoc's help, Callum heals and his friends eventually find him. We find out that the attempt on Callum's life was because the villains were looking for a boy that Bethoc's awful father had snapped up for free labor. While this is all going on, Bethoc is framed for the murder of her father. She watches from outside as he's tortured and then is taken to jail for his murder. While there, she joins another woman in the cell and learns that after the men in charge try to get a confession out of them, they eventually turn to repeated rape. Something her cellmate has dealt with and continues to. Bethoc has to watch as her friend is dragged from her cell, knowing what is happening to her. Callum and his friends make it to Bethoc and realize there is a scheme to kill husbands in the village, frame the wives, takes the property. Callum and co. are determined to get Bethoc out and in the meantime, the men that are in charge decides it's time for Bethoc's rape. She's tied down to a bed and but Callum (taking his bloody time) is at least able to get to her seconds before the worst part of it is about to happen and the women are rescued.
So, more stuff happens and Bethoc ends up accompanying Callum to his home. There she meets her biological father. She's happy to discover he and his family are actually happy to know her and there is minimal awkwardness. Things do get awkward however when Callum fails to see anything wrong with putting Bethoc in his rooms like that's totally normal and not disrespectful at all. She's not acknowledged as his mistress (which would give her a modicum of respect from his people) and he doesn't plan to marry her. After all, he doesn't love her. He just likes her. His words, not mine. Well, mine too, but he said it first.

Ugh, can I be done with his synopsis? No. No, I'll hang in there. I feel that saying "this plot was horrible, depressing, and completely unromantic" is just the understatement of the year. YOU MUST SUFFER ALONG WITH ME.

So from there, we have the two of them becoming a little more intimate, emotionally. He opens up to her. Which should be nice, but it wasn't. It didn't make me understand Callum better, it made me hate him more. I mean, his past was horrible and I wanted to give him a hug, but it also made me want to smack him upside his head. It turns out that Callum was sexually abused by a man when he was young. Horribly. And for that, I'm sorry. I am. Like I said, I wanted to give him a hug and tell him it was going to be okay. But it made his treatment of Bethoc SO MUCH WORSE. He understands a lack of consent, rape, abuse. He understands feeling powerless over his circumstances, being weaker than the person taking advantage of you, and enduring horrible things to protect others. He understands dreaming of escaping to a better life. So with all of this understanding, he still treated Bethoc with such disregard and disrespect. Took her virginity without permission. They had only ever kissed before. She had only ever kissed before. If she hadn't been thrown in jail for something she didn't do, I'm not even sure he'd have gone back for her. She could have been left there alone and pregnant. He never once mentioned any affection towards her other than the fact that he enjoyed having sex with her. He humiliated her by flaunting the fact that he was sleeping with her to her family and his clan. He even told her she wasn't his mistress because mistresses were given things in exchange for the sex (like jewels), she was just his lover. She was neither his mistress or his wife. And he didn't want a mistress. How is this romantic? Am I supposed to be sighing over this? Rooting for them to find happiness?



Basically, the rest is just him deciding how he feels. He's all wishy-washy. At least the men around him acknowledge how shitty he's being to her. They basically have to spell it out him. Let's not forget, he's been sleeping with her this entire time. Multiple times a day/night. It's as though he has no clue how babies are made. Seriously, someone needed to sit him down and give him the birds and bees discussion. Not once in the book does anyone think of this. The possibility of pregnancy is completely ignored. Somewhere in there is the obligatory "heroine is injured" moment to make the hero wonder if the heroine might actually mean something to him. Ugh. One of his friends has to actually tell him that maybe she might mean something because when she was injured, he was super worried about her. His friend was like "Dude, you freaked out when she was stabbed. You don't freak out when some random chick you're banging is injured. I mean, why would you? But this woman? You were actually worried. If that doesn't mean you care about her, I don't know what does." He still doesn't think he loves her at the 85% mark of this book. As in when someone asks, he says no. I don't know how many times I'm going to type "UGH" but I want to do it again.
UGH.
Eventually, his friends and Beth's biological father have to spell out the fact that Callum is humiliating Bethoc by not making a decision about their future. Callum's response is the good ol' if it ain't broke, don't fix it. He's certainly happy, why should the situation have to change? Everything's fine! Meanwhile, Bethoc is contemplating leaving him because she has feelings for him and knows he doesn't have feelings for her.

Ugh.

Eventually, he loves her. Yada yada. Yey, they are in love and married. Whoo.


As far as the writing goes, honestly I was so busy hating everyone and everything that happened in this book that I didn't even notice. Hannah Howell is a well known, very experienced author so I knew her writing wouldn't be an issue. It was just...everything else.

So, to sum it all up:
Simply one of the most unromantic romances I've ever read. Sure, some romance heroes are less heroic than others. Some need a good boot to the head to realize they love the heroine. Some are unfeeling rogues whose hearts are finally conquered by a feisty heroine. The problem with this book was that Callum wasn't supposed to be any of these things. He was supposed to be this savior with a heart of gold who would eventually open up his heart and finally understand that he was worthy of her love. Instead, I literally ended the book thinking the exact opposite. She deserved so much better. She could have done so much better. So many terrible things happened to good people and not enough of the villains really get their comeuppance. I'm fine with terrible things happening to people in romances, it's all part of it! But this was all just pointless. At some point, it stops serving a purpose. I wanted to stomp on my kindle.

Okay. Now I'm done with all of my bitching. Thank god. I'm so glad I got this book from the library.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Murray book I have read in a while and I loved it, as it reminded me of why I like these books so much. There is a lot that happens throughout the book. It opens with our hero fighting for survival, as he was beaten and tossed in the water to die. He's too stubborn to go out that way and manages to get to shore before collapsing in pain from his injuries, including a broken leg. He is found by Bethoc, who is out walking with her little sister. She manages to get him to her safe place, a cave where he can hide while recovering. She promises to come as often as she can to care for him.

Bethoc is the oldest child of her household, followed by five brothers and her baby sister. Their father is an abusive man, who beats them often. She would like to escape, but can't leave her siblings unprotected, so she endures. When her father brings home yet another "brother" to help with the farm, she finally begins to question where the boys have come from. The mystery gets deeper when she discovers that the new lad is the same boy that Callum had been protecting.

There is a connection between Bethoc and Callum from the very beginning. In spite of the abuse she has received, she instinctively trusts Callum. Both of them have dark pasts that have affected their lives. Callum was one of the boys rescued in an earlier book (Highland Angel) who had suffered from terrible abuse. Since his rescue he has become a staunch defender of women and children, frequently taking in orphans and finding them new homes. His temper can get the best of him when he sees abuses happening, which reinforces his belief that he has a dark soul. Bethoc's own abuses have taught her to be cautious. Her mother's deathbed confession that Kerr is not Bethoc's father has made her wonder about the man who is, but she has no way to find out. Bethoc has become very protective of her "brothers" and her little sister.

Over the weeks that it takes Callum's leg to mend, Bethoc visits as often as she dares. Callum learns a lot about Bethoc's life and is unhappy that he is in no condition to rescue her. He is shocked to discover that he knows her true father, a member of the Murray clan, and tries to convince Bethoc that she must meet him. Callum's friends find him part way through the healing process, and agree that he is probably safer where he is while they try to find the men who attacked him.

The attraction between Callum and Bethoc continues to grow. He can't stop himself from kissing her, and it isn't long before things progress even further. Bethoc believes that this is something that will only last until he is well enough to leave. Callum knows that he should leave her alone, but can't seem to help himself. He also keeps trying to figure out ways to keep her with him, even though he doesn't know why he wants to. Just when it looks like he's able to take Bethoc and her brothers and sister to his home with him, the men who attacked him make a reappearance.

This time they have tortured and killed her stepfather, and framed her for the murder. The things that she endures as she is held and "questioned" by the local sheriff are horrifying. She has no idea if Callum will be able to find and rescue her before it is too late. This section of the book is intense, with the danger to her increasing by the minute. I loved Callum's determination to save her. It was quite satisfying to see how he pulled it off, with the aid of his friends. In the midst of the tension, there are a few lighter moments that relieve the intensity. There are a couple of twists that cause a resurgence of the danger, with rescue this time coming from an unexpected source.

A quick visit to meet her father is followed by Callum taking her and some of her brothers to his home. They continue as lovers, with Callum happy to have her with him, but feeling like there is something missing. Various family members question his intentions, but he doesn't know what to tell them. I was a little frustrated with Callum by this point because he is so oblivious to what is going on inside him. He knows he wants to keep her with him, but can't figure out what it means. Even talking to his friends, he is stubbornly blind to what they try to tell him. Meanwhile, Bethoc has realized that she loves Callum, but wants more than what he seems willing to give her. She doesn't want to lose him, but she can't go on like this forever. I loved his friends' last ditch effort to get him to see the truth. His big moment at the end was sweet and a bit awkward as he finally realized his fear and faced it. A great epilogue brought it all together.

I loved the secondary characters. Callum's friends, who are as protective and honorable as he is, provide support and some of the lighter moments of the book. I loved seeing each of them try to make Callum see the truth about his feelings for Bethoc. I loved their protectiveness toward Bethoc and the others. Robbie was especially nice to watch as he found his own future. Bethoc's "brothers" were terrific. I enjoyed seeing how they watched out for and protected each other. Their protectiveness reached new heights as their "father's" abuse grew worse. The most engaging was wee Margaret, with her stubbornness, sweetness and loving nature. She has several scene-stealing moments that had me grinning in delight. After the discovery that he was Bethoc's father, I expected a little more involvement from Brett Murray. I found his hands off attitude a little puzzling, and expected at least a little pressure put on Callum to "do the right thing". I liked seeing some of the other Murray couples again, especially the ladies' acceptance and support of Bethoc and her "gift".

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I liked this book, but I didn't love it.

Callum was a good hero with a dark past, but despite (or maybe because of) his past, he is a very good man. He was injured and left for dead while attempting to rescue a child. Bethoc finds him, tends to his wounds and hides him.

Bethoc was a very interesting heroine, she also has a dark past, filled with pain and abuse, but it doesn't stop her from being loving, generous and protective of those she loves. She has been raised by a man who is not her father and since her mother has passed away, she has been the primary caregiver to all her "siblings". She never imagined finding her true family and is shocked when Callum suggests it.

Callum and Bethoc grow closer and he insists on bringing her back to his home, once they solve the mystery of who and why the men of Bethoc's village are being killed.

There is a lot going on in this book - several different mysteries to unravel and a budding relationship between Callum and Bethoc.

The book is well written and is very interesting, but I started to lose patience with Callum and his inability to commit to Bethoc - I personally felt his interal conflict dragged on way too long. I also felt a bit sorry for Bethoc - no one seems to be watching out for her - Even her biological father tells Callum - Don't hurt her - I may have seeded her, but I am not her father - it made me upset - I know what he meant, but it felt like no one was really protecting Bethoc.

If you have been following the Murray family series, you will not want to miss this book - but if you are just starting the series, it could easily be a stand alone title.

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Murray series has been around quite a long time, over fifteen years if I am remembering correctly. While I haven't read the whole series, I am a fan of Hannah Howell and do pick up one of her books occasionally when I'm in the mood for a lil' bit o' Scotland. This latest installment of the series surprised me a bit with darker tones than I remember reading from her other books.

Bethoc (Bay-thog) Mattheson, having grown up in an abusive household, is a meek and frightened mouse of a girl. She began taking care of the many younger children of her household after her mother's death, and it seems she has had to bear the heavy hand of her father for all of her life. Ker Mattheson is an abusive brute who has been bringing home boy children for years to work the fields on his land. Despite the fishy circumstances of the boys' appearance, Bethoc never questioned her father when he said they were now her brothers. My heart went out to Bethoc - she was certainly a pitiable heroine who had to deal with much strife in her short life. However she was just a little too beat down for me. Even when she doesn't have to worry about Ker Mattheson anymore, she rarely questions anything and never loses her temper - she just goes along with whatever the people around her tell her to do.

Sir Callum Macmillan was taken in by the Murray clan as a young boy, after being rescued from a horrible situation. Now he is a strong strapping adult, and a laird in his own right. One day while Callum is attempting to escort his ward home, he is set upon by mercenaries who were hired to kidnap the boy and return him to his murderous family. With a broken leg and nearly drowned, Callum is found by Bethoc and her infant sister, who hide him away in a cave and nurse him back to health. Callum was quite the tortured hero, having suffered immeasurably during his childhood, even beyond what our heroine has endured. He seemed to be a great listener, and he made both Bethoc and her sister feel safe. However, because of this past, Callum believes himself incapable of love and that effected his relationships quite a bit. While I liked Callum, he wasn't quite "take charge" enough for me. He seemed to need rescuing more often than he rescued, and he missed out on some of the more dangerous situations.

The relationship between Bethoc and Callum was definitely not insta-love. They got to know one other over a period of months as they talked during Callum's convalescence. Then one day they fell into bed rather easily given Bethoc's lack of experience and total ignorance in the ways between men and women. However, unlike most historical romances, the progress from friend to lover did not signify marriage for our couple. Things were drawn out for quite some time without any kind of definition of the relationship. I found myself getting annoyed with the relationship - I wanted to see things more defined or heading down a certain path.

This story wasn't just about romance, there was also a sinister side plot in which women were targeted in heinous ways. There was murder, false accusations, wrongful imprisonment, and torture to contend with. This dark side plot was quite interesting and helped advance the plot where the romance seemed to drag.

I will say that the secondary characters in this story were fantastic. Bethoc's sister, Margaret, was a hoot! You don't expect such a precocious little girl to come out of such an abusive situation. I also liked Bethoc's oldest brothers, Colin and Bean. The boys so wanted to protect Bethoc and their siblings, but they weren't old enough or strong enough to fearlessly stand in Ker's way.

I was reading this book while traveling so I switched back and forth between the ebook and audiobook formats. I am no stranger to this narrator, Angela Dawe. She does a good job with character voices and affectations, and she did an excellent job with Margaret's character. I am used to hearing her narrate another series with strong heroines... so sometimes I did have a hard time reconciling her voice with Bethoc's downtrodden character.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book which I received from the publishers, Kensington and Tantor Audio.

[Севдалина · Rating 4 out of 5]

Беток Матисън и Калъм Макмилан

На смъртното легло на майка й, Беток Матисън научава, че мъжа, който е мислела за свой баща и който през целият й живот я е тъпчел и биел, не й е баща. Нейният баща е Брет Мъри от . Майка й умира по време на раждането на сестрата на Беток, заклевайки дъщеря си никога да не се отделя от малкото момиченце. Доведеният баща на Беток винаги се е държал лошо с нея, заявявайки, че момичетата са безполезни и ненужни, и младата жена вярва, че може би е имала сестри, които така и не са живели много след раждането си. Освен това, тя има цели петима по-малки братя, за които няма идея от къде са се появили, и които определено не са родени от майка й. През различни интервали от време малките момчета просто се появяват в дома й, и Беток е убедена, че баща й краде от някъде децата, за да има кой да обработва земите му.

След поредния побой, на разгневенията й баща, Беток взима малката си сестричка и отива на разходка, смятайки да посети пещерата, която е станала нейно убежище. Така докато върви по брега на реката, тя открива пребит окървавен мъж, със счупен крак и неспособен да си помогне. Беток знае, че не може да остави мъжа на съдбата му и се заема да му помогне и да го отведе в пещерата си където да се погрижи за него.

Калъм Макмилан е едно от децата сираци спасени от Пейтън Мъри и съпругата му Кирсти от . Още като дете отвлечен и малтретиран от садист, харесващ малки момченца, Калъм дава обет, че винаги ще помага на децата и жените малтретирани по някакъв начин. В опита си да спаси едно дете, чийто баща е убит от зли роднини, Калъм е пребит и хвърлен в реката, със счупен крак и почти в безсъзнание, а детето с него отведено далеч. Сега, единственият шанс за спасение идва от слабо младо момиче, водещо със себе си малко двугодишно дете.

С помощта на Беток, Калъм се озовава в приспособена за живеене пещера и започва да се лекува, докато малко по малко започва да се привързва към Беток, а осъзнавайки, че някой редовно пребива младата жена, той се заклева, че ще я спаси от тази съдба и ще отмъсти на мъжа, който й причинява болка.

Книгата беше хубава, но отново бе една от мрачните истории на Хана. Имайки предвид миналото на Калъм и всичко, което бе преживял, не би трябвало да се учудвам, че историята му е по-мрачна. Тук имахме доведения баща на Беток, който е убивал бебетата на майка й, защото са се раждали момичета. Имаме и страничната история на сина на леърда, който опитващ да заграби земите на хората работещи за леърда, убиваше мъжете обвинявайки жените за убийството, и след ужасни мъчения и изнасилвания, жените биваха обесвани за престъпление, което не са извършили, а децата им захвърляни на улицата в съседни градове. И разбира се тук беше познатият ни рефрен. Калъм вярваше, че не е достоен за Беток, защото е "омърсен" от това, което му се е случило, като е бил дете. Беток пък смяташе, че не е достойна за леърд като Калъм, тъй като е момиче от простолюдието, макар и незаконна дъщеря на Брет Мъри, и че не може да бъде съпруга на леърд, затова се примиряваше с факта, да са само любовници, а Калъм това идеално го устройваше. Двамата бяха сладка двойка, но някак им липсваше страст и химия. И като мрачна книга, нямаше нищо забавно, романтично или сладко в тази книга. 4 звезди от мен, при реални, 3.70

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this really the 21st Murray book? WOW! I can't believe it. Love them all!

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This is the story of grown-up Callum, one of the abused kids Payton Murray took on in Book 7 Highland Angel.

Callum has spent his whole life saving and collecting people in need and it was when he was protecting a kid from a murderous uncle that he was set upon and thrown into the sea (pretty much the same scenario used in Book 14 Highland Savage *sigh*).

Our heroine Bethoc, seeking some solitude after being beaten by her stepfather, found him. And when Callum told her what happened, she nursed and hid him in a cave to recuperate. But then that same boy turned up at Bethoc's home, just like all the other boys her stepfather somehow "acquired" to work in his fields.....

This book did feel a bit disjointed as the H/h seem to jump from one calamity/revelation to the next. Still, it's another solid instalment to the series.

[Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Highland romances have always been a favorite of mine, so when I stumbled across Hannah Howell's Murray Family series, which is set in the Highlands, I knew I had to give them a try. Highland Chieftain was the book that caught my eye, however, I ended up finding this book incredibly boring. I'm surprised I even stuck with it and finished it.

Highland Chieftain is about Bethoc, who lives with her abusive father and many younger siblings. Her mother passed away a few years ago, and now Bethoc cares for all her siblings. While out on a walk with her youngest sibling, Margaret, she comes across a severely injured man, and she helps him hide in the caves nearby and helps heal him. This man is Sir Callum Macmillan, and he's laird of a clan. During the months that Callum is healing, Bethoc and Callum fall for each other.

You guys, I can't adequately explain how dull I found this whole book. I mean, in theory, Highland Chieftain has some of my absolute favorite tropes (highlands, large families, hero saving the heroine, heroine saving the hero) so I should have loved it. But that is simply not the case.

First, I really didn't love either of the two main characters. Bethoc, the heroine, was so incredibly passive. Although she certainly shows some initiative at the very beginning of the novel by helping Callum, after that, she just sort of goes along with everything. I would have liked to have seen be at least somewhat decisive once in awhile.

Callum was really annoying too. Look, I will admit I like my heroes in my romances strong, decisive and heroic. Callum wasn't that for me. He was so wishy-washy. Obviously towards the beginning of the novel he's injured, so he can't go off saving the day. But even when he's mended, he wasn't the kind of romance hero I like. At one point, Bethoc is being held in the jail, and it takes him forever to get her out of there. While Bethoc is being held there, she is being tortured, so it's a serious thing. I wanted him to storm the castle, as it were. But no. And then, even though they've been fooling around, he never really knows how he feels about her. There were so many times when he says to someone else "I really should ask her to marry me." And yet, he never does (until the end, obviously. This isn't a spoiler - that's what happens in romance novels).

The only character that I liked was Bethoc's baby sister, Margaret. She had such a personality and she wasn't afraid to express her opinion. Any scene she was in was better because she was there.

Not only did the characters leave me wanting more, but the actual plot was meandering and long. It almost felt episodic (which I love for TV but not for a romance novel). I cannot expressive enough how very boring I found the whole story. So Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell was not a book for me. That said, it has many positive reviews, so perhaps you will love it. I certainly did not.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have eight paperbacks in this series adorning one of my bookshelves so I'm obviously way behind series wise, luckily this book can be read as a stand alone.
I've been a fan of the author for years, I love how the stories wrap the Highland culture around you like a warm blanket, sucking you in and not letting you go until the last page.
Highland Chieftain is as expected, action and suspense filled.
Sir Callum MacMillan is left for dead when Bethoc and little Margaret Matheson come upon him. Being the mother figure she is, never one to leave someone in need she tends his wounds and hides him from those who tried to kill him.
While she may seem like a do gooder, it's learned behavior. She's grown up in an abusive home where women hold no purpose other than to cook and rear children. Oh and to be beaten whenever the mood strikes. Her mother passed away giving birth to Margaret but begged Bethoc to never leave the childs side, and it's with good reason though she doesn't know it at the time.
She cares for the baby as well as her "brothers". Boys brought home by her so called father to work the fields. They also feel the wrath of his drunken hands.
Thing is she's not actually his daughter, she doesn't know her father just the way the her mother came to be pregnant and how her family pawned her off on the horrible man who's raised her in order to hide the embarrassment of a pregnancy out of wedlock.

Callum is a collector. He takes in orphans and cannot stand to see a woman or child hurt. He's got a past that drives him, makes him sympathetic to those who've been abused and discarded. And while his secrets make him compassionate to the victims it also makes him oblivious to some things.
While a good man, he's completely blind to his feelings.

Circumstances land Callum and Bethoc working together to right the wrongs done upon her and others in her community. During this time she becomes his lover, he cares for her, takes her to his home and installs her in his room. This is when she realizes what that makes her look like to others. She's not happy with being known as his mistress or his lover but she still wants to be with him so basically accepts whatever he has to offer.
But can that be enough?
Callum introduced her to her father, she has options now so it's time to make a decision. Can she be happy at Callum's side or will she take her siblings and move on?

It's been so long since I sat and read a Hannah Howell novel, I was reminded why I fell in love with her writing years ago. Highland Chieftain took me back to the Murray's and it was like I never missed a thing. I'll have to catch up and acquire the rest of this series for my bookshelves.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of Hannah Howell's novels here and there and have always been pretty pleased with them. After reading through this bad boy I think I will definitely need to start at the beginning and work my way through all of them. Her writing style was just a little bit off for me but I absolutely loved her characters. Shall we talk it out?

As I said, I have only dipped my toe into Hannah Howell's novels, and honestly this is the first one I have read in a while, so I don't know if it's a regular thing but this novel had a bad case of telling instead of showing. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for knowing every single thought and action in a romance a novel. I love the intrigue and the drama. Love riding along with our hero and heroine as they work toward their "AH-HA!" moment and inevitable HEA. While all of that really draws me in, I was a wee bit swamped with it here. I ended up scanning through a couple of pages because it appeared that what was at the top, was still being hemmed and hawed over at the bottom. I pushed through it the first couple times, just knowing I was gonna miss something wildly important if I scanned, but that just was not the case.

While I wish there was more showing instead telling, I earnestly fell for our hero and heroine. They were believable, honest, capable, charming, and let's not forget their perseverance. Good lord these two did not have an easy go of it. Many authors tend to fluff up the highlands of old. They embrace the mountains, the heather, the kilts, and the ruggedly handsome men, while forgetting that it was not always an agreeable place to live and was actually, quite often, terrifying for it's populous. Hannah Howell hits the good and the bad in a most effective and unnerving manner. We are introduced to some grave situations and I actually found myself fidgeting until we got through it. *Phew*

So, we'll say that if you're detail oriented, love venturing through dangerous and realistic dramas with your characters, like just a dash of the paranormal, and you've got some time on your hands, Bethoc and Callum are waiting for ya. Hannah Howell has always been a name floating around in the back of my head and after finding out that this is book TWENTY-ONE in the Murray series, I'd say I've got some catching up to do.

***I was given a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review***

[Alexandra Mardlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a steady, non-challenging read.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Firstly, nope I didn't finish this book. To put it simply, I got bored.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Bethog finds Callum wounded with a broken leg and hiding out, she takes him to a cave where she nurses him back to health. There wasn't anything wrong with this book exactly. There was a substantial plot outside of the romance, characters were individual and well-rounded. On the whole it was a well-written book.

Unfortunately, Callum and Bethog were boring as a couple, there was no drama between them. They met, they got it on, the end. And, although there was a good plot outside of their relationship, by the time I got about two thirds of the way through, the plot seemed to have played itself out. The bad guys had been caught, Bethog had been reunited with her family and I was left with a third of the book to go and not caring enough about the couple to keep going. Basically, it just didn't hold my interest.

Two minor things I'd like to touch on before I round this up:

1. Although there are mature scenes, they are pretty basic so if you're looking for a raunchy romance this isn't it.
2. Although this is historical romance, other than some changes in language and references to Bethog wearing a gown, there isn't really anything else that puts the reader in that time period which is a shame. Now that I think about it, I don't think it was ever mentioned what the time period was. I think the writer missed a huge opportunity by not building that world better and giving us some ye olde imagery to gorge on!

I would probably give Hannah Howell another go as I did enjoy her style, unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me.

[Escape Into Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I start my review, I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for allowing me to review Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell.

**All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received Highland Chieftain from Kensington Books through NetGalley as an ARC for my honest review**

Now onto my review:

Bethoc is a young woman (I believe that it was mentioned that she was 21 ish) who is a virtual slave and punching bag to her father. Her mother died in childbirth and unfortunately, Bethoc took her place. She was afraid that it was going to turn sexual because he was starting to look at her like a woman and not a daughter. On top of it all, she protected her 6 younger siblings from him, including Margaret, a precocious 2-year-old. Bethoc’s mother died giving birth to her and made her promise to take care of her and never let her out of her sight and Bethoc has followed her orders closely.

One day, she is walking the shores of the loch by her land and she finds a man on the shore, half drowned and with a broken leg. After she makes sure he was safe, she helps him to a local cave and sets his leg. She leaves him, goes home and finds out that her father acquired another child. See, her father would bring home boys that were orphaned or living on the street and have them work in his fields in exchange for a roof over their heads and food. In total, there were 6 boys, with ages ranging from 6 to 16. The newest boy was very young, around 4.

In between stepping between her father and the boys, keeping herself from being beaten, taking care of Margaret, Bethoc has no time for herself. She stretches herself even thinner when she decides that she is going to nurse the man she found back to health. While she is doing that, she finds out that he is looking for a little boy who had been kidnapped and that his name is Callum MacMillan of the Murray Clan. He also seduces Bethoc on the one rare occasion that she left Margaret with the oldest of the boys and takes her innocence.

Once Callum’s men finds him, they are planning on taking him and the boy back to Murray land. Callum decides that he is going to take Bethoc, her sister and the boys back with him after finding out that Bethoc’s father beats her. But when Bethoc went back to the house to gather up the boys, she witnesses the murder of her father and when she returns to bury him, she is arrested by the sheriff of the village for his murder.

I am not going to go into what happens after that but let’s just say that things get a bit hairy for Bethoc.

I honestly felt really bad for her. She had so many things go wrong in such a short period of time that I thought, while reading the book, why can’t things go right for her��.jeeze. But things did end up changing for her about halfway through the book and that’s when I felt like cheering.

I do think that her “witchy powers” (ie her sixth sense) should have been mentioned in the first half of the book. Because introducing it halfway through really confused me. But in a way, it worked.

I liked Callum a lot. The more I learned about him, in the book, the more I liked him. He went through a lot when he was a boy and made immense strides to get over it. He was very honest with Bethoc about what happened to him (if you want to know, read the book). That scene in the book made me cry.

Bethoc and Callum’s relationship was pretty much sex from the get go. No Instalove on either side. But the feelings were there and they grew to the point where Bethoc was in love with Callum and well, he didn’t know what he was with her. For being back in the day, their relationship was pretty modern. He refused to call her his mistress (because she wasn’t) but he also refused to put a name on their relationship until he was called out on it.

The sex scenes in the book were perfect. Just enough detail given to keep your imagination going but not so it crossed that boundary into erotica. The only complaint I had was when Callum deflowered Bethoc. There was no build up accept a couple of kisses and then, bam, he was on top of her telling her what he was going to do.

The ending was perfect and I loved the epilogue!!!

*I do want to note also that this is 100% a standalone book, even if it is #21 in a series!!!

How many stars will I give Highland Chieftain? 3.5-4

Why? A wonderfully written Scottish romance. I did have a small issue with the dialogue (it was written how Scottish people actually talked back then). Other than that, an engrossing read.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex (not graphic), Violence, attempted drowning and attempted rape

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...

Long-time historical author Hannah Howell has taken a break from the mysticism of her English Wherlocke family and brought the writing game back to the Highlands of Scotland with her latest novel, Highland Chieftain. This book is the 21st in the Murray clan series and that might just be part of the problem. While the book is a cute read, it has been done before and done before by Ms. Howell. If you are looking for a fresh view of the Highlands through Hannah Howell’s eyes, this book will probably disappoint. If you are looking for nostalgia and a comfort read, then come on in and sit right down.

Like most Hannah Howell heroines, Bethoc Matheson is slightly past marriageable age for medieval Scotland. She is independent and resilient enough to most likely make it on her own (even in those times), but she has a duty to protect those weaker than herself and that is what she does. Her father is extremely abusive, but most of his abuse is directed not at Bethoc, but at her younger “brothers”; brothers in name only as Bethoc’s father has been stealing children for some time and passing them off as his own. One day while wandering near the lake, Bethoc comes across a nearly unconscious man who has been badly beaten and left for dead. Somehow, she is able to get him to a secret cave where she sets his broken leg and begins a long journey of caretaking.

Sir Callum MacMillian (who appeared when just a child in Highland Angel) is in the Highlands looking for a missing relative when he is set upon by ruffians who beat and then attempt to drown him. Bethoc rescues him after he washes ashore and then hides him away from those same ruffians for weeks. By a strange twist of fate, Bethoc happens to be in possession of the young boy for whom Callum has been searching. As Callum recuperates, he gets to know Bethoc and what he learns about her is all good. The weeks it takes for a broken leg to heal allow Callum and Bethoc to develop a close relationship and by the time his kinfolk arrive to rescue him, Callum is ready to take Bethoc with him when he leaves.

This book has been a hard one for me to review. There are elements about it that I really like (such as the agency given to our heroine and the respect from our hero); elements that have had me coming back for more Hannah Howell every time I discover a new book of hers. If I had never read a single one of her novels before this one, I might have actually given Highland Chieftain a higher grade. But her Wherlocke books show a higher standard of writing that once read, cannot be forgotten. The maturity of the writing in that series has now cast a shadow over the Murray series. What used to be light-hearted, cutesy Scottish-set heavy-on-the-brogue reads have now become tired formulaic novels that I feel as though I have read before. This novel is not bad. It is just not as good as I have come to expect. If one is new to the work of this author, then I believe this book will be a very enjoyable read; one that might even inspire the reader to pick up more of her books. But after forty-plus books in print with twenty of them featuring the Murrays of the Highlands, it must be hard to come up with fresh material and that is what this book lacks the most – a fresh perspective.

[Erin Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I’m so absolutely thrilled to be back with the Murray Family, despite the fact I mostly enjoyed my sojourn with the Wherlocke-Vaughn family. It is slightly insane that I haven’t actually reviewed one of these here since they were such a staple of my romance diet and I still have an enormous stack of dog-eared (yes I was one of those-you dead tree lovers can be grateful for the advent of digital so hooligans like me no longer deface books) and well-loved books chronicling the lives and loves of the Murrays and MacEnroys.

For the most part I think these can be read as stand alones. Yes there are characters from previous books, but with no centralized arc, jumping in just anywhere is entirely possible, even here with the 21 book, though I do tend to recommend the rest of the series. I suggest no hard long gloms though as it can all be a bit predictable.

This is another of Howell’s damsel and knight in distress books, where they each save each other, with a passel of plot moppets to round it out. I adore it.

We have two mysteries circling around to entertain us, and of course a delightful push-pull of romance between our two main characters. Callum is one of the rescued boys from Highland Angel, and it is good to see those poor boys grown up and getting the happiness they deserve. And he has grown up to be such a sweet man, and Bethoc is a fitting mate for him. There are some heartbreaking events but overall it is a sweet and happy book.

We also got to check in on the lives of beloved characters, though as I said this can be read as a stand alone, so I don’t think they are overly intrusive if you haven’t read them. You can depend on what you’ll get from this series though, good kind people doing good kind things even in the face of heartbreak, and even though they are a bit muddle headed about love. I am really pleased to be back with the Murray’s and hope to keep visiting with them for years to come.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Treachery and love!

I liked the skeleton of this story. Sir Callum MacMillan is injured and fleeing from men determined to kill him. Unconscious and foundering on the shoreline with a broken leg he is rescued by young woman, Bethoc Matheson, who hides him in her secret cave retreat. A retreat necessary because she is frequently beaten by father.
Bethoc's father is a dark and fearsome person who brings home young boys he 'finds' to help run the farm. Bethoc has a houseful of young boys, 'brothers' she cares for and a baby sister.
As Bethoc's mother was dying she pleaded with Bec to always keep her baby sister with her. The reason why is later an important revelation.
It appears that Bethoc has strange special abilities that fit with who her real father turns out to be--one of the Murrays.
For me the mystery surrounding Bethoc and her special facilities just didn't quite cut it, but I went with it.
I definitely didn't like that Callum sexually entraps Bethoc. His attitude, 'you saved my life and I'll sweet talk you into giving up your virginity because I just can't control myself' is unworthy. 'I owe you nothing!' Hardly the act of one raised to protect the weak. A serious lack of integrity here on Callum's part.
In the end everything works out, but really, I thought that Callum seducing Bethoc was low. However we apparently need to forgive Callum because of his background and lack of knowledge about what love is.
A secondary story develops where women are being accused of murdering their menfolk, imprisoned by a dastardly sherif, then tried and hung. Their lands go to a mysterious buyer.
In the end there were more parts of the plot I enjoyed than I didn't, including the way Bethoc's 'brothers' care for her. Those relationships are tried and true and supportive.

A NetGalley ARC

[Ruckasaurus Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sometimes it cannae be done. The dreams are so much better they cannae leave them to face what life really is. I have seen it happen. Sometimes what is broken stays broken." - Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell

**advance reader copy received via NetGalley**

I have enjoyed this author’s work in the past, many years ago when I picked up my first read from the Murray series. I enjoy her Wherlocke series as well. Both of these historical romance series have flavors of the paranormal/supernatural which run down the respective family lines. Highland Chieftain was a strange read as the heroine is living in an abusive household but manages to rescue the hero who is himself a lord. Despite the horrors of Bethoc’s life, she has managed to survive as best she could and appears adjusted.

Callum is surprisingly laid back for a guy who has had his butt kicked, and he is more than happy with the little lady helping keep him alive, until he realizes she is in a bad situation too. Things work out very favorably for the two main characters as they dodge one catastrophe after another; there is a lot happening in the book overall. I did not find Bethoc’s inherited power terribly impressive, and I thought that she lingered overly long when action was needed. Callum, on the other hand, lacked commitment in the end. A bit of the book was burned up with Callum asking for advice or taking Bethoc to visit people that she did not necessarily need to visit. Overall the story was pleasing, but there seemed to be something lacking in the latest story in this series.

Ruckie

Check out my reviews here: https://romancereviewsbyruckie.wordpr...

[Debra Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a few Scottish romances by Hannah Howell and thoroughly enjoyed them. This one fell a little short for me. Bethoc's character was too good, too kind, too understanding. She never had bad thoughts about her abusive father, just took the punishment silently. While she did have thoughts of running away, to leave her brothers and sisters was unthinkable and so she stayed. The day she found Callum MacMillan lying injured on the beach, her whole world changed.

I thought Callum's character was a bit dense at times. He gave no thought to the consequences of taking a young woman's maidenhood or having her by his side at his ancestral home without any kind of commitment on his part. He seemed oblivious to what others would think about that. He did shine, however, when it came to rescuing women and children from violent homes. He gave no second thought to their station. If they needed help, he was there.

Of course, the character who stole the book was three year old Margaret. She was fierce little girl who took no prisoners. Whenever she was in a scene, she made me smile. While i did enjoy the book, I would recommend starting with one of the other Scottish romances from Ms. Howell, such as, "Highland Guard."

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Margaret Sholders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Hannah's Highlanders. I have most of her books. I like the Murray series. I will say here that this book is full of some graphic scenes of murder and sex. I fell for this story so check out this story. Callum was beaten and thrown in the ocean. This is where he meets Bethoc. Major Spoiler. She lives nearby and helps him to a cave so her rough father, Kerr, won't find him. Spoiler. Kerr finds boys to work in his fields. Now the area is murders of husbands and then charge and hang the wives. Among other things. Major Spoiler. This book is a hard book to read. You will bounce all over the book. I like this book. I am now waiting for Hannah's next read. I hope you check this one out. Keep tissues close! You will even have to put it down and walk away a few times. Give this a chance! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.

[Maria11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this at first. It was interesting and page turning. Then it seemed like one catastrophe after another. It was a never ending saga of drama and conspiracy. I got to the point I started skimming it just to get done.

It wasn't for me, it maybe good for you.

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley

[laaddis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Hannah Howell and usually love her books, but this one just didn't thrill me. It was an ok read but didn't engage me like her books usually do. It was a slow read and didn't seem to have the same flow as her previous books.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

good, solid story about a Murray connection all grown up and rescued by a fair maiden who soon needs to be rescued herself
lust turns to love....eventually.

[Gail Koger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining

I enjoy Hannah's books. Always has family ties and great characters. Nice love story. Spirited heroine and strong male warriors make this a must read

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell
Reviewed by: Barb Batlan Massabrook of (Tartan Book Reviews) and (Celtic Barb’s Kilted Tartan Book Review Blog)
Release Date: 9/27/2016
Heat Rating: So hot it sizzles off the pages!
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Another “Hannah Howell” winner that reader fans and followers will be will be absolutely mesmerized! I was was so excited to find out some of my favorite characters from book 2003 book “Highland Angel” are in it too! For example -”Sir Payton Murray” and “Kirstie MacLye”. who make a few appearances in this book...yay! Payton is one of my all-time favorite characters that Ms Howell has written about! Highland Angel which was and is book seven in “The Murrays” bestselling series. This current release “Highland Chieftain” is book 21 of the same series, which can be read either as stand alone book, or Highland Angel and Highland Chieftain can be read a duet. If this is a new author for readers or reading out of book series order. I being a loyal follower of Ms. Howell for over twenty five years, again was totally captivated. Another heartstring puller so have some tissues handy, but also heartwarming and humorous moments as well. A delightful read from start to finish. Overall an enjoyable and satisfying read, in other words a delightful read from start to finish!

Scotland
This novel’s heroine is Bethoc Matheson a young woman who recently lost a mother due to complications during childbirth. Her mother who had lived in a fantasy world with a heart broken from a past love. Which often resulted in Bethoc caring for herself and her foster brothers and being ignored and basically raising herself. She knows she could leave but knows she must protect her brothers and sister no matter the cost. Plus her step father Keir was extremely brutal and abusive since her mother's death. Oh he still gave them his occasional beating she and her mother mostly but since her mother's passing it seemed regular and more brutal and frequent. In addition plus he was drinking excessively all the time. The one promise her mother asked of Bethoc was never to allow her now two year old sister out of her site. So now Bethoc always her wee sister Margaret strapped to her back. She also protected her six younger brothers from ages six to sixteen the thing was she could not remember her mother carrying any of them beside the four she lost. Bethoc was wondering why it took until now question where her brothers came from was her memory just faulty or had they been stolen

The hero of the story is Sir Callum MacMillan, Laird of Whytemont. Callum who washes up ashore, nearly was murdered and drowned, except an angel named Bethoc Matheson and her wee sister Margaret had healed him. He was in bad shape with a broken leg, lacerations plus other wounds and abrasions. the leg was the worst of his injuries. Bethoc goes to the business of setting his leg even though not a healer, but did the best to her ability and bring him to her secret hiding place. Bethoc innocent of the world as she has never been anywhere. She has a special gift where she can smell people's scents like their auros whether they are good or evil. Though she has never been trained in her gift, but somehow she senses he is good man and very Bonnie as well.

Bethoc soon realizes these bad men were trying to kidnap the five year old boy her step father Keir recently brought home. She starts asking her brother's questions she never thought to ask before. Bethoc has much guilt over it, as they were all stolen to help in the fields. Keirs comment about her mother only birthing lassies makes her starts to question. As the four deceased babies her mother did bare. Plus she does not remember her mother miscarrying.The guilt surrounds her, though her brothers seem okay with it as most were orphaned or living on the street. To them it was better than starving, plus her brothers truly did seem to enjoy working,cultivating and watch things grow. Well until they discover some untruths and one of her brothers is beaten badly and Bethoc herself is beaten for not answering questions about a man. Keir is suspicious, drunk and seems to have problems of his own that could put all of their lives in jeopardy!

As for Bethoc and Callum their attraction seem to grow instantly! She was surprised that they have both grown up with abusive, unhappy childhoods. Although she knows she is way beneath him. As he is a Laird and expects him to leave her as soon as he is healed. Yet the bad men are still looking for the boy Callum feels responsible for. The boy is best at Bethocs home as her father recently addicted him. Callum is aware and knows protective Bethoc will keep the lad safe until he is healed. At the moment Callum is useless with a broken leg and hopes his men will find him soon and they can retrieve the lad.

Bethoc stays to protect her brothers, even when she finds out who her true father is. She knows what a different life she can have, she won't abandon the boys as they are her family to her.

Then thing just turn worst! Bethoc is framed for a murder she didn't commit! The bad men are still out looking for the young lad and to finish the job and murder Callum!

It seems the people in authoritative positions running her village, are falsely accusing female relations and or wives of horrible misdeeds! These are women who are wrongfully being accused, which can turn deadly! As these female relative heirs and or wives are innocent! They are legally entitled and left by the deceased original property owners! Who is the mastermind giving orders of this evil scheme? Whose pockets are they filling? The kind elder Laird or someone else?

The definite scene stealer who knows how to get a kiss from pretty mon, is two year old Margaret. A female with a limited vocabulary that knows how to get what she wants,

This books is plot within plot and so much more filled with in this riveting emotional adventure and so much more. It is layered with mystery, suspense, murder, mayhem, treachery, brutality, lies, betrayal, heartbreak, abduction, and intrigue. In addition is is filled friendship, healing , loyalty, title difference, family, trust, hope, healing and love!

A book I couldn't put down! All Murray series worshippers and Scottish romance readers do not want to miss. For me this read was a bit of heaven on Earth! Well done Hannah Howell as you penned your 21st Murray book! It is an exquisite read I plan on revisiting. So off to my keeper bookshelf!

This book was absolutely phenomenal and so much more! I definitely recommend Highland Chief by Hannah Howell.




I was give this eARC from the Kensington Publishers in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.

This review are completely my own words, thoughts and opinions with no other outside influences.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Chieftain

By Hannah Howell

5 stars
Reviewed by : Angels

Format : Kindle Edition

Published by :Zebra

Source: Purchased Copy

Gene: Historical Romance


Blurb

The Murrays are back in this thrilling new tale from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell . . .

Responsible for protecting her younger siblings from their abusive father, Bethoc Matheson is in no position to rescue another soul in Scotland. Yet when she sees a bleeding man on the verge of drowning, that’s exactly what she does, securing him safely in a cave where she can return day after day to tend to his wounds.

Sir Callum MacMillan can scarcely believe such a slight lass as Bethoc could save him from the grasp of death. But he knows the telltale marks of an angry fist on her skin, and he knows she has the soul of a fighter within her feminine frame. Raised to be a protector of the weak by his Murray clansman, Callum would prefer to be the one saving her—and save her, he will. If he can first survive the treacherous attack that led him into her irresistible arms . . .

Praise for Hannah Howell and her Highland novels…

“Few authors portray the Scottish highlands as lovingly or colorfully as Hannah Howell.” —Publishers Weekly“Expert storyteller Howell pens another Highland winner.” —RT Book Reviews


Our Review

First let me start if by saying that I just love Hannah's novels and she is on my auto buy list regardless what stories she writes.I have been reading her novels for at least 25 years or more now and will continue reading her works as long as she is writing stories.

As always I enjoy reading about all those hunky highlanders.I have followed and read all about that delightful Murray family so any hint of them being in any current novel I am in.

This was a delightful read.I just love all the good characters.I thought that the two main characters Bethoc and the Laird had a great chemistry together.The plot of this story is not very involved with a lot of twists and turns but has enough going on to keep your interest.I love a novel when they have a tortured hero but in this story each main character can really relate to each other as they share a similar past.

I always have a favorite character to favor and in this story I would have to choose Bethoc. Why ? She just is an amazing person on the inside as well as out. With Bethoc growing up in an abusive household it would have you thinking that she would have been a hardened distant cold person but she was just the complete opposite. Bethoc had a big loving heart and a wealth of understanding for those all around her.I just love reading about her especially when she was giving herself a pep talk every time she starts to feel sorry for herself had me laughing out loud.

Bethoc was the perfect person to heal the heart of her wounded warrior.She was like sunshine to his darkness.Meeting Laird MacMillain was the best thing for both of these characters.It felt like fate stepped in to bring each of them into each other's lives for a very specific purpose.

If your looking for an enjoyable light read this story is for you.The story has two plots that need solving.It could be that we will be seeing one of these characters in a future book as there is a question to whether her talent lies along those lines of those in the Murray clan or has just been born with a precious gift.

I look forward to the next novels in this series.I just love reading books in series and following characters book to book especially when new characters are introduced.The Murray Family have been a blast to read about including there friends and family.

I found all the characters in this story to be enjoyable as well as like-able.My heart strings tugged for both the main characters as well as the other characters as they all had a sadness to them as well as pain and suffering . I loved the unfolding of the story as plots that were solved and the secrets that came to light.I loved seeing this couple slowly fall in love even if some of them didn't even realize they had fallen in love at all and that love healed a very emotionally wounded warriors heart.


ISBN-13: 9781420135053
ISBN-10: 1420135058

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About the Author




Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below). She has also used the following pseudonyms: Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin.

Gene Romance and Historical Fiction

http://www.hannahhowell.com/