Torture has driven Neacal MacDonald to the brink of madness. As the new chief of the MacDonald clan, Neacal will do whatever it takes to honor his late father and to help his clan thrive. But whispers of his madness abound and many in his clan turn traitor, wanting MacDonald of Sleat to lead them instead. Conflict ignites between the bitter rivals when Sleat garners the help of the man who tortured Neacal in the past.Can one woman's song pull him back and begin to heal his soul? Everything has been ripped from Anna Douglas except her angelic voice and the will to survive. When she meets Neacal, she recognizes something familiar in him—stark loneliness and pain. His past could be even more tragic and tarnished than hers. No one must learn her true identity or about the brutish man declaring she is his wife, for he will stop at nothing to reclaim her. Though Neacal vowed to never trust a woman again, he cannot resist the secrets in Anna's eyes or her spellbinding song, which threatens to break down the icy walls surrounding his tormented heart. When she arrived at the top of the steps in his corridor, Neacal stood waiting, tall and dark, leaning against the stone wall. His great wolfhound sat by his leg, wagging his tail in greeting. Neacal's long, midnight hair was combed smooth and still damp. His blue eyes glinted with a bit of morose wickedness. Good heavens, he was breathtakingly handsome in the light of early morn. Surely he must have been a devastating rogue before his capture, one who stole the hearts of all the lasses from many miles around. He had a profound seductive air about him, though now 'twas overshadowed by a cloud of dark intensity. This made him even more appealing to her. "A good morn to you, Anna," Neacal murmured in a husky, intimate voice, for her ears only, making her imagine things she should not. Things like… waking up beside him. "Good morn, Neacal." She curtsied. His expression lightened and she thought he might smile—hoped he would. Instead, he turned and proceeded down a short narrow corridor, an offshoot of the main one, then opened a small, almost hidden door. "Stay, Dunn," he told his dog, before squeezing his broad shoulders through the doorway. Once inside, he held out his hand to her. She took it, the heat of his roughened palm making her tingle, and stepped inside the confined dark space. "Heavens. Is this a closet?" "Shh," he hissed softly against her ear, his warm breath teasing her skin and giving her delightful shivers. Goodness! He really shouldn't do that, for it inspired all sorts of unladylike urges. Finding herself suddenly short of breath, she inhaled his luscious, clean male scent combined with that of a spicy soap. Her thoughts took flight and she no longer cared why they were in this small room. She only wanted to press her nose against his throat and breathe him in. He drew her toward a square opening where light and the murmur of several conversations filtered up. What was this? Where were they? Holding her breath, she eased forward and found herself staring down at the tables of the great hall, filled with many people eating their first meal of the day. Of course, this was a laird's lug, or laird's ear. She had heard of these little eavesdropping chambers but had never been into one. Neither of the castles she'd lived in had them. How unnerving to imagine someone spying on her below, without her knowledge, but 'twas also true that lairds had to be extra careful about conspiracies and clan politics. Neacal stood just behind her, not quite touching, but the presence and heat of him were palpable. His delicious scent surrounded her, sending her woman's instincts into overload. "Do you see them?" he whispered, his warm breath fanning the hair by her ear again.
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
Highlander Unbroken by Vonda Sinclair is the 8th book in the Highland Adventure series! This book was actually my introduction to the series. I was assigned to review this audiobook by InD’Tale Magazine and I loved it so much I ended up purchasing the whole series and started from the beginning. So technically, this book is a reread. You can check out my original review here. Now, this book is one of the darker books in the series. Both characters have been through unbelievable pain. Neacal was tortured so badly that many think him mad now. Besides his trusty hound, he doesn’t let anyone near him. But now with the death of his brother, he is needed to lead his clan. But there are many who would see him dead. He hates being home, except for the enchanting voice of a minstrel who is staying at the castle. Her name is Anna. But there are others who knew her as a different name, but her life depends on her identity staying a secret. Their pain from the past brings Neacal and Anna together. But their pasts are catching up to them…
I think this book is one of my favorites in the series. It goes to show that trauma can manifest in so many ways. It also shows that trauma doesn’t go away, but having the right support system can make such a difference. Anna and Neacal rely on each other, and at the same time help each other. While they both know they will never fully heal, their love gives them hope for the future.
This book is so suspenseful. There are points where readers might think, “jeez, just give them a break.” But it keeps the pages turning. I read this book in one night and was tempted to pick up the next book, but alas, it was 2 am. There is also a little humor in this story. The men have become brothers and will die for each other but I love their banter.
“What is your plan in dealing with Blackburn MacCromer?’ Colin asked between bites. ‘I’m going to kill the bastard,’ Neacal said in no uncertain terms. ‘Ah. Don’t you feel that you’re being too lenient?’ his friend asked dryly?” Highlander Unbroken
Fair warning. This book does end on quite the cliffhanger. But you will find yourself picking up the next book. Overall, this is a lovely romantic historical. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
This was my first book Vonda Sinclair and it wont be my last. I loved just about everything about this book. The main characters Neacal McDonald, laird of McDonald Clan and Anna Douglas, member of the traveling minstrel group have both had tortured past that would do you any normal person in long ago. Courage, strength and determination has kept these two people going to overcome their tragic circumstances. Anna has the voice of an angel that sooths the soul of the beast Neacal thinks he's become, Anna has become Neacals light in the darkness. But Anna is hiding a secret and not only will Neacal have a fight within his own walls from traitors but also from outside the walls as their past comes for them.
When two tortured souls find each other. Can they both turn their tragic and tarnished past into something that is warm, wonderful, and loving for each of them?
Neacal MacDonald, newly appointed Laird of Clan MacDonald of Castle Bearach is a lonely broken hero with a heart of ice. Yet this man has a two sided sword as he wants to make his late father proud of him as well. He had been severely tortured two years prior - by an enemy clan, that most men wouldn't of survived. Neacal had been secretly spying for the King of Scotland, weeding out traitorous clans. Also he believes he was betrayed by a woman that left his taste toward women bitter and untrusting. He hasn't even touched a woman in two years and he did bed his share of the lassies before. Neacal wears a scar on one side of his face from his previous torture, which he hides behind his hair. Some of his own clan members are faithless and look at him like he is a monster! On top of that many people in his own people don't feel he should be laird or even think he is sane enough to protect the Clan! He is a broken man with many scars, not all can be seen.
Neacal wrongly lives with the guilt of many deaths he believes he is blamed for. He was determined to heal his broken body by running, swimming and taking his physical endurance to the limit. Many clan members feel he has a touch of madness, including some of the elders. The only one he allows companionship and he shows affection for is trusted wolfhound Dunn. Animal lovers will just love Dunn! There seems to be traitors and enemy Clans lurking at every corner!
Nothing heals his suffering except the voice of the beautiful Anna Douglas, the singer from the the traveling minstrel musicians who are entertaining the Clan. It seems to give him peace and healing and keeps his personal hell and treacherous memories of the past at bay!!
Anna Douglas has many secrets as she has been on the run from a man who calls himself her husband by an illegal marriage . He killed her first husband, her unborn child and blinded her sister! This true evil whoreson gets away with it too! He is filling corrupted officials pockets and no witnesses. She knows this man will kill her and those she cares for - if he ever catches up to her! She is also the first woman in a long time that Neacal has felt anything for as he hasn't even touched a woman in two years. He thought he swore he would never trust another woman again, yet Anna storms into his life and she seems to give him the peace and healing he needs. They both have suffered greatly seems to be their common bond. This eventually opens their hearts to give them hope. Yet when all their ememies seems to come to them at once Anna knows she must leave to keep the man she loves. To keep his clan safe as she wouldn't be able to survive if Neacal was hurt again, to suffer in any way just by protecting her! For her there is only one option and even though this will break her heart. Anna will do what she must to protect het man!
A broken man and woman who create a bond by both understanding and knowing what pain and suffering really is! Anna seems to be his wee miracle worker melting his ice cold heart! Even trusting a female again in the slightest is a remarkable accomplishment for this shattered man! You can't help, but feel for this tortured suffering couple, as they both have endured so much pain in their lives! Readers will wonder if these star crossed lovers will ever truly be healed with enemies and traitors at every corner! Will they ever truly get their well deserved happily ending?
Vonda Sinclair, writes another spectacular, exhilarating, riveting adventure, in a beautiful breath taking Scottish setting with exceptional dialogue and captivating plot lines! This marvelous book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with anticipation - wondering what will happen next? A wee bit of Beauty and the Beast elements with a very unique twist. Don't get me wrong, it's totally original , unique, with a delightful and refreshing story. It is definitely not a fairy tale! Has all the elements Scottish romance readers will love - attraction, betrayal, adventure, suspense , mystery, murder, hate, pain fear, guilt, hope, healing, passion and of course love.
A phenomenal swoon worthy read that will pull at your heartstrings! Readers won't be able to put this exhilarating book down!
Bravo Ms. Sinclair I absolutely and unequivocally Highlander Unbroken"!
**Highly recommend and will be released on May 10, 2016.**
This read/listen is one which just may stop your heart!
Neacal McDonald never wanted to be chief, laird to his clan. He knew he was damaged goods having been severely tortured for a crime he didn’t commit. How can he lead the clan when he could hardly control the rage still living within him?
Anna Douglas joined a traveling musical group, using her exquisite voice to put food in her belly. She had been on the run for two years, escaping a life which terrified her. The band of musicians found the McDonald clan a place where they were appreciated and had been entertaining for some time.
Neacal found solace in Anna’s lovely voice; it somehow reached into his very soul, giving him a very unsettled feeling, but somehow soothing and calming. His emotions are uncontrollable, ragged-edged, ever since a woman had deceived him. Can he ever trust a woman again?
Anna is just plain skittish. When you learn of her past, you will see she is a woman of strength and good heart. With all that has befallen her, she is still able to see the good of life, the good in people. In Neacal she sees a good man, one she admires, one she could fall in love with, but her past still haunts her, preventing her to move forward. Perhaps it’s time for her to leave this clan.
As Neacal takes command of his clan, there are people who talk he is mad, not a good leader, etc. Spies are among his people. Who are his enemies, who can he trust? Talk unsettles his clan, but there are those who still have faith in him.
The character Sleet is a most interesting and devilish character. He’s sleazy, sowing lies with his forked tongue. Beware the worm within your circles, dear read. He/she can do the most harm!
I loved the listen. The nerve-wracking plot kept me gasping with each turn of event. Truly! It is amazing what the human spirit can overcome. Author Vonda Sinclair propels us into such a story, compelling and enthralling with scene after scene of palpable terror, each scene coiling angst ever higher.
Narrator Dave Gillies, one of my favorite narrators, makes the story personal, with intimate tone where appropriate. His superb technique of eliciting tension through his tone and vocal pacing, perfectly matches the intent of the author. I’ve read or listened to most of this series. I’ve missed of few of them and will rectify my error. A superb series from a talented writer who takes me to Scotland to meet the cruel, the honorable, the compassionate, and above all experience the power of love. Every. Single. Time.
Bottom Line: 5-star Review
Series and author highly recommended for those who crave adventure and seek justice in a historical setting.
This is a good Highlander romance, and a good addition to the series. It gets 4 stars from me.
Neacal and Anna were both likable, and were good together. Since they had both suffered a great deal, they understood each other's pain.
I really liked that Neacal immediately wanted to help Anna as soon as he heard her story. He had problems of his own, but was willing to drop everything to help her.
I also liked that Anna wasn't bothered by Neacal's scars. She actually thought they made him even more handsome, since his recovery from them meant he had a great deal of strength.
It did bother me that so many of the people in this story were so evil. I expected some, as they are typical in Highlander books, but this book had a lot of them. It was hard to believe that so many bad people would all be out to hurt Neacal and Anna.
My rating system is below. 1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it. 2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws. 3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating. 4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one. 5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
From the moment I started this amazingly captivating book, I was drawn into a vivid world of adventure, passion and twisting plots. Neacal MacDonald is a broken man. After being despicably tortured, and having survived, he now has to re-build his life, his clan and the trust of his clan, even though people whisper about him being mad. Scarred both mentally and physically, he is an extremely handsome man, courageous, honourable, a hero who has forgotten how to smile with piercing blue eyes. Anna Douglas, a beautiful unassuming woman who captures Neacal's soul when she sings at his castle with her group of travelling minstrels, seems to sooth him. Neacal knows she is hiding something, but can he draw Anna's secrets out, can they both learn to open up and survive the twisting plots that surround them both. Betrayal, lies, mistrust, almost consume these two lovers whose hearts become entwined. Vonda writes extremely descriptively and captures the era beautifully. This is my first ever book of hers, but it certainly won't be my last. I loved her vivid writing and this extremely passionate and emotional adventure.
Oh wow! Another extraordinarily well written story by the incredibly talented Vonda Sinclair! This story was absolutely riviting from beginning to end. I did not think it possible for anyone to measure up to Dirk, who has been my favourite hero thus far, but Neacal does. He is a damaged and fierce warrior, lethal, and courageous. When it comes to Anna, he is protective, kind and compassionate. Anna is Neacals other half, she makes him whole and it shows throughout the entire book. They are everything I thought they would be and MORE! I love their story, and their undeniable and irresistable attraction to one another. The villians are cunning and malicious and I really love that near the end, it is explained about Lady Aislinn ... it was kind of like closure and I wasn't expecting it. A very exciting read.
I haven't read one of Vonda's book in awhile, but she makes it so easy to pick up where you last left off. Her writing easily draws you in and makes it very hard to put down. I truly base a great book as one where it's late and you have to get up early the next day and you keep telling yourself, "Just a few more pages," or "After I'm done with this chapter." And the next morning, you look for any brief moment to pick it back up. This story of love between Neacal and Anna is about two broken souls that find love and comfort with each other. There are so many climatic points in the story, that you get excited to wonder what will happen next or who will be behind it all. Truly another wonderful work by my favorite author!
Another great adventure in this series. The story of Neacal and Anna is sad because of what they’ve been through already but it is romantic how they heal each other! The characters are interesting as is the plot. Treachery abounds. Brilliant!
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 comes to life. The reader may open up the book, begin to read the story and escape from everyday humdrum surrounding them. Before you know it you will become so engrossed you will be taking sides and telling the characters what to do or what to say.
Loch Moidart, Scotland, 1619
Neacal, chief of the MacDonald clan, previously captured, held prisoner, and tortured for two years, will do whatever necessary to keep his clan together and thriving. Some clan members believe the whispers of madness and the air of treachery abounds as some think the MacDonald of Sleat should be chief instead. However; Sleat is not all that he appears, and not in a good way. To obtain leadership he will even go so far as to join with the rival clan who is responsible for imprisoning Neacal and his torture.
Anna Douglas travels with a group of musicians and minstrels. The group plans to stay with the MacDonald clan through the winter before traveling on in the spring. Anna has the voice and beauty of an angel. Hearing her sing is one of the only things that bring peace to Neacal. Anna also has a secret from her tragic past she can never tell anyone. For if she is found trouble follows, as well as endangering her life.
Although Anna and Neacal are strongly attracted to each other, elder clan advisors invite neighboring chiefs to bring their daughters hoping marriage to one of them will ensure much needed alliances. Neacal is in no way interested in marriage to any of them. Among those that arrive Anna recognizes someone from her past who will recognize her, and she has no doubt he will send a missive telling where she can be found. Anna leaves traveling to a town or two from the keep. Neacal follows to bring her back, which is a great thing, because the innkeeper has been alerted to be on the lookout for her. Now she has been discovered.
Neacal wants to keep and protect her but can he trust her enough to open his heart and love her. Anna loves Neacal but can she trust that the people looking for her will not destroy the clan and everyone in it.
Excitement, passion, tears, and joy abound between these two characters. This book is a keeper. 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.
Neacal was tortured and beaten almost to death before he was rescued . Anna is running for her life. When Neacal hears Anna sing for the first time his inner deamons quite for the first time in two years. This was an outstanding story. Anyone who loves historical romance will definitely love this book.
Highlander Unbroken by Vonda Sinclair is # 8 in her "Highland Adventure" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Simply said, WOW! Ms. Sinclair has written a completely and utterly compelling, emotionally charged with tragedy upon tragedy and the struggle for survival. Neacal MacDonald, the new chief of the MacDonald Clan. Was tortured to the brink of madness, betrayed, accused of madness, and not sure of his sanity himself. Anna Douglas, has a angelic voice and the will to survive, with a devastating secret, that could get them all killed. Anna is able to calm Neacal with her beautiful voice, where no other has been able. Bitter rivals and conflict between MacDonald of Sleat and within the MacDonald clan, could cost everything, including their lives. A fast paced tale of epic preportions!
Honor, survival, treachery, betrayal, passion, clan acceptance, strength, finding peace and a HEA, are a few of the emotions the reader can expect to find within this moving, powerful and compelling tale. The chemistry between Neacal and Anna is electric, it nearly explodes off the pages. Their passion is intense. The strength the H/H process is epic and explosive. Ms. Sinclair is a most compelling, and informative Scottish Historical Romance author. I would highly recommend "Unbroken Highlander", for fans of Scottish Historical Romance, strong Highlanders, feisty Lasses and epic romance. I absolutely loved this story! My favorite in the "Highland Adventure" series, thus far. Ms. Sinclair is an amazing storyteller, who causes the reader to step into another world, through the pages of her stories. A must read! Emotional, compelling, powerful and entertaining. For a very satisfying read, pick up "Unbroken Highlander". Received for an honest review from the author.
Highlander Neacal MacDonald was a broken man in spirit and body. He was a spy for the King but was betrayed, caught and tortured by his family's enemy clan, the MacRankins. Although broken in body and madness stirring his mind and spirit, he can't fully chase his demons away. Trying to be the best chief for his clan is difficult when everyone has you labeled the mad chief. Anna Douglas is traveling with a group of ministrels, and has the voice and face of an angel, and she's the only one that can chase his madness away. But who is Anna and who is she running from? What are her secrets? Secrets that can have a devastating effect and can bring death and destruction to everyone close to her. She dares not succumb to the attraction and desire that she feels for Neacal, even though it feels so right. Neacal can't seem to get Anna out of his mind and every time they are together he feels consumed with desire like never before. Treachery, deceit and a race for time are working against them, enemies death and destruction seem inevitable! Join Neacal and Anna as they fight for their happily ever after! Vonda Sinclair is a magnificent story teller, and she captures every emotion the hero and heroine are feeling. Fast-paced and exhilarating till the very end. Highly recommended.
This is the story about Neacal and Anna and how both have things they need to overcome and their blossoming love.
Neacal's is to prove he is not mad, but knowing the man he was to the man he is now after being tortured nearly to death it's no wonder the poor man has off days. His clan elders have told him that, now he is Laird, he needs to marry to gain alliances and men to fill his garrison and produce heirs, but he doesn't want that until he's settled into the role and gains the trust of his people, as he knows some are traitorous.
Anna is on the run from an evil man who has murdered and blackmailed and used extortion to gain what he wants and she fears he will find her. Neacal vows to protect her.
I'm sure you won't put this down, it was exhilarating and how Vonda Sinclair weaves her stories you could believe you were there.
Another for your keeper shelf to delve into when you want to escape into the Highlands
Neacal MacDonald was constricted and bound in the MacRankin's dungeon and being torchered by the MacRankin's henchman. They used a hot blade to his face, cut him and broke his bones to get information from him. He was having the dream again and his wolfhound Dunn licked him to bring him awake. Chief Aonghus MacDonald and his son Hamish arrived at Bearach to try to take over the castle and the people from Neacal's branch of MacDonald. Anna Douglas had traveled with minstrels and arrived at Bearach Castle a fortnight ago and found the clan in an uproar when she came down to break her fast. Chief Neacal came into the keep angry from speaking with Aonghus. She thought him the most beautiful man she had ever seen, dispite the scar on his face. Blackburn MacCormar had destroyed Ann's life and everything she held dear, so she was hiding herself among the minstrels. You don't want to miss this well written story and the excitement of the chase. You will love it.
OMG , from the first page of this book you are so drawn to Neacal McDonald , the torture he suffered at the hands of his enemy not only to his body but also his mind, after the death of his father, expected to lead his clan and known to people as a madman. Troubles from another McDonald clan who wishes him dead so they can have control of his castle and lands Anna Douglas a traveling minstreal with the voice of an angel has her own troubles and is in hiding at Neacal castle, does the voice of the angel sooth the madman , to find out more you have to rad this fabulous book , Vonda's story telling just draws me into her books and doesn't let me go until the very last page and then i don't want them to end , marvelous writing , highly recommend this book, you won't want to put it down , thanks Vonda for another marvelous read.
This was my first read from Vonda Sinclair, and let me tell you, she doesn't disappoint! You're in for a romping adventure! Highlander Unbroken is a historical romance set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands during a clan war. Necal is the battered and scarred chief of clan MacDonald. He's taken his place after being held captive by an enemy clan while spying for the king. Necal's scars run deep (physically and emotionally) and most of the clan is conspiring to replace the maddened chief. Then Anna Douglass enters Necal's life. A beautiful minstrel with an angelic voice, ethereal beauty and a past with dark secrets.
Ms. Sinclair has given us a beautiful story of the healing power of love! Well researched and captivating! I can't wait for Colin and Kristina's story. Vonda Sinclair is most certainly an author worth reading!
Intriguing story with suspense and heart-stopping love moments. There were moments of pure sweetness and love followed by intense scenes of violence and fighting. Highlander Unbroken is a book a fantastic mix for the Highland love adventures. Ms. Sinclair has provided an excellent read filled with everything a highland romance lover enjoys. Anna has an interesting past that she is afraid to reveal, and Neacal has a past that haunts him and tortures him but both find ways to heal each others wounds internal and external.
Sweet:) the ending was a bit abrupt and I wish there were more long conversations between neacal and Anna like when they were in the cottage but it was still good.