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Highland Brides #2
The Rogue
A charming rogue, a woman with responsibilities, a highland romance you won't forget...
Lowlander Adair has more charm and wit than any one man has a right to, despite being abandoned by his mother when only four. Granted one year’s leave from his duties to the Elliot Clan, Adair travels to the Highlands in search of kith and kin, enjoying whichever women catch his eye along the way. But no one can hold him, and he always leaves the next morning.
Until he is beaten senseless and wakes to find his wounds being tended by a red-headed, emerald-eyed beauty who has him questioning his roguish ways.
Orphaned at birth, Keila Fearn spent her early years being shuffled from one relative to the next. But at the age of ten, Keila’s greatest wish is granted when she is given Drummin House by Euphemia I, Countess of Ross, a woman she has never met. The only rule? She can never wed, or the house will revert back to the Earl of Buchan.
The idea of marriage has never appealed, so Keila works hard to remain self-sufficient and does everything possible to keep her home. She is content with her life and needs nothing more, until the battered stranger left on her doorstep shows her that a home is nothing without a heart.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2016
48 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Allison Butler
6 books86 followersAllison Butler is an author of Scottish historical romance. She spent her early years in country NSW building pretend castles with hay bales and leaping white posts with her army of two older sisters and a younger brother. Many years later, with her mother's influence, she discovered a passion for words and history, read her first historical romance and was inspired to write her own. She writes each morning and cares for the elderly in the afternoon. Her love of travel has given her the gift of many amazing sights but none more heart-stirring than the rugged beauty of Scotland. Allison lives in a small town in NSW, Australia, with her very own Scottish hero and a Jack Russell named Wallace. Their two beautiful daughters have left the nest and have begun their own adventures. Allison loves travelling, dancing like no-one's watching, taking photos and seeing the sights from the back of her husband's motorcycle.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 22, 2016
I enjoyed this story very much. Adair is on a quest to find out more about himself. Who is his father? Where does he come from? He has been released from his duties to the Elliot Clan, who took him in as a child, for one year to search the Scottish Highlands for his answers. Adair is running out of time and is attacked by four men, beaten and ends up at Keila’s doorstep.
Keila is a healer, like Adair, she never knew her parents either. She was lucky though, a wealthy benefactress enabled her to live at Drummin House for free as long as she remains unmarried. Keila has a big heart and shares her healing skills to help passersby and others. She is fascinated by Adair and is very attracted to him, even though she knows it can never be. She must remain unmarried and he must return to the Lowlands.
There is a great deal of chemistry between Adair and Keila, they are both instantly attracted and fascinated by the other. Adair was more of a “love em and leave em” type before he met Keila and she made him believe in something more permanent. The author also does a very good job at painting the scene of medieval life inside and outside a village in the Highlands. And introduces a number of interesting conflicts that Adair and Keila must overcome on their way to a happily ever after.
Very good read, I would recommend this to other readers who like Scottish romances. There is some heat, but it is not erotic.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Keila is a healer, like Adair, she never knew her parents either. She was lucky though, a wealthy benefactress enabled her to live at Drummin House for free as long as she remains unmarried. Keila has a big heart and shares her healing skills to help passersby and others. She is fascinated by Adair and is very attracted to him, even though she knows it can never be. She must remain unmarried and he must return to the Lowlands.
There is a great deal of chemistry between Adair and Keila, they are both instantly attracted and fascinated by the other. Adair was more of a “love em and leave em” type before he met Keila and she made him believe in something more permanent. The author also does a very good job at painting the scene of medieval life inside and outside a village in the Highlands. And introduces a number of interesting conflicts that Adair and Keila must overcome on their way to a happily ever after.
Very good read, I would recommend this to other readers who like Scottish romances. There is some heat, but it is not erotic.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 22, 2020
Adair, who wants desperately to know his origins before settling down with his adopted clan in the Borders, is granted a year of leave to search for his roots. He heads to the vast Highlands with little confidence of success. Keila, is an independent woman who owns her own inherited house, tends her gardens and heals the sick when needed. When Adair finds himself in need of Keila's herbal remedies the time spent together whilst he heals opens both of their eyes to unconditional love, entwined histories, jealousy, cruelty and shared future possibilities.
This is a lovely story, combining both fact and fiction well to depict the hardships endured in the Middle Ages. Recommended
This is a lovely story, combining both fact and fiction well to depict the hardships endured in the Middle Ages. Recommended
July 12, 2024
Kobo+. Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. I finished the series of 3. Yea! I gave this book 3.5 stars. I would have given it a 4 but alas there was no epilogue.
This story was based on history but also had a beautiful love story (innocent), along with a mystery (who was Adair and where did he come from). Adair, Duff and Cal had a year off from the Elliott's to find out where they came from and who their families are before they have to go back. All three boys were left orphans or so they thought. They are all trained warriors and knights.
Review I Liked:I enjoyed this story very much. Adair is on a quest to find out more about himself. Who is his father? Where does he come from? He has been released from his duties to the Elliot Clan, who took him in as a child, for one year to search the Scottish Highlands for his answers. Adair is running out of time and is attacked by four men, beaten and ends up at Keila’s doorstep.
Keila is a healer, like Adair, she never knew her parents either. She was lucky though, a wealthy benefactress enabled her to live at Drummin House for free as long as she remains unmarried. Keila has a big heart and shares her healing skills to help passersby and others. She is fascinated by Adair and is very attracted to him, even though she knows it can never be. She must remain unmarried and he must return to the Lowlands.
There is a great deal of chemistry between Adair and Keila, they are both instantly attracted and fascinated by the other. Adair was more of a “love em and leave em” type before he met Keila and she made him believe in something more permanent. The author also does a very good job at painting the scene of medieval life inside and outside a village in the Highlands. And introduces a number of interesting conflicts that Adair and Keila must overcome on their way to a happily ever after.
Very good read, I would recommend this to other readers who like Scottish romances. There is some heat, but it is not erotic.
This story was based on history but also had a beautiful love story (innocent), along with a mystery (who was Adair and where did he come from). Adair, Duff and Cal had a year off from the Elliott's to find out where they came from and who their families are before they have to go back. All three boys were left orphans or so they thought. They are all trained warriors and knights.
Review I Liked:I enjoyed this story very much. Adair is on a quest to find out more about himself. Who is his father? Where does he come from? He has been released from his duties to the Elliot Clan, who took him in as a child, for one year to search the Scottish Highlands for his answers. Adair is running out of time and is attacked by four men, beaten and ends up at Keila’s doorstep.
Keila is a healer, like Adair, she never knew her parents either. She was lucky though, a wealthy benefactress enabled her to live at Drummin House for free as long as she remains unmarried. Keila has a big heart and shares her healing skills to help passersby and others. She is fascinated by Adair and is very attracted to him, even though she knows it can never be. She must remain unmarried and he must return to the Lowlands.
There is a great deal of chemistry between Adair and Keila, they are both instantly attracted and fascinated by the other. Adair was more of a “love em and leave em” type before he met Keila and she made him believe in something more permanent. The author also does a very good job at painting the scene of medieval life inside and outside a village in the Highlands. And introduces a number of interesting conflicts that Adair and Keila must overcome on their way to a happily ever after.
Very good read, I would recommend this to other readers who like Scottish romances. There is some heat, but it is not erotic.
December 1, 2016
The Rogue by Allison Butler
Highland Brides #2
Not having known before I started reading this book I soon had a feeling it was part of a series and am glad to find out it is indeed part of the Highland Brides series by Allison Butler. It seems a number of men in service to the Elliott Clan on the Borders have been given a year to find out who their families are. Duff has his story told in book 1 (I did not read it) and I have just read Adair’s story in book 2. Adair’s story is able to stand alone and a fun quick read.
Adair is battered by unknown assailants and then left on the doorstep of Keila, a healer and the owner of Drummin House. She has Moira at her side and also a friend in Rory who comes daily to help her. Leith is the bad guy and oh so easy to dislike. Both Leith and Adair are bastards of the same father and though they have never met before there is no love lost between them once they do meet.
There is action, romance, description of all the work required in 1404 Scotland and deep friendships explored between the characters. There is also romance between Adair and Keila.
This is an enjoyable story for those readers who enjoy historical romances set in Scotland and I would like to thank NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
4 Stars.
Highland Brides #2
Not having known before I started reading this book I soon had a feeling it was part of a series and am glad to find out it is indeed part of the Highland Brides series by Allison Butler. It seems a number of men in service to the Elliott Clan on the Borders have been given a year to find out who their families are. Duff has his story told in book 1 (I did not read it) and I have just read Adair’s story in book 2. Adair’s story is able to stand alone and a fun quick read.
Adair is battered by unknown assailants and then left on the doorstep of Keila, a healer and the owner of Drummin House. She has Moira at her side and also a friend in Rory who comes daily to help her. Leith is the bad guy and oh so easy to dislike. Both Leith and Adair are bastards of the same father and though they have never met before there is no love lost between them once they do meet.
There is action, romance, description of all the work required in 1404 Scotland and deep friendships explored between the characters. There is also romance between Adair and Keila.
This is an enjoyable story for those readers who enjoy historical romances set in Scotland and I would like to thank NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
4 Stars.
July 12, 2018
The Rogue
Here is another wonderful story by Allison Butler. It's about thinking that something is very important to you but realize that it is not as important as someone you love. I have read all of the stories in this series as well as the rest of the stories that she has written. I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
Here is another wonderful story by Allison Butler. It's about thinking that something is very important to you but realize that it is not as important as someone you love. I have read all of the stories in this series as well as the rest of the stories that she has written. I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
March 24, 2019
This book was a great read, great characters Adair will capture you heart as a cheeky and loveable rogue the story line is great but love the way Alison brings in Rory an older man who forgets things sometimes, dealing with getting old and the changes one goes through and the Moira the dragon just love the story. Must read great book and great series !!
March 13, 2023
If you love sexy highlanders than you must read Alison Butlers stories filled with love, loss and redemption in the magical settings she creates.
I received an advance reader copy for a fair and honest review.
I received an advance reader copy for a fair and honest review.
September 24, 2025
2.5 stars.
That was so hard to read. It could have been 100 pages shorter, just get rid of half of the inner dialogue!
That was so hard to read. It could have been 100 pages shorter, just get rid of half of the inner dialogue!
November 13, 2016
This book gave me a reading first: I cried over the death of a character. Oh sure, I have cried while reading a book before, but usually it has been because of a terrible betrayal or heartbreak and is often accompanied by violent throwing of said book across the room. I became so ridiculously attached to the characters in The Rogue, that the loss of even one almost threw me into hysterics. It shows a true gift of writing when an author can turn me into a watering pot.
Adair is a man without a last name. Abandoned as a young boy, he grew up with a clan in the Borders, and now he is on a mission to find out who his parents are. On his journey he is brutally attacked and dumped on the doorstep of Keila Fearn. Keila has also grown up without parents, utterly alone until the age of ten when she was put into the care of a childless woman named Moira. She is captivated by Adair, but she knows that she cannot marry if she were to fall in love with him. If she did, she would lose her home as part of a long-ago agreement. As both lose the struggle against that fate, Keila begins to be targeted by violence. When her friends are attacked, Adair works to ensure the safety of his now-beloved Keila.
I really enjoyed both Adair and Keila. They were generous and kind, with baggage that should have turned them bitter but instead made them strong. Adair was a wonderful hero, with a heart of gold, who swiftly loses that heart to the lovely lady who heals him after his attack. Keila has every reason to not trust him, but she almost instantly feels safe around him. I loved that they didn't let fear control them, and they both admitted to their love for each other. It was beautiful affection of the best kind.
From my reactions to these characters, I can tell this is an author I must read again. I greatly enjoyed this book, even if I did cry at that one part. It just shows that I connected emotionally with the characters, and that is a wondrous thing.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Adair is a man without a last name. Abandoned as a young boy, he grew up with a clan in the Borders, and now he is on a mission to find out who his parents are. On his journey he is brutally attacked and dumped on the doorstep of Keila Fearn. Keila has also grown up without parents, utterly alone until the age of ten when she was put into the care of a childless woman named Moira. She is captivated by Adair, but she knows that she cannot marry if she were to fall in love with him. If she did, she would lose her home as part of a long-ago agreement. As both lose the struggle against that fate, Keila begins to be targeted by violence. When her friends are attacked, Adair works to ensure the safety of his now-beloved Keila.
I really enjoyed both Adair and Keila. They were generous and kind, with baggage that should have turned them bitter but instead made them strong. Adair was a wonderful hero, with a heart of gold, who swiftly loses that heart to the lovely lady who heals him after his attack. Keila has every reason to not trust him, but she almost instantly feels safe around him. I loved that they didn't let fear control them, and they both admitted to their love for each other. It was beautiful affection of the best kind.
From my reactions to these characters, I can tell this is an author I must read again. I greatly enjoyed this book, even if I did cry at that one part. It just shows that I connected emotionally with the characters, and that is a wondrous thing.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
January 6, 2017
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Pet peeve: The author keeps changing the name of the main character from Adair to Dair and back again.
Adair got a blow to the head and cannot recall who he is, this is reasonable, happens quite often with a blow to the head. What is not reasonable is the fact that he recalls his precise age (six and twenty), his "exceptional skill with a sword" which is all the more remarkable as he awakens without his weapon, and can in fact, recall the names of his two best friends as well as his lord and lady and the name of his home. Yet none of this he shares with the person healing him. Why does he not ask for a letter to be sent to his home explaining he was attacked?
Than as he begins to move about, he receives his coin purse back and is able to determine it is still full, and he was not robbed. Again, a precise detail about his life.
Than he sits outside and contemplates the changing of the seasons and how if he had a wife he may like the colder months, but as he only has pretty lasses in his bed, he prefers the warmer. Than he thinks he cannot marry until he knows who he is as he recalls how his mother abandoned him at age four. He clearly knows who he is, what he is, and how he has been. All he lacks is his own name, which he would know if he just wrote to his lord and lady and told them what had befallen him.
Than of course falls the never-ending coincidences that lead to Adair discovering he is the bastard son of an Earl, his mother really loved him after all, and a tidy HEA (well, so long as you do not count the people who died for Adair and Keila to find happiness, and those who were rent homeless).
Pet peeve: The author keeps changing the name of the main character from Adair to Dair and back again.
Adair got a blow to the head and cannot recall who he is, this is reasonable, happens quite often with a blow to the head. What is not reasonable is the fact that he recalls his precise age (six and twenty), his "exceptional skill with a sword" which is all the more remarkable as he awakens without his weapon, and can in fact, recall the names of his two best friends as well as his lord and lady and the name of his home. Yet none of this he shares with the person healing him. Why does he not ask for a letter to be sent to his home explaining he was attacked?
Than as he begins to move about, he receives his coin purse back and is able to determine it is still full, and he was not robbed. Again, a precise detail about his life.
Than he sits outside and contemplates the changing of the seasons and how if he had a wife he may like the colder months, but as he only has pretty lasses in his bed, he prefers the warmer. Than he thinks he cannot marry until he knows who he is as he recalls how his mother abandoned him at age four. He clearly knows who he is, what he is, and how he has been. All he lacks is his own name, which he would know if he just wrote to his lord and lady and told them what had befallen him.
Than of course falls the never-ending coincidences that lead to Adair discovering he is the bastard son of an Earl, his mother really loved him after all, and a tidy HEA (well, so long as you do not count the people who died for Adair and Keila to find happiness, and those who were rent homeless).
October 21, 2016
I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!
This was a good read. I enjoyed this story that takes place in the Highlands of Scotland. Both of the main characters are searching for something that they are missing, even if they do not realize it at the time. Adair is searching for the family that "abandoned" him, while Keila searches for what is missing in her life, even though she believes she has everything she needs. Adair is attacked and left at Keila's home, who nurses him back to health. The both have attraction to each other at first site. I was even surprised that Keila took the initiative to kiss Adair first. Adair keeps his identity a secret, since he does not know who wanted to hurt him. Keila keeps up Drummin House by brewing ale and preparing good to sell at market. There are forces at work that want Drummin House to return to its supposed rightful owner. They pushed Keila and Adair together, but did not realize what one would be willing to sacrifice for the other, even if it meant a broken heart. I enjoyed the romance and mystery of figuring out what was going to happen next. Some things were predictable, but there were a few twists and surprises that I did not see coming. If you enjoy romance in the highlands, you will enjoy this novel.
This was a good read. I enjoyed this story that takes place in the Highlands of Scotland. Both of the main characters are searching for something that they are missing, even if they do not realize it at the time. Adair is searching for the family that "abandoned" him, while Keila searches for what is missing in her life, even though she believes she has everything she needs. Adair is attacked and left at Keila's home, who nurses him back to health. The both have attraction to each other at first site. I was even surprised that Keila took the initiative to kiss Adair first. Adair keeps his identity a secret, since he does not know who wanted to hurt him. Keila keeps up Drummin House by brewing ale and preparing good to sell at market. There are forces at work that want Drummin House to return to its supposed rightful owner. They pushed Keila and Adair together, but did not realize what one would be willing to sacrifice for the other, even if it meant a broken heart. I enjoyed the romance and mystery of figuring out what was going to happen next. Some things were predictable, but there were a few twists and surprises that I did not see coming. If you enjoy romance in the highlands, you will enjoy this novel.
November 14, 2016
Scottish Highlands, June 1404
Adair was 4 yrs old when he was abandoned in the lowlands by his mother. He is on a year long leave from clan duties to search for where he came from when he is beaten and dumped on Keila's doorstep.
Keila Fearn's mother died in childbirth so for first 10 years of her life she is shuffled around to various family members homes. She is fiercely independent and determined to be self sufficient.
The wonderful secondary characters add to the enjoyment of this story. Moira is determined to keep Keila on the straight and narrow so she'll not end up with a broken heart. Rory comes to help the ladies around the manor and is the sweetest ol man you'd ever want to know.
This is one of those books that gives you a hangover. I absolutely loved it. It is well written and I fell in love with the Adair and Keila in the first chapter. The story did have some slow parts but the plot twists (that I never saw coming) more than made up for it. It is has lots of intrigue and suspense and I would recommend this book to anyone that reads Highland Romance.
*** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley.com***
Adair was 4 yrs old when he was abandoned in the lowlands by his mother. He is on a year long leave from clan duties to search for where he came from when he is beaten and dumped on Keila's doorstep.
Keila Fearn's mother died in childbirth so for first 10 years of her life she is shuffled around to various family members homes. She is fiercely independent and determined to be self sufficient.
The wonderful secondary characters add to the enjoyment of this story. Moira is determined to keep Keila on the straight and narrow so she'll not end up with a broken heart. Rory comes to help the ladies around the manor and is the sweetest ol man you'd ever want to know.
This is one of those books that gives you a hangover. I absolutely loved it. It is well written and I fell in love with the Adair and Keila in the first chapter. The story did have some slow parts but the plot twists (that I never saw coming) more than made up for it. It is has lots of intrigue and suspense and I would recommend this book to anyone that reads Highland Romance.
*** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley.com***
December 4, 2016
'The Rogue' by Allison Butler is book two in the "Highland Brides" series. This is the story of Adair and Keila Fearn. I have read the other book but strongly feel this is a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Adair has traveled to try and find out information of his birth parents. Adair was left by his mother around age 4 and thought she didn't love him. But Adair is attacked and some how placed near Keila house. There she take him in to help heal him. Within a few days Adair is back on his feet but finds that he has feelings for Keila. Keila too had a sad childhood and had to be moved around from place to place until she is given Drummin House but with the speculation that she doesn't marry or it will go back to the previous owner. Which doesn't seem an issue until her feelings for Adair start to grow.
Will these two find what they are looking for? This was a good story and was easy to read!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
Adair has traveled to try and find out information of his birth parents. Adair was left by his mother around age 4 and thought she didn't love him. But Adair is attacked and some how placed near Keila house. There she take him in to help heal him. Within a few days Adair is back on his feet but finds that he has feelings for Keila. Keila too had a sad childhood and had to be moved around from place to place until she is given Drummin House but with the speculation that she doesn't marry or it will go back to the previous owner. Which doesn't seem an issue until her feelings for Adair start to grow.
Will these two find what they are looking for? This was a good story and was easy to read!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
December 6, 2016
This is an enjoyable and easy to read book. It's easy to figure out who the bad guy is early on, however, there are a few twists later in the book that keep you turning the pages. What keeps this from being a 5 star hit for me, I wish I had felt a deeper connection with the characters; maybe if there was a bit more detail in the writing. Otherwise, this is a story that will stand out from many others as the plot is different and refreshing.
My thanks to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the pleasure of reading and reviewing The Rogue by Allison Butler.
My thanks to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the pleasure of reading and reviewing The Rogue by Allison Butler.
December 27, 2016
This was an excellent story. .
The characters had different personalities but all wanted to survive cruel tines and help one another. I would definitely recommend this book to any one who likes historical romance and action. Thoroughly enjoyed this author''s story. I will be be reading her other books.
The characters had different personalities but all wanted to survive cruel tines and help one another. I would definitely recommend this book to any one who likes historical romance and action. Thoroughly enjoyed this author''s story. I will be be reading her other books.
December 5, 2016
This was quite a good read for me it was not as good as the first one but still a super book.Love the fact that while looking for answers from there past Keila and Adair find each other a perfect romance with plenty of action looking forward to the next one.
December 24, 2016
The story was easy enough to follow. Realising after I had already started reading that this book was the second in the series and not having read the first, it wasn't a challenge to keep up with the happenings in the story.
Review copy received from Escape Publishing
Review copy received from Escape Publishing
November 3, 2016
A bit slow at points. However a great story. There's a lot of unknown throughout the book. Kind of fate how it all works out in the end.
January 2, 2017
Just ok. It was a good start and end but the middle was slow and I found myself skimming.
March 1, 2018
better than the first. I wonder if we get another book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews