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Highland Heartbeats #1
A Laird's Promise
Some promises are hard to keep…
Phillip promised he’d let her go home. He promised, after she completed her task, she’d be free. He didn’t promise her that he wouldn’t capture her heart before he released her.
For Sarah, captive of the Highland laird, that these promises are kept is paramount.
Phillip never expected to fall in love with the woman who was supposed to save his brother’s life. He also never expected to break a promise. But some promises are hard to keep, especially when he finds out the secrets she’s keeping.
Phillip promised he’d let her go home. He promised, after she completed her task, she’d be free. He didn’t promise her that he wouldn’t capture her heart before he released her.
For Sarah, captive of the Highland laird, that these promises are kept is paramount.
Phillip never expected to fall in love with the woman who was supposed to save his brother’s life. He also never expected to break a promise. But some promises are hard to keep, especially when he finds out the secrets she’s keeping.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2016
1182 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 2, 2018
I'm having a hard time finishing this. It's all a bit silly with some very annoying "I can't help but feel tingly all over when he's around" feelings that the h has for her captor, I mean, the H.
1.5 stars.
Let's start with what I liked:
1) This was a safe story. Sure, there were mentions of the H being a bit of a manho, but we don't meet any of the OW and once he has the feelings for the h he's all about her.
2) The dual povs. If we only heard from the h, I would have probably dnfed this one.
3) The clean content.
4) How short this was.
What didn't work for me:
1) The repetitive nature of the storytelling. The h is kidnapped by the H and doesn't want to like him, but she does. She doesn't want to be attracted to him, but he's just so muscly and handsome that she can't help it. He, on the other hand, can't believe he kidnapped someone. It just goes to show how much he loves his brother. He hopes the h will have feelings for him, but can't believe that she will since he, ya know, kidnapped her.
2) The villain is completely one-sided.
3) I am not an expert on this time period (whenever it happened to be), but it doesn't seem like the story was really that historically accurate. Mentions of King Alexander II or II puts this story in the 1200s and I don't think they knew how to get rid of infections the way that the h did.
4) The near instalove. The H kept thinking about how amusing the h was and how courageous she was. I mean, I guess there are worse things on which to base love, but it did seem pretty flimsy.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who enjoys true historical romance. This might fit the bill for some light and easy reading, but that's about it.
1.5 stars.
Let's start with what I liked:
1) This was a safe story. Sure, there were mentions of the H being a bit of a manho, but we don't meet any of the OW and once he has the feelings for the h he's all about her.
2) The dual povs. If we only heard from the h, I would have probably dnfed this one.
3) The clean content.
4) How short this was.
What didn't work for me:
1) The repetitive nature of the storytelling. The h is kidnapped by the H and doesn't want to like him, but she does. She doesn't want to be attracted to him, but he's just so muscly and handsome that she can't help it. He, on the other hand, can't believe he kidnapped someone. It just goes to show how much he loves his brother. He hopes the h will have feelings for him, but can't believe that she will since he, ya know, kidnapped her.
2) The villain is completely one-sided.
3) I am not an expert on this time period (whenever it happened to be), but it doesn't seem like the story was really that historically accurate. Mentions of King Alexander II or II puts this story in the 1200s and I don't think they knew how to get rid of infections the way that the h did.
4) The near instalove. The H kept thinking about how amusing the h was and how courageous she was. I mean, I guess there are worse things on which to base love, but it did seem pretty flimsy.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who enjoys true historical romance. This might fit the bill for some light and easy reading, but that's about it.
January 22, 2018
I really liked the story. Spoilers below.
*********
But the heroine just made me crazy believing that stupid Ceana girl. She knows that the girl tried to kill the brother but she still believes her? Then her trying to escape was stupid and not telling him who beat her and she was just tstl!!! I almost quit reading the book. This was an okay book and if I had to guess I would say it's a new fledgling author too. I was engaged with it and I liked the ending too. Lots of plotlines left unfinished but I see there is another book coming up. I will read the next book and hopefully I won't be another idiot heroine. I did like her healing skills though but just hated her decisions and thought process. I really wanted to slap her around 47% of the book. I liked the hero very much. There is no sex at all in this book. They kiss. That is it. But i am okay with that. I like it. So just be aware.
*********
But the heroine just made me crazy believing that stupid Ceana girl. She knows that the girl tried to kill the brother but she still believes her? Then her trying to escape was stupid and not telling him who beat her and she was just tstl!!! I almost quit reading the book. This was an okay book and if I had to guess I would say it's a new fledgling author too. I was engaged with it and I liked the ending too. Lots of plotlines left unfinished but I see there is another book coming up. I will read the next book and hopefully I won't be another idiot heroine. I did like her healing skills though but just hated her decisions and thought process. I really wanted to slap her around 47% of the book. I liked the hero very much. There is no sex at all in this book. They kiss. That is it. But i am okay with that. I like it. So just be aware.
May 1, 2018
A sweet story with some interesting detail on Scottish customs and the healing arts. Just some kisses, no super passion but pleasant.
May 2, 2018
SENSUALITY RATING: NO Profanity; NO sexual encounters except seeing a person naked but no description other than, “view of her hips, long legs, ample bosom”. *Great book for an Adult that is looking for clean romance and not “feel” so YA*
GENRE: Romance; CLEAN; Scottish Highlander
SETTING: Village of Kirkcaldy and the Castle of Clan Duncan
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: SARAH MacDonald, a compassionate healer but with a fiery temper, a protector.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: PHILIP Duncan; clan chief, warrior, persistent
SYNOPSIS: Her mother is gone. Her step-father is a big bully. She is the skilled village healer that is known throughout the land. He travels far in need of her services to save his brother.
WHAT I LIKED: Her fighting spirit but also her talent as a healer.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Okay we get it for heaven’s sake. We know you have to get to Kirkcaldy.
OVERALL RATING: (4) stars because some parts repetitive.
GENRE: Romance; CLEAN; Scottish Highlander
SETTING: Village of Kirkcaldy and the Castle of Clan Duncan
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: SARAH MacDonald, a compassionate healer but with a fiery temper, a protector.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: PHILIP Duncan; clan chief, warrior, persistent
SYNOPSIS: Her mother is gone. Her step-father is a big bully. She is the skilled village healer that is known throughout the land. He travels far in need of her services to save his brother.
WHAT I LIKED: Her fighting spirit but also her talent as a healer.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Okay we get it for heaven’s sake. We know you have to get to Kirkcaldy.
OVERALL RATING: (4) stars because some parts repetitive.
June 16, 2020
Rating 3.5
Got this book free on kindle and it was a pleasant surprise. Loved the female character. The plot is quite simple and predictable, but it was also sweet and there wasn’t overly complicated misunderstandings (wich always nags me in romance books). The romance is safe, but it needed a little more steam and sparks between the couple.
Got this book free on kindle and it was a pleasant surprise. Loved the female character. The plot is quite simple and predictable, but it was also sweet and there wasn’t overly complicated misunderstandings (wich always nags me in romance books). The romance is safe, but it needed a little more steam and sparks between the couple.
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June 7, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/18/2020)! 🎁
September 13, 2021
A Thin Line Between Hate and Love 💘
ADULT Historical Medieval Highlander🏰 Romance 💕with Abductions.
Sarah💃💋, a well known healer, is viciously abused by her drunken father after her mother dies. She protects her younger sister , Heather, by taking the abuse on herself.
Phillip🐺, a laird in a distant part of Scotland, is desperate to find a healer who can save his brother, Jake, injured in a skirmish. He seems to be getting sicker and sicker. He is under the care of Ceana, a friend of the family who is a healer, but he is failing.
Phillip🐺 actually abducts Sarah💃💋 from her home, leaving Heather to deal alone with her father.
Sarah's constant wish to run away back to her sister got kind of annoying. Phillip has promised he will take her home after she cures his brother , but Ceana fills Sarah's head with doubts.
Much of the plot is kind of stupid, because all Sarah💃💋 had to do was tell Phillip she was afraid for her sister, but no , she keeps it a secret and causes multiple life threatening scenes for herself!
The book is well edited, interesting, and flows well I just had a problem with the plot.
ADULT Historical Medieval Highlander🏰 Romance 💕with Abductions.
Sarah💃💋, a well known healer, is viciously abused by her drunken father after her mother dies. She protects her younger sister , Heather, by taking the abuse on herself.
Phillip🐺, a laird in a distant part of Scotland, is desperate to find a healer who can save his brother, Jake, injured in a skirmish. He seems to be getting sicker and sicker. He is under the care of Ceana, a friend of the family who is a healer, but he is failing.
Phillip🐺 actually abducts Sarah💃💋 from her home, leaving Heather to deal alone with her father.
Sarah's constant wish to run away back to her sister got kind of annoying. Phillip has promised he will take her home after she cures his brother , but Ceana fills Sarah's head with doubts.
Much of the plot is kind of stupid, because all Sarah💃💋 had to do was tell Phillip she was afraid for her sister, but no , she keeps it a secret and causes multiple life threatening scenes for herself!
The book is well edited, interesting, and flows well I just had a problem with the plot.
December 2, 2019
This book was like a breath of fresh air, after the kind of books I’ve been reading!
I often review books as I read so I don’t forget some things I’d like to mention. - so far it’s been really captivating and calm. Ceana is the B word and Sarah is just sooo refreshing. Right now I’m wondering, She’s been on a trip for 2 days straight, came looking haggard and just spent hours treating a foul wound! Can the lady please get some rest!!!
There was too much repetition, a predictable plot, and a weak relationship between hero and heroine. I wanted so much more. But oh well.
I often review books as I read so I don’t forget some things I’d like to mention. - so far it’s been really captivating and calm. Ceana is the B word and Sarah is just sooo refreshing. Right now I’m wondering, She’s been on a trip for 2 days straight, came looking haggard and just spent hours treating a foul wound! Can the lady please get some rest!!!
There was too much repetition, a predictable plot, and a weak relationship between hero and heroine. I wanted so much more. But oh well.
January 26, 2021
**Bit of a spoiler**
This story was ok, and I’m all for a bit of creative license but legit - who needs modern medicine when you can use some fresh air, water, and clean sheets to cure someone on the verge of death, with blood poisoning and an almost gangrenous limb in a matter of what a week. But not just cured mind you, well enough to lead a charge of men on horse back!
Then again perhaps I missed a paragraph where she mentioned that months had passed...
I don’t know, it wasn’t terrible and I did finish it but definitely wouldn’t read again and I’m glad I managed to get it for free!
This story was ok, and I’m all for a bit of creative license but legit - who needs modern medicine when you can use some fresh air, water, and clean sheets to cure someone on the verge of death, with blood poisoning and an almost gangrenous limb in a matter of what a week. But not just cured mind you, well enough to lead a charge of men on horse back!
Then again perhaps I missed a paragraph where she mentioned that months had passed...
I don’t know, it wasn’t terrible and I did finish it but definitely wouldn’t read again and I’m glad I managed to get it for free!
August 22, 2020
Thoughts: For a romance, this one had very little romance in it, but it was a good story. A highland laird, a little brother wounded unto death, a bad healer, a good healer, a brutish stepfather, and a sweet little sister...sounds like a kidnapping? Well, it is, and it really works quite well. Probably should read many more in this series. Recommended.
February 4, 2018
Strange Way To Find Love
Well written tragedy, love, suspense some words pretty big for this type book, I liked the description of the scenery, did give up it for a couple of days , was hard getting interested, but I felt somewhere the story line would come together which it did, then I couldn't lay it down, good read once you get to the story line, I recommend it for people that likes this type of books suspense and how other countries do things. Liked the ending, but not sure if I can get the other book, have read the published chapter's a bit more interesting but maybe like Sarah later in.
Well written tragedy, love, suspense some words pretty big for this type book, I liked the description of the scenery, did give up it for a couple of days , was hard getting interested, but I felt somewhere the story line would come together which it did, then I couldn't lay it down, good read once you get to the story line, I recommend it for people that likes this type of books suspense and how other countries do things. Liked the ending, but not sure if I can get the other book, have read the published chapter's a bit more interesting but maybe like Sarah later in.
January 15, 2017
Good read
Interesting highland story. The captured my attention and did not release it until the very last page. I enjoyed the scrappy healer and highland laird getting to know one another. I did find it kind of lame that the healer would believe another healer who mistreated a patient but the girl was very tired at the time. I really enjoyed the book. It does need a bit of editing though.
Interesting highland story. The captured my attention and did not release it until the very last page. I enjoyed the scrappy healer and highland laird getting to know one another. I did find it kind of lame that the healer would believe another healer who mistreated a patient but the girl was very tired at the time. I really enjoyed the book. It does need a bit of editing though.
August 27, 2017
Sweet highland romance
While I liked the characters and felt the hero and heroine were strong, sensitive characters, I found the story a bit simplistic. More of a youth romance rather than an adult story. I would have enjoyed learning more about each character--going deeper into their development as adults. Another annoyance was the grammatical errors in the e-book. Made it difficult to read at times.
While I liked the characters and felt the hero and heroine were strong, sensitive characters, I found the story a bit simplistic. More of a youth romance rather than an adult story. I would have enjoyed learning more about each character--going deeper into their development as adults. Another annoyance was the grammatical errors in the e-book. Made it difficult to read at times.
July 4, 2018
Not very authentic Scottish and the story bugged me. I almost couldn't finish it. She's kidnapped, but its okay because he's attractive.
October 5, 2025
I picked up A Laird's Promise via ebook, hoping for a swoony historical romance with some fiery Scottish banter, but wow, this was a slog. Aileen Adams delivers a story that’s dry, repetitive, and painfully predictable, leaving me bored and uninvested.
The female and male main characters are both stubborn as mules, which sounds like it could spark fun banter, but instead, it just makes their interactions frustrating. The miscommunication trope is cranked to eleven, driven by their pigheadedness and refusal to budge. The MMC, for example, keeps changing the terms of a deal to keep the FMC around—like promising to send her home when his brother heals, then adding new conditions about her past. It’s clearly meant to stretch the enemies-to-lovers arc, but it feels forced and unnatural, with no smooth flow to their growing connection. Even the side characters, like a shady healer, come off as stiff and contrived in their interactions with the FMC.
The climax is a drawn-out mess, dragging on with endless back-and-forth between points of view. The FMC and MMC’s perspectives during this part feel like they’re saying the same thing, just rephrased, which made it tedious to read. The ending? No surprises there either—just a bland, on-the-nose wrap-up that left me shrugging. The whole story telegraphs every move so far in advance that there’s no excitement or anticipation.
Aimed at adults, A Laird's Promise might appeal to die-hard historical romance fans who don’t mind heavy tropes and predictable plots. But for me, the lack of natural chemistry, repetitive conflicts, and uninspired climax made it a chore. I wanted to root for the characters, but their stubbornness and the clunky storytelling killed any spark. I’m not tempted to continue the series.
Final Thoughts: A Laird's Promise is a dull, predictable historical romance with forced drama and zero flow. Skip it unless you’re desperate for a stubborn enemies-to-lovers slog.
The female and male main characters are both stubborn as mules, which sounds like it could spark fun banter, but instead, it just makes their interactions frustrating. The miscommunication trope is cranked to eleven, driven by their pigheadedness and refusal to budge. The MMC, for example, keeps changing the terms of a deal to keep the FMC around—like promising to send her home when his brother heals, then adding new conditions about her past. It’s clearly meant to stretch the enemies-to-lovers arc, but it feels forced and unnatural, with no smooth flow to their growing connection. Even the side characters, like a shady healer, come off as stiff and contrived in their interactions with the FMC.
The climax is a drawn-out mess, dragging on with endless back-and-forth between points of view. The FMC and MMC’s perspectives during this part feel like they’re saying the same thing, just rephrased, which made it tedious to read. The ending? No surprises there either—just a bland, on-the-nose wrap-up that left me shrugging. The whole story telegraphs every move so far in advance that there’s no excitement or anticipation.
Aimed at adults, A Laird's Promise might appeal to die-hard historical romance fans who don’t mind heavy tropes and predictable plots. But for me, the lack of natural chemistry, repetitive conflicts, and uninspired climax made it a chore. I wanted to root for the characters, but their stubbornness and the clunky storytelling killed any spark. I’m not tempted to continue the series.
Final Thoughts: A Laird's Promise is a dull, predictable historical romance with forced drama and zero flow. Skip it unless you’re desperate for a stubborn enemies-to-lovers slog.
February 9, 2019
If I could I would give this 3 1/2 stars but it's either 3 or 4 and it's not quite 4 in my opinion. I enjoyed this very much and will be reading the sequel. However, I found myself rolling my eyes and even saying wait a minute a couple of times while reading this. His brother is at death's door so he kidnaps her because she's a healer. He doesn't tell her anything just takes her. She's frantic to get back to save her sister from their stepfather who has a tendency to beat them.
Does he say I need you to save my brother will you come with me? Nope. Does she say will you get my sister? Nope. Even after he stumbles upon her fresh out of her bath and sees evidence she's been repeatedly beaten, he doesn't ask her anything. He demands to know and she refuses him. The constant back and forth got tiresome for me.
Then I felt the ending was just a bit too over the top. His brother who was just at death's door is leading a group of warriors to search for his big brother. Guy looks great, with just a little limp to show he was laid up with a festering wound in his thigh, poison running throughout his system and nearly dead just a few days before. For crying out loud, she cut him open and drained the pus and poisons out of his wound! Then used poultices to drain the rest. Noting about stitches even. In modern times with skilled surgeons and antibiotics, it would take weeks to reach that level of health, complete with some physical therapy to get the muscles reconditioned again. So, not 4 stars.
But I did enjoy it and I was entertained.
Does he say I need you to save my brother will you come with me? Nope. Does she say will you get my sister? Nope. Even after he stumbles upon her fresh out of her bath and sees evidence she's been repeatedly beaten, he doesn't ask her anything. He demands to know and she refuses him. The constant back and forth got tiresome for me.
Then I felt the ending was just a bit too over the top. His brother who was just at death's door is leading a group of warriors to search for his big brother. Guy looks great, with just a little limp to show he was laid up with a festering wound in his thigh, poison running throughout his system and nearly dead just a few days before. For crying out loud, she cut him open and drained the pus and poisons out of his wound! Then used poultices to drain the rest. Noting about stitches even. In modern times with skilled surgeons and antibiotics, it would take weeks to reach that level of health, complete with some physical therapy to get the muscles reconditioned again. So, not 4 stars.
But I did enjoy it and I was entertained.
October 3, 2020
Sweet Highland romancel
This is the first time I have read anything by Aileen Adams but I doubt it will be the last! This sweet romance takes place in the Highlands of Scotland, somewhere I have always wanted to visit. Through Ms Adams wordcraft I was transported to the Highlands. While her heroine Sarah was definitely strong enough to stand up for herself and intelligent enough to be a skillful healer, she made decisions such was running away when she had no idea where to run to, that drove me crazy! However, Sarah was a very well defined character, a women ahead of her time. The romance was sweet and clean. I would have preferred more romance, and a little less thinking about love and itimacy. The characters come to realize they care for each other on their own but never share their true feelings until the end of the story. Just another thing that had me yelling at them like they were real people! Of course, if a writer has you so involved in a story, you treat the characters as real, you have to admit the author did an excellent job developing her characters. Other reviewers have noted grammatical and proofreading errors which I myself did not notice. I have one of those brains though that skips over typos and fills in the words , so I am never going to make a great editor. I found the story to be delightful and an easy read that had me staying up to the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Overall, I would recommend this novel to my fellow historical romance fans. I look forward to reading more of the series.
This is the first time I have read anything by Aileen Adams but I doubt it will be the last! This sweet romance takes place in the Highlands of Scotland, somewhere I have always wanted to visit. Through Ms Adams wordcraft I was transported to the Highlands. While her heroine Sarah was definitely strong enough to stand up for herself and intelligent enough to be a skillful healer, she made decisions such was running away when she had no idea where to run to, that drove me crazy! However, Sarah was a very well defined character, a women ahead of her time. The romance was sweet and clean. I would have preferred more romance, and a little less thinking about love and itimacy. The characters come to realize they care for each other on their own but never share their true feelings until the end of the story. Just another thing that had me yelling at them like they were real people! Of course, if a writer has you so involved in a story, you treat the characters as real, you have to admit the author did an excellent job developing her characters. Other reviewers have noted grammatical and proofreading errors which I myself did not notice. I have one of those brains though that skips over typos and fills in the words , so I am never going to make a great editor. I found the story to be delightful and an easy read that had me staying up to the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Overall, I would recommend this novel to my fellow historical romance fans. I look forward to reading more of the series.
April 15, 2022
When I first saw this book on Amazon for a low price I was excited. Having read books by Aileen before I knew I enjoyed her writing so I grabbed my copy.
This book for me did not disappoint. It was a fast read for me as I enjoyed it very much.
First, let me say as for a romance novel this one was a sweet one. There wasn't any hot sex or over-detailed descriptions. It was like watching a PG movie. I am okay with that.
As for our heroine, I liked that she was gifted in healing, was fiercely protective of her little sister, and had enough sense to assess a situation and make a decision. That said she did fall for the jealous hot girl or another healer.
As for our hero, I liked that he knew right from wrong, was protective of his family, and treated the heroine with due respect.
As for the chemistry between them, it was a little quick but believable for me. i enjoyed watching our heroine Sarah not give up and tried many times to escape our hero. She was a feisty one.
Overall this story was a quick read and the characters came together quickly. I liked that our author didn't wrap the entire story up in a neat package as it gives me more reasons to enjoy the next book to see where everyone goes.
I would definitely read this one again.
This book for me did not disappoint. It was a fast read for me as I enjoyed it very much.
First, let me say as for a romance novel this one was a sweet one. There wasn't any hot sex or over-detailed descriptions. It was like watching a PG movie. I am okay with that.
As for our heroine, I liked that she was gifted in healing, was fiercely protective of her little sister, and had enough sense to assess a situation and make a decision. That said she did fall for the jealous hot girl or another healer.
As for our hero, I liked that he knew right from wrong, was protective of his family, and treated the heroine with due respect.
As for the chemistry between them, it was a little quick but believable for me. i enjoyed watching our heroine Sarah not give up and tried many times to escape our hero. She was a feisty one.
Overall this story was a quick read and the characters came together quickly. I liked that our author didn't wrap the entire story up in a neat package as it gives me more reasons to enjoy the next book to see where everyone goes.
I would definitely read this one again.
October 1, 2020
This book was a joy to read - great characters, a strong "damsel in distress", likeable protagonists, witty dialogues, and written with a lot of humour.
Philipp, Laird of a Highland Clan, kidnaps Sarah, a healer from the Lowlands, to try and save his brother. He does promise to bring her back, but can she trust a barbarian from the Highlands? And she has to go back home to protect her younger sister from the abuse of their stepfather. But who can she believe among these strange people? And there is no way she can be attracted to her kidnapper, is there?
For Philipp, the important thing is to try and save his brother who was wounded in battle. Yes, kidnapping is a beastly thing to do, but what else could he do? And no, of course he is not attracted to Sarah, she's just here to save his brother.
Predictable? A well known plot used numerous times before? Yes, all of that, but as I have said before, written so well that I found it hard to put the book down for stuff like going to bed at a sensible time, or stopping reading during my lunch break to get back to work.
More please!
Philipp, Laird of a Highland Clan, kidnaps Sarah, a healer from the Lowlands, to try and save his brother. He does promise to bring her back, but can she trust a barbarian from the Highlands? And she has to go back home to protect her younger sister from the abuse of their stepfather. But who can she believe among these strange people? And there is no way she can be attracted to her kidnapper, is there?
For Philipp, the important thing is to try and save his brother who was wounded in battle. Yes, kidnapping is a beastly thing to do, but what else could he do? And no, of course he is not attracted to Sarah, she's just here to save his brother.
Predictable? A well known plot used numerous times before? Yes, all of that, but as I have said before, written so well that I found it hard to put the book down for stuff like going to bed at a sensible time, or stopping reading during my lunch break to get back to work.
More please!
June 2, 2022
Plot has two strong characters, with a "damsel in distress", likeable protagonists, witty dialogues, and even a sense of humor.
Laird Phillip Duncan of the Highland Duncan Clan in the Grampian Mountains- is desperate to have his younger brother Jake Duncan saved from his life-threatening injuries from battle. It has been over a month & has shown no signs of getting better. Instead, he is worse & could probably die if he cannot get the Healer from the Lowlands, that is known in many parts of the Highlands. Sarah MacDonald.
Sarah MacDonald lives a difficult life since her mother died. Her Stepfather always has blamed Sarah for her death even though it was an accident. For the last decade the brut has been bitter, bully & has abused both Sarah & her younger sister Heather. Being the older sister, she took the brunt of the beating to protect her sister, Thru the years Sarah's only escape from her stepfather abuse was being with the local healer & learning the skills to be a healer herself. Once the elderly woman died; Sarah ended up taking over her responsibilities. Unbeknown to Sarah her skills of healing have spread thru to the mountains of the Highlands.
Which is where Sarah's life turns dramatic when she is kidnapped by a Highlander.
Phillip doesn't believe in kidnapping but since he knows that people don't like macho mountain men. He didn't think he could go up to the cottage & ask for the healer to come with her. But Phillip; feels horrible for harming or threatening a woman. He is not that type of man.
Sarah does everything she can to escape these men. She is not worried for her life but what Heather is going thru. How will she get back to protect her sister?
Phillip informs Sarah that he is taking her to try to save his brother Jake. She doesn't like his tactics of the way he took her. But know Sarah just has to pray that her sister will survive until she gets back as Phillip promises to return her home after she attempts to save jake.
Phillip does promise to take her back home, but she cannot trust a barbarian from the Highlands. And she has to go back home to protect her younger sister from the abuse of their stepfather. But who can she believe among these strange people? And there is no way she can be attracted to her kidnapper, is there?
Once they get to Duncan territories, & to the Manor/Castle. She is immediately taken to Jake where Sarah is shocked by his health & injuries. When she finds out that a so-called Healer has demands no one touch the patient, leave them in the dark
Sarah is shocked that Phillip hasn't harmed or kept her bound after taking the 1st steps to try to help Jake. Instead, Phillip tells his staff, housekeeper that whatever Sarah wants or needs to take care of Jake goes. Then he puts her in a bedchamber, where she will get to take a bath & have clean clothes. Maybe highlanders, are not vicious, abusive men like she has heard.
When Phillip accidently goes into Sarah's room to to make sure she taken care of herself. He witnesses her getting out of the tub & he is shocked what he sees. Her back marked with scars. The Laird is furious, he knows what he did was wrong by kidnaping the redheaded, spunky beauty. But what man has done this to her. he knows it's years with of abuse. Now he doesn't know if he wants to keep his promise on taking her home. At least not until he knows who has done this to her.
Find out what happens to Jake, after he has surgery. Does Sarah & Phillip admit to their feelings? Can Sarah escape after healing Jake & get back to her sister in time? What about the person who attempted to kill Jake? Will Cenea be found & punished for attempting to kill Jake?
Will Sarah survive the abuse & kidnap from Cenea? Will Phillip & his soldiers find Sarah in time?
Can Phillip keep his promise to take Sarah home if she admits to the truth to who is abusing her? Can he save Heather & they can all go back & live with Phillip & Jake?
Read the story to find out.
I agree with many of the sentiments from other reviews. This is a sweet predictable story. Which involves misunderstandings. lies, revenge. Along w/ a slow burning romance. Starts out with captive & kidnaper. To respect, loyality caring & protectiveness to each other & their siblings. The romance is quite clean, there were a couple of sensual moments, but we needed one steamy scene where the sparks Ingnite between the couple.
Sarah MacDonald is stubborn, strong, kind & a natural a natural born healer & beauty. She cares about taken care of people. Most importantly she cares that she is always at home to protect her younger sister Heather from their stepfather's drunken abuse.
Phillip finds Sarah a strong, independent woman with secrets that he wants to uncover. He knows she fears someone & wants to know who to protect her. Then find a way to convince her to stay with his clan. He knows there is attraction between the two of them.
Neither character will admit to the other that they care for each other. Those emotions never come out until after Sarah is taken by the Oakley clan as bait to get Phillip to come rescue her for them to kill him. But Phillip is smarter even though Cenea gets away but both Oakley & Duncan clan go head-to-head until they realize that Cenea has played both of them for her own revenge.
After a brutal attack from Cenea, Phillips' right-hand men find Sarah barely alive.
Enjoyed the simple plot, & suspense of what would happen to the villain. I'm assuming will be related to the next chapter in this series. Where will Heather & Jake have to fight for their lives with Cenea? Though the story was long before it got to the nitty gritty, but it had me wanting to finishing reading it in two days. I'm not sure about the aspects of the historical authenticity. But I'm into the romance I would have like one hot love scene. Like after their wedding. But I do look forward to reading Jake Duncan story next.
Laird Phillip Duncan of the Highland Duncan Clan in the Grampian Mountains- is desperate to have his younger brother Jake Duncan saved from his life-threatening injuries from battle. It has been over a month & has shown no signs of getting better. Instead, he is worse & could probably die if he cannot get the Healer from the Lowlands, that is known in many parts of the Highlands. Sarah MacDonald.
Sarah MacDonald lives a difficult life since her mother died. Her Stepfather always has blamed Sarah for her death even though it was an accident. For the last decade the brut has been bitter, bully & has abused both Sarah & her younger sister Heather. Being the older sister, she took the brunt of the beating to protect her sister, Thru the years Sarah's only escape from her stepfather abuse was being with the local healer & learning the skills to be a healer herself. Once the elderly woman died; Sarah ended up taking over her responsibilities. Unbeknown to Sarah her skills of healing have spread thru to the mountains of the Highlands.
Which is where Sarah's life turns dramatic when she is kidnapped by a Highlander.
Phillip doesn't believe in kidnapping but since he knows that people don't like macho mountain men. He didn't think he could go up to the cottage & ask for the healer to come with her. But Phillip; feels horrible for harming or threatening a woman. He is not that type of man.
Sarah does everything she can to escape these men. She is not worried for her life but what Heather is going thru. How will she get back to protect her sister?
Phillip informs Sarah that he is taking her to try to save his brother Jake. She doesn't like his tactics of the way he took her. But know Sarah just has to pray that her sister will survive until she gets back as Phillip promises to return her home after she attempts to save jake.
Phillip does promise to take her back home, but she cannot trust a barbarian from the Highlands. And she has to go back home to protect her younger sister from the abuse of their stepfather. But who can she believe among these strange people? And there is no way she can be attracted to her kidnapper, is there?
Once they get to Duncan territories, & to the Manor/Castle. She is immediately taken to Jake where Sarah is shocked by his health & injuries. When she finds out that a so-called Healer has demands no one touch the patient, leave them in the dark
Sarah is shocked that Phillip hasn't harmed or kept her bound after taking the 1st steps to try to help Jake. Instead, Phillip tells his staff, housekeeper that whatever Sarah wants or needs to take care of Jake goes. Then he puts her in a bedchamber, where she will get to take a bath & have clean clothes. Maybe highlanders, are not vicious, abusive men like she has heard.
When Phillip accidently goes into Sarah's room to to make sure she taken care of herself. He witnesses her getting out of the tub & he is shocked what he sees. Her back marked with scars. The Laird is furious, he knows what he did was wrong by kidnaping the redheaded, spunky beauty. But what man has done this to her. he knows it's years with of abuse. Now he doesn't know if he wants to keep his promise on taking her home. At least not until he knows who has done this to her.
Find out what happens to Jake, after he has surgery. Does Sarah & Phillip admit to their feelings? Can Sarah escape after healing Jake & get back to her sister in time? What about the person who attempted to kill Jake? Will Cenea be found & punished for attempting to kill Jake?
Will Sarah survive the abuse & kidnap from Cenea? Will Phillip & his soldiers find Sarah in time?
Can Phillip keep his promise to take Sarah home if she admits to the truth to who is abusing her? Can he save Heather & they can all go back & live with Phillip & Jake?
Read the story to find out.
I agree with many of the sentiments from other reviews. This is a sweet predictable story. Which involves misunderstandings. lies, revenge. Along w/ a slow burning romance. Starts out with captive & kidnaper. To respect, loyality caring & protectiveness to each other & their siblings. The romance is quite clean, there were a couple of sensual moments, but we needed one steamy scene where the sparks Ingnite between the couple.
Sarah MacDonald is stubborn, strong, kind & a natural a natural born healer & beauty. She cares about taken care of people. Most importantly she cares that she is always at home to protect her younger sister Heather from their stepfather's drunken abuse.
Phillip finds Sarah a strong, independent woman with secrets that he wants to uncover. He knows she fears someone & wants to know who to protect her. Then find a way to convince her to stay with his clan. He knows there is attraction between the two of them.
Neither character will admit to the other that they care for each other. Those emotions never come out until after Sarah is taken by the Oakley clan as bait to get Phillip to come rescue her for them to kill him. But Phillip is smarter even though Cenea gets away but both Oakley & Duncan clan go head-to-head until they realize that Cenea has played both of them for her own revenge.
After a brutal attack from Cenea, Phillips' right-hand men find Sarah barely alive.
Enjoyed the simple plot, & suspense of what would happen to the villain. I'm assuming will be related to the next chapter in this series. Where will Heather & Jake have to fight for their lives with Cenea? Though the story was long before it got to the nitty gritty, but it had me wanting to finishing reading it in two days. I'm not sure about the aspects of the historical authenticity. But I'm into the romance I would have like one hot love scene. Like after their wedding. But I do look forward to reading Jake Duncan story next.
September 10, 2023
Phillip from the Highlands was desperate to save his brother who was injured in battle. He was so desperate that he resorted to kidnapping Sarah the healer. Sarah was the only person who stood between her younger sister and a beating, so when she was taken her sister no longer had protection. Sarah was consumed with thoughts of getting home to her sister, while Phillip's only thought was of his own family. Despite it all, these two people come to realize the good in each other and their instant attraction grows into something more.
I like the premise of the storyline and the personality of the characters. After a while though, Sarah's inner monologue of worry became repetitive and a bit frustrating. I also did not understand why she kept her family a secret for so long. The argument of "why" and "it's none of your business" went on too long in my opinion. Overall, this was a clean light romantic read and it was not bad.
I like the premise of the storyline and the personality of the characters. After a while though, Sarah's inner monologue of worry became repetitive and a bit frustrating. I also did not understand why she kept her family a secret for so long. The argument of "why" and "it's none of your business" went on too long in my opinion. Overall, this was a clean light romantic read and it was not bad.
June 16, 2021
It was my first book by that author and I did enjoy it very much. I would say 4.3 stars. The only thing I did not like writing-wise was repetitions. Some of the paragraphs were similar to the others few pages before, but it wasn’t too bad.
I enjoyed the story and writing likewise. I did not find it predictable at all which was very nice. A lot of romance authors don’t really bother to device a story and just creating book-lasting misunderstanding between the couple.
Another thing I truly liked about this book was reality! It was my FIRST (romance) novel when people stopped to “relieve themselves” or “deal with nature”. In other books, people are traveling for days without stopping. I like to read a book where people seem to be relatable and real.
All and all I enjoyed it and I recommend it.
I enjoyed the story and writing likewise. I did not find it predictable at all which was very nice. A lot of romance authors don’t really bother to device a story and just creating book-lasting misunderstanding between the couple.
Another thing I truly liked about this book was reality! It was my FIRST (romance) novel when people stopped to “relieve themselves” or “deal with nature”. In other books, people are traveling for days without stopping. I like to read a book where people seem to be relatable and real.
All and all I enjoyed it and I recommend it.
May 19, 2024
Great characters, a strong "damsel in distress," likable protagonists, witty dialogues, and written with a lot of humor. Philipp, Laird of a Highland Clan, kidnaps Sarah, a healer from the Lowlands, to try and save his brother. He does promise to bring her back, but can she trust a barbarian from the Highlands? And she has to go back home to protect her younger sister from the abuse of their stepfather. But who can she believe among these strange people? And there is no way she can be attracted to her kidnapper. Is there? For Philipp, the important thing is to try and save his brother, who was wounded in battle. Yes, kidnapping is a beastly thing to do, but what else could he do? And no, of course, he is not attracted to Sarah. She's just here to save his brother. Predictable? A well-known plot used numerous times before?
October 22, 2018
Good use of tried and true formula
Pretty much enjoyed the shaky premise ( even the fact that an on-the-edge of death warrior was able to ride horseback only a few days after being terribly wounded and knocking at death's door). Characters were not clearly drawn, holding too much back in support of a hazy storyline. However, despite all this, I found myself drawn into the story and even routing for a happy outcome, the sole reason for 4 instead of 3 stars. The taste provided of the sequel was mostly a rehash of book 1 and too highly priced to rate serious consideration. I will not be continuing this journey.
Pretty much enjoyed the shaky premise ( even the fact that an on-the-edge of death warrior was able to ride horseback only a few days after being terribly wounded and knocking at death's door). Characters were not clearly drawn, holding too much back in support of a hazy storyline. However, despite all this, I found myself drawn into the story and even routing for a happy outcome, the sole reason for 4 instead of 3 stars. The taste provided of the sequel was mostly a rehash of book 1 and too highly priced to rate serious consideration. I will not be continuing this journey.
June 24, 2020
Better than Jake and Heather's story
I read the second book first. I wasn't that impressed with it. Sarah and Phillip are just better characters. Sarah did turn into a bit of a dithering wimp. But hey if you can't think of a cool and clever way to make your heroine be her own hero then turn her into a helpless victim. It's not like you said she was strong or had her learn to take a beating--oh wait. The threads were pretty thin in a lot of parts, the threats and PTSD symptoms being told rather than shown. But I really like Phillip. He was big and loud but Sarah was never scared of him.
I read the second book first. I wasn't that impressed with it. Sarah and Phillip are just better characters. Sarah did turn into a bit of a dithering wimp. But hey if you can't think of a cool and clever way to make your heroine be her own hero then turn her into a helpless victim. It's not like you said she was strong or had her learn to take a beating--oh wait. The threads were pretty thin in a lot of parts, the threats and PTSD symptoms being told rather than shown. But I really like Phillip. He was big and loud but Sarah was never scared of him.
June 15, 2021
I swear this entire story had some kind of personality disorder. And there was an entire character introduced and then dropped completely after a couple lines of dialogue. (Aka. The pregnant Friend, the one she was supposed to help give brith in a couple of months)
Also Sara was portrayed as this strong person who’s surviving abuse but then breaks down at a first sight of shit hitting the fan... it took a 360 turn that disappointed to the extreme.
In fact this whole book was just disappointing.
Also Sara was portrayed as this strong person who’s surviving abuse but then breaks down at a first sight of shit hitting the fan... it took a 360 turn that disappointed to the extreme.
In fact this whole book was just disappointing.
March 28, 2025
Enjoyable, effective world-building, nuanced characters, satisfying end
Sarah and Phillip meet in an unusual way, but they continuously discover unexpected traits in each other with growing appreciation, respect, and to their consternation, attraction. Sarah's desperation to return home and her refusal to explain why are a frustrating roadblock for Phillip. His habit of demanding obedience angers Sarah, as does his withholding information often.
This enjoyable tale is both realistic and sweet.
Sarah and Phillip meet in an unusual way, but they continuously discover unexpected traits in each other with growing appreciation, respect, and to their consternation, attraction. Sarah's desperation to return home and her refusal to explain why are a frustrating roadblock for Phillip. His habit of demanding obedience angers Sarah, as does his withholding information often.
This enjoyable tale is both realistic and sweet.
January 4, 2018
This was perhaps the typical highlander Laird type tale, with a good backstory as well a romantic undertone that kept things interesting.
The inaction between Phillip and Sarah, along with the rest of the clan to the Laird was what really ensured the dynamics work effectively for the reader.
What was a major drawback wss the number of errors that had been missed by the proofreaders.
Nevertheless, a dramatic portrayal of a a good story.
The inaction between Phillip and Sarah, along with the rest of the clan to the Laird was what really ensured the dynamics work effectively for the reader.
What was a major drawback wss the number of errors that had been missed by the proofreaders.
Nevertheless, a dramatic portrayal of a a good story.
September 29, 2020
Truly enjoyed this entertaining, historical Scottish (clean) romance from beginning to end. Descriptive of the geography and time era, although not much of a Scottish dialogue. (A bit is preferable, however, too much is difficult to comprehend at times). Found the story to be more realistic than fanciful which is my personal preference and always enjoy learning about the apothecary of the times. Unique plot which maintained my attention throughout.
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February 27, 2021I read this as part of an ebook box set. The first story is that of Sarah, a healer kidnapped from her village where she lives with her younger sister and abusive stepfather. Although it‘s to her great advantage to be taken from her stepfather, even if her fate with her captor is unclear, she fears for her younger sister, left without her protection. Her captor wants her to heal his brother, severely injured, and it transpires that he does need outside help. A fun adventure.
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