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His Highland Heart #0.5
His Highland Rose
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01MXJX41K
His Highland Heart Series Prequel
Iain Brodie is a fierce warrior and passionate lover, but to prove he's responsible enough to follow his ailing father as the clan's chief, he must give up the lasses and find a bride--quickly. He doesn't expect to fall for any of the Rose chief's three daughters, but he can't get one out of his mind--or heart--even when he discovers she is not who she claims to be.
Skilled rider and archer Annie Rose values her freedom. She doesn't want to be anyone's bride, not even deliciously and annoyingly sexy Iain Brodie's. But her father wants an alliance with Iain's clan and he's chosen her to forge it. Unaware she could be sealing the fate she desperately wants to avoid, Annie falls under Iain's seductive spell at the spring known in old tales as the fairy pool.
But when her father suddenly decides against their match, Annie discovers the love she never expected to find--with Iain. To win her, Iain must risk losing everything he values--the clan he was born to lead and even Annie, the woman he sees for who she truly is--his only love.
His Highland Heart Series Prequel
Iain Brodie is a fierce warrior and passionate lover, but to prove he's responsible enough to follow his ailing father as the clan's chief, he must give up the lasses and find a bride--quickly. He doesn't expect to fall for any of the Rose chief's three daughters, but he can't get one out of his mind--or heart--even when he discovers she is not who she claims to be.
Skilled rider and archer Annie Rose values her freedom. She doesn't want to be anyone's bride, not even deliciously and annoyingly sexy Iain Brodie's. But her father wants an alliance with Iain's clan and he's chosen her to forge it. Unaware she could be sealing the fate she desperately wants to avoid, Annie falls under Iain's seductive spell at the spring known in old tales as the fairy pool.
But when her father suddenly decides against their match, Annie discovers the love she never expected to find--with Iain. To win her, Iain must risk losing everything he values--the clan he was born to lead and even Annie, the woman he sees for who she truly is--his only love.
204 pages, ebook
First published November 23, 2016
791 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Willa Blair
35 books238 followersWilla Blair is an Award-winning Amazon and Barnes & Noble #1 Bestselling author of Scottish Historical, light Paranormal, and Contemporary romance. She has been featured on and contributes to USAToday’s Happy Ever After romance blog, Savvy Authors, Romance University, and more.
Her books have won numerous honors, including the Marlene, the Merritt, National Readers’ Choice Award Finalist, The Reader’s Crown finalist, Historical Romance finalist and Honorable Mention in InD’Tale Magazine’s prestigious RONE Award, NightOwl Reviews Top Pick, and InD’tale Review’s Crowned Heart.
A life-long student and reader, she has been a stained glass artist and instructor, a foreign language teacher, a computer scientist, an analyst, a manager and an executive. She has visited six continents and can get by in several languages. She loves scouting new settings for books, and thinks being an author is the best job she’s ever had.
Her books have won numerous honors, including the Marlene, the Merritt, National Readers’ Choice Award Finalist, The Reader’s Crown finalist, Historical Romance finalist and Honorable Mention in InD’Tale Magazine’s prestigious RONE Award, NightOwl Reviews Top Pick, and InD’tale Review’s Crowned Heart.
A life-long student and reader, she has been a stained glass artist and instructor, a foreign language teacher, a computer scientist, an analyst, a manager and an executive. She has visited six continents and can get by in several languages. She loves scouting new settings for books, and thinks being an author is the best job she’s ever had.
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July 9, 2023
Novella which took place in Scotland 1410. Had 1 sex scene.
Received 3 stars from me.
Iain, Laird Brodie's warrior heir/ son, knew father had
a short time to live. Iain was directed to make an alliance
w/ Laird Rose by marrying one of his daughters. He visited
Rose. Mary Eliz., the eldest, served as her sire's chatelaine,
Mary Anne "Annie" an animal lover & Mary Catherine, the
youngest who tested her flirty skills. One daughter told
a fib. Would Iain return home empty-handed?
This was OK, had too much of a formula (1 dtr. had a lame
excuse to avoid marriage.) Sorry, I call them as I see them.
Received 3 stars from me.
Iain, Laird Brodie's warrior heir/ son, knew father had
a short time to live. Iain was directed to make an alliance
w/ Laird Rose by marrying one of his daughters. He visited
Rose. Mary Eliz., the eldest, served as her sire's chatelaine,
Mary Anne "Annie" an animal lover & Mary Catherine, the
youngest who tested her flirty skills. One daughter told
a fib. Would Iain return home empty-handed?
This was OK, had too much of a formula (1 dtr. had a lame
excuse to avoid marriage.) Sorry, I call them as I see them.
April 13, 2021
I thought this was a great little novella and I thoroughly enjoyed Iain and Annie's story. Not only are the characters wonderful, the story itself was interesting and I loved that the author included a horse ride to the fairy pools which have always fascinated me.
Iain is set to choose his new bride, one of the Rose chief's 3 daughters, and makes up his mind pretty quickly when he sees Annie, the middle daughter. Problem is, she doesn't want to get married! I enjoyed the spirited moments between them and it was also fun to see the three sisters manipulate their father to see things their way:)
A quick read, well written and makes me look forward to reading Willa Blair's other books!!
Iain is set to choose his new bride, one of the Rose chief's 3 daughters, and makes up his mind pretty quickly when he sees Annie, the middle daughter. Problem is, she doesn't want to get married! I enjoyed the spirited moments between them and it was also fun to see the three sisters manipulate their father to see things their way:)
A quick read, well written and makes me look forward to reading Willa Blair's other books!!
December 8, 2016
I Received this story from the Author for an Honest Review!!
I am sorry to say this story seemed to be written on a very elementary level. I guess too make it sound like a Scottish Highland story all you have to do is say Ye, Ye Ken, or lass. The story had no real substance.
Iain Brodie heir to his father Thomas Brodie, clan chief who is dying has been sent to the Rose Clan to pick a bride from the clan chief Jame's Rose's 3 daughters. Whose names all begin with Mary!! Iain settles on the middle daughter Mary Annie Rose AKA Annie.
Annie feels a little bit unworthy to marry Iain because he is an artist and she has been scarred on her leg after a horse accident.
There is little to no romance. One very generic sex scene after the wedding. There just was nothing that made me feel like I was in the Scottish Highlands and I don't even know what year it was!!
I Can't Recommend His Highland Rose!! It needs a lot of thought and more details and character development!!
I am sorry to say this story seemed to be written on a very elementary level. I guess too make it sound like a Scottish Highland story all you have to do is say Ye, Ye Ken, or lass. The story had no real substance.
Iain Brodie heir to his father Thomas Brodie, clan chief who is dying has been sent to the Rose Clan to pick a bride from the clan chief Jame's Rose's 3 daughters. Whose names all begin with Mary!! Iain settles on the middle daughter Mary Annie Rose AKA Annie.
Annie feels a little bit unworthy to marry Iain because he is an artist and she has been scarred on her leg after a horse accident.
There is little to no romance. One very generic sex scene after the wedding. There just was nothing that made me feel like I was in the Scottish Highlands and I don't even know what year it was!!
I Can't Recommend His Highland Rose!! It needs a lot of thought and more details and character development!!
January 21, 2018
His Highland Rose
This is the prequel to Highland Heart Series by Willa Blair. The introduction of the Rose Sisters and Iain and Kenneth Brodie. Of novellet length can be read in about an hour or so. Iain is searching for a bride and he and his cousin, Kenneth, travel to Rose clan because he has 3 daughters. Immediately he sees Anne in the bailey where she is saving a puppy from an abusive boy. He has truly fallen in love with her upon seeing her. The Adventure Is mostly just trying To convince her father that it is only Anne that he wants and that they truly love only each other.
This is the prequel to Highland Heart Series by Willa Blair. The introduction of the Rose Sisters and Iain and Kenneth Brodie. Of novellet length can be read in about an hour or so. Iain is searching for a bride and he and his cousin, Kenneth, travel to Rose clan because he has 3 daughters. Immediately he sees Anne in the bailey where she is saving a puppy from an abusive boy. He has truly fallen in love with her upon seeing her. The Adventure Is mostly just trying To convince her father that it is only Anne that he wants and that they truly love only each other.
April 3, 2018
This should be labeled YA.
It would have saved me some time by not having chosen to read it since I'm not interested in that sub-genre.
The horses involved received more love than the two leads had for one another, which is a let-down for someone older who is reading for the ROMANCE aspect it is listed under yet didn't quite deliver on.
Not much mention of the time period, the Highland way of life, or any build-up to an actual romance for me to get into and enjoy this story.
However, while written juvenile style, it wasn't littered with a lot of GPS issues, so there is that.
It would have saved me some time by not having chosen to read it since I'm not interested in that sub-genre.
The horses involved received more love than the two leads had for one another, which is a let-down for someone older who is reading for the ROMANCE aspect it is listed under yet didn't quite deliver on.
Not much mention of the time period, the Highland way of life, or any build-up to an actual romance for me to get into and enjoy this story.
However, while written juvenile style, it wasn't littered with a lot of GPS issues, so there is that.
July 19, 2017
It was a cute read. It isn't your typical "he-man" highlander book but more about the hero going and staying at another keep while he chooses, then tries to win over, a bride. It doesn't go into detail about fights or swoon worthy stuff....it's a romance, but a cute one if you like insta-love. I liked it, I didn't love it. When I read about highlanders, I want to read about the battle hardened laird who falls for his petite, yet feisty, wife kind of stuff.
February 10, 2017
I can't wait to read this one. Promises to he another outstanding Scottish Romance.
July 12, 2017
This was a fairly quick read for me. It wasn't particularly great. It was more or less just OK for me. A little cheesy and pretty much insta-love.
November 13, 2018
What a delightful Highland romance!
Iain Brodie has to find a bride, and the three daughters of the neighboring Rose clan are his best bet for finding a suitable match. He hasn't seen the lasses since they all were children, so he's looking forward to discovering how they've grown up.
Annie may be the laird's daughter, but she has no interest in the accepted practice of bartering daughters to make advantageous alliances with the other clans. She's determined to refuse Iain and convince her father not to force her into marriage, but her resolve starts to melt away as she gets to know Iain during his visit.
This story was instantly captivating and was a non-stop read for me. The characters burst to life and the setting realistically transports the reader back in time to the early 1400s Scotland. There's a wonderful supporting cast of characters, plenty of heat and chemistry between the main characters, all wrapped with faithful adherence to the customs and societal expectations of the time. I loved all of these characters, and laughed and cheered with them as they worked through the personal conflicts and political implications on their way to a very sweet and satisfying HEA.
Iain Brodie has to find a bride, and the three daughters of the neighboring Rose clan are his best bet for finding a suitable match. He hasn't seen the lasses since they all were children, so he's looking forward to discovering how they've grown up.
Annie may be the laird's daughter, but she has no interest in the accepted practice of bartering daughters to make advantageous alliances with the other clans. She's determined to refuse Iain and convince her father not to force her into marriage, but her resolve starts to melt away as she gets to know Iain during his visit.
This story was instantly captivating and was a non-stop read for me. The characters burst to life and the setting realistically transports the reader back in time to the early 1400s Scotland. There's a wonderful supporting cast of characters, plenty of heat and chemistry between the main characters, all wrapped with faithful adherence to the customs and societal expectations of the time. I loved all of these characters, and laughed and cheered with them as they worked through the personal conflicts and political implications on their way to a very sweet and satisfying HEA.
June 12, 2019
I received this as an Advanced Reading Copy.
I found it very sweet. It was rather straight forward. Since I watch far to many true crime shows, I wasn't sure if Lord Rose was having strokes or being poisoned. I won't say which it turned out to be. You have to read it for yourself.
This book starts with our hero recovering from an injury received in another book. I didn't read that book. There is enough information to figure out what happened in the past that you can easily read this as a stand alone but I'm sure it works even better if you have read the previous books.
While a good story, it seemed a little basic. While very pleasant, something seemed missing but I couldn't place what was needed. In the end, that is why I gave it a four. All the characters were well drawn but they just seemed a tiny bit on the flat side. Except the new Lady Rose's lover. He seemed a bit more real and yet he was just a side character who didn't have much of a function in the story. I'm not even sure that Grant Guard even had a name. I can't remember one being mentioned. On the other hand, the plot line was a good one. Even if it was too direct.
I found it very sweet. It was rather straight forward. Since I watch far to many true crime shows, I wasn't sure if Lord Rose was having strokes or being poisoned. I won't say which it turned out to be. You have to read it for yourself.
This book starts with our hero recovering from an injury received in another book. I didn't read that book. There is enough information to figure out what happened in the past that you can easily read this as a stand alone but I'm sure it works even better if you have read the previous books.
While a good story, it seemed a little basic. While very pleasant, something seemed missing but I couldn't place what was needed. In the end, that is why I gave it a four. All the characters were well drawn but they just seemed a tiny bit on the flat side. Except the new Lady Rose's lover. He seemed a bit more real and yet he was just a side character who didn't have much of a function in the story. I'm not even sure that Grant Guard even had a name. I can't remember one being mentioned. On the other hand, the plot line was a good one. Even if it was too direct.
November 12, 2018
I enjoyed reading this short story of Insta-dislike and Insta-love. It is about the meeting, avoidance and difficult courtship between Iain and Annie. This is a sweet highland story. Iain must marry in order to gain favor with clan Brodie. His father is the chief and is dying. As he is the heir, he must follow his father's edict. He travels to the Rose clan and with their chief's blessing, Iain is to get acquainted with his two daughters. Iain had seen Annie prior to meeting the chief and found her to be extremely handsome and he was drawn to her. He did not know she was one of the chief's daughters. Annie never wanted to marry. She felt she would never marry and tried to discourage Iain at every turn. But he was determined to change her mind. Iain is an honorable man and would never marry her without her consent. But when her older sister, Mary, returns from a visit away, Annie starts to understand that her feelings for Iain are deeper than she thought. This is a delightful read and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series "His Highland Heart".
August 14, 2023
short and sweet... favourite scene is them riding and visiting the pool (did not care for the kissing)
not sure of the reasoning behind naming not one, not two but three kids as Mary and having a double barrel Mary Elizabeth, Mary Anne and Mary Catherine... other than to add a element of drama of oh no the male lead might not end up with the girl he wants which was stupid to begin with (and also male lead giving her credit for saying her name was Mary to sus him out is not that great)
wish Anne's reasoning for not wanting to be married was either left out entirely or expanded on earlier. Nor had her mind changed so quickly
bit of insta love but that is to be expected as he was on a schedule which was get hitched before dad kicks the bucket
sex scene after the wedding at the end and that's it
not sure of the reasoning behind naming not one, not two but three kids as Mary and having a double barrel Mary Elizabeth, Mary Anne and Mary Catherine... other than to add a element of drama of oh no the male lead might not end up with the girl he wants which was stupid to begin with (and also male lead giving her credit for saying her name was Mary to sus him out is not that great)
wish Anne's reasoning for not wanting to be married was either left out entirely or expanded on earlier. Nor had her mind changed so quickly
bit of insta love but that is to be expected as he was on a schedule which was get hitched before dad kicks the bucket
sex scene after the wedding at the end and that's it
July 28, 2017
My first book by you but not my last. Beautiful
You have been given a blessing to be able to write and capture your readers heart. A true highlander romance but different from the many and many I mean that I have read. Just simply romantic, with a happy ending to touch the hearts of many who have and will read the story. You make one realize that it's not always about war and blood during theses times, but for some clans things were simpler for a Lord and the lady he claims. I wish you continue success and I look forward to seeing what other goodies you have in your library. DH from New York City P.s. A MUST READ
You have been given a blessing to be able to write and capture your readers heart. A true highlander romance but different from the many and many I mean that I have read. Just simply romantic, with a happy ending to touch the hearts of many who have and will read the story. You make one realize that it's not always about war and blood during theses times, but for some clans things were simpler for a Lord and the lady he claims. I wish you continue success and I look forward to seeing what other goodies you have in your library. DH from New York City P.s. A MUST READ
December 21, 2017
This was the first story I have read by this author and it was a great story. It was short, as expected on a novella, but well written. Occasionally I had trouble following the dialogue with all the "ye's" used, it was difficult to keep of track who was talking to whom but this only happened once or twice. Yes the story was predictable as another reviewer noted (most romance stories are as it's pretty easy to spot who the happy couple will be at the end!), however the journey to the ending was entertaining. I will definitely be reading more books written by Willa Blair, and I look forward to reading a full length novel of hers.
October 20, 2019
Albeit I enjoyed reading this Book, I had a hard time getting through it.
Iain's Character was kind of a wimp. Just because he was a Chief's son & had a muscular body doesn't mean he was portrayed as a Warrior.
In 75% of the Story the Authors writing was lack in the sense that she wrote his name in almost every paragraph when he was referring to himself.
Example:
"Then he’d told Iain he was proud of the way Iain had stood by Annie, refusing to let her face her father’s wrath alone."
"After the scene the sisters so deftly set last evening, Iain knew it was only a formality, but one he must still observe."
Iain's Character was kind of a wimp. Just because he was a Chief's son & had a muscular body doesn't mean he was portrayed as a Warrior.
In 75% of the Story the Authors writing was lack in the sense that she wrote his name in almost every paragraph when he was referring to himself.
Example:
"Then he’d told Iain he was proud of the way Iain had stood by Annie, refusing to let her face her father’s wrath alone."
"After the scene the sisters so deftly set last evening, Iain knew it was only a formality, but one he must still observe."
August 1, 2017
I really liked this book. This is about Iain Brodie is a fierce warrior but also a ladies man. He has to find a wife to prove to his father that he is responsible enough to be clan chief when he is gone. He really doesn't expect to fall for any of the Rose Chief's daughters. He meets up with Mary, and he really falls hard for her but what he doesn't realize is that she is claiming to be her older sister. This keeps me guessing all along when she is going to get caught. The story flows along and wasn't once a part where I had to speed read it to get done with it. Recommend.
May 15, 2019
Chapter 5: I thought James Rose wanted the alliance as much as the Clan Brodie. Then why did he threaten Iain to look an alliance somewhere else if Iain didn't accept Mary as his wife?
Chapter 6: I wanted to give Annie a whack on the head because she didn't have any conviction at all. At first, she didn't want to marry Iain and pushed him away. Then she wanted him all for herself simply because her father tried to toss Mary towards Iain.
Chapter 7: Annie was so insecure that it annoyed me. She was very superficial that she thought Iain won't love her anymore if he saw her scar.
Chapter 6: I wanted to give Annie a whack on the head because she didn't have any conviction at all. At first, she didn't want to marry Iain and pushed him away. Then she wanted him all for herself simply because her father tried to toss Mary towards Iain.
Chapter 7: Annie was so insecure that it annoyed me. She was very superficial that she thought Iain won't love her anymore if he saw her scar.
August 11, 2022
A Fairy Pool, Critters, Romance:
I thoroughly enjoyed both Iain and Anne in this charismatic romance story. The story is the beginning of a new series that has a really good start.
The comedic chatter set the stage of this fun and exciting romance.
The story has many heartfelt moments along with some emotional issues both Iain and Anne both have to overcome before they can find their happy ending. A wonderful beginning of a series that I look forward to reading more about the Rose clan.
Personal Note: I love the horses and other critters.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Iain and Anne in this charismatic romance story. The story is the beginning of a new series that has a really good start.
The comedic chatter set the stage of this fun and exciting romance.
The story has many heartfelt moments along with some emotional issues both Iain and Anne both have to overcome before they can find their happy ending. A wonderful beginning of a series that I look forward to reading more about the Rose clan.
Personal Note: I love the horses and other critters.
February 5, 2021
Plot is rather simplistic in that Brodie must choose a bride among the three Rose sisters, so he will be set to take over as laird after the passing of his father. Much back and forth with a bit of cunning deception, however, it all eventually works out. Well-written portraying society of the time with a lovely cover, but rather simple plot concluding with a steamy scene for those who prefer this genre.
May 11, 2022
Lovely story
Ian needs a wife and the Rose chief has three daughters. An alliance would help both clans, but even when the odds seem in favor humans get in their own way. The daughters and the laird make for a merry chase, but Ian has his eyes on only one sister. Cab he convince them all that this is the right match ?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Willa Blair never disappoints.
Ian needs a wife and the Rose chief has three daughters. An alliance would help both clans, but even when the odds seem in favor humans get in their own way. The daughters and the laird make for a merry chase, but Ian has his eyes on only one sister. Cab he convince them all that this is the right match ?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Willa Blair never disappoints.
July 20, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this o e!
I picked this one up this morning, began reading and put it down only when I had to. Finished it the same evening!
I really liked the story line. The characters were really engaging and easy to like and therefore root for.
Once again Willa Blair did not disappoint!
I picked this one up this morning, began reading and put it down only when I had to. Finished it the same evening!
I really liked the story line. The characters were really engaging and easy to like and therefore root for.
Once again Willa Blair did not disappoint!
November 23, 2018
A Merrry Chase
He had to find a wife, but he was not sure he wanted to settle down. She did not want to marry and leave her home, but her father needed the alliance. The minute Iain saw Annie, he was smitten, but she led him on a merry chase. Then, love traps them both, and it gets complicated when Annie's father changes his mind.
He had to find a wife, but he was not sure he wanted to settle down. She did not want to marry and leave her home, but her father needed the alliance. The minute Iain saw Annie, he was smitten, but she led him on a merry chase. Then, love traps them both, and it gets complicated when Annie's father changes his mind.
August 20, 2020
Good Read
My first Willa Blair book and I am hooked.
The hero is looking for a bride and falls in love at first sight with the heroine. The heroine was hesitant at first to become his bride but eventually develops feelings. A pretty straightforward story with no evil villains lurking about. So it is a light romantic read.
My first Willa Blair book and I am hooked.
The hero is looking for a bride and falls in love at first sight with the heroine. The heroine was hesitant at first to become his bride but eventually develops feelings. A pretty straightforward story with no evil villains lurking about. So it is a light romantic read.
June 28, 2017
Great book
I loved this book. It kept me interested throughout the book. I loved the 3 sisters and both men. I was upset when her father changed his mind about the marriage. This is a must read book.
I loved this book. It kept me interested throughout the book. I loved the 3 sisters and both men. I was upset when her father changed his mind about the marriage. This is a must read book.
July 5, 2017
My first read from this author and I must say that she is one Good storyteller. It takes another rare author to come up with a complete fulfilling novella that does not seem rushed and half~baked. For this reason alone, I gave her 5 stars. Good Job!
July 11, 2017
His Highland Rose
A different Way of
life. The language made it a Little hard to follow. The daughters knew how to work their father to get what they wanted. Interesting characters. Gave it 4 stars
A different Way of
life. The language made it a Little hard to follow. The daughters knew how to work their father to get what they wanted. Interesting characters. Gave it 4 stars
July 11, 2017
It was a pretty decent book. I wish it had been longer and not so predictable. The hero instantly deciding which daughter he wants to marry, as well as the heroine going from not wanting to marry to instantly wanting it was laughable to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2018
Time
Iain is a guy with a chip on his shoulder
Annie is in a doomed situation
When he comes to her home, they both find a way out of their situations, if they are brave enough
Will she stay with her family situation or will she leave it all behind?
Enjoy!
Iain is a guy with a chip on his shoulder
Annie is in a doomed situation
When he comes to her home, they both find a way out of their situations, if they are brave enough
Will she stay with her family situation or will she leave it all behind?
Enjoy!
November 13, 2018
His Highland Rose
Short and sweet, loved the characters and a must read after I read His Highland Heart Book 1 as an ARC and enjoyed it so much. I look forward to the rest of the series. Thanks Willa Blair for creating such likeable characters
Short and sweet, loved the characters and a must read after I read His Highland Heart Book 1 as an ARC and enjoyed it so much. I look forward to the rest of the series. Thanks Willa Blair for creating such likeable characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews