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Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves.

When forced to choose between duty and honor...

Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can't be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help.

This Highland Laird will find a way to have both...

When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what's rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart.

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 3, 2017

623 people are currently reading
1820 people want to read

About the author

Alyson McLayne

10 books314 followers
Alyson McLayne is a mom of twins and an award-winning writer of contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. She’s also a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast of Canada where she worked in film for several years and met her prop master husband.

Alyson has been nominated for several Romance Writers of America contests, including The Golden Heart, The Golden Pen, The Orange Rose, Great Expectations, The Molly’s and The Winter Rose.

Her debut historical romance, Highland Promise, will be published by Sourcebooks in October, 2017. Highland Promise is the first of five books in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. Highland Conquest will come out in February, 2018.

Alyson and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate lab puppy named Jasper.

Please visit her at www.alysonmclayne.com and look her up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne) or Twitter (@AlysonMcLayne). She loves chatting with her fans!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
Profile Image for Emilia Redington.
269 reviews15 followers
August 19, 2021
2.5☆☆☆

The heroine was a little simple minded. Mind you, I think the author wanted her to be the depiction of innocence, but it was a little too much and she ended just being stupid.
But it wasn't so horrible, I could enjoy the story in general. Not everyone is smart, this girl was beautiful and simple, gullible, so I didn't mind the "everyone loved her" part, because everyone can be endearing with such a person.

But it wasn't my favorite trope, the Hero was slightly annoying and just wasn't my cup of tea all in all.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews631 followers
September 17, 2017
Men. In. Kilts. Highland lairds. In. Kilts. Add a feisty, but sometimes, okay often, too impetuous and childlike young damsel in distress, danger, attraction and humorous moments and you have Alyson McLayne’s HIGHLAND PROMISE and a delightful escape into another time and place!

Darach MacKenzie was raised with honor and a sense of duty to his clan. He has also been fooled by love and betrayal. That betrayal has lit the flames for a feud with the Frasers that could very well end in battle, especially since he has just rescued a beautiful young woman from the evil hands of the clan’s laird.

Caitlin has been brutalized by Laird Fraser and his clan, now safely ensconced in the keep of Darach MacKenzie’s castle, she finds his strength and sense of honor irresistible, but her innocence and her personal vow never to bow to a man again could be the undoing of Darach. To watch these two interact is divine comedy and sweet romance, especially when Caitlin proves she is a force to be reckoned with in her own right, always meaning well, but often going beyond what can be tolerated. When things get dicey, if not for Darach, Caitlyn could be her own worst enemy!

I have to hand it to Ms. McLayne for creating such a light-hearted tale of romance that still holds on to the flavor of the Highlands and feudal times! Darach and his brothers are swoon-worthy! With the patience of a saint and the strength of a warrior, I have to say, Darach is the perfect Highland hero. Caitlin is the comedy relief and together, along with a cast of fabulous characters, this is one read I am so glad to have gotten lost in! Nothing is better than a sweet love story and men in kilts!

I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Series: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod - Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 3, 2017)
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Tenley.
387 reviews57 followers
October 4, 2021
Me trying to finish this book:

description

Seriously, this book took me FOREVER to finish. It wasn’t particularly long…. it just wasn’t interesting.

The book started out strong. Hot Highland Laird with a scorned past rescues random beautiful and unconscious heroine from his enemy while creepin’ on his land and then vows to keep her safe at all costs.

description

Spoiler: This book is dry AF.

First off, the heroine, Caitlin, was not my cup of tea. She was described as being naïve and innocent and sweet (aka boring, boring and boring), but I was willing to give Caitlin a chance because early on, she had this whole Snow White vibe going on and I happen to dig that Disney Princess.

description

Like Snow White, Caitlin was one with animals and was friendly and unassuming.

Though, I don’t remember Snow White being so stupid…..

Seriously, Caitlin is STU-PID.

She does and says really dumb things constantly, but because she’s a beautiful fairy princess, everyone gives the dumbass a free pass……

description

Sorry, but I can’t get into airhead characters, so the book's appeal drained quickly for me.

Second off, the story was predictable and kinda boring.

So, 2-ish stars and a personal pat on the back for finishing this book.
Profile Image for Hannah G.
319 reviews18 followers
March 2, 2017
I read this book for free on wattpad. I really liked and enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,705 reviews311 followers
July 5, 2019
Wonderful story. The heroine was so sweet and cute and the hero was dreamy. I loved him. Plus Lachlan his brother was a great character too. They find her tied to a horse and drugged with the laird that is his enemy and they save her and a white stallion that was being abused. The hero swore never to marry but she got I get his skin right away. It made me laugh a couple of times and it was 'verra' entertaining!!! I can't wait to read the rest. New author to me and I am just praying the second book is as good. This shows great promise and she reminded me of Julie Garwood's style and characters. I am so excited.
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,300 reviews34 followers
October 11, 2017
Highland Promise is the first book in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series by Alyson McLayne.

"Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves."

This is Darach's story. He was betrayed in the past by a woman he thought to be in love with, and the betrayal started a feud between his clan and the Frasers. In present day he and his men discover Fraser with a woman they had obviously kidnapped as she was thrown over a horse and tied up. It's no hardship for Darach to rescue the woman, and also take a beautiful white stallion that was with the Frasers. What Darach didn't expect was that when the woman finally gained consciousness she would look into his eyes, and he would be lost in them.

Caitlin MacInnes is that woman. She is naive, she is sweet and loving, and the minute she sees Darach she falls in love. Her lightness of nature is amazing considering what she has had to deal with in her young life. Her parents were killed and she was taken in by her horrible Uncle who treated her badly. He couldn't wait until she was old enough to be sold off to somebody in order to have him off his hands and to fill his coffers at the same time. Laird Fraser is a vile man, he is the one that pays for her (and the stallion). He has every intention to force her to bear him an heir despite the fact that she despises him.

All out war has been on the cards a long time between the two clans and knowing that Fraser would be gathering his forces and returning to Darach's keep to take back what he paid for, Darach and his clan bring forward their plans to fight. It's even more important for him now to rid the country of the Fraser clan because now he has Caitlin to protect.

This book could have been a very deep book with the kidnapping, murders, fighting between clans and the suspense of knowing whether Caitlin can stay with Darach. But it was kept from being too deep from some wonderfully light-hearted moments, including some scenes involving kittens! There were some beautifully emotional scenes, and of course the wonderful passionate moments between Darach and Caitlin. This book really had so much going for it and I was hooked from page one. I loved all the foster brothers and their father, and I am very much looking forward to reading each book in the series as it is released!
Profile Image for Corinne Michaels.
Author 69 books15k followers
December 10, 2019
Gah! I was in need of a Highlander romance and this book was perfect. I loved these "brothers" and I started reading at 7 am and didn't stop until I finished. What I loved most about this story was how it really had it all. I would go from swooning, to fanning myself and then laughing hysterically. It was truly a wonderful book from start to finish!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,449 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2017
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.75 Hearts Oh how I loved this story! I picked up the book never having heard about this author. Maybe this is her first story or maybe I just hadn’t found her yet but she will be on my favorites list if she keeps writing like this. Not that the book is perfect. It isn’t. There are a couple of little things that brought it the hearts down to 4.75 but all in all this is a wonderful novel.

Caitlin is so naive and sheltered. She was brought up innocent and loved but when her parents died her cruel uncle took her in and she was sequestered away from the world so she is still young in what we would now call “street smarts”. She doesn’t get insinuations, she isn’t sure of people and how they will respond to her but she tries so very hard. She wants to please out of love and respect not fear but this poor thing manages to screw everything up by just thinking about it.

Darach is a hard highland Scot who doesn’t take s*** from anyone but when he sees Caitlin something in him changes and when he finally meets her Lord help him. He manages to bring his alpha Scot to a manageable attitude when Caitlin does things he can’t even imagine anyone would consider doing in their wildest dreams… like digging up his Abbey. But he is just so sweet to Caitlin. He quickly figures out that all she does comes from her heart. She is pure and sweet and doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body. And how he manages to soften for her is just so lovely.

I really loved this book. I picked it up every second I could. I fell for Lachlan and his humor. I can not wait for his story to come out. We didn’t read much of the other three “brothers” but I can only imagine that their stories will be just as wonderful.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lady Tea.
1,784 reviews126 followers
September 17, 2022
Rating: 5++ / 5

As I've gotten into reading quite a few Scottish romances recently, my interest in the story and subject matter is a given. Most of the stories follow more or less the same mein however, and so it's really up to how the plot progresses and how likeable the characters are that makes up the yay or nay reactions that one might have to the story.

In the case of this book--and hopefully this whole SERIES--though, I can say that I was favourably impressed and romantically captivated.

The best way to describe this book is as a perfect balance of the following:

+ romance
+ sexual tension & chemistry
+ witty banter between the characters
+ character development
+ other character interactions
+ actual plot development
+ twists and turns revelations
+ a loveable heroine & a gruff but loveable hero
+ a battle or battles taking place, but not with too much detail that makes it bloody or that takes up too much time and therefore detracts from the romance
+ and, of course, a satisfying HEA

Highland Promise had all these things, and furthermore was actually quite funny in some parts--and I'm a hard person to make laugh, so if I was amused, I guarantee you will be too.

All in all, this book had a g-r-e-a-t impression on me, and inspired me to read through the whole series! All of the foster brothers raised by Gregor MacLeod seem very interesting, so I'd love to read through all their stories!

I'll start with Lachlan's in Highland Conquest.
Profile Image for Katherine Yearwood.
544 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2017
Highland Promise is the first book in Alyson McLayne new series, The Sons of Gregor MacLeod. Based on the title you will see that this is a Historical romance.
What caught my eye was the synopsis, but as I got into the story it was so much more than what was. The chemistry between the two main characters is what made the book enjoyable. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Highland Promise. The first chapter is just getting the introduction to characters. By the second is normally where I decided if the story is for me or not. I know for some that is not a good basis for judging a book. However, for me, two chapters is a good starting point. And for me to stay up late well past my bedtime to complete Highland Promise should say a lot.
With plenty of chemistry and fun dialogue, Highland Promise is one that any fan of Historical Romance should enjoy.
134 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2018
I Loveddd This Book !!! Darach The Hot Sexy Scot Rescues Caitlin and takes her back to his clan. She does nothing but cause trouble and drive him crazy, but she is just so cute and funny. She can't help it trouble follows her. His clan loves her . He swore he would never marry but they can't help but fall for each other. This book was so much fun to read. I can't wait to start the next one.
Profile Image for Ashley.
64 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2020
Overall the book was enjoyable. The MCs were relatable and light hearted. It’s a definite must read if you are into any sort of Scottish Of Historical Romance.

I say this all the time about Alyson Maclaynes writing style but I feel like sometimes she leaves me hanging when I don’t want to be. She’s infamous for letting something play out in the mind of one MCs but won’t show us the other side. I don’t know if I like this or dislike it but it’s a constant theme that seems to sit with me.

Overall great book! & great series in general.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
1,019 reviews152 followers
January 8, 2018
This was so fun! There were just so many great moments that made me laugh. I found the hero and heroine so endearing. Great introduction to the series as well. It was just so entertaining and I enjoyed it immensely!

I could not get enough of the heroine Caitlin. She was so naïve and could be exasperating but it made for so many entertaining moments, I'd burst out laughing. She was so sweet and bold, I couldn't help but love her even though I wanted to roll my eyes at her a few times. I really liked Darach, he was stubborn and set in his ways but he was strong, sexy, and so likable. I seriously have a thing for Highlander's.

Caitlin and Darach have a sweet chemistry together and I liked the development of their relationship. The two of them coming together was ridiculously fun. There were just so many great scenes and interactions that had me smiling. There’s also a simmering passion happening between them that I really enjoyed. When the heat turns up, it's nice and hot. In the beginning, Caitlin was almost a bit much since she was so naïve but by the end, that quirk fit her personality perfectly and somehow even though I kept shaking my head at her, I loved her that much more for it.

The writing was great. I like the speech pattern for the language, it flowed nicely and isn't to dialect heavy, just the right amount so I could hear the Scottish accent in my head while reading. There was a nice cast of characters introduced. I'm excited for Lachlan story next. There's a good brother camaraderie happening that I'm a sucker for.

The story has a nice steady pace, it was lots of fun, a light read for the most part with some action thrown in. It was just an entertaining, awesome read!
Profile Image for CynthiaElle.
683 reviews53 followers
July 8, 2017
I received this arc at BookCon and I enjoyed this book way more than I thought. At points it was cheesy but I enjoyed it tremendously. Plus anything having to do with Scotland and clans is a plus for me. I'll will pick up the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,124 reviews64 followers
September 25, 2017
This was a very enjoyable read, I hadn't read anything by this author before, but I really liked her writing style and will definitely be reading the future books in this series!

The book opens with the set up for the series, in which Gregor MacLeod has defeated five other clans and demands that they foster their sons with him. He will raise the boys as brothers and teach them to be honorable warriors. The fathers have varying reactions, but in the end they all agree.

Darach MacKenzie first meets Caitlin MacInnes when he rescues her from his greatest enemy, Laird Fraser. Caitlin has been beaten and is barely coherent when Darach saves her - she is grateful to him, but doesn't entirely trust him. So she only tells him part of her story - leaving out some very important details. Darach is attracted to Caitlin, but he has been burned by love and is not willing to let this woman into his heart, no matter how lovely or charming she is!

Caitlin is a delightful heroine, she is kind, naïve, innocent and funny, she also is trouble looking for a place to happen - no intentionally, but trouble seems to follow her, especially as she is a trifle impulsive. Even with all the problems she causes, everyone who meets her, likes her and she has a very giving nature and gift with both animals and people.

As Darach comes to know Caitlin better, the more he wants her, but marriage is not something he is willing to consider - or is he? Once he finally decides to marry her, all hell breaks loose and the secrets Caitlin has been hiding may tear them apart.

I really liked this book, it vaguely reminded me of Mary McCall's book - which coincidentally is also titled "Highland Promise". It is a moving story with characters that have suffered a lot pain and betrayal, but it is lightened up considerably by Caitlin's misadventures and charming personality and Darach's responses to her. The writing is good, the story moves at a good pace, it is amusing, has steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, evil villains, a soulmate type of love and a satisfying ending.

I did feel like the end of the book was rushed a little bit, but it didn't really take anything away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I would be happy to recommend this title and look forward to reading future books about the rest of the "brothers".

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books166 followers
August 24, 2017
Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne is a promising read. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. The innocence of the female protagonist is amazing. Like a child but inter form a of a beautiful grown woman. Her remarks and questions kept me glued to the pages. Then, there was the other protagonist...Darach MacKenzie. He's a sexy Scot with a heart of gold. There's nothing that I can't like about him. Determined, brave, smart, and strong. Plus, there's his clan of brothers, adopted, but still bonded so tightly. Their relationship war ed me heart as well. I couldn't get enough of these beautiful characters. Their stories had me hooked. Intriguing, heartfelt, and entertaining from beginning to end.

Highland Promise is just that. One highlander makes a promise to a bonny (pretty) lass (lady). He saved her from her tormentors. Ever since that moment she squirmed her way into his heart, mind, and soul. I laughed at Darach's slight discomfort from the unknowing lass. She wasn't aware of what her words nor actions did to her beautiful angel...she even called him so in front of his men. Alyson McLayne worked her magic with this book. I became addicted to the plot, the scenes, and to her characters. The emotions her words brought were good. I can't believe it was fiction. I'm wanting to travel to Scotland one day now....overall, I highly recommend this historical romance to all.
Profile Image for Megan .
19 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2022
www-btpbookblog-com-1

Alyson McLayne is a wonderful new highland romance author discovery. If you pick up this book with high hopes you will not be disappointed.

The book develops both characters quite quickly and leaves you sucked into the events within the first few pages. Whitty humor bubbles through the dialog and leaves you laughing. The heroine Caitlin is an extremely well developed pure to the bone character that will leave you shaking your head at the things that fall out of her mouth. Darach remains more of a reserved mystery throughout parts of the story sometimes leaving you wanting to kick him in the seat of his pants. From start to finish this a novel that will hold your attention and keep you waiting for the impending cloud of danger that is formed early in the chapters. This novel kicks off the first of a five novel serious following five highland foster brothers all matured into strong leaders and lairds in there own right. See more of my reviews: www.btpbookblog.com
Profile Image for Amandine.
669 reviews
September 30, 2017
j'ai tout simplement ADORÉ Highland Promise ! <3 Caitlin m'a beaucoup fait sourire; son innocence, sa bonté et sa naïveté m'ont beaucoup touché. Comment elle s'est occupée de Fergus était juste incroyable. Un miracle, elle l'est. Darach a la patience d'un saint ! <3 j'ai adoré leur histoire d'amour, la fraternité entre les 5 frères. Lachlan m'a beaucoup plu à rire au dépend de son frère Darach. Une très belle RH ! <3
Profile Image for Dawn Wells.
765 reviews12 followers
September 8, 2017
Highland promise

By Alyson Mclayne

Absolutely, adored this story. So happy, it wasn't the ordinary hate this guy first then fall in love. Yes, There are other ways to make a story line work. The hero was a likable character. However, the heroine was the real treasure of the book. A great read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dawnwellsreview.wordpress.com
Profile Image for MommaL.
18 reviews
January 31, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! It was so easy to read, I could hardly put it down. I thoroughly enjoy reading a good series & I can tell that this is going to be a fabulous one. My only regret is that I have started the series before it's completely finished...after a brief introduction to all of the "sons of Gregor" I'm impatient to meet the others.
1 review
April 26, 2018
Men in kilts. Scotland. Witty, sassy characters! My favorite Lachlan is coming up in the next book! Sword fighting and ass kicking, cussing and little Fergus. And a lady of the castle that has a heart of gold but still manages to wreak havoc LOL I like these characters and I want to spend more time with them.
216 reviews
September 4, 2017
Enjoyed reading this story. I don't usually like reading Scottish historical romances but I could not put this book down once I started reading it. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series to find out about Darach's foster brothers romances!
Profile Image for kookyquinn.
487 reviews49 followers
September 20, 2018
Sweet heroine (bit of a Mary Sue) and a gruff hero who is determine NOT to love her. It's veeeery close to a Garwood novel but I believe immatation is the best form of flattery.

Nothing too angsty, action, hot sexy times and adorable bromance make this my favorite kind of story :)
Profile Image for Jaycee Jarvis.
Author 9 books304 followers
July 1, 2018
A fun Highland romp with a delicious hero, who could barely keep up with the heroine's crazy antics. Just the lighthearted vacation read I needed.
Profile Image for Barbee.
783 reviews21 followers
October 17, 2017
Book: Highland Promise
By Alyson McLayne

Series: (The Son’s of Gregor MacLeod Series), Book #1.
Release Date: October 3, 2017

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


MacLeod Castle - The Isle of Skye
Scotland, 1432

It starts off with five Clans attacking Gregor MacLeod's keep and losing. As a promise to his deceased wife Gregor MacLeod must find a solution and peace among the feuding Clans. Gregor comes up with a plan: each Laird has to give them his heir, their oldest son for fostering. Each son is destined to be the next Laird, if their fathers do not agree they will be punished by death! Each Laird reluctantly agrees, with a promise they will see their boys again and MacLeod will not harm the boys in any way. MacLeod thinking with his head not his heart wholeheartedly agrees! He knows if they were his blood kin he would of asked the same. He doesn't actually see these lairds as bad men mostly just weak and misguided. Plus he knows his wife would of been proud of how he untangled this deceitful web! The five boys are Darach, Lachlan, Calum, Gavin and Kerr, whom become brothers and Gregor will become a devoted loyal foster father to them. As they become real brothers in truth from being fostered together, but also handsome, strong, good, honest, and honorable men as well. They use both muscle and brains, but always have each other's back, and will protect each other to the death! Yet once you add a bonnie woman into the mix, as well as their hearts - things become a wee bit complicated to say the least! Highland Promise is Darach MacKenzie's story.

Twenty years later...

Gleann Afraig (Fraser territory)
Scotland 1452
Scottish Highlands

Darach MacKenzie sees draped across a horse unconscious beaten young lass in dire straits and saves the young beauty. As she is in the clutches of his biggest foe the blackguard Laird Fraser.

Caitlin MacInnes see’s relief for the first time in three years since her parents death. Now maybe she will be able to escape from her villainous Uncle and the repulsive Laird Fraser he sold her to. She sees her savior Darach as an Angel plus he's very pretty to look at too. Quite the package yet she doesn't understand why he seems to back away from her.

Darach swears he will never open his heart again it is closed off to ever feel love again. Plus his former betrothal has made him distrust and turn his heart cold. This deceitful woman brought hatred and revulsion between his clan and possibly a notorious clan war! A war he and his clan have been waiting and preparing for. The problem is the beautiful Caitlin is warming his heart again sop he feel his must marry to one of his clan members asap! The problem is he can't see any other man with her besides him.

Caitlin is extremely grateful to Laird Darach and the Mackenzie's but hasn't been totally honest. As she just can't easily trust men after these past three years of torture and imprisonment. Plus after all this wonderful clan has done for her she doesn't want to be the cause and reason to put them in danger. Possibly even causing them death and herself recapture. A position she never ever wants to be in again she also knows she is naive and innocent when it comes to experience with men. She feels she must save funds so she can hire a ship to take her to her mother's family in France.

A family she has never met and this makes Darach's stomach turn. He knows the reality and evils of the world.He refuses to allow this innocent lass put herself in such a dangerous position. She could be raped or killed to undertake such a journey. Not to mention to be on such a long journey by sea and to trust people she has never met with open arms. Why they could be just as dangerous with evil intentions as the treacherous Frasers. Yet he doesn't want her to feel like she is his prisoner in his home by holding her against her will. He can’t take her to France himself with his upcoming clan war with the Fraser's. It would be just like them to attack his clan when he was away at sea. How can he convince her or will he ever open and listen to his heart? As he is allowing the past to cloud his judgements in so many ways.

To find out more you must read this excellent book! As I was totally blown away by the beautiful tale that Alyson McLayne weaves. Honestly it is one of the best books I have read this year! Darach MacKenzie, is a major drool and swoon worthy Highlander you can't help but love! Caitlin is so feisty, witty, kind and caring you can't help but adore!

This book grabbed, delighted and encaptured me right from the start. A total masterpiece and the idea of enemy Lairds who tried to attack a clan and lost is absolutely brilliant! However, instead of losing their life, the Laird’s all agree and allow this enemy to foster their heirs. It is the next son in line to be Laird. Laird MacLeod saw each son under ten years old. He could show and teach them how they can all live in peace and harmony as brothers. As they would always have each other's back, to care for and protect as if they were blood brothers!

This fast paced, non stop action novel is filled with riveting adventure, betrayal suspense , mystery, hatred, mistrust, healing, passion and love. It includes heart pulling scenes, plus how one wee Lass can change how a clan sees and treats their isolated and lonely Laird. A kind and caring man who always puts the clan and their needs first.

This book is also filled with a breathtaking setting, amazing dialogue and brilliant plotting. It has so many twisting and nail biting turns. I was holding my breath with anticipation as what could possibly happen next! It is the type of story that will pull your heartstrings and soften your soul, hoping the star crossed couple will take a chance on love!

Anyone who loves Scottish historical romance will not want to miss this epic story that will make your readers heart soar!


I can't believe this is Ms. McLayne debut! She writes like an experienced, professional, author that's been doing this for decades! I absolutely and unequivocally loved “The Promise” by Alyson McLayne! I can't wait for “Highland Conquest” the next son’s book in The Son’s of Gregor McGregor series

I received this ARC from Sourcebook publishers for for an honest and fair review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

The Son’s of Gregor McLeod series
By Alyson MacLeod
1)Highland Promise - Released 10/3/2017
2)Highland Conquest - TBR
3)Highland Betrayal - TBR
4)Highland Captive - TBR
5)Highland Thief - TBR

Buy Links:



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Profile Image for A.M..
423 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2021
3.75-4🌟
Finally my first book after weeks of book slump.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,913 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2017
Gregor MacLeod must make peace with the warring clans and in order to do so, he takes one son from each clan to foster. Each of those sons will be grow up to be the Laird of the clan they were taken from. No one is happy with the choice, but must do as Gregor requests. There are five boys in all, Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr. They all band together and become brothers, promising to have each other's backs at all times no matter the cost.

When Darach MacKenzie sees reavers with an unconscious woman in their grasp, he cannot let it go. Stealing is one thing, but taking advantage of a woman is not going to happen on his watch. No matter that is his biggest enemy, Laird Fraser, in charge of the group; Darach is going to rescue that lass. He whisks the lass away and heads for home. He has no idea what trouble he has just stepped into.

Caitlin MacInnes wakes to discover an angel has saved her. No longer is she under the lock and key of her abusive uncle or Laird Fraser. Darach and his brothers have saved her and she will repay them in some way.
Caitlin believes by staying with Darach's clan, she is putting them in danger, so she devises a plan to locate her mother's family and leave the country.

Darach is intrigued by the beautiful Caitlin, but relationships haven't worked out well for him in the past. He knows Caitlin is the marrying kind so he's determined to keep his distance. When Caitlin mentions leaving, Darach cannot stand the idea of her traveling all alone to places unknown or to a family she knows nothing about. When danger threatens Caitlin again, will Darach be too late?

My, oh my! What a debut! Hats off to author Alison McLayne. HIGHLAND PROMISE is one of the BEST books I have read this year!! It is the beginning of what promises to be an amazing series titled THE SONS OF GREGOR MACLEOD. Ms. McLayne is a new-to-me author and I am so glad to have found her. Her talent with a pen is phenomenal as proven in her very first novel, HIGHLAND PROMISE. Ms. McLayne really breathes life into her stories. The characters, the events, the scenery... no detail is missed. Darach and Caitlin's story is beautifully written. Both are such loveable characters. Their journey is truly something to see. It is definitely going on my keeper shelf. In reading it, I fell deeply in love with the brothers. The camaraderie and love between them is ineffable. I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series, HIGHLAND CONQUEST.
Profile Image for Crystal _ Reading Between the Wines Book Club.
1,550 reviews330 followers
December 7, 2017
Highland Promise is a charming highland adventure full of romance and whimsy!

Caitlin MacInnes is being held captive by her uncle until he sells her to the loathsome Laird Fraser to be his bride.When a group of highlanders come across her strung over Fraser's horse, they decide to to make a little trouble for their hated enemy and whisk Caitlin away. When Caitlin awakes in the arms of an angel, she knows that he will protect and help her find a way to her family in France. But what will he do when he finds out the truth about her and Fraser?

This was a fun, lighthearted read from new-to-me author, Alyson McLayne. With irresistible Highland lairds in kilts, deadly clan feuds, a brooding hero, and a lovable, guileless heroine, Highland Promise is sure to please. The characters of this story captivated my heart. Darach will do anything to protect his clan, but after the betrayal of his fiance and ensuing death of his clan-mates, he has removed himself emotionally from all but his closest friends, and has sworn off marriage all together. Alyson though is having none of his dark and surely demeanor. She is determined to lighten his life. But Alyson has a tendency of takings things just a little too far and making a nuisance of herself instead. You can't help but like her and her child-like innocence with life. The repartee between Alyson and Darach is always humorous, when it's not charged with sexual tension that is. With a war looming in the distance, secrets that can devastate, and a fragile trust, do Alyson and Darach have what it takes to hold a promise for the future?

Danger, intrigue, and yearning kept me turning the pages of this book. Though Alyson's naivete was unbelievable at times, and the story-line lacked a certain pizzazz, Highland Promise was a sweet story that I enjoyed.

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Profile Image for Alison.
850 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2017
Five boys destined to become Highland Lairds are fostered together. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin, and Kerr fight for their clans, for eachother, and for their true loves. Darach MacKenzie has vowed never again to let a woman into his heart after all his betrothed did betray him. It started a fued between his clan and the Frasers. One day he comes across some men leading an unconscious girl tied to a horse with a gag tied in her mouth so he rescues her and sends the men either to death or running for their lives. With war imminent Darach can't be distracted especially not by the girl he rescued who is sweet and charming.
When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of the horrible Laird Fraser, she vows never to let a man rule her life again.
With Darach and the MacKenzie Clan she finally feels safe again until Laird Fraser shows up claiming that Catlin is right fully his.
Darach will have to use ever thing including brain and brawn to protect Caitlin even if it means losing his heart.
Will Caitlin and Darach be able to fall in love with all the pain and strife in their lives. Will Darach be able to keep her safe? This was incredibly written. Alyson MacLyne is one heck of a talented author and I was pleasantly suprised. I couldn't put this book down. Wow I felt like I was right there with the MacKenzie Clan going through everything with them. Ms. MacLayne can write a novel anytime and I guarantee you that I will read it as quick as possible. If you are looking for love, war, conpanionship, and strife you have found your book. I personally cannot wait until the next one comes out. That is how much I loved this book.
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