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Highland Warriors #1
To Love A Highlander
His hate runs deep for her. Will his love run just as deep?
Craven of the Clan MacCara is a fierce Highland warrior, fighting endless battles and conquering his foe, but there is nothing the mighty warrior can do to save his wife and unborn child. He can, however, make the person responsible for their deaths suffer for it. He had nearly taken the healer’s life that tragic day, his hands having been at her throat. To his regret, he let her live and warned her never to return. He has lived with that regret for the past year, but no more. She has dared to return home and he intends to make her suffer before he takes her life. He is called the beast for a reason and he intends to release the beast on her. Nothing will stop him. Nothing… or so he thinks.
Espy has no place to go but home… to her grandmother, the one person who loves her. She has no choice, for what awaits her there is far less frightening than what she is running from. She is a healer, wise in the old ways and knowledgeable in the ways of a physician, her father having taught her. She is hopeful that Craven MacCara, a beast of a man, might find it in his heart to forgive her, since a day has not gone by that guilt, misplaced as it is, has not weighed heavily upon her. If not, then death will be her only salvation… or so she thinks.
Truths begin to surface, lives are threatened, secrets are discovered, and love finds a way to heal the heart, and Espy discovers what it means… To Love A Highlander.
Escape to the Highlands, late 1400s, in this historical romance, book one in the Highland Warrior Trilogy.
Craven of the Clan MacCara is a fierce Highland warrior, fighting endless battles and conquering his foe, but there is nothing the mighty warrior can do to save his wife and unborn child. He can, however, make the person responsible for their deaths suffer for it. He had nearly taken the healer’s life that tragic day, his hands having been at her throat. To his regret, he let her live and warned her never to return. He has lived with that regret for the past year, but no more. She has dared to return home and he intends to make her suffer before he takes her life. He is called the beast for a reason and he intends to release the beast on her. Nothing will stop him. Nothing… or so he thinks.
Espy has no place to go but home… to her grandmother, the one person who loves her. She has no choice, for what awaits her there is far less frightening than what she is running from. She is a healer, wise in the old ways and knowledgeable in the ways of a physician, her father having taught her. She is hopeful that Craven MacCara, a beast of a man, might find it in his heart to forgive her, since a day has not gone by that guilt, misplaced as it is, has not weighed heavily upon her. If not, then death will be her only salvation… or so she thinks.
Truths begin to surface, lives are threatened, secrets are discovered, and love finds a way to heal the heart, and Espy discovers what it means… To Love A Highlander.
Escape to the Highlands, late 1400s, in this historical romance, book one in the Highland Warrior Trilogy.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2018
253 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 26, 2018
4 1/2 stars
In a word: enchanting
This is the first in a trilogy about a trio of Highland Warriors who are considered to be legendary in their battle prowess (they are known as "Beast;" "Savage;" and "Demon"). This first installment is about the Beast --- Craven MacCara, a well-respected chieftain. He lost his wife and infant son in childbirth a year before the book begins, and he blamed the healer who assisted with the birth for their deaths. He cast her out of the clan and warned her that if she ever came back, he would kill her. Espy, the talented young healer, feels guilty for the loss of the chief's wife and son, though she felt she did all she could to try to save them. In fear for her life, she flees the clan. The year she spends away was a very difficult one for her, and she wished to be with her beloved grandmother again, so she returns to the clan despite the risk. When Craven learns she has returned, he plans to ensure Espy regrets it.
What I liked:
- the characters were complex and felt "real"
- the angst was minimal
- the love that developed between the 2 mcs was powerful and heartfelt
- the suspense/mystery plot line was intriguing
What I didn't like as much:
- some items were glossed over that I felt I could have used more background about
Overall, another wonderful read from Donna Fletcher!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level --- 3/5
Violence --- some (none graphic)
Language --- minimal
POV --- 3rd person throughout
In a word: enchanting
This is the first in a trilogy about a trio of Highland Warriors who are considered to be legendary in their battle prowess (they are known as "Beast;" "Savage;" and "Demon"). This first installment is about the Beast --- Craven MacCara, a well-respected chieftain. He lost his wife and infant son in childbirth a year before the book begins, and he blamed the healer who assisted with the birth for their deaths. He cast her out of the clan and warned her that if she ever came back, he would kill her. Espy, the talented young healer, feels guilty for the loss of the chief's wife and son, though she felt she did all she could to try to save them. In fear for her life, she flees the clan. The year she spends away was a very difficult one for her, and she wished to be with her beloved grandmother again, so she returns to the clan despite the risk. When Craven learns she has returned, he plans to ensure Espy regrets it.
What I liked:
- the characters were complex and felt "real"
- the angst was minimal
- the love that developed between the 2 mcs was powerful and heartfelt
- the suspense/mystery plot line was intriguing
What I didn't like as much:
- some items were glossed over that I felt I could have used more background about
Overall, another wonderful read from Donna Fletcher!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level --- 3/5
Violence --- some (none graphic)
Language --- minimal
POV --- 3rd person throughout
January 31, 2022
First book by the author. It was well written. I would have liked a few things wrapped up a little neater but k stall a good read. However the whole part where the hero loves his first wife so much, I don’t really like that scenario, I guess I just feel like it takes away from the main romance and in this case they made the first wife out to be a saint when she was really a liar. Plot (71-10) steaminess 8(1-10)
August 13, 2018
1.5 stars
Skipped a lot, it wasn't good for me, so much was happening, yes, but the writing wasn't good, if not for the sexual content, I would've thought the book was a fairy tale for kids.
Skipped a lot, it wasn't good for me, so much was happening, yes, but the writing wasn't good, if not for the sexual content, I would've thought the book was a fairy tale for kids.
August 14, 2024
A variation of the word “poke” appeared 25 times in this book and it about drove me up the wall. Also the big villain explanation monologue literally didn’t make sense.
July 31, 2017
What a beautiful love story . The main characters were so well fleshed out and secondary characters were great too. Story was excellent. Well recommended. Can't wait for the second one in this series.
April 2, 2018
This book was very fairy tale like, honestly it resembled Beauty and the Beast, and Espy is like a Disney princess. Actually, this book reminded me of La Bella e la Bestia (2014) and how Belle is the only one to appease the beast.
August 17, 2021
I love reading books set in this time era and earlier. There’s always a darkness that brings that angst quality. Craven and Espy’s story never left me bored and although this wasn’t a book I read straight through it was a good read. The wrap up was a little confusing but it was also a set up for another book in three series.
October 14, 2017
Surprised this book has so many high reviews. I couldn't finish. The writing seemed to simple and dumbed down 😐
August 5, 2017
Book Review For: 'To Love A Highlander' by Donna Fletcher 'To Love A Highlander' by Donna Fletcher is book One in the series " Highland Warriors". This is the story of Espy and Craven Laird of the Clan MacCara. Espy is the granddaughter of the clans healer and her father was a doctor of sorts. When she cannot save Craven's wife and child during the birth he is enraged. Craven almost kills her but turns to banish her from the Clan. Espy is heartbroken for the lost and for any hurt that she might have done. But now that time has past and with greater evil after her she goes back to the Clan in hopes that time has healed Craven's hatred. Time has soften the blow some of his great lost but Craven was slow after first to accept Espy back. But with her being back has brought new feelings to him...will he trust her and his feelings again?
There is no question for me when I see Ms. Fletcher's name on a book. I know I must have it! Ms. Fletcher draws you into the story and you go through the emotions of the story with the characters as it happens. Loved it!"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
There is no question for me when I see Ms. Fletcher's name on a book. I know I must have it! Ms. Fletcher draws you into the story and you go through the emotions of the story with the characters as it happens. Loved it!"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
August 2, 2017
Not my favourite trope, although characters and story were OK, I didn't enjoy this much.
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October 30, 2017
To Love A Highlander Highland Warriors Book 1
by Donna Fletcher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A must read for those of us who enjoy an emotionally stimulating book that you can easily get lost in. This story is a piece of historical fiction its so amazing! First of all: this is a tear jerker story for me anyway. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a phenomenal story. I will read it again and again when it’s not still so strong in my heart and mind. When you read it, you may want to be alone so that you won't be interrupted by the people who will want to give you their sympathy by judging your tears and you will need to have an adequate box of Kleenex near by. I hate to say that my tears rolled a lot while I read the beginning. My loving husband smile and instantly understood when I said why I had tears rolling down my face over these emotional charge fictional characters who changed my heart with their story. It's no secret that I love a historical romance. The way in which the characters interact, the intrigue that creeps into the stories, and the ability to be transported to a different time are all the reasons why I turn page after page. So for me, reading a new story by Donna Fletcher in this genre is like finding that pot of gold or wining a half billion dollars lottery drawing. Having read Most of Donna Fletcher books before and loving every single minute of it. I didn’t know what I would
get into next. However as the story of Lord Craven of the Clan MacCara and Lady Espy unfolded before me, I was totally hooked. What a heart felt story that's extremely emotional. The story knocked me over as I turned the page after page. I absolutely enjoyed this story as I read it to figure out what would happen next. Its full of mystery, Intrigue,scorching hot chemistry and its a awesome read. When Craven of the Clan MacCara wife Aubrey and child died in child birth I had a break down too, I totally understood how he could want to make that person responsible for their deaths to suffer for it. Unfortunately he wanted to take the healer’s Espy life that tragic day and he almost did, his hands having been at her throat. But to his regret he let her live and warned her never to return to his lands. But Craven has lived with that regret for the past year, so when Espy the moved back, Craven hate began to change. This book kept me up most of the night because I couldn't put my reader away until I got to the big finish, I enjoyed this story so much.
There’s lots of humor mixed in amongst the drama, keeping the reader fully entertained. I loved the premise and I loved how well the author developed the characters. Once you start reading this story, you really won’t want to put the book down. This is the first in the series nonetheless, the ending is so entertaining that I wanted to immediately read the next book to continue experiencing more of this happy feeling! I totally loved this book! Donna you did an AWESOME job with introduction of characters and the entire flow of the book. She has such a gift that keeps you so involved with her books. I will continue to read her works! Thanks, Donna you made my month and so much more! This story is a MUST Read! You will be on pins and needles. Because of the excitement of this story it's a story that will have you turning page after page in this story. I highly recommend this story and I voluntarily reviewed this book, because I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
by Donna Fletcher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A must read for those of us who enjoy an emotionally stimulating book that you can easily get lost in. This story is a piece of historical fiction its so amazing! First of all: this is a tear jerker story for me anyway. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a phenomenal story. I will read it again and again when it’s not still so strong in my heart and mind. When you read it, you may want to be alone so that you won't be interrupted by the people who will want to give you their sympathy by judging your tears and you will need to have an adequate box of Kleenex near by. I hate to say that my tears rolled a lot while I read the beginning. My loving husband smile and instantly understood when I said why I had tears rolling down my face over these emotional charge fictional characters who changed my heart with their story. It's no secret that I love a historical romance. The way in which the characters interact, the intrigue that creeps into the stories, and the ability to be transported to a different time are all the reasons why I turn page after page. So for me, reading a new story by Donna Fletcher in this genre is like finding that pot of gold or wining a half billion dollars lottery drawing. Having read Most of Donna Fletcher books before and loving every single minute of it. I didn’t know what I would
get into next. However as the story of Lord Craven of the Clan MacCara and Lady Espy unfolded before me, I was totally hooked. What a heart felt story that's extremely emotional. The story knocked me over as I turned the page after page. I absolutely enjoyed this story as I read it to figure out what would happen next. Its full of mystery, Intrigue,scorching hot chemistry and its a awesome read. When Craven of the Clan MacCara wife Aubrey and child died in child birth I had a break down too, I totally understood how he could want to make that person responsible for their deaths to suffer for it. Unfortunately he wanted to take the healer’s Espy life that tragic day and he almost did, his hands having been at her throat. But to his regret he let her live and warned her never to return to his lands. But Craven has lived with that regret for the past year, so when Espy the moved back, Craven hate began to change. This book kept me up most of the night because I couldn't put my reader away until I got to the big finish, I enjoyed this story so much.
There’s lots of humor mixed in amongst the drama, keeping the reader fully entertained. I loved the premise and I loved how well the author developed the characters. Once you start reading this story, you really won’t want to put the book down. This is the first in the series nonetheless, the ending is so entertaining that I wanted to immediately read the next book to continue experiencing more of this happy feeling! I totally loved this book! Donna you did an AWESOME job with introduction of characters and the entire flow of the book. She has such a gift that keeps you so involved with her books. I will continue to read her works! Thanks, Donna you made my month and so much more! This story is a MUST Read! You will be on pins and needles. Because of the excitement of this story it's a story that will have you turning page after page in this story. I highly recommend this story and I voluntarily reviewed this book, because I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
July 27, 2020
I am confused about whether I liked this book or not. I did enjoy the premise at first but somewhere along the way, the book became extremely boring and dull.
What I liked about the book:
1. The heroine - She was strong and I loved all the healing scenes
What I didn't like:
1. While I knew that Aubrey was the H's dead wife, I thought we would reach a point where the H realized he loved the h like A LOT. However, that never happened. Aubrey (and how absolutely awesome she was) was mentioned all the time, and because of that, Espy ended up feeling like a consolation prize to me. And I also didn't understand how she never felt jealous of that, infact she was always defending and praising Aubrey.
2. the mystery - Fletcher spent most of the book building the suspense only for it to be solved all of a sudden at the end, I feel like we never got a proper explanation and resolving of the mystery.
Despite all this, I think without these above things, I would have liked this book so I am definitely going to give this author another chance. I am actually excited to read Warrick's story.
What I liked about the book:
1. The heroine - She was strong and I loved all the healing scenes
What I didn't like:
1. While I knew that Aubrey was the H's dead wife, I thought we would reach a point where the H realized he loved the h like A LOT. However, that never happened. Aubrey (and how absolutely awesome she was) was mentioned all the time, and because of that, Espy ended up feeling like a consolation prize to me. And I also didn't understand how she never felt jealous of that, infact she was always defending and praising Aubrey.
2. the mystery - Fletcher spent most of the book building the suspense only for it to be solved all of a sudden at the end, I feel like we never got a proper explanation and resolving of the mystery.
Despite all this, I think without these above things, I would have liked this book so I am definitely going to give this author another chance. I am actually excited to read Warrick's story.
December 17, 2020
4.5 stars!!! I really enjoyed this book. There were 3 things that kept me from giving it a solid 5 stars and a place on my "all time favorites shelf"!
1. Some books featuring widowers have been among my favorite reads but I never like feeling that the heroine is second best! I felt that way during this book.
2. Some of the things Craven was wrong about, he never apologized for or really acknowledged to Epsy. We can read in his internal monologue that he felt bad but he never said it to her! I felt like she was too accepting of his treatment of her and his misconceptions.
3. I NEED an epilogue!!!! It's just my personal opinion but for me...I have to have an epilogue to give 5 stars!!! I understand, we may see more of the couple in future books about other characters but I need to know more now!!! Who knows how long the next book will take and by then I may forget what happened! Lol
1. Some books featuring widowers have been among my favorite reads but I never like feeling that the heroine is second best! I felt that way during this book.
2. Some of the things Craven was wrong about, he never apologized for or really acknowledged to Epsy. We can read in his internal monologue that he felt bad but he never said it to her! I felt like she was too accepting of his treatment of her and his misconceptions.
3. I NEED an epilogue!!!! It's just my personal opinion but for me...I have to have an epilogue to give 5 stars!!! I understand, we may see more of the couple in future books about other characters but I need to know more now!!! Who knows how long the next book will take and by then I may forget what happened! Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
This book seems very Disney, except of course... at least Belle got to see the inside of Beast's dungeons. A simple and predictable book but it's a good book for when you're tormented with life and need to relax.
Reminds me a lot of La Bella e la Bestia 2014 with Blanca Suárez and Léa Bosco.
Reminds me a lot of La Bella e la Bestia 2014 with Blanca Suárez and Léa Bosco.
October 24, 2018
2.5 STARS
I picked this book because I really liked "Isle of Lies" by this author, but I came away somewhat disappointed. Espy was great: strong, smart, kind and a gifted healer. Her only flaw seemed to be her infatuation with the hero. Craven, who his clan refers to as "the beast", was a jerk for way too long in this book. I lost count of how many times he put his hands around Espy's throat or threatened her with violence, that's not the kind of hero I want to read about. Craven did redeem himself, but for me it was too late to be believable.
I did like Espy's relationship with her grandmother and her horse, though the horse seemed smarter than most of the humans!
I picked this book because I really liked "Isle of Lies" by this author, but I came away somewhat disappointed. Espy was great: strong, smart, kind and a gifted healer. Her only flaw seemed to be her infatuation with the hero. Craven, who his clan refers to as "the beast", was a jerk for way too long in this book. I lost count of how many times he put his hands around Espy's throat or threatened her with violence, that's not the kind of hero I want to read about. Craven did redeem himself, but for me it was too late to be believable.
I did like Espy's relationship with her grandmother and her horse, though the horse seemed smarter than most of the humans!
July 26, 2017
Loved it !!!
June 19, 2020
Must read!! Loved this first entry.
January 5, 2026
2 Stars - First Read (2017)
1 Star - Reread (2026)
I apologize I'm advance for the hot mess my review turned out to be. It's a bit all over the place 😂
Well, I didn't expect to like this more than I originally did. In fact I was more wary about rereading it due to my bad experience with the first book in the Highland Promise series a couple years ago. And, well... Turns out I had every right to be.
This author is not good at writing. Harsh, I know. But the truth. The bones and the structure is there, but the execution? The character development? The emotional depth? All terrible, lazy or non-existent.
This book got a reread because the plot intrigued me and when I realized I had read it before I was surprised I didn't remember a thing about it. So off I went to read. It starts off well enough but then it just drags.
To be clear: I actually didn't hate this book. I thought the writing felt one dimensional and flat, lacked the emotional connection needed for such an angsty plot and difficult relationship for the MCs.
I didn't hate the FMC, I just didn't like her much. particularly after the first half as she just kept making dumb decisions. I did like her strong will and the strength it took to gave her fate by returning to her grandmother knowing the MMC would want to punish or even kill her, as he warned her if she returned. I did like her inner strength and I did find her being a healer fascinating.
I did like the idea of the plot, where the MMC blinded by grief blames the healer for his wife and child's death. I just hated how it was written and how there wasn't nearly the right amount of emotional torment from it and how he reacted so poorly to not just the FMC but his own clan. It made the MMC look like a unfeeling jerk and bully tbh.
I also didn't like how the actual relationship between the two MCS didn't have the emotional connection I was hoping for in this sort of trip/plot. I needed to feel the MMC struggle with his feelings for the FMC, but it was a shadow of that when it came to him struggling with his lust for her instead. It was outright disappointing.
--------------
The fact the FMC was supposedly so very selfless and saving people who had been imprisoned in a dungeon (a dungeon I might add that belonged to the 3rd books MMC btw, who she was afraid of for betraying him and he's supposedly a very big scary man) and was constantly, and I mean constantly, putting herself in danger for the sake of "helping" others. It was one thing after another with her. She didn't even consider her own safety or how frequently the MMC told her to get his permission before running off. But no. I gave up on her very early on and she only got worse.
The plot in the first half was interesting and could have been fascinating had any other author wrote it. But then it devoles into a mess of some interconnected suspense plot regarding the women the FMC saved and was currently protecting the one who was hiding in the woods nearby. These women are the other two FMCs in the series apparently.
I hated that the author had the MMC within basically their reunion popping a boner around the FMC. Especially because he was still in deep mourning for his wife and child dying. It was ridiculous. Because it was all lust lust lust with those two. Even the kisses weren't romantic. I was so underwhelmed by the supposed romance or connection between the two that I was pissed on the dead wife's behalf that he was moving on so quick.
It'd only been a year. Not that long. And worse, they had the MMC basically neglect his entire clan after his wife and child died, and basically become the supposed "beast" he had within him and his own clan acted afraid of him. So of course the FMC comes along and suddenly the clan is thriving and people are actually smiling again and aren't afraid of the MMC because he's been "tamed" 🤣😂
But the biggest issue for me was how both MCs acted. There was just so much contrary behavior and words from the MCs that I got whiplash. I was unsure if the author was just that forgetful or that was the intention, to portray her characters as such inconsistent dummies. Especially the FMC. She acted so independent and high and mighty with her supposed fancy medical knowledge she learned from her father. And honestly idek if that was even remotely accurate to the time era but it didn't feel like it.
It was just a dumb book. The villain in the end, I kid you not, grabs the FMC and the girl she saved from the dungeon and drags them into he woods. Them stops right there and decided to have a chat and explain absolutely every detail about how everything came to be, who the MMCs first wife truly was, how she was connected to the him, the bad guy, what his entire plan was, why the MMCs first wife had to die, why he was gonna kill the girl from the dungeon that the FMC was protecting and her real identity. Like, thanks? 😂
I hated the weak back and forth that didn't make any sense between the MCs. It was trying too hard to be angsty. It had the potential to be, but just wasn't. How could it when the MCs were emotionally immature? Neither had any dimension to them. They were flat characters that did and said things but there was no feeling behind any of it.
Add in all the absurdity surrounding the FMC keeping secrets and her mission to save everyone in the world and doing as she pleased. Oh, and the MMC letting his guilt go so easily over his dead wife AND making shit remarks about how his first wife didn't do this or not as passionately as the FMC. Ugh, rude.
Oh, and that opening scene could have been crazy intense and emotional but it fell flat. Particularly because the MMC ends up choking the FMC because he blamed her for their death. That was just lovely. Especially when she returns and he plans to torture and kill her to get vengeance for her killing his wife and child. And all the times he put his hand on her throat or threatened her. Yep, so super duper romantic. And it was never once addressed or apologized for. But hey, who cares when the FMC just smiles and tells him she loves him over and over and wants to ride his big "beast" and have his bairns.
Anyway, here are some random thoughts I had while reading:
So apparently the FMCs horse understood her so clearly it often nodded when she gave it an order? 😂 Like, this horse acted like a trained dog it was so protective of the FMC that it even dove into a roaring river when the FMC got swept away and conveniently dragged the MMC to her on purpose?! Like...uh what?
For example, here's an interaction between the horse and the MMC:
😂 See? Ridiculous. And weirdly the entire event that got the FMC in the river was due to a young boy being pushed in it by the mysterious bad guy, yet his baby sister followed him and once she saw him grab a branch she ran for help.... To the healer, because "she always helps" which tbh I found dumb, even from a child's reasoning because to my mind you'd think the many many big strong warriors or men in the village hanging around would be the first you'd alert if you need saving or rescuing...not the soft feminine healer who had to put her own safety at risk without alerting anyone else to save the boy. 🤷🏻♀️ I dunno that just seemed really absurd to me.
Example of inconsistencies:
Then 3 pages later directly after that conversation the FMC is talking to a female friend and they were discussing the MMC as the friend overheard their convo. The FMC then said this:
Then 2 pages later the MMC talking to his male friend said this:
Then later we have the male friend of the MMC say this about the FMC, because he was tired of a watching his friend suffer his attraction to the FMC.
Such a nice sentiment, yeah? 😒🙄
Later the MMC thinks this when the FMC stands her ground and tells him to quit touching and kissing her. She was trying to protect herself as she knew she felt deeply for him but he was still in love with his wife, hadn't outright said he didn't blame her any longer for her death (though he did tell the reader) and she knew he only wanted sex.
So attractive to claim to be a beast just to circumvent the FMCs boundaries and consent. Cool cool cool.
Then in chapter 15, the FMC thinks this:
Which was following another heated make out session he forced on her, while buck ass naked btw, where she wanted to kiss him back but resisted because of the need for him take her wishes seriously. My problem with this thought was nowhere in the earlier in interaction did he accuse her of bewitching him, yet that's what she claimed? 😂
Oh but look here the FMC accuses the MMC of hating her after telling him earlier in the book she didn't think he hated her.
Then we have the MMC referring to himself as "The Beast" in third person 😆 like ok big scary dude.
Also what is with the names of these MMCs in this series? Craven?! Slain?! I mean Warrick was the most normal of them all. But still. Slain?! 🤣
1 Star - Reread (2026)
I apologize I'm advance for the hot mess my review turned out to be. It's a bit all over the place 😂
Well, I didn't expect to like this more than I originally did. In fact I was more wary about rereading it due to my bad experience with the first book in the Highland Promise series a couple years ago. And, well... Turns out I had every right to be.
This author is not good at writing. Harsh, I know. But the truth. The bones and the structure is there, but the execution? The character development? The emotional depth? All terrible, lazy or non-existent.
This book got a reread because the plot intrigued me and when I realized I had read it before I was surprised I didn't remember a thing about it. So off I went to read. It starts off well enough but then it just drags.
To be clear: I actually didn't hate this book. I thought the writing felt one dimensional and flat, lacked the emotional connection needed for such an angsty plot and difficult relationship for the MCs.
I didn't hate the FMC, I just didn't like her much. particularly after the first half as she just kept making dumb decisions. I did like her strong will and the strength it took to gave her fate by returning to her grandmother knowing the MMC would want to punish or even kill her, as he warned her if she returned. I did like her inner strength and I did find her being a healer fascinating.
I did like the idea of the plot, where the MMC blinded by grief blames the healer for his wife and child's death. I just hated how it was written and how there wasn't nearly the right amount of emotional torment from it and how he reacted so poorly to not just the FMC but his own clan. It made the MMC look like a unfeeling jerk and bully tbh.
I also didn't like how the actual relationship between the two MCS didn't have the emotional connection I was hoping for in this sort of trip/plot. I needed to feel the MMC struggle with his feelings for the FMC, but it was a shadow of that when it came to him struggling with his lust for her instead. It was outright disappointing.
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The fact the FMC was supposedly so very selfless and saving people who had been imprisoned in a dungeon (a dungeon I might add that belonged to the 3rd books MMC btw, who she was afraid of for betraying him and he's supposedly a very big scary man) and was constantly, and I mean constantly, putting herself in danger for the sake of "helping" others. It was one thing after another with her. She didn't even consider her own safety or how frequently the MMC told her to get his permission before running off. But no. I gave up on her very early on and she only got worse.
The plot in the first half was interesting and could have been fascinating had any other author wrote it. But then it devoles into a mess of some interconnected suspense plot regarding the women the FMC saved and was currently protecting the one who was hiding in the woods nearby. These women are the other two FMCs in the series apparently.
I hated that the author had the MMC within basically their reunion popping a boner around the FMC. Especially because he was still in deep mourning for his wife and child dying. It was ridiculous. Because it was all lust lust lust with those two. Even the kisses weren't romantic. I was so underwhelmed by the supposed romance or connection between the two that I was pissed on the dead wife's behalf that he was moving on so quick.
It'd only been a year. Not that long. And worse, they had the MMC basically neglect his entire clan after his wife and child died, and basically become the supposed "beast" he had within him and his own clan acted afraid of him. So of course the FMC comes along and suddenly the clan is thriving and people are actually smiling again and aren't afraid of the MMC because he's been "tamed" 🤣😂
But the biggest issue for me was how both MCs acted. There was just so much contrary behavior and words from the MCs that I got whiplash. I was unsure if the author was just that forgetful or that was the intention, to portray her characters as such inconsistent dummies. Especially the FMC. She acted so independent and high and mighty with her supposed fancy medical knowledge she learned from her father. And honestly idek if that was even remotely accurate to the time era but it didn't feel like it.
It was just a dumb book. The villain in the end, I kid you not, grabs the FMC and the girl she saved from the dungeon and drags them into he woods. Them stops right there and decided to have a chat and explain absolutely every detail about how everything came to be, who the MMCs first wife truly was, how she was connected to the him, the bad guy, what his entire plan was, why the MMCs first wife had to die, why he was gonna kill the girl from the dungeon that the FMC was protecting and her real identity. Like, thanks? 😂
I hated the weak back and forth that didn't make any sense between the MCs. It was trying too hard to be angsty. It had the potential to be, but just wasn't. How could it when the MCs were emotionally immature? Neither had any dimension to them. They were flat characters that did and said things but there was no feeling behind any of it.
Add in all the absurdity surrounding the FMC keeping secrets and her mission to save everyone in the world and doing as she pleased. Oh, and the MMC letting his guilt go so easily over his dead wife AND making shit remarks about how his first wife didn't do this or not as passionately as the FMC. Ugh, rude.
Oh, and that opening scene could have been crazy intense and emotional but it fell flat. Particularly because the MMC ends up choking the FMC because he blamed her for their death. That was just lovely. Especially when she returns and he plans to torture and kill her to get vengeance for her killing his wife and child. And all the times he put his hand on her throat or threatened her. Yep, so super duper romantic. And it was never once addressed or apologized for. But hey, who cares when the FMC just smiles and tells him she loves him over and over and wants to ride his big "beast" and have his bairns.
Anyway, here are some random thoughts I had while reading:
So apparently the FMCs horse understood her so clearly it often nodded when she gave it an order? 😂 Like, this horse acted like a trained dog it was so protective of the FMC that it even dove into a roaring river when the FMC got swept away and conveniently dragged the MMC to her on purpose?! Like...uh what?
For example, here's an interaction between the horse and the MMC:
Trumble pawed the ground and snorted when Craven approached his mare.
Craven looked to the beast. “I ride with her or she goes with me.”
Trumble gave a nod.
😂 See? Ridiculous. And weirdly the entire event that got the FMC in the river was due to a young boy being pushed in it by the mysterious bad guy, yet his baby sister followed him and once she saw him grab a branch she ran for help.... To the healer, because "she always helps" which tbh I found dumb, even from a child's reasoning because to my mind you'd think the many many big strong warriors or men in the village hanging around would be the first you'd alert if you need saving or rescuing...not the soft feminine healer who had to put her own safety at risk without alerting anyone else to save the boy. 🤷🏻♀️ I dunno that just seemed really absurd to me.
Example of inconsistencies:
“Why do you kiss me?”
“I want to,” he said, surprised that he admitted it so easily. “Why do you kiss me?”
Espy spoke honestly as well. “My heart tells me to.”
“How can your heart tell you such nonsense when I have shown you nothing but hatred?”
She shook her head. “I have seen no hatred from you. Anger yes, at losing Aubrey, at thinking me responsible, but I wonder with what you have learned if you still think that about me. Do you? Do you believe it was my fault your wife died that day?”
“I do not know, but I want the truth.”
Then 3 pages later directly after that conversation the FMC is talking to a female friend and they were discussing the MMC as the friend overheard their convo. The FMC then said this:
“It is not my doing. He hates me.”
Then 2 pages later the MMC talking to his male friend said this:
“I hate her more than I have ever hated,”
Then later we have the male friend of the MMC say this about the FMC, because he was tired of a watching his friend suffer his attraction to the FMC.
"When Espy’s innocence is proven, then take her to your bed and be done with it. Surely, she expects no more from you. After all, she is well- traveled for a woman, from what I hear, and has been on her own even before this year. No doubt she has more experience than most women when it comes to bedding a man, which should prove satisfying for you. Unless you are looking for something else.”
Such a nice sentiment, yeah? 😒🙄
Later the MMC thinks this when the FMC stands her ground and tells him to quit touching and kissing her. She was trying to protect herself as she knew she felt deeply for him but he was still in love with his wife, hadn't outright said he didn't blame her any longer for her death (though he did tell the reader) and she knew he only wanted sex.
That she rushed away did not sit well with him. That it was to keep distance between them did not sit well with him. That she forbade him to ever touch or kiss her again did not sit well with him. But then she would learn fast enough that a beast could never be tamed.
So attractive to claim to be a beast just to circumvent the FMCs boundaries and consent. Cool cool cool.
Then in chapter 15, the FMC thinks this:
No, he had thought she had bewitched him and wanted nothing to do with her. And that was for the better, though it had pained her some to hear him accuse her of such.
Which was following another heated make out session he forced on her, while buck ass naked btw, where she wanted to kiss him back but resisted because of the need for him take her wishes seriously. My problem with this thought was nowhere in the earlier in interaction did he accuse her of bewitching him, yet that's what she claimed? 😂
Oh but look here the FMC accuses the MMC of hating her after telling him earlier in the book she didn't think he hated her.
“I have seen enough hate to know that it would be hell to be wed to a man who despises me.”
Then we have the MMC referring to himself as "The Beast" in third person 😆 like ok big scary dude.
“Do not love the beast, he will only bring you pain.”
Espy rested her hand to his chest.
“Too late. The beast already has my heart.”
Craven shook his head as he brought his brow to lie against hers.
“I give you this one chance and my word. Run from the beast before it is too late, and he will never touch you.”
Also what is with the names of these MMCs in this series? Craven?! Slain?! I mean Warrick was the most normal of them all. But still. Slain?! 🤣
December 7, 2021
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THE HERO OF THE STORY STARTED OFF AS A CLOBBERHEAD AND FRANKLY THROUGHOUT IT ALL THE HEROINE OUTSHONE HIM IN EVERY WAY. There's the typical style of how Fletcher writes her stories and while I liked the heroine here, I wasn't certain Craven even lived up to his name or deserved her, given yes he was consumed by grief but he treated her poorly. What failed to sit right with me was how the author introduced the passion so quickly SMACK DAB OUT OF NOWHERE. It would have been more believable if she eased it in as they were getting to know each other, because their first kiss had me cringing more than it gave me goosebumps. And I suddenly understand how it feels to be kissed by someone you don't want to kiss..that's the exact feeling. Otherwise, it's an okay story.
CRAVEN lost his wife and unborn child a year ago and he - in the midst of anger and pain - blamed Espy who was the midwife "responsible" for it. A man in pain refuses to believe the truth, and as a man of his time, willingly believed the words of a male physician who accused Espy of killing Craven's wife. I have to say, I have plenty of anticipation while I read this because the level of angst it could have was LEGITIMATELY INSANE. But, the author only played into about like a typical...20% of it? Like typical as in, we all know he's going to treat Espy like shit and he wants to kill her. In a spur of a moment, he allows her to live, banishing her from the only home she ever knew. A year later, she returns and he's come to collect because she broke her word. But, the way Craven suddenly and magically felt attracted to her...just didn't sit right with me. It would have been better if he felt any sort of appreciation for her BEFORE he married his wife, or at least acknowledge that Espy's an attractive sort of woman because Craven having any sort of lustful feelings for Espy just felt....WRONG. That's where the story lost a star for me. Building chemistry is an important point for me, and how it's built sets the tone of everything. Period. I didn't like Craven much because he's such a dolt. Blinded by grief (yes, he's allowed to), he neglected his people and devolved into the Beast he's infamous for. Frankly, if he's called a beast because he's large and crazy strong, then I suppose every other highlander could easily be a beast too. Did he deserve Espy? I don't know...till the end I still wasn't on the team Craven but, at least he makes Espy happy.
ESPY was a gem. I don't know why but Fletcher often writes her heroines (at least the non annoying ones) as a strong and independent woman of her time, and that gets to me in a good way. I admired and respected Espy's strong resolve to help as a healer and her selflessness and also, honourable ways and independent nature. She's also self-reliant, caring and Oh-So-Forgiving. I mean, she'd have to be to fall for the man who nearly killed her and accused her of killing the wife he "Loved". Espy deserved MORE. It's almost unfair how the author depicts her to be a near saintess that it leaves everyone in the book looking BAD, even Craven's dead wife who reminded me of nothing but a beautiful, obedient and fragile doll. Anyways, the whole story centers on Espy returning home because she's running away from something (and bummer if it wasn't so exciting after I found out what it was...a little scary yes, but I thought it was something more insane), and then finally finding out that someone had plotted to kill Craven's wife, clearing Espy's name.
OVERALL this was rather entertaining despite me not rooting for the main characters or fan-girling over them. I was more intrigued by Espy and enjoyed reading how she helped the clan and treated everyone with care and respect. On a level, this was passionate but unfortunately I didn't quite LOVE all the characters.
THE HERO OF THE STORY STARTED OFF AS A CLOBBERHEAD AND FRANKLY THROUGHOUT IT ALL THE HEROINE OUTSHONE HIM IN EVERY WAY. There's the typical style of how Fletcher writes her stories and while I liked the heroine here, I wasn't certain Craven even lived up to his name or deserved her, given yes he was consumed by grief but he treated her poorly. What failed to sit right with me was how the author introduced the passion so quickly SMACK DAB OUT OF NOWHERE. It would have been more believable if she eased it in as they were getting to know each other, because their first kiss had me cringing more than it gave me goosebumps. And I suddenly understand how it feels to be kissed by someone you don't want to kiss..that's the exact feeling. Otherwise, it's an okay story.
CRAVEN lost his wife and unborn child a year ago and he - in the midst of anger and pain - blamed Espy who was the midwife "responsible" for it. A man in pain refuses to believe the truth, and as a man of his time, willingly believed the words of a male physician who accused Espy of killing Craven's wife. I have to say, I have plenty of anticipation while I read this because the level of angst it could have was LEGITIMATELY INSANE. But, the author only played into about like a typical...20% of it? Like typical as in, we all know he's going to treat Espy like shit and he wants to kill her. In a spur of a moment, he allows her to live, banishing her from the only home she ever knew. A year later, she returns and he's come to collect because she broke her word. But, the way Craven suddenly and magically felt attracted to her...just didn't sit right with me. It would have been better if he felt any sort of appreciation for her BEFORE he married his wife, or at least acknowledge that Espy's an attractive sort of woman because Craven having any sort of lustful feelings for Espy just felt....WRONG. That's where the story lost a star for me. Building chemistry is an important point for me, and how it's built sets the tone of everything. Period. I didn't like Craven much because he's such a dolt. Blinded by grief (yes, he's allowed to), he neglected his people and devolved into the Beast he's infamous for. Frankly, if he's called a beast because he's large and crazy strong, then I suppose every other highlander could easily be a beast too. Did he deserve Espy? I don't know...till the end I still wasn't on the team Craven but, at least he makes Espy happy.
ESPY was a gem. I don't know why but Fletcher often writes her heroines (at least the non annoying ones) as a strong and independent woman of her time, and that gets to me in a good way. I admired and respected Espy's strong resolve to help as a healer and her selflessness and also, honourable ways and independent nature. She's also self-reliant, caring and Oh-So-Forgiving. I mean, she'd have to be to fall for the man who nearly killed her and accused her of killing the wife he "Loved". Espy deserved MORE. It's almost unfair how the author depicts her to be a near saintess that it leaves everyone in the book looking BAD, even Craven's dead wife who reminded me of nothing but a beautiful, obedient and fragile doll. Anyways, the whole story centers on Espy returning home because she's running away from something (and bummer if it wasn't so exciting after I found out what it was...a little scary yes, but I thought it was something more insane), and then finally finding out that someone had plotted to kill Craven's wife, clearing Espy's name.
OVERALL this was rather entertaining despite me not rooting for the main characters or fan-girling over them. I was more intrigued by Espy and enjoyed reading how she helped the clan and treated everyone with care and respect. On a level, this was passionate but unfortunately I didn't quite LOVE all the characters.
July 22, 2017
When Hate Turns to Love!
There's a fine line between hate and love- Craven Laird of the Clan MacCara has lost the woman he loved above all , the woman that saw beyond the Beast he had become. Of all the foes he's fought and conquered in battle the death of his wife and unborn child was lost before he had a chance to fight for them. And all because of ESPY the granddaughter of the clans healer! She will pay for murdering his family and the anguish she's brought him.
Almost taking her life he relents and banishes her from his clan and lands with the promise of finishing the job if she dares return.
Espy is a healer she's been taught unconventional methods by her doctor father and combined with her grandmothers teachings couldn't help her that fateful day. So much blood her hands were covered in it, but Aubrey's and her babes fate were sealed and so was Espy's life. Banished from the only home and family she has, she barely escaped with her neck intact-literally!
It was time to go home running is no longer an option facing the Beast is safer than the evil she's running from.
Time has dulled Cravens pain and isn't as quick to punish Espy, her compassionate heart and selfless actions have him wondering if he was wrong in her punishment. Feelings he thought long dead start surfacing every time he's with Espy the need to claim and possess her are strong her quite strength and determination to heal have him questioning what his heart is telling him ....he can love again. The healer has healed his heart. Two souls tormented come together and find love!
A plot for murder is revealed with secrets that will threaten everything that Craven loved and wondering who wanted his wife dead!
Donna Fletcher has winner in this new series!
This is a riveting tale of love a desire to right the wrongs, of healing, a love that has conquered hate and won!
There's evil and greed lurking and things are not what they seem. Lots of twists and turns keeps you hooked, the slow build up of the romance between Craven and Espy had my heart cheering for their happily ever after! Can't wait for the next one!
Donna Fletcher is my go to author she will never disappoint, her stories are epic with swoon worthy Highlanders and feisty heroines!!
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
There's a fine line between hate and love- Craven Laird of the Clan MacCara has lost the woman he loved above all , the woman that saw beyond the Beast he had become. Of all the foes he's fought and conquered in battle the death of his wife and unborn child was lost before he had a chance to fight for them. And all because of ESPY the granddaughter of the clans healer! She will pay for murdering his family and the anguish she's brought him.
Almost taking her life he relents and banishes her from his clan and lands with the promise of finishing the job if she dares return.
Espy is a healer she's been taught unconventional methods by her doctor father and combined with her grandmothers teachings couldn't help her that fateful day. So much blood her hands were covered in it, but Aubrey's and her babes fate were sealed and so was Espy's life. Banished from the only home and family she has, she barely escaped with her neck intact-literally!
It was time to go home running is no longer an option facing the Beast is safer than the evil she's running from.
Time has dulled Cravens pain and isn't as quick to punish Espy, her compassionate heart and selfless actions have him wondering if he was wrong in her punishment. Feelings he thought long dead start surfacing every time he's with Espy the need to claim and possess her are strong her quite strength and determination to heal have him questioning what his heart is telling him ....he can love again. The healer has healed his heart. Two souls tormented come together and find love!
A plot for murder is revealed with secrets that will threaten everything that Craven loved and wondering who wanted his wife dead!
Donna Fletcher has winner in this new series!
This is a riveting tale of love a desire to right the wrongs, of healing, a love that has conquered hate and won!
There's evil and greed lurking and things are not what they seem. Lots of twists and turns keeps you hooked, the slow build up of the romance between Craven and Espy had my heart cheering for their happily ever after! Can't wait for the next one!
Donna Fletcher is my go to author she will never disappoint, her stories are epic with swoon worthy Highlanders and feisty heroines!!
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
February 11, 2022
Bingung ngasih ratingnya soalnya gak begitu suka sama Heronya. Wkwkwk... Ini bacaan ringan aja sih. Awalnya sempet ngira bakal angsty karena summarynya kaya gitu. Ada tragedi kematian istri Craven (Hero) yang meninggal saat melahirkan dan membuat Craven mengusir Espy (Heroine) dari tanahnya. Espy ini healer yang berasal dari keluarga healer (ortu dan neneknya healer semua) dan dia mengikuti jejak bokapnya sebagai healer yang menerapkan metode terbaru dari berbagai sumber. Cuma sayangnya karena metodenya baru dan sering kali tidak dipahami masyarakat (terutama yg kolot), akhirnya banyak yang menjudge Espy aneh dan barbar.
Setelah diusir Craven, Espy melakukan perjalanan ke daerah-daerah lain di Highland sampai kemudian dia tiba di daerah kekuasaannya Laird Warwick. Jadi ada 3 Laird yang ditakuti di sekitaran sana dan mereka semua bersahabat dekat kaya sodara. Ada Craven The Beast, Warwick The Demon dan Slain The Savage. Warwick dan Slain nanti ada bukunya juga. Nah, si Espy ini sempet jadi healer clan Warwick dan nekat membebaskan beberapa tahanan yang dianggapnya gak bersalah. Si Warwick ini katanya kejamnya kaya demon--sesuai julukannya,dan karena inilah akhirnya Espy disiksa sebelum kemudian memutuskan kabur balik ke rumah neneknya. Sayangnya dia udah ditunggu Craven, karena Craven bersumpah bakal bunuh Espy kalau sampai dia nekat balik lagi.
Ternyata dengan baliknya Espy ke clan Craven, ada banyak misteri yang terbongkar mengenai kematian istrinya Craven. Salah satunya adalah kematian istri Craven sudah direncanakan oleh orang jahat. Lalu ada juga kedatangan Adara, mantan tahanan Warwick yg dibebaskan Espy. Dia juga misterius, dan menurutku karakternya menarik sebagai cewek korban penyiksaan yang saking traumanya dia gak percaya laki-laki lagi. Padahal nanti di buku selanjutnya bakal dipasangin sama Warwick.
Overall, buku ini just for fun. Bacaan buat ngisi waktu luang aja. Biarpun ada misteri juga gak usah susah-susah nebaknya karena semua clue disembunyikan sama authornya dan reader juga gak disuruh nebak pelakunya sih-- ya karena emang bukan buku misteri ala detektif. Toh ntar menjelang akhir juga kebongkar misterinya. Heronya good looking, badan gede,kasar, doyan teriak-teriak tapi aslinya baik. Heroinenya baik dan gigih dalam menyelamatkan orang2 gak peduli apa konsekuensinya.
Setelah diusir Craven, Espy melakukan perjalanan ke daerah-daerah lain di Highland sampai kemudian dia tiba di daerah kekuasaannya Laird Warwick. Jadi ada 3 Laird yang ditakuti di sekitaran sana dan mereka semua bersahabat dekat kaya sodara. Ada Craven The Beast, Warwick The Demon dan Slain The Savage. Warwick dan Slain nanti ada bukunya juga. Nah, si Espy ini sempet jadi healer clan Warwick dan nekat membebaskan beberapa tahanan yang dianggapnya gak bersalah. Si Warwick ini katanya kejamnya kaya demon--sesuai julukannya,dan karena inilah akhirnya Espy disiksa sebelum kemudian memutuskan kabur balik ke rumah neneknya. Sayangnya dia udah ditunggu Craven, karena Craven bersumpah bakal bunuh Espy kalau sampai dia nekat balik lagi.
Ternyata dengan baliknya Espy ke clan Craven, ada banyak misteri yang terbongkar mengenai kematian istrinya Craven. Salah satunya adalah kematian istri Craven sudah direncanakan oleh orang jahat. Lalu ada juga kedatangan Adara, mantan tahanan Warwick yg dibebaskan Espy. Dia juga misterius, dan menurutku karakternya menarik sebagai cewek korban penyiksaan yang saking traumanya dia gak percaya laki-laki lagi. Padahal nanti di buku selanjutnya bakal dipasangin sama Warwick.
Overall, buku ini just for fun. Bacaan buat ngisi waktu luang aja. Biarpun ada misteri juga gak usah susah-susah nebaknya karena semua clue disembunyikan sama authornya dan reader juga gak disuruh nebak pelakunya sih-- ya karena emang bukan buku misteri ala detektif. Toh ntar menjelang akhir juga kebongkar misterinya. Heronya good looking, badan gede,kasar, doyan teriak-teriak tapi aslinya baik. Heroinenya baik dan gigih dalam menyelamatkan orang2 gak peduli apa konsekuensinya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
This was a standard romance that did hold my interest enough, but that was not anything special. Lord Craven, laird of MacCara clan, takes Espy captive after her being on the run for a year. Craven believes that Espy, a healer, allowed his wife and child to die in labor. He has been waiting to enact his revenge which i believe includes torture and death. Espy insists that she is innocent, though she has no idea what caused his wife Aubrey to suddenly bleed out. Espy is considered dangerous because she practices new medical practices that her deceased father had taught her. However, I thought that women and infants died all the time in childbirth. Why give her so much blame?
Espy has just returned to Craven's lands and she is covered in huge bruises and has a scar across her face. She will not share what happened to her and we are not privy to that information either. I found this part of the story about her being a healer tending torture victims to be a little wobbly. Since it had already happened, there were no real stakes for me in what happened. Not to mention it was hard to follow once it was all revealed in the end.
Espy has a selfless heart and asks to work as a healer while she is awaiting her punishment. All of the village people come to depend on Espy and she is admired by all. Except for Craven because for some reason he thinks she allowed his wife to die. Anyway, they discover that someone might actually have murdered Aubrey, but they have no idea why. They have to work together to solve the mystery which helps to turn the distrust and hate into attraction and liking. That was one thing that did not ring true, how quickly they both moved to being totally into each other. Then Espy was in love right after that but of course Craven vowed to never love again.
I liked Craven more, but found that Espy easily duped him or contradicted him. He could have been a real alpha male, but it seemed like she was in charge more, which is not my preference. Also, she continually did things to put her life in danger when she knew a murderer was about. I get that she was supposed to be selfless but the author made her like a saint. It especially made no sense because Craven was very powerful and could have assisted her.
Espy has just returned to Craven's lands and she is covered in huge bruises and has a scar across her face. She will not share what happened to her and we are not privy to that information either. I found this part of the story about her being a healer tending torture victims to be a little wobbly. Since it had already happened, there were no real stakes for me in what happened. Not to mention it was hard to follow once it was all revealed in the end.
Espy has a selfless heart and asks to work as a healer while she is awaiting her punishment. All of the village people come to depend on Espy and she is admired by all. Except for Craven because for some reason he thinks she allowed his wife to die. Anyway, they discover that someone might actually have murdered Aubrey, but they have no idea why. They have to work together to solve the mystery which helps to turn the distrust and hate into attraction and liking. That was one thing that did not ring true, how quickly they both moved to being totally into each other. Then Espy was in love right after that but of course Craven vowed to never love again.
I liked Craven more, but found that Espy easily duped him or contradicted him. He could have been a real alpha male, but it seemed like she was in charge more, which is not my preference. Also, she continually did things to put her life in danger when she knew a murderer was about. I get that she was supposed to be selfless but the author made her like a saint. It especially made no sense because Craven was very powerful and could have assisted her.
October 13, 2017
Anger goes with the human condition. It’s a misunderstanding to think we’re not supposed to have anger. Anger goes with the territory of being human. But there’s more to anger and more we can do with our anger than simply react. We can choose to free ourselves from anger and turn anger into action through our loving.
Craven is a fierce, loyal Highland warrior of the clan MacCara. He is big, huge in fact. He instils fear in his enemies. But with his wife he was different, he was gentle, caring and he was about to become the happiest man alive as his wife was about to give birth to his first born. However tragedy struck and Craven's wife died whilst in labour and so did his unborn child... And he blames this all on the healer.
Espy is a healer, a good one at that. She is inquisitive and is open to learn 'unorthodox' ways of healing, a way of thinking that was ahead of her time. Her parents, healers themselves, have travelled the world looking for new ways to practice medicine often taking Epsy with them.
The day Craven's wife and child died Espy was there and tried everything to help them and would have done more if they would let her. But Craven did not see it that way. He arrived to find his lifeless wife and Espy covered in her blood. In a moment of blind anger Craven nearly kills her... but doesn't and tells her to leave and never to return because if she does, there would be hell to pay.
I loved this story. I felt for Craven, I felt for Espy. Both characters have gone through unimaginable pain and loss. And although Craven acted harshly in the beginning, as you got to know him you realised that he was a good man but he was riddled with grief and deep down a feeling of guilt.
There was also an element of mystery to the story, you slowly uncovered the truth alongside the characters and we're kept guessing until the very end. Which I guess opens up to the other stories in the series.
I will definitely recommend this to historical romance lovers or any lover of a good hate to love story.
Craven is a fierce, loyal Highland warrior of the clan MacCara. He is big, huge in fact. He instils fear in his enemies. But with his wife he was different, he was gentle, caring and he was about to become the happiest man alive as his wife was about to give birth to his first born. However tragedy struck and Craven's wife died whilst in labour and so did his unborn child... And he blames this all on the healer.
Espy is a healer, a good one at that. She is inquisitive and is open to learn 'unorthodox' ways of healing, a way of thinking that was ahead of her time. Her parents, healers themselves, have travelled the world looking for new ways to practice medicine often taking Epsy with them.
The day Craven's wife and child died Espy was there and tried everything to help them and would have done more if they would let her. But Craven did not see it that way. He arrived to find his lifeless wife and Espy covered in her blood. In a moment of blind anger Craven nearly kills her... but doesn't and tells her to leave and never to return because if she does, there would be hell to pay.
I loved this story. I felt for Craven, I felt for Espy. Both characters have gone through unimaginable pain and loss. And although Craven acted harshly in the beginning, as you got to know him you realised that he was a good man but he was riddled with grief and deep down a feeling of guilt.
There was also an element of mystery to the story, you slowly uncovered the truth alongside the characters and we're kept guessing until the very end. Which I guess opens up to the other stories in the series.
I will definitely recommend this to historical romance lovers or any lover of a good hate to love story.
August 11, 2017
Craven is a man broken-hearted and filled with hate. Ever since he found his wife Aubrey in their bed having died in childbirth along with their child. The woman responsible still in the room. Rather than kill Epsy, he banished her from the clan with the promise of death if she were to ever return. Now more than a year has pasted and he still grieves and hates as much as that first day. Imagine his surprise when he receives word that Epsy has returned. Maybe now if he kills her he can get rid of some of the rage that resides in him.
Epsy never thought she would return to see her grandmother. Banished from a clan for not being able to save the Laird's wife and child she knows she has risked her life by coming back. She has suffered so since she left, nit only from guilt from not being able to save them, but from the cruel life deep in the highlands. Battered, bruised, and scarred she wants nothing more than to see her grandmother once more. But as soon as Craven finds out she is here he returns to exact his revenge.
Being Craven's prisoner she is constantly waiting for her punishment. But as the clansman come to her for healing she finds that she can still do some good. As Craven watches her treat his people, he wonders if maybe he has misjudged her. As he slowly starts to except that Epsy would never have hurt Aubrey he is now left with the question of who would want to hurt Aubrey and why. Also, why of all people does he find that Epsy is the one to stir his feelings back to life.
As Epsy and Craven develop feelings for one another they search for answers to what happened to Aubrey danger and Epsy's past come back to haunt her. Can Craven keep her safe and stop her from sacrificing herself in order to keep everyone safe?
Great start to a new series. I can't wait to see where it goes from here in the next book.
Epsy never thought she would return to see her grandmother. Banished from a clan for not being able to save the Laird's wife and child she knows she has risked her life by coming back. She has suffered so since she left, nit only from guilt from not being able to save them, but from the cruel life deep in the highlands. Battered, bruised, and scarred she wants nothing more than to see her grandmother once more. But as soon as Craven finds out she is here he returns to exact his revenge.
Being Craven's prisoner she is constantly waiting for her punishment. But as the clansman come to her for healing she finds that she can still do some good. As Craven watches her treat his people, he wonders if maybe he has misjudged her. As he slowly starts to except that Epsy would never have hurt Aubrey he is now left with the question of who would want to hurt Aubrey and why. Also, why of all people does he find that Epsy is the one to stir his feelings back to life.
As Epsy and Craven develop feelings for one another they search for answers to what happened to Aubrey danger and Epsy's past come back to haunt her. Can Craven keep her safe and stop her from sacrificing herself in order to keep everyone safe?
Great start to a new series. I can't wait to see where it goes from here in the next book.
August 2, 2017
5 Teacups / 4 Handcuffs
Rene's Thoughts:
👉 To Love a Highlander, never has a dull moment! There is constantly something happening within the narrative as you're sucked deeper and deeper into the mystery of what happened to Craven's wife and child as well as the burgeoning relationship between Craven and Epsy.
👉 From the very beginning you wonder how Craven and Epsy can ever find love, they are so at odds with one another. It doesn't take long for them to work things out, and for you find yourself wondering how this couple was ever not together!
👉 Another strong, intelligent, and extremely lovable heroine from Donna Fletcher! It's no wonder that Craven overcame his hate and falls in love with Epsy, she's just the type of woman he needs. Someone who'll not only standup to him, but who also has a kind, gentle, loving nature.
👉 Craven, also known as the Beast, feels things deeply - especially loss and love. He fights his attraction to Epsy in the beginning, but then quickly realizes it is useless to try and fight what is growing between them. It is Epsy's intelligence, and kindness that first attracts him to her, and it's one of the many reasons Craven makes such a great hero.
👉 The chemistry between these two characters is HOT! They can't keep their hands off each other, even before they are willing to admit their true feelings!
👉 I can't wait for this series to continue, and to watch Craven's fierce highlander warrior friends Slain and Warrick find love.
Lit. 4 Ladies: http://wp.me/p31uud-421
Rene's Thoughts:
👉 To Love a Highlander, never has a dull moment! There is constantly something happening within the narrative as you're sucked deeper and deeper into the mystery of what happened to Craven's wife and child as well as the burgeoning relationship between Craven and Epsy.
👉 From the very beginning you wonder how Craven and Epsy can ever find love, they are so at odds with one another. It doesn't take long for them to work things out, and for you find yourself wondering how this couple was ever not together!
👉 Another strong, intelligent, and extremely lovable heroine from Donna Fletcher! It's no wonder that Craven overcame his hate and falls in love with Epsy, she's just the type of woman he needs. Someone who'll not only standup to him, but who also has a kind, gentle, loving nature.
👉 Craven, also known as the Beast, feels things deeply - especially loss and love. He fights his attraction to Epsy in the beginning, but then quickly realizes it is useless to try and fight what is growing between them. It is Epsy's intelligence, and kindness that first attracts him to her, and it's one of the many reasons Craven makes such a great hero.
👉 The chemistry between these two characters is HOT! They can't keep their hands off each other, even before they are willing to admit their true feelings!
👉 I can't wait for this series to continue, and to watch Craven's fierce highlander warrior friends Slain and Warrick find love.
Lit. 4 Ladies: http://wp.me/p31uud-421
September 27, 2017
This story grabbed a hold of me from the very beginning. Craven and Espy's story was tumultuous from the start. To see how these two strong characters came to overcome their hardships was amazing.
Craven comes face to face with the woman he hates after banishing her under threat of death. Craven is the fierce warrior all have come to know as The Beast and for good reason. She has chosen to return to his lands knowing what awaits her choice and he will see that she endures her punishment.
Espy had no choice than to return and seek help and sanctuary from her horrible ordeal. It has been a year since she had to leave her home and now she returns to her grandmother. She is I'll, but had no where else to go. She knows what she's risking by returning, but she is tired of running. She did not deserve to be banished in the first place, but she was tired and if she is to die she will die close to the woman she loves. The Beast can do what he wants.
This is Book 1 in this new series by this author. Having read almost everything she has written, I look forward to the next two feared warriors in this series...Warrick, The Demon and Slain, The Savage. I loved Craven, The Beast. I hope the next book in this series comes out very soon. I do not like when there is a long wait in between books.
Craven comes face to face with the woman he hates after banishing her under threat of death. Craven is the fierce warrior all have come to know as The Beast and for good reason. She has chosen to return to his lands knowing what awaits her choice and he will see that she endures her punishment.
Espy had no choice than to return and seek help and sanctuary from her horrible ordeal. It has been a year since she had to leave her home and now she returns to her grandmother. She is I'll, but had no where else to go. She knows what she's risking by returning, but she is tired of running. She did not deserve to be banished in the first place, but she was tired and if she is to die she will die close to the woman she loves. The Beast can do what he wants.
This is Book 1 in this new series by this author. Having read almost everything she has written, I look forward to the next two feared warriors in this series...Warrick, The Demon and Slain, The Savage. I loved Craven, The Beast. I hope the next book in this series comes out very soon. I do not like when there is a long wait in between books.
July 24, 2017
Craven, Chieftain of Clan MacCara has just lost his wife and baby and the woman he blames is Epsy, the healer. He almost kills her with his bare hands but instead tells her to leave and never return to his lands. She is gone for a year before she returns almost at death’s door. While trying to solve the mystery of his wife’s death, more questions arise than answers but on the journey he discovers that his love for Epsy is as strong as his hate once was.
Nobody tells a Highlander love story like Donna Fletcher! She brings the story to life in such a way that the reader is on the edge of their seat, turning page after page to find out who the bad guys are, how the mystery will be solved and as always how the H&H will find each other, fall in love and live happily ever after. This was such a well-written plot that flowed very smoothly and you come to know the characters very quickly. This story has a little bit of everything, suspense, mystery, evil, a sexy hero, and a strong woman who loves the hero, heartbreak, along with sad and happy tears! Ms. Fletcher ties it all up very nicely in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the other two in this series. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Nobody tells a Highlander love story like Donna Fletcher! She brings the story to life in such a way that the reader is on the edge of their seat, turning page after page to find out who the bad guys are, how the mystery will be solved and as always how the H&H will find each other, fall in love and live happily ever after. This was such a well-written plot that flowed very smoothly and you come to know the characters very quickly. This story has a little bit of everything, suspense, mystery, evil, a sexy hero, and a strong woman who loves the hero, heartbreak, along with sad and happy tears! Ms. Fletcher ties it all up very nicely in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the other two in this series. I received an ARC for an honest review.
June 19, 2018
Had me totally absorbed
This book had me totally absorbed throughout and I couldn't put it down. Espy was helping to deliver the child of Aubrey, Lord Craven's wife when Aubrey began to hemorrhage. Espy couldn't understand what had caused the bleeding and did all she could to save Aubrey and the baby but nothing could prevent their deaths. Craven wanted revenge on the healer he was told caused his wife and child to die but he banished her instead. Now a year later she has returned to her Grandmother and Craven is determined to have his revenge. This was an entertaining story that had a mystery concerning the death of Craven's wife and I really enjoyed it. The attraction between Craven and Espy was strong and I couldn't wait to find out how Espy would prove her innocence so they could be together. Craven was torn by his attraction to Espy, feeling that he was betraying Aubrey, whom he had loved by lusting after who he thought had killed her. How they finally got past all the problems between them was interesting and I really enjoyed reading their story. Recommend it highly!
This book had me totally absorbed throughout and I couldn't put it down. Espy was helping to deliver the child of Aubrey, Lord Craven's wife when Aubrey began to hemorrhage. Espy couldn't understand what had caused the bleeding and did all she could to save Aubrey and the baby but nothing could prevent their deaths. Craven wanted revenge on the healer he was told caused his wife and child to die but he banished her instead. Now a year later she has returned to her Grandmother and Craven is determined to have his revenge. This was an entertaining story that had a mystery concerning the death of Craven's wife and I really enjoyed it. The attraction between Craven and Espy was strong and I couldn't wait to find out how Espy would prove her innocence so they could be together. Craven was torn by his attraction to Espy, feeling that he was betraying Aubrey, whom he had loved by lusting after who he thought had killed her. How they finally got past all the problems between them was interesting and I really enjoyed reading their story. Recommend it highly!
August 5, 2020
4 stars ( 5/4 stars Margaret Mallory, Julie Johnstone, Monica McCarty, Lynsay Sands, Donna Fletcher)
4 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book. my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
The development and interest in main characters and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.
Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.
Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 3/5 rating hotness and steam.
Recommend book and looking forward to series.
4 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book. my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
The development and interest in main characters and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.
Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.
Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 3/5 rating hotness and steam.
Recommend book and looking forward to series.
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