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Lairds of Dunkeld #1

Heart of a Highlander

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Page Count: Approx 340 pages.

Can the memories of the past be put aside for the sake of love?

A Tormented Highlander…

Duty-bound to seek revenge, Broderick MacConnaway, son of the Thane of Dunkeld, lives haunted by memories of his lost wife Aisling. Forming an alliance with the Lochlann family presents its own trials, but if the marriage allows him to fulfil his vengeance, then so be it. Even if the guilt over Aisling prevents him from ever loving again...

The Lochlann Lass…

With her uncle seeking to marry her off advantageously, Amabel du Mas, great-niece of Brien, Earl of Lochlann, is still empathetic to the plight of Broderick MacConnaway. Believing she would never meet a man she would look at twice - let alone marry - Amabel nonetheless knows a ghost lies between them. A ghost that she may never be able to lay to rest...

Revenge Takes a Strange Path…

But when sinister intentions surface and Amabel is captured before she has a chance to reveal them, Broderick is forced to see past the deceptions and begin another campaign of vengeance. With conflicts between powerful clans escalating and the well-laid plans unraveling into senseless violence, Broderick has no choice but to work together with his new wife to bring Aisling’s killers to justice.

But can they find love?

Will Broderick find a way past the memories that torment him? Or will he fail, and risk losing yet another wife?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2017

458 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Emilia Ferguson

33 books42 followers

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5 stars
132 (35%)
4 stars
99 (26%)
3 stars
86 (23%)
2 stars
29 (7%)
1 star
22 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews54 followers
August 14, 2017
Amabel and Broderick's story is absolutely heartwarming and engaging. They were characters that I found it easy to get caught up in. I'm always drawn to stories where the hero has a wounded heart that needs the love of an understanding woman in order to heal. I loved this trip to the Highlands and hope Ferguson takes us back, again, soon!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
838 reviews
August 12, 2017
Two love stories for the price of one! Most books end when the 2 lovers marry or otherwise get together. This one starts with that.
A not at all predictable story. Love and war, a beautiful, rough story!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
Profile Image for Debby *BabyDee*.
1,483 reviews80 followers
May 27, 2020
Heart of a Highlander by Emilia Ferguson is a new to me author. I started this read via audiobook as it was available via KU. However, the narrator and narration was not very good so I tried to read it without, but it was not very good although I finally finished the story. For my challenge with new authors this year...this was a miss.

2-Stars
Profile Image for Travers.
218 reviews14 followers
September 15, 2017
So bad...

This book was so bad! I know Amazon's recommendations aren't perfect but this one was related to a Kathryn Le Veque book I'd just finished and let me tell you something, there's simply no comparison, Le Veque has a compelling and attractive narrative that allows you to forget about her mistakes, but this book is comparable to a school project or a bad Wattpad submission. The story is just lame, the writing completely uninviting and the characters weak and lacking any depth whatsoever. It just lacks any redeeming qualities, there's nothing to like.
Profile Image for Lail.
267 reviews34 followers
June 18, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by Emilia Ferguson. The storyline grasped my attention right away, and I found the intro of the characters exciting and couldn’t wait for the story to unfold. As it continued, the main hero was a “seasoned warrior leader” hell bent on exacting revenge for the killing of his first wife. However, the writing didn’t portray his words, actions and mannerisms as a seasoned warrior’s, but as a soft sensitive Big Brother who lacked warrior training or instincts to alert him to the dangers of walking up to the enemy they were seeking because he always daydreamed of his woman several times, instead of paying attention to what he was doing and the campaign. Seasoned warriors get upset with themselves for being distracted once or twice, then they berate and refocus themselves as they are physically and mentally trained to do,to keep their men and themselves alive! He was portrayed as a loving big brother who constantly had to ruffle the young men’s hair, and playfully shove them. He appeared to have no confidence in himself and he didn’t exude any strategic ability of his own, rather he always consulted the young men (17 years old) for directions and opinions. And, unfortunately he was portrayed overly sensitive and emotional that he cried all the time except when his first wife died! I’m not saying guys shouldn’t cry because I love it when a big bad warrior is brought to sentimental tears... but only once or so, not continuously. I was actually embarrassed for him. But, he wasn’t alone with constant tears, the woman had constant streams of historical laughing and crying.
For me, the storyline has potential including some good twist and events but fell short. I gave this book 3 stars because, I couldn’t envision or take the characters seriously in the roll they should have been portrayed as, and I struggled with the dialogue and writing style of this author. She has many fans of her novels, which is why I thought I’d give it a try, and I read all of the authors who’s work was compared to this authors. However, I don’t find the authors to have similar writing styles or quality
Profile Image for Susan Shearer.
403 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2017
This was the first book I have read of Emiila Ferguson and it definitely won’t be the last! Heart of the Highlander not only captured my attention but also captured my heart!
After witnessing his wife being killed Broderick MacConnaway becomes a bitter, vengeful man. He lives and breathes to kill the Bradley who killed his beloved Aisling.
Five years later he aligns with the Earl of Cawley to marry one of his nieces – Amabel, Alina or Chrissie, much to their dismay. Amabel and Alina were sisters and Chrissie their much younger cousin.
Forced to marry to strengthen her uncle’s power, Amabel is resigned to her fate. But when she meets Broderick the sparks fly.
Broderick gains the power from Brien’s army to battle his enemy and also realizes he is falling in love with his new wife. Both Broderick and Amabel are taken unawares with their love for each other and especially the turmoil it causes in their lives.
As Amabel and Alina work to prove to Broderick that his enemy isn’t who he thinks it is they are kidnapped and taken to the keep of the MacDowell, a cruel and evil man who hates Broderick. Who will save the ladies? Can love soften Broderick’s heart? Will he heed Amabel’s warning? Will Duncan and Alina find love as well? Will they all live or die? These are all answered in this amazing story! I guarantee you won’t want to put it down!
Profile Image for Penny  Mooney.
189 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2017
Broderick went of Lochlainn to get a wife so he could avenge his dead wife. She was killed in a raid by the Bradley clan 5 years ago. He must marry to gain the support and men to make his vengeance possible. He weds Amabel the oldest niece of the Earl of Cawley. They were both attracted to each other but Broderick couldn’t forget his first wife. to Broderick going on raids to get vengeance for his wife’s death is more important than his new wife, Ambel. This sets the scene of the book.
Broderick is filled with hate for the Bradley clan and his vow to love his first wife through eternity. Will he finally realize his feelings for Amabel are real and will Amabel find love after all? Will love win out over vengeance?
This book is suspenseful, filled with hate, vengeance, action, twist and turns, demons from the past, learning to trust, what true justice means, surprising truths, mutual attractions, and a kidnapping. This is a clean novel and grabs your emotions.
Emilia is such a talented author. She sets her plot and builds her characters around it to captivate our senses. I recommend this book for an emotional and action packed read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2017
I received a copy of this e-book from the author and although I was under no obligation to leave a review, I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Broderick wants revenge on the Bradley clan for the death of his wife and so he kidnaps the woman who is set to marry his enemy and plans on marrying her himself. Amabel is a widow but is marrying again, advantageously of course, for that is the only way her Uncle will have it.

After the kidnapping, Broderick expects Amabel to be this frightened woman who will cower before him but he is soon disappointed. She has spirit and speaks her mind

Will Broderick and Amabel marry? Will Broderick have his revenge.

I really liked these characters! They're both smart people and neither have an evil heart. There is an attraction between them but there is also a ghost standing in the way.

The flow of this story is very nice and was easy to get involved with. It also has a few twists and turns you don't really expect. I honestly didn't want to put the book down once I started.

I am a big fan of Highlander stories and consider this book a nice addition. I would highly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Danielle  DuSchene.
45 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Broderick MacConnaway does not think he could ever love again but knows he must ask for a marriage with an ally to help get his vengeance. Little does he expect when he first lays eyes on his intended his world will be flipped upside down.
Amabel is expected to marry as the oldest in her household for gain. As most ladies in that time she's not happy about it but will do her duty. Then she meets the eyes of her intended and feels something she's never felt before.
Can Amabel help Broderick realize his vengeance is for naught and learn to love again or will they both be doomed to live in an amicable marriage? Sit back and be prepared to be transported to Medieval Scotland where things are wild and beautiful to take in the love story of two stubborn Highlanders that must learn that they both need one another!!!
Profile Image for Lisa Eiff.
966 reviews27 followers
August 12, 2017
Great writing with romantic snippets, family squabbles and a happy ending.

I enjoyed reading this novel. This was actually the first books I've read by Emilia Ferguson, and I felt drawn in once the writing captured me. Think Virgina Woolf meets Jane Austen...a combo that later takes a dangerous wrong turn that leads to a possible near end in the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed the character development presented in this novel, and I look forward to exploring more writing by this author in the future. I would recommend this book to fans of adventure, with a soldier willing to do what is necessary for the ones that he loves.

I received an ecopy of this novel from the author but wanted to voluntarily share my honest opinion of this novel here.
Profile Image for Tammie.
229 reviews
August 10, 2017
Oh my, I loved this book. A struggle between what the heart wants and what the mind needs. The two main characters set the whole book into a great adventure to follow them through their struggles to figure out if they are meant to be with each other. Broderick and Amabel made me cry, scream, and jump up and down with emotions when following them through their journeys. The other characters within the story are strong but not over powering the main characters. Love the style of writing. I wish it did have more of the old tongue then more modern language. I am so looking forward to her next book. Hope this story continues!
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
December 18, 2017
This book was heart stopping in places, so dramatic and suspenseful, I had to put it down to catch my breath.
Why do highland men show such courage, love and appear so thoughtful for those they love??
Yes, this has been a truly wonderful read.
The story of a wife murdered when the home of a Highlander was invaded. Five years later, the husband, bent on revenge, was prepared to marry, with the intent of the family of his new spouse, providing men and resources to avenge the death. However, fate turns the arrangement to an love entanglement, which causes the highlander emotional turmoil, as to where his allegiances lie.
250 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2017
A story about love, murder and revenge. This story describes the conflict between the clans that has been going on for years. It is about politics, alliances and power. The story shows how two strong-willed women help their mates. The descriptions of the landscape is wonderful. You can see the surrounding land with your own eyes are you read. It is full of adventure and excitement. A must read for those who love the chivalry of the Highlands. I received this book as a ARC reviewer and am not under any obligation to post a review in favor of this book. This review is my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Suzanne Giorgione.
522 reviews19 followers
August 12, 2017
What a fantastic trip back to Scotland. You could imagine yourself there with these hot Scottish men and the beautiful women who fall in love with them out in the Scottish countryside and forests. The story takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride - vengeance at the cost of all else, heartbreaking loss, surprising newfound love, fighting the wrong enemy, discovering what matters the most, and realizing just how strong you are when you think you can't take one more step. A story finding your happily every after when you thought it was never possible. I couldn't put this book down once I started and I was so happy that I had the chance to read this ARC and leave my honest review.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2017
Great Scottish Adventure Romance – Full Length Novel
This is a very good story that will keep your interest. The political story is good with lots of intrigue. The battles are good and not too bloody. The romance is good with minimal and tasteful sex scenes. This is a complete story with a true ending. It could have sequels, but is complete as written. While this is a full-length novel, the plot unfolds nicely and it has a nice tempo. I enjoy the realistic feel of the story. This author did a great job of not glamorizing the time period or making her scenes too idealized. I will read more of her books.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
September 7, 2017
While I'm not impressed with the writing, this is a captivating story. Broderick isn't very bright. He is kind and caring and loyal. Amabel is strong, brave and forgiving. Broderick is marrying only to make an alliance with her uncle, but when he sees Amabel, he's attracted to her. Unfortunately guilt interferes. Her turns from his bride, then can't understand why she's aloof towards him. While Amabel wanted a love a match, she settles on her being a helpmate. The drama and intrigue heats up as Broderick seeks his revenge. It's a good story with some fun characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Cindy Batdorf.
182 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2017
Broaderick is set on avenging the death of his wife who was slain 5 years ago. He meets Amabel and asks her uncle for her hand as part of an alliance to strengthen both strongholds. I was so involved in this story that it was hard to find a place to stop. I was right there feeling their pain and joy, It was hard to go back to my real life.

There is plenty of room for character development in future books in the series. I look forward to reading every one of them.

I was so excited to read this ARC ebook and I am glad I did. I give this review freely and honestly.
1,790 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2017
This was an entertaining Medieval Scottish Romance. The pace of the story moved smoothly. Amabel's uncle is making arrangements to marry her off to his best advantage. Broderick is tortured by memories of his wife who was killed and is determined to seek revenge on the clan responsible. An alliance is formed between them. They also start to feel drawn to each other. They have to learn to trust each other to have a chance of finding a way to happiness. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
99 reviews
September 3, 2017
Heart of a Highlander by Emilia Ferguson starts out as a story of revenge and power. There is of course the arranged marriage of the time for alliance and power. Emilia's writing sucks you in and keeps your interest through out the whole story. The main characters both gain more than they were prepared for. This is a story of love conquering all. But to get there there are guilt, misunderstandings and pride to overcome. I received an ARC but voluntarily read and gave my honest, fair review. I plan on reading many more books by Emilia Ferguson.
Profile Image for Jeanne .
408 reviews
August 11, 2017
Thank God for Brawny Highlanders Who Learn to Listen to Their Women!

First book I have read by Ms. Ferguson and cannot wait to read more! 💜💜💜💜💜 Don't want to give any of the story away so I will just say I loved the strength and intelligence of Amabel du Mas and her sister Alina and Aunt Aili (want to learn more about her!). And I especially loved the closeness between sisters Amabel and Alina and the MacConnaway brothers, Broderick (💓 yum) and Duncan!
185 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2017
Wonderful Scottish Romance

I was captivated by the dialogue and felt that I was in Scotland. Amabel was such a strong heroine and loyal to her husband. Broderick was a broken hero needing to be saved by his new wife. Wonderful supporting cast of characters. A great story with misunderstandings, lies, deceit, intrigue, action, romance and love.
One click to enjoy this book and the saga of Amabel and Broderick's love.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,121 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2017
What can I say a Highlander story always gets my interest and this one is no different. For a first book, the author did a great job of description, dialogue and plot. I would totally recommend this book to others. I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review. This book is full of revenge, suspense, courage, struggles, deceit, intrigue and most of all Love. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
222 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2017
This the first book I read from Emilia Ferguson and I enjoyed the book. While this was a love story. The book dealt with how revenge can destroy your ability to love and communication is key to a successful marriage. The book had 2 strong women who risked their lives to help the men they loved. If you’re looking for a love story that can be read in one sitting I’m sure you would enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, and this is a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Roslyn Stillman.
551 reviews14 followers
August 14, 2017
I received this book as an ARC and believe this is Emilia’s first book. I found it a little slow to start with even though it covered a lot of territory but once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. You could connect to the characters with their strengths and weaknesses. I also enjoyed the mystery in the story. Well worth the read and I will be keeping an eye on this author and look forward to reading more of her books.
9 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2017
This is a very good romance. Broderick MacConnaway falls in love with Amabel du Mas and in a surprise move he is allowed to marry her by her uncle Brien Lochlann. These two go through the wringer. First they are attracted to each other then they are not attracted to each other. Than love wins the day. Broderick is constantly leaving to go on raids with Uncle Briens men. Amabel survives. It gets interesting but I don't want to give it all away.
6,036 reviews45 followers
September 6, 2017
More than just a love story, the tale finds love and loss for
Broderick and Amabel, his brother Duncan and her sister Alina.

Dashing lairds, and bright, bonnie lassies.

Insight, healing and love make the Scots stronger.
Internecine wars leave them ripe for plunder, and future slaughter by the
Brits.

Will vengeance or love be the best way to protect the clans?

This, a tale of love, in spite of loss, and instead of vengeance.
A story that looks to a future with new and different lives.




Profile Image for Ruth Ann.
246 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2018
Emjoyable

Enjoyed reading this book very much. Very well written by Emilia Ferguson. This is the kind of a Book I love to read. It has everything that I love to read. One terrific sister, a wife and fighting for what they believe in. And one great Scottish Highlander. Everything you want to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Scottish Highlanders. But it and enjoy every page.
4 reviews
August 12, 2017
Stayed up all night to see where the adventue ended. Looking for a spot to just set my kindle aside for the night. Never found it. Exciting, brave, and well thought out characters form a cast you won't soon forget. Set in the heart of a Scottish dream. I have my eye on you Emilia Ferguson! Hoping the Lairds of Dunkeld Series will continue to ensnare the heart and capture the imagination of all.
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,863 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2017
Excellent
Heart Of A Highlander by Emilia Ferguson book 1 Laird of Dunkeld Series. This is a story that sucked me in from the start and didn't let me go until I'd laughed, shed a few tears. Twists and turns with some mystery. I definitely could not put this book down! Amazing! My opinion. Thanks
Profile Image for Teri Donaldson.
339 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2017
What a fabulous book!
Amabel and Broderick are such strong characters. One could not help but adore both of them. Equally as enjoyable are the secondary characters. There are many more stories to be told in this series.
The story moved at a nice pace. As I was reaching the conclusion, I was furiously flipping pages as I really wanted to know how it would all end.
I highly recommend this!
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