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Highland Weddings #3
L'innocente des Highlands
Lorsque Duncan, chef du clan Carlyle, trouve dans la lande une jeune femme amnésique, il n’a aucun mal à reconnaître la fille du comte d’Aberfoyle, son ennemi juré. Pour donner une leçon à cet homme cruel, impliqué dans un trafic d’enfants, Duncan accueille Catriona au sein de son clan sans lui révéler son identité. Ainsi, le comte connaîtra les tourments qu’il inflige aux autres ! Mais, à mesure que la belle se lie aux siens, la culpabilité gagne Duncan. Tiraillé entre ses mensonges et une attirance qu’il n’avait pas prévue, il s’enlise dans une situation intenable. D’autant que la mémoire de la jeune femme peut revenir à tout moment…
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
38 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Callen
46 books523 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Gayle Callen writes historical romances for Avon Books. Her twenty-second novel, The Wrong Bride, was published in November 2015.
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
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June 27, 2017
Book Review For: 'Love with a Scottish Outlaw" by Gayle Callen 'Love with a Scottish Outlaw" by Gayle Callen is Book Three in the "Highland Weddings". This is the story of Duncan Carlyle and Catriona Duff. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book. Duncan finds Cat along the way home injured and her not even knowing her name. Duncan knows who Cat is...the daughter of Earl of Aberfoyleis, but keeps it to himself. Earl of Aberfoyle is Duncan's enemy. The man that has made Duncan and his men go underground because they tried to stand up to Earl of Aberfoyle when Duncan found him kidnapping and selling children as slaves. Duncan does take her in to help her heal and tries to fight he growing feelings. Cat wakes up hurt with a few dead men and with no knowledge of who she is. Cat tries to make the best of what has happened to her. But what will she say when she finds out Duncan has been lying to her? "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... http://booklikes.com/bloghttps://roma... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
July 26, 2017
I've given this a C at AAR.
I said, somewhere in a review in the dim and distant past, that I’m not a great fan of Scottish-set romances because the plotlines are generally so formulaic. You know the sort of thing – Girl from Clan X meets Boy from Clan Y and they fall in love even though their respective clans are deadly enemies. Girl from Clan X is usually all flashing eyed, flame-haired feistiness; Boy from Clan Y is a kilted hunk who is filled with lust in spite of his distrust of Girl from Clan X because of who her father is. Yes, all romances are formulaic to an extent, but for some reason, most of those set north of the border (with the notable exception of Grace Burrowes’ MacGregor series) don’t deviate much from that particular plotline. And I’m afraid that Love with a Scottish Outlaw sticks pretty much to that pattern.
In the first book in Gayle Callen’s Highland Weddings series, the heroine, Catriona Duff was The Wrong Bride because her nasty uncle, the Earl of Aberfoyle, had manipulated the hero, Hugh McCallum into making off with her in the belief that Riona was his (Aberfoyle’s) daughter instead of his niece. Hugh and Riona fell in love, which risked the fragile accord between the Duffs (family name of the earls of Aberfoyle) and the McCallums being broken and would likely lead to bloodshed. Fortunately, the earl’s son, Owen, stepped up to marry Hugh’s sister, Maggie, and thus averted armed conflict between the clans.
So now it’s turn for the other Catriona Duff – known as Cat – to get her HEA with a Hunky Highlander, who duly arrives in the form of the eponymous Scottish outlaw, Duncan Carlyle. When he tried to speak out against the disgusting practice of rounding up the local orphaned (and some not-so-orphaned) children and selling them as slaves to plantation owners in the Americas, Duncan was not believed by those in authority, who were clearly taking back-handers from the people behind the practice, the most notable of which was Aberfoyle. Duncan was arrested, and when he escaped, a price was put on his head, and he now lives in the caves beneath the ruins of his ancestral home with only a few trusted clansmen and women, unwilling to live on his estate and thereby endanger the other members of his clan.
He is riding to the caves when he comes across a bedraggled and injured woman staggering across his path. He has nowhere else to take her but the caves – fortunately, she is in no fit state to take note of his route, but he is cautious even so, for he has recognised her as the daughter of his greatest enemy, the Earl of Aberfoyle. The woman, however, has no idea of who, what or where she is; she doesn’t know her name or how she came to be lying in the mud alongside two dead men close to where Duncan finds her. Duncan decides that concealing Cat’s whereabouts will give Aberfoyle a taste of the sort of heartbreak he doles out to others by kidnapping their children, and thinks that perhaps he can turn the situation to his advantage later on; but for now, he concentrates on getting her to the caves so her injuries can be tended to.
Most of the first half of the book consists of Cat lusting after Duncan while telling herself that it’s not fair on either of them to start something while she has no idea of who she is; and Duncan lusting after Cat in spite of the fact that her father is his enemy AND his guilt over the fact that he knows who she is and hasn’t told her.
When she is able to, Cat mucks in with the women in the caves, cooking, cleaning, washing and mending while learning more about Duncan’s schemes to thwart the child-traffickers and his method of supporting his clan by ‘diverting’ the shipments of smuggled whisky that frequently cross Carlyle lands.
Of course, when she remembers everything and realises that Duncan has lied to her, Cat is furious with him, but can’t deny that she admires his dedication to his clan and most particularly to freeing the kidnapped children and either reuniting them with their families or finding them good homes. She’s in love with him, of course, but can’t trust him ever again – and without trust, there can never be anything between them. Fortunately, love finds a way.
I finished reading Love With a Scottish Outlaw only a few hours before starting this review, and already I am finding it difficult to recall much about the book, other than the first names of the principal characters, that much of the story takes place in a cave and that there’s a sub-plot about child-slavers. And while the latter is an interesting plot choice, it feels like a tacked-on development in order to give Duncan something suitably heroic to do – otherwise, he’d just be lurking around his caves all day.
The two central characters are bland, and there’s little chemistry between them; we briefly meet Cat’s brother, Owen, and his sometimes clairvoyant wife, Maggie – who, luckily (!) has had a premonition that Cat and Duncan will be together and happy – but quite honestly, the whole book is an unmemorable and somewhat formulaic addition to what has been a just average series, and I’m not going to recommend it.
I said, somewhere in a review in the dim and distant past, that I’m not a great fan of Scottish-set romances because the plotlines are generally so formulaic. You know the sort of thing – Girl from Clan X meets Boy from Clan Y and they fall in love even though their respective clans are deadly enemies. Girl from Clan X is usually all flashing eyed, flame-haired feistiness; Boy from Clan Y is a kilted hunk who is filled with lust in spite of his distrust of Girl from Clan X because of who her father is. Yes, all romances are formulaic to an extent, but for some reason, most of those set north of the border (with the notable exception of Grace Burrowes’ MacGregor series) don’t deviate much from that particular plotline. And I’m afraid that Love with a Scottish Outlaw sticks pretty much to that pattern.
In the first book in Gayle Callen’s Highland Weddings series, the heroine, Catriona Duff was The Wrong Bride because her nasty uncle, the Earl of Aberfoyle, had manipulated the hero, Hugh McCallum into making off with her in the belief that Riona was his (Aberfoyle’s) daughter instead of his niece. Hugh and Riona fell in love, which risked the fragile accord between the Duffs (family name of the earls of Aberfoyle) and the McCallums being broken and would likely lead to bloodshed. Fortunately, the earl’s son, Owen, stepped up to marry Hugh’s sister, Maggie, and thus averted armed conflict between the clans.
So now it’s turn for the other Catriona Duff – known as Cat – to get her HEA with a Hunky Highlander, who duly arrives in the form of the eponymous Scottish outlaw, Duncan Carlyle. When he tried to speak out against the disgusting practice of rounding up the local orphaned (and some not-so-orphaned) children and selling them as slaves to plantation owners in the Americas, Duncan was not believed by those in authority, who were clearly taking back-handers from the people behind the practice, the most notable of which was Aberfoyle. Duncan was arrested, and when he escaped, a price was put on his head, and he now lives in the caves beneath the ruins of his ancestral home with only a few trusted clansmen and women, unwilling to live on his estate and thereby endanger the other members of his clan.
He is riding to the caves when he comes across a bedraggled and injured woman staggering across his path. He has nowhere else to take her but the caves – fortunately, she is in no fit state to take note of his route, but he is cautious even so, for he has recognised her as the daughter of his greatest enemy, the Earl of Aberfoyle. The woman, however, has no idea of who, what or where she is; she doesn’t know her name or how she came to be lying in the mud alongside two dead men close to where Duncan finds her. Duncan decides that concealing Cat’s whereabouts will give Aberfoyle a taste of the sort of heartbreak he doles out to others by kidnapping their children, and thinks that perhaps he can turn the situation to his advantage later on; but for now, he concentrates on getting her to the caves so her injuries can be tended to.
Most of the first half of the book consists of Cat lusting after Duncan while telling herself that it’s not fair on either of them to start something while she has no idea of who she is; and Duncan lusting after Cat in spite of the fact that her father is his enemy AND his guilt over the fact that he knows who she is and hasn’t told her.
When she is able to, Cat mucks in with the women in the caves, cooking, cleaning, washing and mending while learning more about Duncan’s schemes to thwart the child-traffickers and his method of supporting his clan by ‘diverting’ the shipments of smuggled whisky that frequently cross Carlyle lands.
Of course, when she remembers everything and realises that Duncan has lied to her, Cat is furious with him, but can’t deny that she admires his dedication to his clan and most particularly to freeing the kidnapped children and either reuniting them with their families or finding them good homes. She’s in love with him, of course, but can’t trust him ever again – and without trust, there can never be anything between them. Fortunately, love finds a way.
I finished reading Love With a Scottish Outlaw only a few hours before starting this review, and already I am finding it difficult to recall much about the book, other than the first names of the principal characters, that much of the story takes place in a cave and that there’s a sub-plot about child-slavers. And while the latter is an interesting plot choice, it feels like a tacked-on development in order to give Duncan something suitably heroic to do – otherwise, he’d just be lurking around his caves all day.
The two central characters are bland, and there’s little chemistry between them; we briefly meet Cat’s brother, Owen, and his sometimes clairvoyant wife, Maggie – who, luckily (!) has had a premonition that Cat and Duncan will be together and happy – but quite honestly, the whole book is an unmemorable and somewhat formulaic addition to what has been a just average series, and I’m not going to recommend it.
June 27, 2017
'Love with a Scottish Outlaw" by Gayle Callen is Book Three in the "Highland Weddings". This is the story of Duncan Carlyle and Catriona Duff. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Duncan finds Cat along the way home injured and her not even knowing her name. Duncan knows who Cat is...the daughter of Earl of Aberfoyleis, but keeps it to himself. Earl of Aberfoyle is Duncan's enemy. The man that has made Duncan and his men go underground because they tried to stand up to Earl of Aberfoyle when Duncan found him kidnapping and selling children as slaves. Duncan does take her in to help her heal and tries to fight he growing feelings.
Cat wakes up hurt with a few dead men and with no knowledge of who she is. Cat tries to make the best of what has happened to her. But what will she say when she finds out Duncan has been lying to her?
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Duncan finds Cat along the way home injured and her not even knowing her name. Duncan knows who Cat is...the daughter of Earl of Aberfoyleis, but keeps it to himself. Earl of Aberfoyle is Duncan's enemy. The man that has made Duncan and his men go underground because they tried to stand up to Earl of Aberfoyle when Duncan found him kidnapping and selling children as slaves. Duncan does take her in to help her heal and tries to fight he growing feelings.
Cat wakes up hurt with a few dead men and with no knowledge of who she is. Cat tries to make the best of what has happened to her. But what will she say when she finds out Duncan has been lying to her?
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
June 23, 2017
I don't read many highland novels so it's refreshing to do so from time to time, especially when the story is written by an author like Gayle Callen. She paints a vivid picture of setting, characters and the rough life people endured in 18th Century Scotland. I loved the earthiness of the story, devoid of lavish balls and expensive embellishments. This was real, the love that develops a struggle between trust and forgiveness.
When Duncan Carlyle finds Catriona Duff wandering along a dirt road, he recognizes her as the daughter of his enemy. To his surprise, she claims to have no memory of who she is or anything else relating to her past. Taking her with him, Duncan uses this opportunity to seek revenge on her father. He wants the cruel laird involved in kidnapping children to know what it feels like to have his own daughter taken. But the situation is not as simple as Duncan believes - least of all when his attraction for Catriona begins to grow and he realizes how deeply he cares for her. Because he knows she will eventually discover his deception and that there bond will be broken the moment she does.
Catriona Duff quickly adjusts to her new situation, offering to help the women of Duncan's clan with the daily chores to show her appreciation for all they have done for her. And the more she gets to know Duncan himself, the more she starts wanting a life entirely different from the one she's left behind. He is her rescuer - or so she believes - a man who saves helpless children. How can she not love this brave man who's been nothing but kind toward her? The question is whether she will continue to love him or not when she finds out how much he has lied.
A wonderful story, beautifully written and hard to put down once you get started.
When Duncan Carlyle finds Catriona Duff wandering along a dirt road, he recognizes her as the daughter of his enemy. To his surprise, she claims to have no memory of who she is or anything else relating to her past. Taking her with him, Duncan uses this opportunity to seek revenge on her father. He wants the cruel laird involved in kidnapping children to know what it feels like to have his own daughter taken. But the situation is not as simple as Duncan believes - least of all when his attraction for Catriona begins to grow and he realizes how deeply he cares for her. Because he knows she will eventually discover his deception and that there bond will be broken the moment she does.
Catriona Duff quickly adjusts to her new situation, offering to help the women of Duncan's clan with the daily chores to show her appreciation for all they have done for her. And the more she gets to know Duncan himself, the more she starts wanting a life entirely different from the one she's left behind. He is her rescuer - or so she believes - a man who saves helpless children. How can she not love this brave man who's been nothing but kind toward her? The question is whether she will continue to love him or not when she finds out how much he has lied.
A wonderful story, beautifully written and hard to put down once you get started.
June 26, 2017
Duncan is a serious, honorable and stern man with a plan when he discovers the daughter of his enemy, fainted in front of his horse. When Catriona awakes, she claims no knowledge of her history or her father. He cannot leave her to fend for herself in the rough country, but her presence could endanger those he loves and cares for – BUT, stuck between a rock and a hard place, he takes her in for careful observation, never letting on his true identity or why he is bent on helping her.
Cat isn’t really evil, but she’s always been wanting something more than the life she had. Now with a fresh start, an attraction to Duncan that she can’t deny, and a cautious but honest friendship developing between she and his people, it’s hard not to like her. And Duncan doesn’t miss that flare of attraction between them, but his own position is a precarious one, and the tentative friendship between he and Cat is based in lies: he lied as to his identity, he’s lied about his background and his knowledge of her identity.
Though Duncan lied, and from the reveal of his backstory, we not only learn the reasons he believes it necessary and right, but see that this is a man who tried always to be honorable and live up to the trust bestowed on him by his clan, and the degradation of the clans really becomes the sole reason he’s living in a cave, away from civilization. But perhaps Cat can be the one to help him heal, bring some closure to some of the issues, if she’s still about after he decides that trusting her and giving her the truth, to make her own decisions is the best option. Heat, heart, honor and a gripping story that dropped tidbits of actual history into the plot allowed a sense of place and time, while not distracting from the overall. Having read the first in this series, this book fits right in, providing another series for fans of historic and highland romance to enjoy.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Cat isn’t really evil, but she’s always been wanting something more than the life she had. Now with a fresh start, an attraction to Duncan that she can’t deny, and a cautious but honest friendship developing between she and his people, it’s hard not to like her. And Duncan doesn’t miss that flare of attraction between them, but his own position is a precarious one, and the tentative friendship between he and Cat is based in lies: he lied as to his identity, he’s lied about his background and his knowledge of her identity.
Though Duncan lied, and from the reveal of his backstory, we not only learn the reasons he believes it necessary and right, but see that this is a man who tried always to be honorable and live up to the trust bestowed on him by his clan, and the degradation of the clans really becomes the sole reason he’s living in a cave, away from civilization. But perhaps Cat can be the one to help him heal, bring some closure to some of the issues, if she’s still about after he decides that trusting her and giving her the truth, to make her own decisions is the best option. Heat, heart, honor and a gripping story that dropped tidbits of actual history into the plot allowed a sense of place and time, while not distracting from the overall. Having read the first in this series, this book fits right in, providing another series for fans of historic and highland romance to enjoy.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
May 3, 2018
Découverte du troisième tome de cette série. Les deux premiers tomes étant chroniqués par Melwasul. Je vous invite à faire un petit tour sur le blog pour y retrouver ses chroniques. Je me suis laissée prendre par le résumé de cette romance historique qui m’a conquis. Une histoire d’amour entre une jeune femme amnésique et un chef de clan hors la loi.
Catherine a fait une belle chute de cheval. Sa garde est morte. Elle vagabonde dans les Highlands ne se souvenant pas de son passé. Qui est-elle ? Où est-elle ? Heureusement, elle est sauvée par une vaillant guerrier Highlander : Duncan. Il l’a ramène dans sa grotte où vivent ses gens. Catherine va travailler avec les femmes pour aider Duncan et son clan jusqu’à temps de retrouver la mémoire. Mais Duncan sait déjà qui est la jeune femme : la fille de son plus grand ennemi. Et il se garde bien de lui dire. Il préfère la garder sous bonne garde dans l’espoir de faire payer à son ennemis les souffrances que son peuple endure.
Ce troisième tome est une jolie romance qui n’apporte rien de plus à cette série. En effet, Cat ignore qui elle est et elle met toute sa confiance en Duncan qui a su la sauver. Elle commence à éprouver des sentiments pour son ravisseur. Mais elle reste sur ses gardes de peur d’être marier et de faire du tort à sa famille. Cette héroïne est forte mais très crédule ce qui m’a un peu énervée tout au long de ma lecture. L’intrigue est un peu trop simplette ce qui m’a gâché rapidement le plaisir de cette lecture. Le final est prévisible ce qui rend la romance bien plate. Une série que je ne poursuivrai pas.
Catherine a fait une belle chute de cheval. Sa garde est morte. Elle vagabonde dans les Highlands ne se souvenant pas de son passé. Qui est-elle ? Où est-elle ? Heureusement, elle est sauvée par une vaillant guerrier Highlander : Duncan. Il l’a ramène dans sa grotte où vivent ses gens. Catherine va travailler avec les femmes pour aider Duncan et son clan jusqu’à temps de retrouver la mémoire. Mais Duncan sait déjà qui est la jeune femme : la fille de son plus grand ennemi. Et il se garde bien de lui dire. Il préfère la garder sous bonne garde dans l’espoir de faire payer à son ennemis les souffrances que son peuple endure.
Ce troisième tome est une jolie romance qui n’apporte rien de plus à cette série. En effet, Cat ignore qui elle est et elle met toute sa confiance en Duncan qui a su la sauver. Elle commence à éprouver des sentiments pour son ravisseur. Mais elle reste sur ses gardes de peur d’être marier et de faire du tort à sa famille. Cette héroïne est forte mais très crédule ce qui m’a un peu énervée tout au long de ma lecture. L’intrigue est un peu trop simplette ce qui m’a gâché rapidement le plaisir de cette lecture. Le final est prévisible ce qui rend la romance bien plate. Une série que je ne poursuivrai pas.
June 29, 2017
Catriona Duff awakens outside, wet and cold, with a painful throbbing in her head. There are two dead men beside her, and she doesn’t know who they are, or who she is. Duncan Carlyle, outlawed Chief of Clan Carlyle is riding to his encampment when Cat faints in front of his horse. While the woman sounds English, after a few minutes Duncan realises who she is: the daughter of the enemy, the Earl of Aberfoyle, the man who forced Duncan to go underground. Is she a spy, is her presence a ruse from her father? Duncan’s life changed the moment he tried to stop Aberfoyle from kidnapping and selling children as indentured slaves; if Duncan shows his face, his clan is doomed.
I simply cannot resist an amnesia trope, and LOVE WITH A SCOTTISH OUTLAW is just fabulous! Duncan is a serious and stern man who never smiles, and I loved him right away for his integrity, his honour, and his determination. He is wary of Cat, but as she could be useful to him, he lets her live in his cave with his people while keeping an eye on her at all times. And lovely man that he is, it unsettles him that, even though he wonders if she can be trusted, he still finds Cat very beautiful. I felt Ms. Callen depicted the loss of memory, and the precarious relationship between Cat and Duncan and his people admirably. Duncan’s backstory is riveting and heartbreaking; he is one of the most wonderful heroes I have ever read. Ms. Callen’s storytelling skills are such that, while I am not usually overly fond of clan wars, I did not miss a word and I was utterly captivated throughout.
Ms. Callen’s prose is elegant and effortless, moving the story right along, and yet at times gorgeous turns of phrases or profound thoughts made me stop and think, or simply enjoy the beauty of beautifully turned sentences or descriptions. The intimacy slowly builds between Duncan and Cat, nothing was rushed, it happened organically, and Cat’s memory loss felt real. I enjoyed reading every word of LOVE WITH A SCOTTISH OUTLAW for the sprinkling of historical facts, the intricacy of the plot, the wonderful characters, and mostly that every little prickly detail was handled with such deftness and flair. Cat and Duncan do not have it easy, but what an explosive moment when they do acknowledge their attraction!
What an adventure, what a glorious ending, what a wonderful hero! What a remarkable book!
See my review on: http://www.buriedunderromance.com/201...
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I simply cannot resist an amnesia trope, and LOVE WITH A SCOTTISH OUTLAW is just fabulous! Duncan is a serious and stern man who never smiles, and I loved him right away for his integrity, his honour, and his determination. He is wary of Cat, but as she could be useful to him, he lets her live in his cave with his people while keeping an eye on her at all times. And lovely man that he is, it unsettles him that, even though he wonders if she can be trusted, he still finds Cat very beautiful. I felt Ms. Callen depicted the loss of memory, and the precarious relationship between Cat and Duncan and his people admirably. Duncan’s backstory is riveting and heartbreaking; he is one of the most wonderful heroes I have ever read. Ms. Callen’s storytelling skills are such that, while I am not usually overly fond of clan wars, I did not miss a word and I was utterly captivated throughout.
Ms. Callen’s prose is elegant and effortless, moving the story right along, and yet at times gorgeous turns of phrases or profound thoughts made me stop and think, or simply enjoy the beauty of beautifully turned sentences or descriptions. The intimacy slowly builds between Duncan and Cat, nothing was rushed, it happened organically, and Cat’s memory loss felt real. I enjoyed reading every word of LOVE WITH A SCOTTISH OUTLAW for the sprinkling of historical facts, the intricacy of the plot, the wonderful characters, and mostly that every little prickly detail was handled with such deftness and flair. Cat and Duncan do not have it easy, but what an explosive moment when they do acknowledge their attraction!
What an adventure, what a glorious ending, what a wonderful hero! What a remarkable book!
See my review on: http://www.buriedunderromance.com/201...
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 26, 2017
Jude Deveraux got me hooked on highland books, which means my kindle and bookcase are stock full of them! So when I found out that I could review this book, well, I jumped at the opportunity.
I love the camaraderie with clan members and how much they look up to their Laird and work together to keep peace in their home, whether it be a keep or a cave.
While reading this book, I felt as if I was transported in time to the crisp Highlands, gossiping with clan members as we did the laundry, prepared food, fed everyone, etc. Watching Cat and Duncan get to know each other, and eventually fall in love.
If only there wasn't that huge elephant between them as Duncan surely knows who the girl with amnesia is and plans on keeping her for ransom from her disgusting father. There were so many lies that I considered keeping a notebook next to me so that *I* could keep them straight.
Duncan is a powerful man, with his no-nonsense personality and determination to make Cat's father pay for what he did to him.
Cat is such a sweet, pleasant woman who had me wishing that we were friends. I love a good amnesia story and Cat's didn't disappoint.
Callen is a true artist when it comes to creating characters with much depth and complexity. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the others in the series.
I love the camaraderie with clan members and how much they look up to their Laird and work together to keep peace in their home, whether it be a keep or a cave.
While reading this book, I felt as if I was transported in time to the crisp Highlands, gossiping with clan members as we did the laundry, prepared food, fed everyone, etc. Watching Cat and Duncan get to know each other, and eventually fall in love.
If only there wasn't that huge elephant between them as Duncan surely knows who the girl with amnesia is and plans on keeping her for ransom from her disgusting father. There were so many lies that I considered keeping a notebook next to me so that *I* could keep them straight.
Duncan is a powerful man, with his no-nonsense personality and determination to make Cat's father pay for what he did to him.
Cat is such a sweet, pleasant woman who had me wishing that we were friends. I love a good amnesia story and Cat's didn't disappoint.
Callen is a true artist when it comes to creating characters with much depth and complexity. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the others in the series.
February 18, 2018
This is a fast moving tale of romance and intrigue. The author has captured the spirit of Scotland and its people in this era. Her characters are so realistic, I expected them to walk right off the page. The plot hooked me from the very first page and I read the entire book in one sitting. I can definitely recommend this book to all readers of historical romance and especially to those who cannot resist a man in a kilt.
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
June 27, 2017
I received this book for free from the Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the third book that I read from Gayle Callen and coincidentally, this is the third book in the Highland Weddings series. I had started reading the first two books in this series and then abandoned them.
It does seem like I do know why I had abandoned them. I really had a hard time getting into Love with the Scottish Outlaw. Fortunately, I was able to get past the first few chapters.
Love with the Scottish Outlaw is about Lady Catriona Duff whose carriage falls over a cliff and she wakes up with amnesia. She is found on the road by Duncan Carlyle, who is an outlaw. Duncan instantly recognizes Cat but he doesn't reveal her identity because she is the daughter of his enemy and Duncan is out for revenge.
I liked the premise. I also love the slow burn romance here. However, I miss more interactions between Cat and Duncan! I felt like there wasn't really a real instance where Cat would fall in love with him. Sure, she was attracted to him, but I wasn't really sold on their love.
That being said, I loved that Cat found out about Duncan's lies in the three-quarters part of the book, which actually gave them enough time to overcome this obstacle.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a little hard to get into at first, but once I did, I got immersed in the story.
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
This is the third book that I read from Gayle Callen and coincidentally, this is the third book in the Highland Weddings series. I had started reading the first two books in this series and then abandoned them.
It does seem like I do know why I had abandoned them. I really had a hard time getting into Love with the Scottish Outlaw. Fortunately, I was able to get past the first few chapters.
Love with the Scottish Outlaw is about Lady Catriona Duff whose carriage falls over a cliff and she wakes up with amnesia. She is found on the road by Duncan Carlyle, who is an outlaw. Duncan instantly recognizes Cat but he doesn't reveal her identity because she is the daughter of his enemy and Duncan is out for revenge.
I liked the premise. I also love the slow burn romance here. However, I miss more interactions between Cat and Duncan! I felt like there wasn't really a real instance where Cat would fall in love with him. Sure, she was attracted to him, but I wasn't really sold on their love.
That being said, I loved that Cat found out about Duncan's lies in the three-quarters part of the book, which actually gave them enough time to overcome this obstacle.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a little hard to get into at first, but once I did, I got immersed in the story.
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
June 11, 2018
Par le biais de netgalley, j'ai eu l'opportunité de découvrir ce tome. Je remercie la maison d'édition Harlequin pour me l'avoir fait parvenir. J'aime bien la couverture, elle reste soft et dans le thème. Seul hic, c'est le tome 3 d'une trilogie. Je ne l'ai su qu'une fois terminé (c'est inscrit à la fin du livre) Mais en ayant lu ce livre, je n'ai ressenti aucun manque, c'est donc que les tomes peuvent se lire indépendamment, même si maintenant je sais comment se termine les histoires d'avant. (Ce dont je n'avais aucun doute)
Une jeune femme se réveille dans la boue. Un mal de tête impossible à supprimer. Apparemment elle aurait chuté. Le pire ? Deux hommes à ses côtés sont morts. Pas la moindre traces de ses affaires, rien et pas de souvenirs. Impossible pour elle de se souvenir de qui elle est. Alors qu'elle marche avec beaucoup de difficultés pour tenter de retrouver un chemin, Duncan tombe sur elle. Il met un certain temps à la reconnaître, mais il sait qui elle est. Malgré tout, il va lui venir en aide, pour se venger du père de la jeune femme : il saura ce que cela signifie de perdre un enfant durant des jours. La jeune femme sera soigné par lui, ses hommes et les femmes qui vivent dans une grotte, obligé de fuir comme des rats. Prenant le prénom de Catherine, ses souvenirs restant toujours enfermés à clé, elle est reconnaissante de ce qu'ils ont tous fait. Et le charme de leur chef, Duncan ne la laisse pas indifférente. Loin d'être "précieuse" elle n'hésite pas à se proposer pour les aider dans les tâches journalières, même si elle est invitée de force sans le savoir. Bien entendu, il n'y a pas que ce problème de mémoire, mais également ce qui s'approche de près ou de loin à la contrebande, d'alcool, d'enfants...
Même si du départ je savais déjà comment cela allait se terminer (je ne suis pas devin, juste que c'est ce qui se passe dans ce type d'histoire) j'ai apprécié la façon d'amener de l'auteur. Une histoire "banale" de perte de mémoire qui aurait pu tourner court si Duncan n'avait pas gardé son identité secrète : Catrione, fille du comte d'Aberfoyle. Pensant faire du mal à son père, il la traite avec bien plus d'égards qu'il ne le voudrait. Le fait de vivre tous ensemble, le fait qu'elle le voit comme un sauveur, qu'elle ne paraisse pas comme hautaine où tout lui est dû, les deux personnages vont ressentir des émotions, des sentiments qui vont les troubler. En ces temps dur, où Duncan est considéré comme un pestiféré par Aberfoyle et le shérif, sans oublier d'autres gens, il se démène pour aider ceux de son clan en faisant de la contrebande. Mais il est présent aussi pour contrer ceux qui enlèvent des enfants et qui les vendent sans scrupule ! Des sujets délicats lorsqu'il s'agit d'enfants.
L'auteur va plus loin en montrant les conditions de vie dans ce pays, la manière dont les écarts entre les "pauvres" et les "nobles" sont impressionnantes. Certains font attention pour être présents et aider ceux qui sont dans le besoin et d'autre s'en fiche royalement. Les clans sont rivaux et le montrent bien. Les alliances sont quasiment obligatoire afin de préserver un minimum de paix.
Les personnages sont torturés psychologiquement. Duncan s'en veut de lui cacher son identité, mais il veut sa revanche sans pour autant lui faire du mal. Il n'aurait pas de sentiments cela serait bien plus simple. Mais il est touché par cette femme de caractère qui par moment se laisse un peu trop aller. Duncan est devenu chef de clan parce que son père est mort. Il lui en veut, non pas de ne plus être vivant, mais de n'avoir rien fait du temps de son vivant pour sauver son peuple. Une rancœur tenace qui l'a rongé petit à petit. Quant à Catriona, elle est naïve par moment, forte à d'autre. Sans sa mémoire, elle découvre la misère dans laquelle vivent la plupart des gens du clan Carlyle. Pourquoi ils en sont ainsi, pourquoi ils n'arrivent pas à se rebeller comme il le faudrait. J'ai beaucoup aimé Finn, ainsi que Maeve. Ce sont des personnages attachants qui ont une histoire, un passé qu'ils gardent en eux.
En conclusion, une histoire un peu compliquée en Écosse où nous trouvons de nouveaux des clans rivaux. Le fait que l'héroïne soit amnésique change de ceux que j'ai déjà lu. La fin est prévisible, mais le chemin parcouru est fort sympathique ! Je lirais les deux premiers tomes avec plaisir, même en sachant comment ils ont tous terminés.
http://chroniqueslivresques.eklablog....
Une jeune femme se réveille dans la boue. Un mal de tête impossible à supprimer. Apparemment elle aurait chuté. Le pire ? Deux hommes à ses côtés sont morts. Pas la moindre traces de ses affaires, rien et pas de souvenirs. Impossible pour elle de se souvenir de qui elle est. Alors qu'elle marche avec beaucoup de difficultés pour tenter de retrouver un chemin, Duncan tombe sur elle. Il met un certain temps à la reconnaître, mais il sait qui elle est. Malgré tout, il va lui venir en aide, pour se venger du père de la jeune femme : il saura ce que cela signifie de perdre un enfant durant des jours. La jeune femme sera soigné par lui, ses hommes et les femmes qui vivent dans une grotte, obligé de fuir comme des rats. Prenant le prénom de Catherine, ses souvenirs restant toujours enfermés à clé, elle est reconnaissante de ce qu'ils ont tous fait. Et le charme de leur chef, Duncan ne la laisse pas indifférente. Loin d'être "précieuse" elle n'hésite pas à se proposer pour les aider dans les tâches journalières, même si elle est invitée de force sans le savoir. Bien entendu, il n'y a pas que ce problème de mémoire, mais également ce qui s'approche de près ou de loin à la contrebande, d'alcool, d'enfants...
Même si du départ je savais déjà comment cela allait se terminer (je ne suis pas devin, juste que c'est ce qui se passe dans ce type d'histoire) j'ai apprécié la façon d'amener de l'auteur. Une histoire "banale" de perte de mémoire qui aurait pu tourner court si Duncan n'avait pas gardé son identité secrète : Catrione, fille du comte d'Aberfoyle. Pensant faire du mal à son père, il la traite avec bien plus d'égards qu'il ne le voudrait. Le fait de vivre tous ensemble, le fait qu'elle le voit comme un sauveur, qu'elle ne paraisse pas comme hautaine où tout lui est dû, les deux personnages vont ressentir des émotions, des sentiments qui vont les troubler. En ces temps dur, où Duncan est considéré comme un pestiféré par Aberfoyle et le shérif, sans oublier d'autres gens, il se démène pour aider ceux de son clan en faisant de la contrebande. Mais il est présent aussi pour contrer ceux qui enlèvent des enfants et qui les vendent sans scrupule ! Des sujets délicats lorsqu'il s'agit d'enfants.
L'auteur va plus loin en montrant les conditions de vie dans ce pays, la manière dont les écarts entre les "pauvres" et les "nobles" sont impressionnantes. Certains font attention pour être présents et aider ceux qui sont dans le besoin et d'autre s'en fiche royalement. Les clans sont rivaux et le montrent bien. Les alliances sont quasiment obligatoire afin de préserver un minimum de paix.
Les personnages sont torturés psychologiquement. Duncan s'en veut de lui cacher son identité, mais il veut sa revanche sans pour autant lui faire du mal. Il n'aurait pas de sentiments cela serait bien plus simple. Mais il est touché par cette femme de caractère qui par moment se laisse un peu trop aller. Duncan est devenu chef de clan parce que son père est mort. Il lui en veut, non pas de ne plus être vivant, mais de n'avoir rien fait du temps de son vivant pour sauver son peuple. Une rancœur tenace qui l'a rongé petit à petit. Quant à Catriona, elle est naïve par moment, forte à d'autre. Sans sa mémoire, elle découvre la misère dans laquelle vivent la plupart des gens du clan Carlyle. Pourquoi ils en sont ainsi, pourquoi ils n'arrivent pas à se rebeller comme il le faudrait. J'ai beaucoup aimé Finn, ainsi que Maeve. Ce sont des personnages attachants qui ont une histoire, un passé qu'ils gardent en eux.
En conclusion, une histoire un peu compliquée en Écosse où nous trouvons de nouveaux des clans rivaux. Le fait que l'héroïne soit amnésique change de ceux que j'ai déjà lu. La fin est prévisible, mais le chemin parcouru est fort sympathique ! Je lirais les deux premiers tomes avec plaisir, même en sachant comment ils ont tous terminés.
http://chroniqueslivresques.eklablog....
May 3, 2025
1.5/2 Stars
Super meh. I was not expecting much considering my dislike of the memory loss trope. I think I could have enjoyed it for what it was had the MCs, particularly the FMC Cat not been annoying.
I didn't really see much of Cat's true personality as much of the book she was without said memory. However, either way whether she had her memories or not she seemed a bit "too good" imo. She was beautiful, compassionate, and oh so kind. She was beauty and grace and blah blah blah. Quite frankly she had no unique qualities or personality. Which made her completely boring imo.
Top it off with her obnoxious inner thoughts and lusting over the MMC Duncan and I was just over it all.
The MMC Duncan did had some good backstory, and it certainly enriched his character enough to be interesting. He had many layers and a lot of things driving him to lead the life he led to protect his clan. He was likely the most interesting part along with his clan who lived in the cave with them.
The chemistry between the MCs was terribly forced. Between him hiding the truth of her identity, and her falling over all over herself because how she saw him as some handsome knight and shining armor I just couldn't buy into them being with one another. The attraction wasn't organic and felt cringe when things began to progress more than kisses.
I especially found her getting her memories back instantly once she found her clan brooch unbelievable. Just snap, and there they are? I dunno. Plus having Cat act foolishly and chase after Duncan just so the author could get them alone and have them have sex was absurd. Duncan had every right to be angry at Cat for following him, acting as if she was owed answers for everything, and especially for putting herself in danger like that. But instead his anger led to passionate kissing and more. Bleh.
Considering how mad Cat was at him when she found out he'd kept her identity secret and the motivation behind him doing so. Well, I find her becoming overwhelmed by her lust for Duncan so they could have sex despite her still not wanting to be with him completely silly.
Overall it was an alright story. Disappointing. Bored me tbh. I felt done with it by 60% but pushed through, and skimmed once I hit 80%. I just wanted to see Owen and Maggie again
Super meh. I was not expecting much considering my dislike of the memory loss trope. I think I could have enjoyed it for what it was had the MCs, particularly the FMC Cat not been annoying.
I didn't really see much of Cat's true personality as much of the book she was without said memory. However, either way whether she had her memories or not she seemed a bit "too good" imo. She was beautiful, compassionate, and oh so kind. She was beauty and grace and blah blah blah. Quite frankly she had no unique qualities or personality. Which made her completely boring imo.
Top it off with her obnoxious inner thoughts and lusting over the MMC Duncan and I was just over it all.
The MMC Duncan did had some good backstory, and it certainly enriched his character enough to be interesting. He had many layers and a lot of things driving him to lead the life he led to protect his clan. He was likely the most interesting part along with his clan who lived in the cave with them.
The chemistry between the MCs was terribly forced. Between him hiding the truth of her identity, and her falling over all over herself because how she saw him as some handsome knight and shining armor I just couldn't buy into them being with one another. The attraction wasn't organic and felt cringe when things began to progress more than kisses.
I especially found her getting her memories back instantly once she found her clan brooch unbelievable. Just snap, and there they are? I dunno. Plus having Cat act foolishly and chase after Duncan just so the author could get them alone and have them have sex was absurd. Duncan had every right to be angry at Cat for following him, acting as if she was owed answers for everything, and especially for putting herself in danger like that. But instead his anger led to passionate kissing and more. Bleh.
Considering how mad Cat was at him when she found out he'd kept her identity secret and the motivation behind him doing so. Well, I find her becoming overwhelmed by her lust for Duncan so they could have sex despite her still not wanting to be with him completely silly.
Overall it was an alright story. Disappointing. Bored me tbh. I felt done with it by 60% but pushed through, and skimmed once I hit 80%. I just wanted to see Owen and Maggie again
July 3, 2017
Rating 3 1/2 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
I have to say that Love with a Scottish Outlaw was an interesting read. The main reason would have to be the heroine has amnesia, and the hero decided to out vengeance on his enemy by using his daughter. Okay, now if you have been following the series, you would know that the heroine's father is dead. If you didn't you need to go back and read the previous books, because it happen some time in the series. However, Duncan has no clue, and neither does the heroine. Never occurred to the heroine to make a new name for herself, so during most of the story she's referred to as Catherine, because liked the name. Now Duncan is the only one who knows her true identity, and he keeps it to himself. Actually he doesn't believe that she lost her memory for most of the story. You kind of feel bad for Catriona/Catherine, because she has to through trying to earn the clans trust and Duncan's. Actually she agains the clans trust a lot easier than Duncan's.
I liked Love with a Scottish Outlaw. It was different from the previous stories, but at the same time fits the series. In the long wrong they are basically mending fences between the clans that the havoc her father had made. He was a horrible person. I liked Cat, because she was willing to try things, and didn't give up on when it didn't work out. She was a determine lass to prove herself to Duncan. Duncan is a bit hardheaded and stubborn. Granted it was in the name of protecting his clan. He probably should have gone about it another away, but love for his people was pretty strong. Overall, I liked the story. I especially like Cat should her ultimate determination at the end to take down a hardheaded scotsman. So, if this sounds like your kind of read, you might want to try Love with a Scottish Outlaw.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
Posted on What I'm Reading
I have to say that Love with a Scottish Outlaw was an interesting read. The main reason would have to be the heroine has amnesia, and the hero decided to out vengeance on his enemy by using his daughter. Okay, now if you have been following the series, you would know that the heroine's father is dead. If you didn't you need to go back and read the previous books, because it happen some time in the series. However, Duncan has no clue, and neither does the heroine. Never occurred to the heroine to make a new name for herself, so during most of the story she's referred to as Catherine, because liked the name. Now Duncan is the only one who knows her true identity, and he keeps it to himself. Actually he doesn't believe that she lost her memory for most of the story. You kind of feel bad for Catriona/Catherine, because she has to through trying to earn the clans trust and Duncan's. Actually she agains the clans trust a lot easier than Duncan's.
I liked Love with a Scottish Outlaw. It was different from the previous stories, but at the same time fits the series. In the long wrong they are basically mending fences between the clans that the havoc her father had made. He was a horrible person. I liked Cat, because she was willing to try things, and didn't give up on when it didn't work out. She was a determine lass to prove herself to Duncan. Duncan is a bit hardheaded and stubborn. Granted it was in the name of protecting his clan. He probably should have gone about it another away, but love for his people was pretty strong. Overall, I liked the story. I especially like Cat should her ultimate determination at the end to take down a hardheaded scotsman. So, if this sounds like your kind of read, you might want to try Love with a Scottish Outlaw.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
June 28, 2017
Love with A Scottish Outlaw is one my first book by Gayle Callen so I was very intrigued to read this story . I was so excited to get a early copy of this book and I dived into this book the minute I got the chance to and I loved this it was fantastic . In this book we follow Cat and Duncan. Cat wakes up with no memory of who she is and she is found by Ducan who knows who she is but after what Cat father did him and his people , he decides not to tell her , however as he starts to know her starts to feel guilt about this . I loved Cat and Duncan , I was so invested in this couple and the way that Gayle Callen wrote there romance with the sexual tension just building up between until they had no choice but to give into was just fantastic, I looked forward to ever scene they shared with each other, the romance was sexy , swoon worthy and enchanting . There was so much happening in this book , when you find about the children getting stolen and sold as indenture laborers it just broke my heart , but at the same time it made want to give Duncan the biggest hug in world knowing that he does everything he can to save as much of these kids as possible .This book constantly kept me on my toes and I loved ever minute . I was so sad to see this story end. Gayle Callen created a addicting , sexy, swoon worthy historical romance and that epilogue omg that epilogue it made my heart so happy . I cannot wait to see what Gayle Callen writes next . If you love all these things in you books you should definitely pick up a copy as soon you can .
April 2, 2022
DNF 50%
Boring and a downer. First, I just cannot suspend disbelief with amnesia stories. Most authors make no attempt to even come close to a realistic amnesia plot. People don't magically lose all memories and are still able to function completely normally and then have no lingering neurological side effects. I wouldn't be surprised if this book also uses the stupid trope where she gains her memories back by another bonk to the head.
This book was boring me out of my skull. I'm halfway through and nothing has happened. The main characters have barely interacted and they have no chemistry at all. I don't like that him lying to her is going to cause conflict, because communication conflicts are rarely done well. They either drag on way too long, or are resolved way too fast.
It may be shallow, but I read historical romance for the light hearted fantasy of times gone by. Most Scottish romances make a point of confronting the atrocities of the British regime, and it ruins the immersion for me. I want the willfull ignorance of a 19th century candyland that never actually existed. I know it's just my personal preference, but the subplot of the exiled clan and child slavery was too depressing for me and I didn't like it.
Boring and a downer. First, I just cannot suspend disbelief with amnesia stories. Most authors make no attempt to even come close to a realistic amnesia plot. People don't magically lose all memories and are still able to function completely normally and then have no lingering neurological side effects. I wouldn't be surprised if this book also uses the stupid trope where she gains her memories back by another bonk to the head.
This book was boring me out of my skull. I'm halfway through and nothing has happened. The main characters have barely interacted and they have no chemistry at all. I don't like that him lying to her is going to cause conflict, because communication conflicts are rarely done well. They either drag on way too long, or are resolved way too fast.
It may be shallow, but I read historical romance for the light hearted fantasy of times gone by. Most Scottish romances make a point of confronting the atrocities of the British regime, and it ruins the immersion for me. I want the willfull ignorance of a 19th century candyland that never actually existed. I know it's just my personal preference, but the subplot of the exiled clan and child slavery was too depressing for me and I didn't like it.
June 26, 2017
I had a difficult time warming up to the romance between Duncan and Cat. Maybe it was the huge lie Duncan kept from Catriona? Although his anguish was real and allowed for positive character development. Maybe it was the setting of a dark, damp cave for a majority of the novel that made the beginning of the story drag for me? Individually, Cat and Duncan were interesting enough, but the spark between them wasn't strong enough to pull me in early.
The issues raised by author Gayle Callen in Love with a Scottish Outlaw are interesting and well developed. Do honor and vengeance eclipse love and forgiveness? The measures taken by Clan Carlyle to survive and reclaim their stolen children might not be acceptable by today's standards, but thieving and reiving were the ways of the Scottish Highlands at that time. Most significantly, Ms. Callen sets the tone of life in the Scottish Highlands of the 1720's thoroughly, with language, location, and appropriate period dress. The attention to details is very impressive, helping to immerse the reader in the rough and tough Highlands, where kidnapping and whiskey raids were common.
June 28, 2017
A beautiful continuation of the Highland Wedding series. I have been wanting the second Catriona’s story. I just never imagined that it would be with her being more or less held captive and used to bartering. I am disappointed that her father still has not learned his lesson or just don’t care. Here I thought he was dead. I liked Catriona from the first book in this series and now it’s her turn to find love. She was not prepared to find it the way she did.
I love highlanders. Sexy, fearless, strong, determined, and honorable Duncan Carlyle had a dilemma on his hands. Place his loved one in harm’s way for a bit of revenge or give up a chance at love. He never expected to fall in love with Catriona when he found her. He never expected to fear losing her when she found out that he lied to her.
Gayle Callen brings together a beautiful love story that involves amnesia, deception, kidnapping, caves, hard work, long nights, and angst on both parties. I loved the characters. Their development. The direction the series had taken. I was a change of pace to not see all the high points of privileged society. This one was more of the people and the land.
I love highlanders. Sexy, fearless, strong, determined, and honorable Duncan Carlyle had a dilemma on his hands. Place his loved one in harm’s way for a bit of revenge or give up a chance at love. He never expected to fall in love with Catriona when he found her. He never expected to fear losing her when she found out that he lied to her.
Gayle Callen brings together a beautiful love story that involves amnesia, deception, kidnapping, caves, hard work, long nights, and angst on both parties. I loved the characters. Their development. The direction the series had taken. I was a change of pace to not see all the high points of privileged society. This one was more of the people and the land.
June 30, 2017
I love this series! <3
Duncan and Cat's story is just so good. I haven't read a lot of amnesia stories--it always seems to me an awfully convenient plot device--but here it works, and OMG it creates one heck of a story. Even though Duncan starts out their relationship...well, lying to Cat and to his people...he does so for the same reason he's been doing just about everything since taking over as head of his clan--in an attempt to keep the Carlyle clan safe. And yeah, he takes a big risk keeping up those lies, but I'm not sure he could have told her much earlier than she found out. Well, maybe he could have...but that might have robbed us of our grand gesture moment.
Because OMG. These two. So good together! And what a fabulous ending :)
Here's hoping there's going to be more Highland Weddings to come, because I will be so there! :)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Duncan and Cat's story is just so good. I haven't read a lot of amnesia stories--it always seems to me an awfully convenient plot device--but here it works, and OMG it creates one heck of a story. Even though Duncan starts out their relationship...well, lying to Cat and to his people...he does so for the same reason he's been doing just about everything since taking over as head of his clan--in an attempt to keep the Carlyle clan safe. And yeah, he takes a big risk keeping up those lies, but I'm not sure he could have told her much earlier than she found out. Well, maybe he could have...but that might have robbed us of our grand gesture moment.
Because OMG. These two. So good together! And what a fabulous ending :)
Here's hoping there's going to be more Highland Weddings to come, because I will be so there! :)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 27, 2017
I absolutely loved this book !
It was a totally seductive story. I always go for the flawed outlaw types. Hands down they are always my favorite. I guess you could say that Duncan Carlyle was a tarnished hero. When he rescued Catriona, who had lost her memory and very nearly her life, Duncan recognized her as the daughter of his great enemy. He seized the chance to get revenge upon an her evil father. He started lying to her right away, and of course, they were inescapably drawn to each other. Yet Duncan's lies were an incredible obstacle to overcome.
I loved Duncan and Catriona. I loved how they struggled to overcome Duncan's lies and the anger and hurt feelings between them and still couldn't stop loving each other. Their well crafted romance was loaded with perfectly paced angst and drama and passion. I truly did enjoy reading this delightful book.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIWED A COMPLIMENTARY EDELWEISS COPY OF THIS BOOK.
August 2, 2017
* I received this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
This was a pretty cute fun Scottish highlands romance. I really enjoyed it. I liked that even without her memory Catriona was a good person, and she didn’t come across as whiny. The author did call this out several times, which was mildly annoying, but overall I did appreciate the fact that she just dealt with her situation. Duncan was a harder character to get behind, because he did know her. Initially I liked that he was looking out for her, and wanted to protect her. It quickly became obvious that he held a lot of baggage, and he liked getting to know her without that baggage. Except that he still carried it, and often treated her terribly because of it.
This doesn’t break the mold of highlands romance, but it is a good solid showing. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2017/07/lov...*
This was a pretty cute fun Scottish highlands romance. I really enjoyed it. I liked that even without her memory Catriona was a good person, and she didn’t come across as whiny. The author did call this out several times, which was mildly annoying, but overall I did appreciate the fact that she just dealt with her situation. Duncan was a harder character to get behind, because he did know her. Initially I liked that he was looking out for her, and wanted to protect her. It quickly became obvious that he held a lot of baggage, and he liked getting to know her without that baggage. Except that he still carried it, and often treated her terribly because of it.
This doesn’t break the mold of highlands romance, but it is a good solid showing. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2017/07/lov...*
December 10, 2020
my first book from this author and i really tried to love it but i could not. i had so many issues with this book. i stopped at chapter 17.
1. duncan is taking advantage of catriona with her memory loss and i did not like that
2. they barely interacted and catriona is suddenly thinking she's in love with duncan after he touched her
3. i tried to like duncan but i just couldn't. it was as if he was made out of rocks or stones. too unfeeling for me. catriona on the other hand, was a joy to read about.
4. while i do get this book is about the clans and war and whatnot, i was bored when the author kept talking about the clan's daily activities.
5. it was somewhat engaging in the first half but went downhill in the second half after catriona found out duncan has been lying to her. she's angry at him but she's also attracted to him. choose one and be done with it, woman.
6. too many inner thoughts.
i'm done.
1. duncan is taking advantage of catriona with her memory loss and i did not like that
2. they barely interacted and catriona is suddenly thinking she's in love with duncan after he touched her
3. i tried to like duncan but i just couldn't. it was as if he was made out of rocks or stones. too unfeeling for me. catriona on the other hand, was a joy to read about.
4. while i do get this book is about the clans and war and whatnot, i was bored when the author kept talking about the clan's daily activities.
5. it was somewhat engaging in the first half but went downhill in the second half after catriona found out duncan has been lying to her. she's angry at him but she's also attracted to him. choose one and be done with it, woman.
6. too many inner thoughts.
i'm done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
It is a couple of months (though it seems like a year) since I read the first 2 books in the series. It was in my bowling bag, and as we are not bowling, I forgot about it. Finally I remembered to get it, and when I started I didn't remember the preceding books and went OH, CAT. And it all became clear. Her cousin had been kidnapped by her betrothed, Hugh. thinking it was Cat. After Hugh and cousin married, Owen, Cat's brother married Hugh's sister to prevent a feud. Now we Have the story of Cat Duff and Laird Carlyle, enemies because of Cat's terrible father
I liked this best of the three, because the plight of Duncan and his clan was the most heartbreaking. With a happy ending of course.
I liked this best of the three, because the plight of Duncan and his clan was the most heartbreaking. With a happy ending of course.
July 24, 2019
I truly loved this book. It is so well written and you just fall in love with the chacters and deeply care what happens to them. The relationship between Cat and Ducan isn't an easy one but one you will enjoy reading about. It's very much a romance book but has so much more elements to it then that. Apprently it is the third book to a series but I have only read this one and read like a stand alone. It did give me a lot of Outlander vibes but is still very much it's own story. If you like Outlander or a book with not just romance but a great story pick this one up!
October 8, 2019
I really dislike the heroine's dad. He has almost ruined Riona and Hugh future so as Hugh's clan. And then Duncan's clan is also suffering because of the late earl, good thing Owen isn't like his father. Anyways I was not sure if I will read this book at first. Revenge isn't my thing, good thing Duncan's version of revenge isn't that cruel but it hurts Cat nevertheless tho the hero's real target of revenge is the late earl. Duncan is a good man despite his action and I like him for it and Cat is also a heroine that people would adore.
June 30, 2017
This was my first Gayle Callen book and won't be my last. This is the third book in the series but I wasn't lost at all.
Duncan and Catriona were great together! My heart went out to them both for the deception Duncan was pulling off, knowing he was falling for her and she for him and what would happen when she learned the truth. Thankfully, all ended well :)
*thanks to Tasty Book Tours for sharing a copy of this with me*
Duncan and Catriona were great together! My heart went out to them both for the deception Duncan was pulling off, knowing he was falling for her and she for him and what would happen when she learned the truth. Thankfully, all ended well :)
*thanks to Tasty Book Tours for sharing a copy of this with me*
January 23, 2018
Got this book from a second hand store. Sat down to start at midnight and finished it a 4 am. Could literally not put it down. I haven't read any other book in the Highland Wedding series and as such this story makes complete sense even when reading it as a standalone. I'm excited to find the fist two books in the series and read them. I would recommend this book to any of my friends. Lovely read, I hope to read more soon.
September 17, 2019
Much like the previous books in the series, this is a fun and romantic read about a Scottish clan leader and the woman he wasn't expecting to claim his heart. It's sweet and the amnesiac kidnapped element gives it a bit of difference. I liked the characters. Cat is as fierce as her cousin and her sister in law. Duncan really cared about his people which made a nice change. I had a few issues with certain plot points which didn't really seem quite right. But a fun lazy day read.
August 21, 2017
Duncan couldn't have expected that finding an hurt Catriona in the middle of nowhere. He was on a mission to rescue the kidnapped children. She would be a means to bring drown her father. Living in close quarters with her. Working together would they reach for the love and understanding that was due for the both of them.
December 27, 2017
What made me dislike this book is that the heroine was set to be angry with the hero with half the book left. It just took a while to get through the rest of the book when the heroine is constantly talking about how she'll never be with him despite how much he's trying to make it up to her. It made the rest of the book drag on and it made the romantic scenes less substantial.
July 3, 2022
[3.5 stars] This book had an engaging plot and storyline. I just wish our hero fought for our heroine, Catriona more. It could have been a four or five star read if he didn’t keep pushing her away or doing the whole “I’m not good enough for you” act. Other than that, I did like our hero Duncan. The star of the show, however, was Catriona.
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