Only love can heal the scars of the past... Elizabeth Bryce had a very cruel and hurtful life, until she was taken in by the Hays and now is living peacefully in the Slains castle.
But even though she's turning into a fine lady, no one wants a bride with such a gruesome past. And she needs to find a suitor before she turns into an old maid.
A glimpse of hope embraces her when Duncan Comyn, a Highlander whose courage and valor is beyond words, saves her from certain death. Moreover, he's a kind man that wants to mend her lost soul.
What she doesn't know is that he is a rebel and the sworn enemy of her benefactors. Duncan's sole duty is to overthrow Elizabeth's guardians and take back his family's rightful inheritance.
How can Elizabeth find true love and thwart both the loving and the evil intentions of those who stand in her way? How can Duncan just abandon his honor in the name of love?
*Highlander's Forbidden Love is a Historical Scottish romance novel of more than 80,000 words (around 440 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Fiona Faris is an American author of authentic historical Medieval & Scottish romance books. She started writing historical highlander romance after she visited the Scottish Highlands years ago with her husband.
Her books have received startling reviews about the humor, the darkness and the romance they have.
She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and their two sons. Before she started writing romance, she experienced the various occupations: translator, dog-training, and a substitute English teacher for the most part of her life... However, nothing could ever compare to writing stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands!
Blurb: Only love can heal the scars of the past... Elizabeth Bryce had a very cruel and hurtful life, until she was taken in by the Hays and now is living peacefully in the Slains castle.
But even though she's turning into a fine lady, no one wants a bride with such a gruesome past. And she needs to find a suitor before she turns into an old maid.
A glimpse of hope embraces her when Duncan Comyn, a Highlander whose courage and valor is beyond words, saves her from certain death. Moreover, he's a kind man that wants to mend her lost soul.
What she doesn't know is that he is a rebel and the sworn enemy of her benefactors. Duncan's sole duty is to overthrow Elizabeth's guardians and take back his family's rightful inheritance.
How can Elizabeth find true love and thwart both the loving and the evil intentions of those who stand in her way? How can Duncan just abandon his honor in the name of love?
Wow! I have to say that though this story started off a bit slow, it very quickly gained speed - so much so that I couldn’t put it down. Elizabeth Bryce has been abused all of her young life. She is taken into the Hay’s castle by its mistress Lady Margaret Countess of Errol to serve as her personal handmaiden. One day, Elizabeth goes exploring near the castle and is trapped in a cove by the sea. She is rescued from certain drowning by Duncan Comyn. She doesn’t realize that Duncan is the sworn enemy of the Hay family who have taken her in. Thus begins the dance of Elizabeth trying to decide to follow her heart or betray the family who has loved her. Faris spins an amazing tale using historical facts among her threads. This is more than just a Romeo and Juliet remake. Each character is brought vividly to life with all their strengths and weaknesses. I really enjoyed it.
There are very good detailed descriptions in this book, so that the reader can easily picture the settings. This was an unsettled period in history and this certainly came through in the story. Elizabeth had an extremely troubled childhood and it was little wonder she had a connection with Lady Margaret, thanks to Lady Margaret’s goodness. Duncan and Elizabeth had an immediate awareness of each other, that developed quickly into something more meaningful. Their romance was not a smooth one, there was plenty of danger and action involved. Some edge of your seat times, where I was wondering how things could be resolved. I enjoyed this book, it was good to read more of Margaret and Gilbert.
I enjoyed this book immensely. This was an engaging and exciting historical romance, with plenty of action and romance. The author brought the time period to life, with wonderful descriptions of places, castles and people. Her characters were vastly engaging and incredibly likeable and the story line intriguing. This book had it all - a strong independent heroine, a chivalrous hero, thrilling action, sultry romance, and unexpected twists and turns. I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. A wonderful story!
Enchanting, well-written Highland romp. The characters are realistic and keep true to the period of the book. Duncan and Elizabeth are a couple who deserve to be together. This book keeps your interest from start to finish. Well worth the read.
Another great read by this author! Her descriptions of the castles, their surroundings and the characters dress brings her story into clear focus. Her plot is full of surprises with well developed characters. I love that she creates such strong heroines while staying true to the mores of time. I can't wait until the next book!
Absolutely love Fiona's writing! I love the characters, the imagery, how I get 'sucked into' the story....the lives of these characters. I feel I am living this with them...I get so emotional sometimes!
Suspense and tension open the story as our hero, Duncan Comyn, tries to avoid capture sneaking into enemy territory. If he fails it is the gallows for him. But it will not be the last time that he is in danger. When Elizabeth Bryce was a child, an orphan who lived on the streets, she was stolen from the streets into a horrific tragic life of servitude to her new master and all of his men. (if you get my meaning) She was rescued from her fate by Lady Margarete Hay who was married to Lord Gilbert Hay the Earl of Errol and Buchan. They took her away to their castle and there Lady Margaret was determined to teach her all the ways of becoming a lady. Lady Margaret had come to regard and love Elizabeth as her own daughter. Elizabeth loved Lady Margaret as well. She felt the utmost gratitude to Lady Margaret and Lord Gilbert for taking her away from a hurtful and very cruel life. Lord Gilbert's steward Ewan Sanderson knew of Elizabeth's past. He was a slimy smelly devious man who lusted after her. When the Lord and Lady were away, he cornered Elizabeth and wanted to have his way with her. She rebuffed him and he let her go. But he continued to stalk her. Because of how Elizabeth had treated him, he decided to get even with her. He would do all that he could so that she would fall out of favor with Lady Margaret and she would have no choice but to turn to him for protection. One day when Elizabeth was out for a walk near the rocky land of the beach she strayed too far and the ocean caught her and dragged her into the turbulent water. Hanging onto a rock for dear life, she was rescued by Duncan Comyn. There was a spark between them that would lead to sneaking away to see each other. All the while Sanderson was watching Elizabeth's every move. He became so angry when he saw Elizabeth with Duncan and vowed to make her life miserable. Duncan was there on a mission. He was to gather supporters against Lord Gilbert Hays and launch a takeover of power. However, Duncan could find no man willing to fight for their freedom and the betterment of their families. Discouraged, he decided to return to France and wanted Elizabeth to go with him. Sanderson and Farquharson approach Lord Gilbert. Sanderson exposes Elizabeth's trysts with Duncan. Farquharson reveals Duncan plot to overthrow the Earl. Lord Gilbert has no choice but to hunt Duncan down and rescue Elizabeth from herself. This is a very exciting story of tragedy, pain and love. I highly recommend this book.
I absolutely loved this book. I hadn’t realized till the end if the book that the Gilbert and Margaret in it were the 2 young couple from Highlanders Virtuous Woman which I had also read. Truly both books can easily be read alone. Fiona entrances you w your meeting if Elizabeth and how she and Duncan so your enthralled from the very beginning as to how or if these 2 can enjoy a happily ever after. The odds are definitely stacked against them w not only their family names being a barrier but a lecherous man who has his own designs on Elizabeth, treacherous associates of Duncan’s, Elizabeth’s devotion to her mistress plus another man who wishes to marry Elizabeth. These are just some of the obstacles they have to maneuver thru if they can to plan a future together . You’ll just have to read it for yourself and see if they can succeed and you won’t fir certain until the very end of the book. She also includes a nice glossary so you can understand Gaelic words used throughout the book . Once you start m, you won’t want to put down until you finish and find out if they succeed . Congratulations on a well written book Fiona
The storyline was a little rough. Elizabeth Bryce was an orphan, who found a job as a scullery maid. She was abused, beaten and assaulted. This had been her life since a small child. Lady Margaret Hay rescued her from this awful life. Duncan Comyn had come from France and he was to cause mayhem with what was left of his clan. I loved the story, they had fallen in love but he was hunted as a traitor and she as an accomplice. They would be hung. It is full of action and Sir Gilbert who was her patron had to pursue them. The characters were so lifelike. The description of the waves and the sound they make when hitting the shore and walls made it seem as if you stood there and saw it. The tale was romantic, intriguing and full of conflicting emotions. It is very definitely well worth the time to read this great story.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Elizabeth Bryce is a young lady who was sold and abused as a child. She was rescued and befriended by Lady Margaret,who brought her into her home and made a Lady of her to better her chance of a good and happy life. This story takes place after Robert the Bruce has taken over being King of Scotland. Elizabeth does well except for the steward of Lord Gilbert's who tries to force himself on to her and then spreads rumors of her after she scorns him. There are many twists and turns in this story:love, jealousy, ambition, traitors and fighting. Elizabeth meets a stranger on one of her walks and is quite taken with him. He has the misfortune of being on an opposing side of Lord Gilbert's. How will it go for her? Is she a Lady or are the rumors true? I recommend this book to mature adults who love Scotland and knights.
ONE INCREDIBLE TALE!!! Wow! Talk about high stepping. This is one action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, nailbiting, heart pounding, pulse racing, page turning thriller that captivates from the start. All the twists and turns, ins and outs, ups and downs, along with a few glitches here and there make for exciting experience. The characters are well developed and believable. Their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as it flows smoothly throughout the entire read. Fiona did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Fiona, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
I had mixed feelings about this book... The premise is excellent and gripping. It is well written and the fact that the language used is accurate to the time period. The characters are multi-faceted and you can really understand and feel how they're torn between two possible roads.
On the negative side, I felt that it was too wordy at times, at some points I had to skip descriptions to feel that the plot was moving forward. I also felt that there were some important things that I felt needed to be answered but weren't, like why Margaret hated Elizabeth being called Lizzie, why Elizabeth came to be in a place where she was abused and how she and Margaret met.
We meet Lizzie in the last episode, but now, she has been transformed into a Lady's Maid and companion. However, although she acts genteel, she still feels as though she is that scullery maid, we originally first met. Also, there's always someone who wants to remind of her of her less than stellar beginnings. That is, until she is rescued, literally from certain death, by a man that takes her breath and mind away. He, however, has arrived with nefarious purposes, all at odds with Elizabeth and those that she calls friends. Yes, it is a tale worth telling, and the author does a very fine job, at telling a thrilling and at times heartbreaking tale.
Elizabeth has had a hard life, surviving as an abused child and scullery maid with unknown roots. She has acquired a protector, Lady Margaret who wants her to become a Lady and make a good match with a noble husband. Elizabeth is grateful for her home and "family", and is agreeable to the plans of Martha and Gil, Countess and Earl until she is rescued by a Highlander who steals her heart. This is a tale with a few twists and turns, some spicy love scenes, and a few heroes. Do Not Miss This One!!!!
A new author for me, I’m glad I took the chance. Fiona Faris writes with humour both subtle and straight up, I found myself laughing out loud at times. Coming from Scotland I could see the landscape described and almost smell the heather. All her characters are well developed and full of life. I most definitely did not like the wee weasel of a man Sanderson and was very glad in the end he got his comeuppance. I loved the other characters and am so happy that they all survived through their struggles and ended up happy. I highly recommend this book.
Once again, Faris offers up a most unique story line with heart-warming characters like Elizabeth and Duncan that you can really get attached to. Her plot ideas are fresh and exciting and always keep me riveted to the pages.
I became an instant fan of Faris, when I read her first book, A Maid for the Grieving Highlander. Her second book, The Highlander’s Virtuous Lady, turned me into a dedicated fan. And, with this book, she becomes one of my favorite new authors of historical romance.
Amazing book. One of my favorites. Love can be a powerful thing. But also a tricky thing to. But this is a must read book. I read it every chance I got. Thank you Fiona Faris for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. I read this book in exchange for an honest review. I felt everything.I was laughing at times and crying at times, but this is a must read for me. I believe you will enjoy it it too. I'll probably go back and read it again that's how much I loved it.
The authenticity in the world build and the history wound round the love story of Duncan and Elizabeth make this a worthy read. I am impressed with the way that Fiona laces it all together. I was rooting for just everyone, on both sides, except for the villain, of course. Nasty piece of work, that one.I recommend this book.
This was my first Fiona Faris novel and I almost did not finish it because of the shockingly crude sexual content early on but getting past that I appreciated her descriptive writing style of both scenery and character development. She has a way of pulling you in and placing you right there in the story.
This is my first book by Fiona Faris. It's a lovely story and I enjoyed reading it. The plot is credible and very well developed. The ambience is so well described that l felt transported to the Highlands. This is a book to read again.
This was a great story. I could feel the wind in my face and hear the waves crashing on the rocks as Elizabeth is pulled from the sea. Love really can overcome all. Thank you Fiona for another great read!
I really enjoyed the book. I would have given 5 stars but I had to look up alot of the Scottish words/sayings so that I could understand what was being said. I really like historical love stories. As a new reader of Fiona's books, I really enjoyed her story telling.
This book had a great storyline. Duncan and Elizabeth find love among the surrounding unrest. This book has it all --adventure,romance,mystery and betrayal. I would recommend it to anyone over 18 due to some exquisite steadiness. I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another fantastic story line in this series. It is very addictive, as I have just gotten the story of how Margaret and Gilbert met! Looking forward to continuation to see how other important characters have their own stories!
The love , trust, affection that Elizabeth had for Duncan is beautiful. She never give up and always trusted her instinct towards him. She was not selfish instead loved and trusted that her man could become better than what he thought he was.
Fiona Faris is a great storyteller,love how she makes the characters and storyline come alive. Duncan and Liszt were perfect together,they both willing to fight for each other.
Lady Madeleine is one of the fiercest warriors in her clan. Her mother sends her to France to find a suitable husband. Madeleine finds love, deception, and lots of twists and turns. A must read if you like page turners and historical Scottish romances.
I enjoy reading Fiona Faris's book. She is very diligent in checking her stories for historical accuracy. There is nothing I enjoy more than the history interwoven with a good love story. Well done!!!!