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The MacGregor Lairds #3
How to Blackmail a Highlander
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage, she needs a strong Highlander to escape. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life, so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.
Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.
Each book in the MacGregor Lairds series is
* How to Lose a Highlander
* How to Ensnare a Highlander
* How to Blackmail a Highlander
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2019
45 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Michelle McLean
38 books281 followersMichelle McLean is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who is addicted to chocolate and Goldfish crackers and spent most of her formative years with her nose in a book. She has a B.S. in History, an M.A. in English, and loves her romances with a little heat, a lot of humor, and always a happily ever after.
When Michelle's not working, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found baking or diamond painting, which she accidentally got addicted to while bored one day. She resides in PA with her husband and two teens, the world's most spoiled dog, and two cats who absolutely rule the house. She also writes contemporary romance as Kira Archer.
For more info on Michelle and her work, visit her website at michellemcleanbooks.com.
When Michelle's not working, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found baking or diamond painting, which she accidentally got addicted to while bored one day. She resides in PA with her husband and two teens, the world's most spoiled dog, and two cats who absolutely rule the house. She also writes contemporary romance as Kira Archer.
For more info on Michelle and her work, visit her website at michellemcleanbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 15, 2019
5 - "I'll seduce you yet..." "...Ye're welcome to try." Stars!
I absolutely adore this series, Michelle McLean, brings us book three of The MacGregor Lairds, and this time Lady Alice Chivers educates the reader on How to Blackmail a Highlander and with great style too!
His startling blue eyes sent a fine tremor through her that had nothing to do with fear… She could gaze at his face forever…
Humor, heart and a little heat to keep things interesting, all three of the books in this series so far, have been quick and highly entertaining reads. Alice like the ladies before her has plenty of sass, savvy and attitude, to make sure she not only gets what she wants, but also captivates the man she is using to achieve her ultimate objective.
"Dinna push me far, lass… Even a man of honor has a breaking point."
Loved, loved, loved Philip, lots of growl and bluster, but underneath it all an absolute sweetheart, the love grew between these two along with the increase in noise level, and length of their arguments about just about everything.
If they both made it to Glenlyon alive, it’d be a miracle…
Another stellar addition, and I cannot wait for the next instalment.
"I have no interest in what ye have to offer…"
"The arrangement of your pleats say otherwise."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I absolutely adore this series, Michelle McLean, brings us book three of The MacGregor Lairds, and this time Lady Alice Chivers educates the reader on How to Blackmail a Highlander and with great style too!
His startling blue eyes sent a fine tremor through her that had nothing to do with fear… She could gaze at his face forever…
Humor, heart and a little heat to keep things interesting, all three of the books in this series so far, have been quick and highly entertaining reads. Alice like the ladies before her has plenty of sass, savvy and attitude, to make sure she not only gets what she wants, but also captivates the man she is using to achieve her ultimate objective.
"Dinna push me far, lass… Even a man of honor has a breaking point."
Loved, loved, loved Philip, lots of growl and bluster, but underneath it all an absolute sweetheart, the love grew between these two along with the increase in noise level, and length of their arguments about just about everything.
If they both made it to Glenlyon alive, it’d be a miracle…
Another stellar addition, and I cannot wait for the next instalment.
"I have no interest in what ye have to offer…"
"The arrangement of your pleats say otherwise."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 28, 2019
Lady Alice Chivers is none to happy her parents accepted a proposal from a man old enough to be her grandfather and with three dead wives, she is not looking to becoming the fourth. Although, Alice’s parents want the best for her, she is done with them meddling in her life. When a handsome highlander, Philip MacGregor brings her a letter from her friend Elizabet who ran away with a highlander a year ago, Alice will do everything she can to be reunited with her friend even if it means she has to blackmail Philip to help her.
Philip MacGregor is an honorable man, but when he is blackmailed by Alice to take her to Scotland, he has no choice but to do what she wants. Alice’s impulsive and headstrong nature means trouble finds them everywhere and leads them right into an accidental marriage. But, with someone evil hot on their tale, their newly found marriage might be over way before it even started. Will Philip be able to keep Alice safe while he comes to terms with the feelings he is starting to have for her?
I found How to Blackmail a Highlander and quick, short and easy read. Alice and Philip were really great characters, although I never really felt like I got to know either one of them that well. Perhaps it may be because I came into the series without reading the previous two books. Although this can be read as a standalone, I think I probably should have started from the beginning and maybe then I would have warmed up to Alice and Philip a lot sooner. I do have to say that the best redeeming quality of this book is the witty banter between Alice and Philip. Alice is no simpering miss and she lets Philip know just what she thinks of his controlling ways.
The one part I really felt could have been elaborated a bit more was in regards to Ramsey, an evil man who is after Elizabet, Alice’s friend. I just felt the scenes involving him were rather short and ended way too quickly without the dramatic closure I would have loved to see in the story.
All in all, How to Blackmail a Highlander is a fun story filled with witty banter that really makes this story shine. I definitely know I will be purchasing the previous two books to find out more about our characters and more on the backstory on all of the couples.
Philip MacGregor is an honorable man, but when he is blackmailed by Alice to take her to Scotland, he has no choice but to do what she wants. Alice’s impulsive and headstrong nature means trouble finds them everywhere and leads them right into an accidental marriage. But, with someone evil hot on their tale, their newly found marriage might be over way before it even started. Will Philip be able to keep Alice safe while he comes to terms with the feelings he is starting to have for her?
I found How to Blackmail a Highlander and quick, short and easy read. Alice and Philip were really great characters, although I never really felt like I got to know either one of them that well. Perhaps it may be because I came into the series without reading the previous two books. Although this can be read as a standalone, I think I probably should have started from the beginning and maybe then I would have warmed up to Alice and Philip a lot sooner. I do have to say that the best redeeming quality of this book is the witty banter between Alice and Philip. Alice is no simpering miss and she lets Philip know just what she thinks of his controlling ways.
The one part I really felt could have been elaborated a bit more was in regards to Ramsey, an evil man who is after Elizabet, Alice’s friend. I just felt the scenes involving him were rather short and ended way too quickly without the dramatic closure I would have loved to see in the story.
All in all, How to Blackmail a Highlander is a fun story filled with witty banter that really makes this story shine. I definitely know I will be purchasing the previous two books to find out more about our characters and more on the backstory on all of the couples.
January 10, 2019
❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!!
I’ve enjoyed others in this series a lot , this one too .
Alice and Philip are brilliant characters.
I would say that if I had one criticism of this particular book it would be Ramsey.
The small pointless in my mind part he played in the plot , the way he way thrown in for all of half a dozen pages .
What was the point ?
If your going to add him , make him a big plot holder , he’s a massive draw to the story, I felt a bit cheated
He was a big part of the plot in the running backstory, but in this he felt like an afterthought.
Just my opinion obviously.
Read it then make your own judgement.
The rest of the story I loved , full of life , love , amusing quips, and romance.
I would recommend this book to all fans of this series.
I’m hoping the next book is William and Rose it’s going to be awesome.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!!
I’ve enjoyed others in this series a lot , this one too .
Alice and Philip are brilliant characters.
I would say that if I had one criticism of this particular book it would be Ramsey.
The small pointless in my mind part he played in the plot , the way he way thrown in for all of half a dozen pages .
What was the point ?
If your going to add him , make him a big plot holder , he’s a massive draw to the story, I felt a bit cheated
He was a big part of the plot in the running backstory, but in this he felt like an afterthought.
Just my opinion obviously.
Read it then make your own judgement.
The rest of the story I loved , full of life , love , amusing quips, and romance.
I would recommend this book to all fans of this series.
I’m hoping the next book is William and Rose it’s going to be awesome.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
January 8, 2019
Lady Alice Chivers is trying to enjoy her last night of freedom before her parents betroth her to the Earl of Woolsmere, a man old enough to be her grandfather and who has already buried 3 much younger wives. Her parents refuse to listen to her pleas or give any credence to the rumors that his wives all died under questionable circumstances. She wishes her dearest friend Elizabet was here to talk to, but she hasn't heard from her since she left England to join her husband in exile. Desperate for a moment alone, she slips out on the terrace and is grabbed by a man. Philip MacGregor is cousin to John, Elizabet's husband. He delivers a letter and tells her he will meet her in the morning for her reply.
Alice hatches a plan, she will ask Philip to take her to Elizabet and when he refuses, she forms another plan, she follows him to his inn and blackmails him. Philip agrees to take her to Scotland, but that is as far as he will go, he warns that Ramsey (Elizabet's former betrothed and enemy) might be watching her and will not place John or Elizabet in danger. He tells her to meet him in Dover and he will escort her to Scotland. Philip doesn't expect to see her again and when she turns up in his cabin on the ship, he is more than a little shocked and if he is honest, impressed.
Alice and Philip are about as opposite as you can get, they bicker constantly and Alice's impulsive nature lands them in trouble time and again. Most notably when she declares they are married and he agrees, she is surprised to learn that in Scotland that is all it takes to be truly married. She is fine with being married to Philip, but he is sure she will regret it sooner or later.
They finally reach Elizabet and the two begin to think there might be a future for them, that is until trouble in the form of Ramsey comes calling.
Personally, I found the first 75% of this book to be repetitive and didn't feel any real connection between Philip and Alice. The story does become very interesting after they join Elizabet and John, but even at the end, I didn't really "feel" the love between them. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, but there is a lot of crossover from the previous books and while there is some backstory given, you would probably enjoy this book more if you read the books in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Alice hatches a plan, she will ask Philip to take her to Elizabet and when he refuses, she forms another plan, she follows him to his inn and blackmails him. Philip agrees to take her to Scotland, but that is as far as he will go, he warns that Ramsey (Elizabet's former betrothed and enemy) might be watching her and will not place John or Elizabet in danger. He tells her to meet him in Dover and he will escort her to Scotland. Philip doesn't expect to see her again and when she turns up in his cabin on the ship, he is more than a little shocked and if he is honest, impressed.
Alice and Philip are about as opposite as you can get, they bicker constantly and Alice's impulsive nature lands them in trouble time and again. Most notably when she declares they are married and he agrees, she is surprised to learn that in Scotland that is all it takes to be truly married. She is fine with being married to Philip, but he is sure she will regret it sooner or later.
They finally reach Elizabet and the two begin to think there might be a future for them, that is until trouble in the form of Ramsey comes calling.
Personally, I found the first 75% of this book to be repetitive and didn't feel any real connection between Philip and Alice. The story does become very interesting after they join Elizabet and John, but even at the end, I didn't really "feel" the love between them. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, but there is a lot of crossover from the previous books and while there is some backstory given, you would probably enjoy this book more if you read the books in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
December 30, 2018
Publisher's Description:
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage, she needs a strong Highlander to escape. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life, so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.
Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.
My Thoughts:
This is the third book in this series and although linked they are each a standalone.
Is Alice really in danger from her intended or is he just a lecherous old man? Even if he is no danger to her she finds the match distasteful.
Her perceived danger is what sends her on the run but the handsome Philip MacGregor wants nothing to do with her run away bride scheme.
He finds himself caught up in Alice's scheme even though he refuses to help her. Now due to highland law he is unintentionally married to her. By the end of this book they will be married multiple times.
Will he be able to resist her charms and get her back to her home unscathed?
This is a delightfully humorous romance from the start. It does have it's twists and turns and danger but the humor is what makes this an enjoyable read.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. This humorous tale is not to be missed. Even though part of a series this book reads well as a standalone with only some of the background and linked characters being missed out on. This doesn't detract from this story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage, she needs a strong Highlander to escape. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life, so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.
Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.
My Thoughts:
This is the third book in this series and although linked they are each a standalone.
Is Alice really in danger from her intended or is he just a lecherous old man? Even if he is no danger to her she finds the match distasteful.
Her perceived danger is what sends her on the run but the handsome Philip MacGregor wants nothing to do with her run away bride scheme.
He finds himself caught up in Alice's scheme even though he refuses to help her. Now due to highland law he is unintentionally married to her. By the end of this book they will be married multiple times.
Will he be able to resist her charms and get her back to her home unscathed?
This is a delightfully humorous romance from the start. It does have it's twists and turns and danger but the humor is what makes this an enjoyable read.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. This humorous tale is not to be missed. Even though part of a series this book reads well as a standalone with only some of the background and linked characters being missed out on. This doesn't detract from this story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 18, 2018
How to Blackmail a Highlander
(The MacGregor Lairds #3)
By Michelle McLean
Alice Chivers is a pampered lady who is tired of being controlled by her family so she asks the hunky Highlander who surprises her with a letter from her friend to help her run away. When the Highlander says no she resorts to blackmail. Now blackmail has lead them into an accidental marriage, and soon they are both playing a role that feels very real.
Philip Macgregor is a cautious man who is always in control, and is now in an over his head with his new unexpected wife. She is feisty, spontaneous, and couldn't follow an order even if it saved her life. And now he's falling in love with her however, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he's got to fix the damage that is done, before his friends end up paying with their lives.
Michelle McLean is a talented author who writes a spectacular Highlander Romance that takes you on a journey from the ballrooms of England to beautiful bonnie Scotland. The main characters were absolutely delightful and I enjoyed their bickering and arguing. Where Philip is all control, Alice is chaotic and all over the place. This book is definitely worth reading.
(The MacGregor Lairds #3)
By Michelle McLean
Alice Chivers is a pampered lady who is tired of being controlled by her family so she asks the hunky Highlander who surprises her with a letter from her friend to help her run away. When the Highlander says no she resorts to blackmail. Now blackmail has lead them into an accidental marriage, and soon they are both playing a role that feels very real.
Philip Macgregor is a cautious man who is always in control, and is now in an over his head with his new unexpected wife. She is feisty, spontaneous, and couldn't follow an order even if it saved her life. And now he's falling in love with her however, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he's got to fix the damage that is done, before his friends end up paying with their lives.
Michelle McLean is a talented author who writes a spectacular Highlander Romance that takes you on a journey from the ballrooms of England to beautiful bonnie Scotland. The main characters were absolutely delightful and I enjoyed their bickering and arguing. Where Philip is all control, Alice is chaotic and all over the place. This book is definitely worth reading.
December 13, 2018
Loved this story! Alice is a pampered lady whose parents have arranged her engagement to an elderly and wealthy man who's had three wives predecease him in just a few years. As she is terrified that should she wed him he will cause her death, she finds her salvation in Philip, a highlander and best friend to her best friend's husband. She blackmail's him into taking her to Scotland. Philip is a man of his word, and therefore chooses the words he uses very precisely......a fact that Alice learns a bit too late.
This is an entertaining tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the characters and their non traditional love story set in a harsh environment that left few, if any, options for women to determine their own fate.
Fans of the genre will love this book, and, if you're not a fan of the genre, this novel might just change your mind. The author is on my must read authors' list.
This is an entertaining tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the characters and their non traditional love story set in a harsh environment that left few, if any, options for women to determine their own fate.
Fans of the genre will love this book, and, if you're not a fan of the genre, this novel might just change your mind. The author is on my must read authors' list.
March 22, 2022
Lady Alice achievers is spoiled and impulsive and she is determined to enjoy her last days of freedom. Doomed to marry the Earl of Woolsmere, an old man who is rumored to have killed his previous three wives when they failed to give him an heir, Alice sees very little hope in her future. That is until a large Highlander pulls her aside and gives her a letter from her dear friend Elizabet. She decides her best chance of escaping her unwanted marriage is to run away with the Highlanders help. She is persistent and blackmails him into taking her to Elizabet in Scotland.
Philip is shocked when he finds Alice in his cabin when he boards the ship! Not only was she able to get away and arrive in Dover, but she also told the captain she was sharing a cabin with her ‘brother!’ Once they land in Scotland, Philip tries to send her back to Scotland, but little does Philip know that she instead stows away in his wagon!
When they reach an inn for the night, Alice is discovered and Philip is forced to keep her with him once again. When she is assaulted in the hallway, Philip comes to her rescue and she declares that Philip is her husband, which in Scotland, declaring you are wed, is just as legal as actually being married!
Finally she is reunited with Elizabet! But the celebration is short lived as Ramses finds them a few days later and a battle ensues. Alice’s impulsiveness and Philip’s concern for making Alice happy, drive them apart, but friends intervene and Philip ends of racing off after the ship she has boarded headed for home.
This was a very enjoyable continuation of the MacGregor saga; I would recommend that you read them in order because there are many references to the previous books. Alice did rub my a little bit with her first attitude and goading Philip, but Philip was also a bit to ‘honorable’ for me! I loved being able to catch up with Sorcha/Malcolm and Elizabet/James.
Steam : Not a lot of steam, it was a slow burn.
Tropes : Historical Romance, Scotland Romance, Beta Hero, Starchy Hero, Highland Warrior, Virgin Heroine, Aggressive Heroine, Runaway Bride, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Married in Scandal, Class Difference, Forced Proximity
Philip is shocked when he finds Alice in his cabin when he boards the ship! Not only was she able to get away and arrive in Dover, but she also told the captain she was sharing a cabin with her ‘brother!’ Once they land in Scotland, Philip tries to send her back to Scotland, but little does Philip know that she instead stows away in his wagon!
When they reach an inn for the night, Alice is discovered and Philip is forced to keep her with him once again. When she is assaulted in the hallway, Philip comes to her rescue and she declares that Philip is her husband, which in Scotland, declaring you are wed, is just as legal as actually being married!
Finally she is reunited with Elizabet! But the celebration is short lived as Ramses finds them a few days later and a battle ensues. Alice’s impulsiveness and Philip’s concern for making Alice happy, drive them apart, but friends intervene and Philip ends of racing off after the ship she has boarded headed for home.
This was a very enjoyable continuation of the MacGregor saga; I would recommend that you read them in order because there are many references to the previous books. Alice did rub my a little bit with her first attitude and goading Philip, but Philip was also a bit to ‘honorable’ for me! I loved being able to catch up with Sorcha/Malcolm and Elizabet/James.
Steam : Not a lot of steam, it was a slow burn.
Tropes : Historical Romance, Scotland Romance, Beta Hero, Starchy Hero, Highland Warrior, Virgin Heroine, Aggressive Heroine, Runaway Bride, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Married in Scandal, Class Difference, Forced Proximity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean
The MacGregor Lairds #
Miss Alice Cheevers is engaged to an old man and she is not happy about it. She is an obedient daughter who understands the value of marrying for wealth and social position...as long as...it is not her that has to do so. And, the idea that the old guy she is to marry has already buried more than one young bride has her nervous...nervous enough to blackmail the young Scotsman who arrives bearing a letter from her best friend Elizabet. Philip MacGregor has no intention of taking Alice along with him on his return to Scotland but before he knows it there she is and along she comes. How she manages to do so, their interactions on the way and after they arrive are the rest of the story AND how they find their HEA was interesting to read. I did find Alice impetuous, spoiled, headstrong and not always aware of the danger she set herself up for and I found Philip to be hardheaded and a bit dense at times when he looked at his own emotions and feelings.
This was a light fun easy read that was somewhat predictable but also thoroughly enjoyable...if not very deep.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
January 14, 2019
I didn't know that this is part of a series when I requested and even though I was not lost I kind of wished I had read the other book first and will remedy that when I get a little time..So we meet Alice who ia spoiled pampered lady with money she understands the way her world works where you marry for position in society and she had no problem with that until it is her turn to marry and her parents pick a really old gentleman who has buried a couple of brides already and to some weird circumstances. Alice does not want that and can you blame her, she wishes she had her friend Elizabeth to help her, when she gets a letter from her from Phillip and she decides that she is going to get his help. When Philip insists he will not help she decides to blackmail him..These two fight and bicker all the time, they get married accidentally she causes all these mishaps and chaos..I wont tell you more so you can grab a copy and Enjoy! I liked Philip, Alice drove me crazy some time but the book was enjoyable..
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. (netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. (netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
January 7, 2019
How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean starts off with Lady Alice Chivers dancing the night away while her mother scowls at her across the room. The reader quickly learns that Lady Alice's engagement to a decrepit, lecherous Duke is forthcoming. Out of desperation Alice comes up with a scheme that involves blackmailing a highlander into escorting her to Scotland. Posing as his sister, Alice shares his room on board a ship and all too soon, adventure and danger awaits.
This book was filled with humor and fun with a bit of mystery surrounding Alice's fiance. It is part of a series, but also serves as a stand alone, which was nice since I didn't read the other books. It is lighthearted and romantic! I personally thought Alice was too spoiled, so I enjoyed watching her character develop and mature.
Thanks to NetGalley, Michelle McLean, and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC for me to read and review. As always, my opinions are my own.
This book was filled with humor and fun with a bit of mystery surrounding Alice's fiance. It is part of a series, but also serves as a stand alone, which was nice since I didn't read the other books. It is lighthearted and romantic! I personally thought Alice was too spoiled, so I enjoyed watching her character develop and mature.
Thanks to NetGalley, Michelle McLean, and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC for me to read and review. As always, my opinions are my own.
January 15, 2019
How to Blackmail a Highlander
The MacGregor Lairds
book 3
by Michelle McLean
Lady Alice Chivers is forced to wed the old decaying and wealthy Earl of Woolsmere but before she seals her fate she decides to escape. The very brawny Philip MacGregor will do very nicely, unfortunaly he doesn’t agree with her. Alice doesnt hesitate to resort to blackmail., with the threat of blackmail Philip does as he’s asked.
Although Alice escapes matrimony to the Earl she finds herself married to Philip and their true adventure begins!
A delightful romance that keeps you entertained! Well paced and full of witty dialogue plenty of twists and turns make this a highland adventure that could be read as a stand alone.
Michelle McLean is a talented author that I totally recommend.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
The MacGregor Lairds
book 3
by Michelle McLean
Lady Alice Chivers is forced to wed the old decaying and wealthy Earl of Woolsmere but before she seals her fate she decides to escape. The very brawny Philip MacGregor will do very nicely, unfortunaly he doesn’t agree with her. Alice doesnt hesitate to resort to blackmail., with the threat of blackmail Philip does as he’s asked.
Although Alice escapes matrimony to the Earl she finds herself married to Philip and their true adventure begins!
A delightful romance that keeps you entertained! Well paced and full of witty dialogue plenty of twists and turns make this a highland adventure that could be read as a stand alone.
Michelle McLean is a talented author that I totally recommend.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
January 14, 2019
They do say opposites attract and in the case of Philip and Alice, it takes a while to get there! A young lady being forced to marry a man with three dead wives and old enough to be her grandfather. What could be wrong with that? Especially since rumors are his wives died under shady circumstances. Seeing her chance Alice follows Philip, a cousin of her best friend's husband and the adventure begins. She blackmails him so he will take her to her friend Elizabet in Scotland. In a bold move she declares she is married to him and him to her and realize that is all it takes to handfast in Scotland!
Through many ups and downs and arguments and another person Ramsey coming into the scene, this is really an entertaining story! Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but you want to read the others..
Through many ups and downs and arguments and another person Ramsey coming into the scene, this is really an entertaining story! Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but you want to read the others..
January 16, 2019
3.5-4 Stars!! I liked this book! It can be read as a standalone but I’m glad I read the other books first because although there is some backstory given, there is a lot of crossover from the previous books & I liked the update on those couples! I didn’t really feel the love between the main characters though. Phillip & Alice just didn’t have that spark with each other. Still a good book though!
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley!*
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley!*
January 24, 2019
ARC REVIEW
The MacGregor Lairds #3, This was a fun read and although I missed the first two books I was able to jump into this one no problem. Lady Alice is ready to fulfill her duty and get married and have babies what Alice doesn't want is to marry the discusting old geezer who, if the rumor is believed, murdered his last three wives for not producing an heir. Alice's best friend, Elizabet was in a similar situation and managed to avoid it by running away with a Scottish highwayman, Laird John MacGregor, who was banished from England. When Alice finally gets word that her friend is safe she does the only thing she can think of to get out of her situation, she blackmails the messenger.
Philip MacGregor isn't any ordinary messenger he's a cousin, best friend, and the right hand man to the notorious Highland Highwayman. With their robbing days behind them mainly because the banishment and John's marriage to Elizabet, they have set up in Scotland. Phillip can still travel from England to Scotland no problem so when asked to deliver a message to Alice he has no problem doing so until she blackmails him into taking her with him, try as he may he can't get rid of her. Cue the travel hijinx.
The attraction is there from the beginning but the connection between the two of them grows stronger the more time they spend together and the more they argue. Philip loves to argue with Alice and loves that she's a challenge and no push over he just wishes she would stop and think about what's she doing first, she has the tendency to act first, think later. Alice is so use to getting her own way that when the consequences of her action finally catch up she realizes it's exactly what Philip warned her would happen but Philip doesn't say I told you so, no, at that point he loves her too much to do that. Alice and Philip don't seem like a match made in heaven but in this case it's opposites attract.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Some of the stuff they argue over is so funny. The writing was great the narrative swept me away to Scotland, it has a good story and wonderful characters you really sympathize with. It was a first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more.
The MacGregor Lairds #3, This was a fun read and although I missed the first two books I was able to jump into this one no problem. Lady Alice is ready to fulfill her duty and get married and have babies what Alice doesn't want is to marry the discusting old geezer who, if the rumor is believed, murdered his last three wives for not producing an heir. Alice's best friend, Elizabet was in a similar situation and managed to avoid it by running away with a Scottish highwayman, Laird John MacGregor, who was banished from England. When Alice finally gets word that her friend is safe she does the only thing she can think of to get out of her situation, she blackmails the messenger.
Philip MacGregor isn't any ordinary messenger he's a cousin, best friend, and the right hand man to the notorious Highland Highwayman. With their robbing days behind them mainly because the banishment and John's marriage to Elizabet, they have set up in Scotland. Phillip can still travel from England to Scotland no problem so when asked to deliver a message to Alice he has no problem doing so until she blackmails him into taking her with him, try as he may he can't get rid of her. Cue the travel hijinx.
The attraction is there from the beginning but the connection between the two of them grows stronger the more time they spend together and the more they argue. Philip loves to argue with Alice and loves that she's a challenge and no push over he just wishes she would stop and think about what's she doing first, she has the tendency to act first, think later. Alice is so use to getting her own way that when the consequences of her action finally catch up she realizes it's exactly what Philip warned her would happen but Philip doesn't say I told you so, no, at that point he loves her too much to do that. Alice and Philip don't seem like a match made in heaven but in this case it's opposites attract.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Some of the stuff they argue over is so funny. The writing was great the narrative swept me away to Scotland, it has a good story and wonderful characters you really sympathize with. It was a first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more.
July 6, 2019
4.25 Stars
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage to an elderly earl who has been widowed three times. She encounters Philip MacGregor & manages to blackmail him to take her to Scotland to be with her friend Elisabet. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.
Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.
A well written novel the pace was good & kept my interest throughout & I read it in two sittings & it whiled away a long train journey. The characters were well portrayed, I really liked Philip & Alice. He was a strong silent type but also organised & liked things done in a certain way. Alice was quite flighty & began as being a pampered self centred young woman at the court of King Charles but throughout the book she grew into a caring strong albeit annoying woman. The pair were well matched & I particularly loved their verbal spats, their journey to Scotland was highly entertaining. I was left wanting more especially wanting to know what happened to Will & Rose
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage to an elderly earl who has been widowed three times. She encounters Philip MacGregor & manages to blackmail him to take her to Scotland to be with her friend Elisabet. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.
Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.
A well written novel the pace was good & kept my interest throughout & I read it in two sittings & it whiled away a long train journey. The characters were well portrayed, I really liked Philip & Alice. He was a strong silent type but also organised & liked things done in a certain way. Alice was quite flighty & began as being a pampered self centred young woman at the court of King Charles but throughout the book she grew into a caring strong albeit annoying woman. The pair were well matched & I particularly loved their verbal spats, their journey to Scotland was highly entertaining. I was left wanting more especially wanting to know what happened to Will & Rose
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 18, 2019
I slogged thru 8 chapters & by then I had thoroughly hated the heroine. Lady Alice is everything I dislike in a character: spoiled, selfish, flirtatious, thoughtless. “controlled” by her family is misleading. Her parents betroth her to a much older, rather disgusting but well to do Earl who has buried 3 wives already but is still childless. Gossips abound around his wives unfortunate demises & when the Earl corners Alice he hints to her fate should she too be unable to conceive & totally creeps her out.
But what I didn’t like was Alice’s reaction. She makes a total scandal of herself by flirting outrageously with every personable gentlemen at the ball she was attending;
“she was in her element. Surrounded by lovely men, clad in a stunning new gown that showed off all her best assets with a gaggle of her best friends giggling in the background as she flirted with her many suitors”.
Pretty much sums up her character.
Things just got steadily worse & at the end of chapter 8 I gave up. Nothing could have redeemed the heroine without a total reversal of character.
But what I didn’t like was Alice’s reaction. She makes a total scandal of herself by flirting outrageously with every personable gentlemen at the ball she was attending;
“she was in her element. Surrounded by lovely men, clad in a stunning new gown that showed off all her best assets with a gaggle of her best friends giggling in the background as she flirted with her many suitors”.
Pretty much sums up her character.
Things just got steadily worse & at the end of chapter 8 I gave up. Nothing could have redeemed the heroine without a total reversal of character.
January 13, 2019
Lady Alice knows a rotten apple when she sees one. She refuses to let an arranged marriage to a lecherous old man be the death of her. This sassy, impulsive, take charge bonny lass would rather go on the lam than marry under questionable circumstances. What surprised me the most was her supposedly doting parents being oblivious to the potential risk here, and their continued “heads in the sand” behavior, which put someone else Alice cares about in jeopardy, as well. I wanted to waggle my finger at them with a big “shame on you people" message. They should have had Alice's back and raised her to think about consequences from simple actions, like not listening when potential danger was nearby.
Despite her passionate plea, Philip didn’t feel like obliging at all to Alice’s request for help. I felt he had been told enough details her plight should have appealed to his manly Highlander sense of honor. He shouldn’t have dismissed her concerns so readily. Well, he certainly underestimated how determined this wee lass could be.
You pretty much get what the synopsis promises here, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. The writing flows and stays centered around this main couple. There are great cameo appearances of other characters from previous books that help set the stage for the perilous showdown with the evil villain.
Alice’s knack for not doing what she's told, even though it is for her own safety, may frustrate you at times. Though at first she certainly had to be her own savior, she could be a knucklehead. You can’t help but be glad Philip did get roped into helping her. You can also understand the fears he carried with him. Good thing for them both everything works out in the end for these two polar opposite, destined for each other lovebirds.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: How to Blackmail a Highlander, Series: The MacGregor Lairds (Book 3), Author: Michelle MacLean, Pages: 212, stand-alone but part of a series, alpha hero who always tries to do the right thing, impulsive/sassy, wants to control her own life heroine, only a few steamy scenes near the end, virgin heroine, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, no cheating, cameos of characters from previous books, doesn't want to help at first. Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 1 - How to Lose a Highlander
Book 2 - How to Ensnare a Highlander
Book 3 - How to Blackmail a Highlander
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Despite her passionate plea, Philip didn’t feel like obliging at all to Alice’s request for help. I felt he had been told enough details her plight should have appealed to his manly Highlander sense of honor. He shouldn’t have dismissed her concerns so readily. Well, he certainly underestimated how determined this wee lass could be.
You pretty much get what the synopsis promises here, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. The writing flows and stays centered around this main couple. There are great cameo appearances of other characters from previous books that help set the stage for the perilous showdown with the evil villain.
Alice’s knack for not doing what she's told, even though it is for her own safety, may frustrate you at times. Though at first she certainly had to be her own savior, she could be a knucklehead. You can’t help but be glad Philip did get roped into helping her. You can also understand the fears he carried with him. Good thing for them both everything works out in the end for these two polar opposite, destined for each other lovebirds.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: How to Blackmail a Highlander, Series: The MacGregor Lairds (Book 3), Author: Michelle MacLean, Pages: 212, stand-alone but part of a series, alpha hero who always tries to do the right thing, impulsive/sassy, wants to control her own life heroine, only a few steamy scenes near the end, virgin heroine, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, no cheating, cameos of characters from previous books, doesn't want to help at first. Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 1 - How to Lose a Highlander
Book 2 - How to Ensnare a Highlander
Book 3 - How to Blackmail a Highlander
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
January 7, 2019
Lady Alice is being forced to marry a Duke. It wouldn't be so awful if he hasn't already had three wives before her, that died in mysterious occurrences. Afraid of her future she wants to escape at any cost- even if she has to blackmail the handsome highlander...
Let me say from the beginning- this book is not really how to blackmail the Scottish warrior, I could even say the blackmail here was ridiculous. This book is more of a journey to freedom, to having a choice and finding love in between. If you look at this book this way it sounds more interesting, doesn't it? But... Yes, there is some but.
I had so many issues with the heroine. Lady Alice Chivers was a bratty, often childish and spoiled women, if you want to call her a women. Very often I felt like she was more of a child than a conscious adult, never listening, never trusting always demanding and never actually asking. She behaved entitled and like a queen of the world and all this made me to really not like her as a main character of the book. I understand that she wanted freedom, she wanted to make her own choices but for God sake- show some grace and humanity! Maybe author planned her character to be this way to show her change at the end of the novel, however I just had to 'face palm' myself many times throughout this novel. I loved Philip - there is no word against him leaving my lips just... If I were you I would definitely serve some spanking to Lady Alice!
This was my first book in this series but I wished I read the other two first. It was easy to follow the story, however I would enjoy it more if I knew all the details from the beginning. I might reach for them later this year just to see the other ladies' stories.
Also if you're looking for hot scenes in this romance- you won't find many. A little bit of kissing here and one wedding night which wasn't excessively described. This was kind of a disappointment as the tension between characters was skillfully built and I was expecting to cover the pages from the crowd around me, once the time came, but it wasn't the case here. Actually I found it a little bit boring and not exciting at all. Considering all the other (non love) action described in the book I though the act of passion would be simply hotter. It's my issue so other readers might actually enjoy it! If you're looking more for the plot, adventures and action than this is certainly a book for you!
To finish this review on the good note I will say that Michelle McLean knows how to write tension and action and because of that I do recommend this read. I can't wait to see more of her and maybe Rosie's story?
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2018
Spoiled and high born, Lady Alice has it all, until her parents agree to her betrothal to an earl who is much older and has a string of former wives who have died under suspicious circumstances. Everyone she confides her fears to dismisses this information as idle gossip, so Alice decides to take matters into her own hands. When Philip MacGregor arrives at her house to deliver a message from her friend Elizabet, who now lives in Scotland with her husband (who was exiled from England), Alice takes her chance and blackmails Philip into taking her back to Scotland with him. He knows this is a bad idea, but he can't risk the safety of Elizabet and her husband, John (his cousin). Despite his attempts to send her back, Philip winds up stuck with Alice and after an incident at an inn, the two find themselves married. Sort of. Now responsible for her safety, Philip knows he must rush back to his family's stronghold with Alice in tow before the news of their marriage reaches Alice's family. As travel forces the two together more and more, Philip finds it increasingly difficult to resist Alice's advances and they both begin to feel the sexual tension between them. By the time the two of them acknowledge their true feelings, Alice's unwavering stubbornness and Philip's rather misplaced sense of honor may combine to keep them apart for good.
Full disclosure, Alice drove me nuts. She fell into the "strong heroines" category that seems so popular lately in which the heroine knows her own mind and refuses to listen to anyone else (especially a man) and then her own stupidity gets her into trouble that could've easily been avoided if she'd taken a minute to be sensible instead of being so focused on asserting independence. Alice's stubbornness and impulsiveness fell into this category, causing numerous problems for herself, Philip, and others around her. Although I understand the undesirability and peril of the situation in which she found herself, there were many instances that she could've handled much better with just a little time for thought. Although, supposedly her impulsiveness paid off in the end, in a way, so at least there was a place for it at times here.
Despite my rant, I nonetheless enjoyed this story and it was nice to see Philip and Alice realize that their differences didn't really matter, just their love for each other.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and read and reviewed it voluntarily. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full disclosure, Alice drove me nuts. She fell into the "strong heroines" category that seems so popular lately in which the heroine knows her own mind and refuses to listen to anyone else (especially a man) and then her own stupidity gets her into trouble that could've easily been avoided if she'd taken a minute to be sensible instead of being so focused on asserting independence. Alice's stubbornness and impulsiveness fell into this category, causing numerous problems for herself, Philip, and others around her. Although I understand the undesirability and peril of the situation in which she found herself, there were many instances that she could've handled much better with just a little time for thought. Although, supposedly her impulsiveness paid off in the end, in a way, so at least there was a place for it at times here.
Despite my rant, I nonetheless enjoyed this story and it was nice to see Philip and Alice realize that their differences didn't really matter, just their love for each other.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and read and reviewed it voluntarily. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 9, 2019
I'll start off by saying I have not read this author before nor have I read the other two books in this series. I came swinging in blind and ended up having quite a good time!
Our hero is reluctant, as is implied by the title, but willing enough to go along with our heroine's shenanigans as long as they continue to end in his favor. He has the world's driest sense of humor but it does end up leading to some magnificent comedic moments. I have an undying soft spot for a man that works hard and has a strong moral compass so Philip is my knight in shining armor, if not a bit of a stick in the mud.
Alice is everything you'd expect from a panicked heroine. She has some ideas about the man her parents have arranged for her to marry and she refuses to be led astray from them. Any woman that takes her destiny into her own hands has my vote over and over again!
I have very few complaints about the book other than some composition issues (i.e. grammar here and there and some long-winded or repetitive conversation pieces) and our heroines inability to learn from her mistakes (JUST STAY PUT!) but by the middle of the book I was hooked and hopelessly in love with the characters so everything else rather faded to the back.
As with any series, you would do yourself some good by reading the first two books before diving into this one. There were moments that probably should have had a larger emotional impact for me and relationships that didn't quite make sense but would surely have been more profound if I had started from Book One.
Bottomline: A fun adventure with two flawed but genuinely good people. With a release date of January 14th, you've got plenty of time to read the first two!
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Our hero is reluctant, as is implied by the title, but willing enough to go along with our heroine's shenanigans as long as they continue to end in his favor. He has the world's driest sense of humor but it does end up leading to some magnificent comedic moments. I have an undying soft spot for a man that works hard and has a strong moral compass so Philip is my knight in shining armor, if not a bit of a stick in the mud.
Alice is everything you'd expect from a panicked heroine. She has some ideas about the man her parents have arranged for her to marry and she refuses to be led astray from them. Any woman that takes her destiny into her own hands has my vote over and over again!
I have very few complaints about the book other than some composition issues (i.e. grammar here and there and some long-winded or repetitive conversation pieces) and our heroines inability to learn from her mistakes (JUST STAY PUT!) but by the middle of the book I was hooked and hopelessly in love with the characters so everything else rather faded to the back.
As with any series, you would do yourself some good by reading the first two books before diving into this one. There were moments that probably should have had a larger emotional impact for me and relationships that didn't quite make sense but would surely have been more profound if I had started from Book One.
Bottomline: A fun adventure with two flawed but genuinely good people. With a release date of January 14th, you've got plenty of time to read the first two!
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
February 19, 2022
Honestly, I was really looking forward to this book, especially after being introduced to the main characters in the previous book. It had so much potential. Unfortunately I really felt like I was suffering through it just to reach the last book in the installment.
The heroine in this book is awful, everything about her is annoying and ungrateful.
From the very beginning she acts as a selfish ungrateful brat and she never changes.
The H & H meet again after their first brief encounter in the previous book. And right from the start, the heroine not only acts as a harlot by showering him with kisses and what not. She literally decides to blackmail a complete stranger in to taking her to her friend.
The hero, who risked a lot by going to her in the first place to deliver a message from the mentioned friend, is suddenly finding himself being blackmailed in to taking her with him?
The freaking audacity!
And her behavior during the entire book is just despicable. Never have I read a book where my opinion of the “spoiled character” doesn’t change during the book. This one just kept getting worse.
On several occasions she even goes as far as asking him if “he could really put her through that” (roughly remembered, I don’t have the energy to find the correct quote). After she is the one to put herself in that particular situation.
She is selfish, childish and so stubborn all my insides began to twist every time she either said or did something.
The even has the audacity to demean his way of acting while talking to her friend “he repacked my suitcase because he couldn’t stand the way everything has tossed in there” like, bitch? Be grateful that he would do it for you instead of belittling his actions to make you more comfortable.
The 1 star is for the hero alone. I liked him, he should have had a better pairing.
The heroine in this book is awful, everything about her is annoying and ungrateful.
From the very beginning she acts as a selfish ungrateful brat and she never changes.
The H & H meet again after their first brief encounter in the previous book. And right from the start, the heroine not only acts as a harlot by showering him with kisses and what not. She literally decides to blackmail a complete stranger in to taking her to her friend.
The hero, who risked a lot by going to her in the first place to deliver a message from the mentioned friend, is suddenly finding himself being blackmailed in to taking her with him?
The freaking audacity!
And her behavior during the entire book is just despicable. Never have I read a book where my opinion of the “spoiled character” doesn’t change during the book. This one just kept getting worse.
On several occasions she even goes as far as asking him if “he could really put her through that” (roughly remembered, I don’t have the energy to find the correct quote). After she is the one to put herself in that particular situation.
She is selfish, childish and so stubborn all my insides began to twist every time she either said or did something.
The even has the audacity to demean his way of acting while talking to her friend “he repacked my suitcase because he couldn’t stand the way everything has tossed in there” like, bitch? Be grateful that he would do it for you instead of belittling his actions to make you more comfortable.
The 1 star is for the hero alone. I liked him, he should have had a better pairing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2019
This is such a fun read. I quite enjoyed Lady Alice's character. Her tendency to leap before thinking made this story very entertaining. She is definitely an infuriating woman. On this, I agree with Phillip. Poor highlander doesn't stand a chance. ;)
Alice is being forced to marry someone who scares her. She strongly suspect that the rumors about her future husband are not simply rumors. Unfortunately, her parents disagree and refuse to listen to her complaints. In the end, she decided to take matters into her own hands. It was her life after all, and she is determined to have a long and happy one. That's when she decides to balckmail the highlander...
Phillip can't believe that his simple mission turned into a disaster. It is all thanks to one English lady who refuses to take no for an answer. He will put up with her for now but he plans to send her home as soon as he can find a way. Little did he know how difficult of a task that would turn out to be...
I loved both the main characters. Story is very interesting and well-written. It is definitely one the best books I have read. I do enjoy a good historical fiction.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Alice is being forced to marry someone who scares her. She strongly suspect that the rumors about her future husband are not simply rumors. Unfortunately, her parents disagree and refuse to listen to her complaints. In the end, she decided to take matters into her own hands. It was her life after all, and she is determined to have a long and happy one. That's when she decides to balckmail the highlander...
Phillip can't believe that his simple mission turned into a disaster. It is all thanks to one English lady who refuses to take no for an answer. He will put up with her for now but he plans to send her home as soon as he can find a way. Little did he know how difficult of a task that would turn out to be...
I loved both the main characters. Story is very interesting and well-written. It is definitely one the best books I have read. I do enjoy a good historical fiction.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 20, 2019
Alice lives the life of a spoiled debutante. Her parents have promised her hand in marriage to an older gentleman who is definitely not who Alice would have picked. Making it worse than the fact that he is not physically appealing is that the gentleman has been widowed 3 times under suspicious circumstances. Alice is desperate to make an escape when Philip enters like an answer to prayer.
Philip sneaks into the party that Alice is attending to deliver a message from Alice's friend, Elizabet. Instead of writing a letter for Philip to return, Alice decides that she will try to make her escape from her circumstances with Philip's assistance. She decides to blackmail Philip with the main objective in getting to Scotland and Elizabet.
The story was very interesting and adventuresome. Alice and Philip were both stubborn so a definite good fit. I did feel a little disconnected due to the fact that I have not read other books in this series. Other characters from at least 2 other books are introduced. I appreciate series that continue and catch you up on the lives of other beloved characters. I wish I had had a connection to the couples in this story. I had read other books by this author but not this particular series.
Philip sneaks into the party that Alice is attending to deliver a message from Alice's friend, Elizabet. Instead of writing a letter for Philip to return, Alice decides that she will try to make her escape from her circumstances with Philip's assistance. She decides to blackmail Philip with the main objective in getting to Scotland and Elizabet.
The story was very interesting and adventuresome. Alice and Philip were both stubborn so a definite good fit. I did feel a little disconnected due to the fact that I have not read other books in this series. Other characters from at least 2 other books are introduced. I appreciate series that continue and catch you up on the lives of other beloved characters. I wish I had had a connection to the couples in this story. I had read other books by this author but not this particular series.
September 12, 2019
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged and unwanted marriage, what she really needs in order to escape is a strong Highlander. And she’s pretty sure she’s found him. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life… so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. Seems simple enough, until they accidentally get married. Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. Oh, and he might be falling for her. However, her distractions are putting everyone in danger. Now he must somehow undo the damage before his friends pay with their lives.
The book sounded good enough. I’ve read this author before and liked her. I liked Alice as it started off. My problem was with Philip. I know the author was going for an opposites attract-type scenario, but I just didn’t like him at all. I didn’t like any of their interactions from the beginning and I eventually had to stop reading. DNF.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
The book sounded good enough. I’ve read this author before and liked her. I liked Alice as it started off. My problem was with Philip. I know the author was going for an opposites attract-type scenario, but I just didn’t like him at all. I didn’t like any of their interactions from the beginning and I eventually had to stop reading. DNF.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
August 31, 2019
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by NetGalley
I was sucked into this book immediately, but I think the main culprit was the heroine not the guy right off. I think it's because she was such a strong character, but admittedly spoiled. I love how she owned up to her up bringing, didn't justify just accepted the fact that she was raised differently and I found it refreshing, Lady Alice also toed the line between being almost unlikeable too wanting to root for her even though you weren't really sure why. In theory Phillp points out several times that she has everything she could want, except for a love match and that women were lucky to have half of that.
The push pull between our two characters is like a volleyball match, lots of bickering and fantastic dialogue. Over all the arc of the story was extremely compelling with a story line that made me want to know more, mainly how she was going to end this book differently than others of the trope. I'm happy to say the entire book was a lovely surprise. I give it five roses that rule.
Book provided by NetGalley
I was sucked into this book immediately, but I think the main culprit was the heroine not the guy right off. I think it's because she was such a strong character, but admittedly spoiled. I love how she owned up to her up bringing, didn't justify just accepted the fact that she was raised differently and I found it refreshing, Lady Alice also toed the line between being almost unlikeable too wanting to root for her even though you weren't really sure why. In theory Phillp points out several times that she has everything she could want, except for a love match and that women were lucky to have half of that.
The push pull between our two characters is like a volleyball match, lots of bickering and fantastic dialogue. Over all the arc of the story was extremely compelling with a story line that made me want to know more, mainly how she was going to end this book differently than others of the trope. I'm happy to say the entire book was a lovely surprise. I give it five roses that rule.
April 27, 2024
This was a decent read. There as a lot of repetition and some of it was a bit convoluted as the author was trying to explain the backstory that apparently happened over 2 previous books. Those bits would have served as a nice refresher for someone who had read them. For someone like me, who had not, I felt they complicated this story a bit.
I mostly liked the two characters but the bit at the inn, I felt she was acting like the spoiled brat he expected her to be. I also had some plot issues - such as why the characters decided to hide at a ramshackle home when there was a fortified keep close by (seemed like they had time to make it there). And barring that, not sure how the women and children hiding in a room of said ramshackle home with one man protecting it was considered "safe."
But an ok story. Nothing great, nothing terrible. I'd consider reading something from this author again but not sure I'd read more in this series.
I mostly liked the two characters but the bit at the inn, I felt she was acting like the spoiled brat he expected her to be. I also had some plot issues - such as why the characters decided to hide at a ramshackle home when there was a fortified keep close by (seemed like they had time to make it there). And barring that, not sure how the women and children hiding in a room of said ramshackle home with one man protecting it was considered "safe."
But an ok story. Nothing great, nothing terrible. I'd consider reading something from this author again but not sure I'd read more in this series.
January 7, 2019
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
It has been awhile since I read book 2 but it really is explained well so if you have not read any of the previous books in the series you are not lost. I enjoyed the book but it is not my favorite kind of romance. Philip and Alice were so different and really got into their arguments which was kind of like foreplay for them.
There is mostly action as they travel from London to a castle in Scotland where Alice wants to find her friend Elizabet and escape an arraigned marriage. She is kind of impulsive and doesn't think things through which leads the bad guy from book 2 to Elizabet's door.
Lots of drama, action, and romance as Philip and Alice try to stay ahead of each other until they both realize that they have fallen in love. Hope we find out what happens with Rose in William in the next book.
It has been awhile since I read book 2 but it really is explained well so if you have not read any of the previous books in the series you are not lost. I enjoyed the book but it is not my favorite kind of romance. Philip and Alice were so different and really got into their arguments which was kind of like foreplay for them.
There is mostly action as they travel from London to a castle in Scotland where Alice wants to find her friend Elizabet and escape an arraigned marriage. She is kind of impulsive and doesn't think things through which leads the bad guy from book 2 to Elizabet's door.
Lots of drama, action, and romance as Philip and Alice try to stay ahead of each other until they both realize that they have fallen in love. Hope we find out what happens with Rose in William in the next book.
December 30, 2018
Alice has it bad! She is a doll of English high society, who is enjoying the dancing and social life at court. Her father has other plans for her which involve marrying a nasty, stinking old man to unite their families and give him an heir. Alice knows it us her duty, but the more she stops and thinks about it, the more she realizes this old guy is going to kill her if she doesn't give him an heir. So, she takes things into her own hand and blackmailed a hit Scottish highlander to take her to her bff who also ran out on an arranged marriage to escape a family business deal. In the meantime, can Allice really handle the surly highlander despite his good looks and sense of loyalty. This is the third book in this series, but it can be read by itself.
January 13, 2019
How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean is book Three in The MacGregor Lairds Series. This is the story of Philip MacGregor and Alice Chivers. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Alice's parents has set a marriage in motion for her to a man old enough to be her grandfather but what is worse is that he has buried three wives so far. When Philip comes to her with a not from her friend...a thought comes to her to get him to help her escape. Philip is slow to action but she meets the task full on and gives him no real choice. Alice's reckless ways puts doubts in Philip's head but hearts are at play..so there isn't much of a choice.
Alice's parents has set a marriage in motion for her to a man old enough to be her grandfather but what is worse is that he has buried three wives so far. When Philip comes to her with a not from her friend...a thought comes to her to get him to help her escape. Philip is slow to action but she meets the task full on and gives him no real choice. Alice's reckless ways puts doubts in Philip's head but hearts are at play..so there isn't much of a choice.
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