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Highlanders of Cadney #2

Her Highlander's Heart

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Love for her brother, and love for his clan is what
brings them together to defend against a common enemy…

Milly would do anything to save her brother, even get married to the man who had rejected her.

Walking into MacKenzie Castle, little did she know she would be walking into a desperate marriage proposal from the one man she hated above all others. There was no way she would marry Nathan MacKenzie, unless he agreed to do something for her first

Nathan MacKenzie was not supposed to be Laird. He didn’t want it, but when his father is killed in a Jacobite uprising, Nathan is thrust into a role he was not prepared to take.

Without a wife, Nathan runs the risk of being cast out and the lairdship to fall into the hands of his greedy cousin Elias MacKenzie.

Milly is his only choice, but he has to help her first.

How can they put the past aside and uncover their deepest feelings?



"Her Highlander's Heart" 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.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2019

1182 people are currently reading
194 people want to read

About the author

Fiona Faris

115 books195 followers
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!

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5 stars
278 (52%)
4 stars
166 (31%)
3 stars
71 (13%)
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16 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews38 followers
March 12, 2019
I found the story draw out and a little predictable. But I did enjoy reading it. I did adore how our heroine, Milly, was a spitfire with a moral conscious and a spine of steel. My how she was stubborn. It was heartwarming how she fell in love with the hero, Nathan, all over again. How Nathan kicked himself for leaving Milly behind years before. He now realizes how much he loves her and cannot do without her. The story begins with an action scene of battle between the Scottish Jacobites and the English. Nathan's father was murdered by kin witnessed by Milly's twin brother Gavin and their friend Thomas. But before they could alert Nathan's clan they were imprisoned. Nathan was to be the next Laird but he had opposition for the position by his devious and sinister cousin Elias. The story covers how they had to marry a noble Scottish lady of another clan. Both Nathan and Elias set their eyes on Milly. Nathan and Elias try to force Milly's consent by less than honorable means. However, Elias beat Nathan with his evil deceitful machinations. Elias tried to use Gavin as a bargaining chip to get Milly to wed him. Instead she turned to Nathan with a proposal of her own that included rescuing Gavin. During their travels Nathan and Milly become more to each other but Milly thinks that Nathan really does not want to marry her. She feels she loves him too much to oblige him to marry her. Crazy to think how love can make her think sideways. Unsuccessful in their rescue attempts the realize Elias got to Gavin before them and they had to go back to MacKenzie Castle. On the way back, Nathan and Milly are ambushed. Leaving Nathan for dead, Milly knows that Elias has won. But she devises her own plan to kill Elias to avenge Nathan. All heck breaks loose in the small kirk. This is a time consuming action adventure romance ending with a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
March 13, 2019
I loved this second in this series as the first one.
It was like the previous book, full of actions, betrayals, love and heartaches.
Milly and Nathan have an history together, they were friends until Nathan broke her heart to follow his dreams. Now years later, time has left a bitter taste, Milly’s twin brother is considered dead and Nathan’s father was killed during a battle against the English army. So they meet again and as Nathan is in need of a well born bride to reclaim his tittle as the laird of the Mackenzie clan, he thinks it will be easy to get Milly to agree to wed him. He never considered she would still hold a grudge after so many time.
But faith has got something up its sleeve, reuniting them together with a common goal to give them time to rekindle and get to really know the other.
Milly is a kind woman, nor meek nor haughty, she just wants to save her brother and even if she was hurt and angry at Nathan, she knows he is no bad man, not like his cousin, he is loyal and would never abandon someone on his care.
Nathan felt a pull to visit the world, why he left, not wanting at first his legitimate rights, and now he must stand first to get back what is his. And the more he is with Milly, the more he realizes he was unkind to her, she matured to an awesome and fierce woman, a woman he is proud to know and can imagine at his side.
Their romance was sweet, they didn’t stay angry for long, quietly they get back in touch and discover who the other is really, what dreams they have.
Like in the first book, it is only late in the story that they acknowledge the other of their feelings but as the action was set on a short span of time, it was understandable.
I’m now curious of the story intended for Gavin, Milly’s twin.
Profile Image for Juneta Key.
Author 10 books41 followers
June 18, 2019
Another Highland HEA

I enjoyed reading this book. The story was interesting with the hero blackmailing the heroine and her coming up with a twist of her own. I love highland romance and was not disappointed but this book did not grab me like others by this author have. If you love highland romance you will enjoy the story.

I volunteer to read an ARC and this is my honest opinion
615 reviews
March 17, 2019
Setting: January 1690, Cadney, Scotland, 5 months after the ferocious battle of the Jacobites and English at Dunkeld, Scotland. Many men were killed, and some went missing, bodies never found, such as Millie MacGille’s brother Gavin. Now, a kinsman is locked in the MacKenzie dungeon and the new Laird has not answered letters sent by the MacGille about the matter. Off to the MacKenzie keep go Mille and her maid Violet, to see if they are able to convince Laird MacKenzie to release Thomas, the kinsman. Surprise! The Laird is not who they expected, as they had not heard the elder MacKenzie had been killed at Dunkeld.
Thus begins a journey into the world of Scotland of 1690, teeming with tensions between Scotland and England, AND intrigues within the clans as men jostle for power. We meet and hear of some familiar characters from prior stories, whose lives overlap those of our H & h, making us feel right at home in the story from the start.
CRITIQUE: Excellent storylines, picking up the thread of the Dunkeld battle and taking it in a new direction, to watch the sequelae of that battle develop in people, some old and some new. The intrigues catch our interest and pull us along in the story, not quite certain what await us around the next bend, making it difficult to put down the book to do needed chores! The center of our story: A brave Hero, and a heroine herself made of strong stuff, not afraid to speak her mind and fight for her family and self, even in the face of evil. They are likable, well matched, and we are happy when they finally obtain their HEA. The writing is definitely for the more mature reader. That warning being given, I would highly recommend this book to readers loving Scottish Highlander romances, especially if you have read any of the earlier works and enjoyed the story there. (Having to have read the earlier books is NOT necessary to enjoying this book, but I bet you will want to go back and fill in with the other books later!)
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,079 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2019
Her Highlander’s Heart

During a battle with the English and the Scotts Gavin MacGille was trying to catch up with his Da Hammish. Then he saw his cousin Elias MacKenzie kill Hammish. Gavin turned around and told his friend Thomas Graham to run away. Now Thomas and Gavin both missing for six months. Nathan MacKenzie came home after being gone for three years. He found that his Da also was killed and Elias trying to be the new Laird. Nathan would have to do whatever necessary to secure the Lairdship. Jilly’s older brother Lucas now Laird MacGille. Milly and her maid Violet went to visit the MacKenzie’s to see if they would release Thomas from their dungeon. Nathan proposed to Milly because he needed a wife to stay Laird. Elias also proposed to her. She was the only eligible Highland born lady in the area. Nathan released Thomas and let them all be guests for the night. Elias let Milly know that her twin brother Gavin was in an English prison in Perth. Nathan and Milly made plans to go get her brother. Elias had a friend bring Gavin to MacKenzie keep and thrown into the dungeon and Thomas too. When Nathan and Milly were on their way back Elias had Sam and some men to go kill Nathan and bring Milly back to him. Milly thought Nathan was dead. Nathan tied up talked Derek to go get help from Milly’s brother Laird MacGille. Milly was going to go through with the wedding to Elias then kill him in bed. Milly told Elias he wouldn’t be the first so Elias drew a sword. Nathan got Gavin and Thomas out with some clan men. Nathan Gavin and Lucas stopped the wedding and Elias shot Nathan. Gavin pulled a sword from Elias’ back. Nathan and Milly married.
206 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2019
Love 💘forever true and treachery.

Milly had wanted Nathan to marry her since their first 💋 but he turned away from her at the time because he wanted to travel the world 🌎before settling down with anyone.
Despite everyone turning a deaf ear 👂to her when she claimed her twin brother Gavin was alive, she remained steadfast in her belief. When she goes to the neighboring clan to ask that a fellow clansman, Thomas be released, she finds that the Laird is no longer and that there is a dispute over the successor. Nathan is the son of the late Laird and Elias is his cousin that only wants to be Laird to bring destruction down on Nathan and his clansmen. Both ask Milly to marry them and she turns both of them down, but Elias has plans in place to force her to marry him and tells her about Gavin being held in prison.
Nathan realized he made a mistake in the way he'd went about asking her to marry him and when Milly tells him about Gavin they make plans to go see about getting him back.
Elias thwarts their plans by having Gavin brought to the Keep as leverage. When he discovers Milly is gone, he orders his henchman to take some men with him to bring her back and to kill Nathan. Samuel captures Milly and leaves his men to dispatch Nathan.
Nathan and Milly discovered their true feelings for each other and she is broken hearted over Nathan being killed and being forced to marry a man she despised, vowing to end his life on their wedding day.

Profile Image for B. Koe.
947 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2019
SCOTTISH hearts freely given hath no boundaries! A GREAT time-period ROMANCE!
I absolutely loved this medieval romance by Fiona Faris! It has all of the feels and brogue of the Scottish Highlands and the dastardly English villains to boot! While a bit slow to start, this tale takes readers through a series of events and conversations which give the reader some hint of the evil behind the turmoil which has beset MacKenzie Castle and the role that lady Millie MacGille must play in it. Two men vie for the right to Laird over the MacKenzie clan and Hold, but which will help Millie find her twin brother who’s been missing since the battle with the English? The plot is compelling and complex, the characters richly developed and multifaceted, and the writing is descriptive and authentic. A total trifecta in writing, with plenty of slow burn to steam, along with hours of entertainment. A Romance reader’s dream with a 5+STAR recommendation, “HER HIGHLANDER’S HEART” should be your next romance purchase! Happy pages! 😉
Profile Image for iread.
826 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2019
Her Highlander’s Heart by Fiona Faris is book 2 in the Highlander’s of Cadney series. I really enjoyed this book. It has plenty of twists and turns in it that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is an enemy to lovers trope - a favorite of mine.
“The smooth voice that interrupted her thoughts appeared as if she had conjured him out of thin air with her own memories. She turned around slowly, and instead of seeing old-man MacKenzie staring back at her as she’d expected, she found herself staring into the serious, cold, midnight blue eyes of his son, her youthful hero, and the man she currently despised above all others; Nathan MacKenzie.” I really liked the character of Nathan. He is a strong yet at times vulnerable hero. I wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine - Millicent MacGille. At times her stubbornness to do things her own way was annoying to me. But on the whole, I really enjoyed this book. There are several steamy sex scenes in it.
Profile Image for Judy Munoz.
320 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. This is book two in a series but works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. Another wonderful tale by the author! This story is a highland medieval romance with a lot of adventure thrown in. I loved everything about this story! Milly MacGille is a captivating, strong, independent heroine. Nathan MacKenzie is a handsome, honourable and swoon-worthy hero. They are thrown together in a quest to rescue Milly’s brother and to claim Nathan’s place as Laird MacKenzie. This story is full of intrigue, danger, betrayal and suspense. It is also full of heartwarming romance and sizzling chemistry between Nathan and Milly. The author does a fantastic job in bringing the era to life - including enough brogue in the conversations to make the story authentic without making it difficult to understand. The fast pace and brilliant writing, along with a complex and compelling storyline, makes this an exciting and enthralling read.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,480 reviews46 followers
March 15, 2019
Love for her brother, and love for his clan is what
brings them together to defend against a common enemy…

Milly would do anything to save her brother, even get married to the man who had rejected her.

Two Highlanders need a wife. One is a man she once wanted to marry the other is his despicable cousin who she would never want to have anything to do with. Without a wife, Nathan runs the risk of being cast out and the lairdship to fall into the hands of his greedy cousin Elias MacKenzie.

With her twin brother missing Milly would do almost anything to bring him back home safely but she does have her limits. One of those is to become Elias MacKenzie's bride.

This book has so many twists and turns it sometimes becomes overwhelming. That is my main reason for giving it 4.25 of 5.0 stars rather than a higher rating.
It is a good book but is maybe a bit too long.
1,030 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2023
Loved this book!

Nathan MacKenzie returns home from 3 years in France to find his father had been killed in battle and he was now in competition with his cousin Elias for the lairdship. I didn’t really understand why that was possible but it made the story interesting. Even though he did not want to be laird, Nathan couldn’t let it go to his evil cousin who would destroy it and the people of the clan. One condition for the lairdship was a wife. Milly is the younger sister from a neighboring clan and was the only eligible highborn lass. Milly loved Nathan years ago when he was friends with her brothers but he rejected her. Now Nathan and Elias were in competition for more than just the title of laird. This story is full of action and I couldn’t put it down. I loved Nathan and the other characters were strong as well. Definitely worth reading.


370 reviews1 follower
Read
July 8, 2023
Book 2 in this series is filled with action, but some strange decisions. First, Milly takes off to the neighbouring castle not knowing the current state of that clan. In such turbulent times, it was a foolish decision. Next Nathan goes on an ill-planned journey to rescue Gavin, with Milly, without telling her brother, nor taking into account what might happen in his absence. He knows his cousin is trying to take over the clan, yet he leaves. I didn't understand why Nathan was not immediately granted the lairdship. It is his birthright. Yet somehow both men need to marry to secure the title. Weird.
There's enough action to keep it interesting but too many strange coincidences for anyone in the clan to think all is well. Nevertheless, the story is intriguing and adds to the first in this series, deepening the relationships between the various clans.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
March 23, 2019
ONE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE!!!
Oh man, talk about hard hitting. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, pulse racing, heart pounding, page turning delight that captivates from start to finish. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs, along with a few unexpected circumstances make for one incredible adventure. The pressure is on, the tension high, the danger and suspense builds throughout as the tale unfolds. One thrilling storyline with an incredible plot really pulls this bad boy together flawlessly. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it brings this bad boy roaring to life brilliantly. Remarkable job Fiona, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Profile Image for Betty Salty.
16 reviews
March 15, 2019
I absolutely loved this Highland romance by Fiona Faris! Characters were well developed: a ruthless villain, a feisty lass and a stubborn warrior.
The plot is incredible and thrilling. The story is fluid and dynamic. You want to continue reading to discover what will happen in the next page.

This story can be read as a stand-alone, but it was nice to have some reference to the girl we met at The Highlander's Heart.
There were a few typos, just a bit annoying, and the Highland brogue we met in previous books.
I can't wait to read Milly's brother Gavin story.

I highly recommend this book.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angie Bradley.
197 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2019
As a girl Molly MacGille was her older brothers Lucas, who is now the Laird of Carney Keep her twin brother Gavin, and Nathan MacKenzie. As a young woman Nathan won her first kiss and her heart. Rejecting her Nathan left for adventure. Three years later Nathan returned home to find his father dead and his cousin Elias was to be named as the new laird. That was until Nathan returned home to challenge him. Both men must be wed to a highbrow lass to become the new laird of Castle MacKenzie. Both men want Molly but who will win her heart? Can Milly see past the young man Nathan was and see the man he has become or will she wed Elias instead?
2,440 reviews27 followers
March 12, 2019
This was a fast paced, page turner of a story. Nathan Mackenzie, highlander, home after three years away, found that he was to be laird. He needed to marry to persuade the elders to back his claim rather than his cousin’s. He had known Milly MacGillie since childhood but their last meeting had not gone well. However, before Milly will marry him, she needs him to rescue her brother Gavin from an English prison. There follows a tale of adventure, betrayal and misunderstandings that will keep you engrossed until the end.
196 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2019
Another great story from Fiona!
Fiona has the ability to make you feel part of the characters lives, you feel their pain, happiness and joy. Her description of the scenery, places and views is so realistic that you feel like you are there.
The story has enough, action, betrayal, heartache and eventually love to keep you turning the pages.
The story of Milly and Nathan is the second book in this series and a must read if you want to join the Scottish Highlanders in the quest to fight for their rights and those they love.

Profile Image for Barb Nifong.
278 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
A great book!

First of all I had a hard time with the dialect. It took me some time to get through the book because I tried to read each word as written. I thought it added to the book and thought I got more out of the read. One word I never could read but within the context of the sentence filled in what made sense. That being said, it is a great book. The main characters are believable and interesting. The book has romance, intrigue, murder, and mystery. I liked the writing enough to follow the author in future books.
1,546 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2019
Loved it

Everyone needs a sister like Milly she would not give up on her brother Gavin. She seemed help from the one man that had broken her heart. Nathan from the neighboring clan her brothers friend and her long time crush. Nathan is having some problems also his cousin Elias is wanting to become the Laird over the clan but he need a highborn clan lady and the only one available is Milly. Guess who get the girl😉😉😉, after attempted murder, kidnapping and so much more. Loved catching up with Lucas, Milly's brother from the first book.
Profile Image for Darvionne  J Givhan.
79 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my review. This is the first highlander novel I've read. I finished it in a day, once I got past the dialect it was an easy read. I loved the story and I loved Milly! I was holding my breath as I was reading the different adventures! There are a few typos but not so many that you will be frustrated with the story. I highly recommend this book and will definitely add more highlander romances to my library!
6,527 reviews27 followers
March 15, 2019
He needs a well born lady to reclaim his title as lord and Milly is the perfect fit What he didn't expect is that she would bear a grudge from him leaving her earlier to follow his chosen path. Milly isn't your normal run of the mill girl she has an inner strength that will help Nathan become the best that he can be once he has finally won her. Be prepared for drama and suspense and a fair amount of betrayal in this wonderful Scottish historical romance
273 reviews
March 20, 2019
Good Read

Liked the story of Milly and Nathan as they search for her brother and defeat his cousin in his quest to become laird. Milly is a strong willed young lady who want let anything get in the way of what she want and Nathan is a very protective , loyal and will do what is need for his clan. A good book with great characters, adventure, action, suspense and a good storyline. I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,825 reviews11 followers
April 3, 2019
This story takes you back to a time when England was trying to overtake Scotland pitting brother and cousins against each other. A woman who's heart and strength of will inspires a highlander to find the truth. Milly and Nathan are excellent together, and love shines in every action and decision that these two make. Journey through treachery and the evil of one cousin as he sets out to destroy the Mackensie clan.
171 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2019

Clash of love & hate!!
Couldn’t stop reading Her Highlanders Heart until the last page! Fiona Farris has brilliantly wove intricate strands of true love throughout the conflict for Laird of the MacKenzie clan! This book is full of intrigue, Clashes of love and hate, and suspense filled adventure that I really enjoyed! I loved the spirit, tenacity and soul of the heroine Milly! This is one I will read again!
251 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2019
A very romantic love story

A good romantic love story. I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked most of the characters, except the villain and his followers. I kept wondering where is this plot going and how would it end. It was hard to put down, kept wondering what could happen next. It had quite a few surprises. It had some sensual moments. I recommend this book as I do the complete series.
Profile Image for Valerie Irwin.
317 reviews6 followers
April 1, 2020
Be still my beating heart!

Though I really enjoyed the first book in this series, this second book was by far my favorite! The story was so well thought out and explained. The characters came to life on the pages and I found I could not read fast enough for my liking! I just had to know what was to happen next. Even now, having finished reading the book, a smile remains in my face.
Profile Image for Fiona Andrew.
767 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2019
As I have come to expect from this amazing author, a rollicking tale of love, highlanders, Scotland (the best place), sword fighting and happy ever after. I love the language used by the highlanders it helps to hear the burr and cadence of the speech. It’s almost like being home again. A fabulous story I read in a day. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
862 reviews
March 12, 2019
This author takes you back to medieval Scotland with the book opening up with the Jacobites fighting the English. Treachery rears it's ugly head when a Jacobite shots his uncle, the Laird of his clan, at point blank range.

The description of the environment at that time allows the reader to visualize the scene and place themselves there. Some problems with editing but overall an easy read.
Profile Image for Jan Staniec.
47 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
Treachery Abounds

Medieval, Highlanders, Romance! Three of my favorite things. Fiona Faris molds a story with well thought out plot lines and her characters are well rounded. I so enjoyed the tale of Millie and Nathan, Elias, Nathan’s cousin is an evil that doesn’t seem to go away until he’s trapped. Elias causes much sorrow before his timely demise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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