Death has brought them together. But is the truth strong enough to make it last?
Filled with rage and grief over the execution of his innocent brother, Ranulf Thorburn, Scottish laird of clan Thorburn, kidnaps the daughter of the Duke of Whitewood, Catrin. But what he doesn’t expect is that this Sassenach lass has a fire inside of her.
One that threatens to burn him…
Catrin is unlike any other Lady. Underneath her passionate nature hides a true fighter that will put even this Laird to shame! Either way, she will not submit to this Highlander without a fight. Especially not to the one whose brother murdered hers. But getting to know him will make her question everything that she’s know until now…
The road for Ranulf and Catrin will be rough and full of challenges. As they try to redeem the honor of Ranulf’s brother, and uncover the true assassin, they are bound to face many obstacles.
Will they manage to stick together, when everything around them tries to tear them apart?
"Highlander's Honor is a Historical Scottish Highlander Warrior Romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Barbara Bard was born in the Highlands of Scotland but moved to the United States and was raised in the sweltering heat of New Orleans. She studied at Emory University in Atlanta and has worked as a journalist for a small press.
Barbara’s partner is descended from Scottish ancestors and she has been fascinated with all things Scottish for many years. That interest has also helped to propel a blossoming writing career and she is now working on novels with a historical Scottish romance flavor.
The first in her series follows the exploits of the Baird and McCall clans and is full of the type of brave warrior heroes that are romanticized of that era, while her books about the MacDougal clan have a more magic and paranormal feel to them.
When she isn’t working or writing her next book, Barbara enjoys yoga and traveling to new and exciting places. She loves nothing better than immersing herself in the culture of another country and getting to know some of the locals.
Barbara hopes that her novels will soon become self-sustaining and provide her with the full-time career she has always wanted.
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! Barbara Bard has done such a wonderful job writing Ranulf and Catrin's story. It's books like this one that keeps my love of historical Scottish Highlander romance at a peak, I just love it!
When Ranulf kidnaps Catrin, it doesn't take him long to realize that she is quite the feisty Sassenach lass and can use a bow & arrow better than any warrior! All he wants is to prove to her that his brother did not kill hers and that an innocent man was hung for something he didn't do. It's quite an adventure they experience in trying to discover the truth!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Highland Honor by Barbara Bard. 4 Stars. This is a historical story that takes place during a fragile peace time between the English King Edward and Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers storyline with its interesting plot, twist and turns of intrigue, deception, betrayal, adventure, passion and four flamed romance. Sensitive Reader Warning: Adult Content Note;There is a lot of gory descriptive battle scenes, violent sexual comments, and descriptive sexual scenes. This book has an astonishing 829 pages! The book could be dramatically shortened by changing the written format and taking out a lot of unnecessary comments and descriptions that aren’t needed to tell the story, and some needed editing.
This is an entertaining highlander read with a story filled, with drama, romance and intrigue. Ranulf wants revenge for the death of his brother and ends up kidnapping Catrin. He wants to discover the truth of what really happened to Catrin’s brother. As they spend more time together, sparks begin to fly. What will happen when they discover the truth. Fast-paced read with a great story and characters that really draw you into the story. I loved how strong Catrin was. A great read!
Everything you would ever want from a historical romance !
This book has everything... love, betrayal, backstabbing, conspiracy, kidnapping, looming threat of a great war, great heroes, action, great twists and turns and an amazing ending for all of us romantic saps out there. What more can I actually say about it, go and read and enjoy !
Well, there is a little bit more I can say about this book without really spoiling the plot or ruining some twists.
Catrin is an amazingly written character. She is depicted as a strong heroine because even though she happens to get kidnapped and imprisoned and goes through a lot of tough situations, she actually doesn't just stand around wailing about the situation, she fights, oh boy does she fight good. And for a woman in that time period, that is exceptional and rare but not non-existent. So for anyone out there saying she just gets kidnapped like any other damsel in distress, that is not true. That person clearly did not read this book. Catrin is strong and capable and smart and very relatable. One of the best heroines in the historical romance genre I had a pleasure of getting to know well.
Ranulf is also an amazingly written character which is why this book works so well. He is a strong warrior and a laird but he is down to earth. Also, he isn't invulnerable like most of the heroes in this genre. He gets hurt, physically and emotionally. He is compassionate but also ruthless when the situation demands for it. He is... human. And that makes him all the more delicious, especially when placing him next to a character such as Catrin.
One of the most important things for me in a book is that I can see how heroes grow and mature. If a hero is constantly unchanging then all of the hardships he goes through are meaningless. You are left wondering why did you even read this book and why it exists. But when you see the growth, maturing, changing then you can say yes, it was worth it. And Ranulf and Catrin certainly grow. They both have preconceptions about the other's nation and its people (English/Scottish). With experience and time they begin to realise how mistaken they were and how people are just people. Something similar happens with the memory of their lost family members, they learn things about them that paint them in a different light and with some struggles they need to learn how to accept it as the truth and reconcile their feelings accordingly.
I have not enjoyed a good book like this in a long time so I am giving it the best rating. It has everything a book in this genre should have, it is written well, grammar is superb, characters are enchanting and even though I stayed up until 04:30 in the morning reading this book I wouldn't change a thing.
Absolutely recommended to everyone, especially people who appreciate a well written story.
I was totally engrossed in this story from beginning to end!! England and Scotland are arch rivals. Ranulf Thorburn could start a war by crossing over the border to England. kidnapping Catrin Whitewood, daughter and only heir to the Duke of Whitewood. I love the Scottish Highlander stories the men are so strong and loyal to the cause. Such handsome devils they are too. Murder is the motive, and on Ranulf's mind. Catrin's brother, Henry Whitewood was murdered for the killing of Ranulf's eldest brother, Kyle who was next in line to become Laird for the Thorburn Clan in Scotland. Ranulf is now Laird. As a result, Catrin was kidnapped on english soil,and taken to Scotland as revenge. These two very strong and determined feisty characters go head to head. In the course of, being in Ranulf's castle she sees another whole side to him.He really is a likeable person, and learns to enjoy his company. Catrin is given every luxury, which she is only accustomed too. She is beginning to fall for Ranulf. Catrin has become so dependant on him for her protection. The Duke of Whitewood hires a man to bring Catrin back to England, no matter the cost. Gilbert, Earl of Hargrove is a vile, dispicable, and dangerous scoundrel. He double crosses the hired man, and gives him more gold coin, so Catrin is brought back to his castle in England. Gilbert has other plans for Catrin.Gilbert asked her father for her hand in marriage,and was told a definite "No." Gilbert is so angry, and wants to start a war with the Duke of Whitwood. The Duke and Catrin are in agreement that Gilbert is a new enemy to them beware what he is capable of. Catrin will inherit all the title,wealth and properties, because her father has been very ill he does not expect to live much longer. The Duke wants her to be married ,but the duke does not know yet,Catrin is in love with Ranulf Thorburn. A war between England and Scotland is not far off on the horizon . All forces on both sides are getting all their soldiers and knights to march to war. Catrin returns to England just in time to say goodbye to her father on his death bed. Asking Ranulf for forgiveness about his brothers murder, and to promise and protect his daughter. The Earl of Hargrove never gives up trying to get Catrin back. He is so selfish and greedy. The union between the Duchess of Whitewood,and Ranulf makes him become the Duke of Whitewood and they both helped to bring peace back to their countries. This is an UNPUTDOWNABLE Must Read!
TITLE: Courageous Duke’s Daughter escapes capture by a Scottish Laird!
SETTING: Northern England, lower Scotland. Catrin Waterford, daughter of the Duke of Whitewood, an independent young woman, well trained in riding and shooting her bow, is captured by a group of Scots one morning while out on her ride. As usual, she had ordered her men to stay back of her, and when she was ambushed by 15 men, her 2 protectors rushed back to get help from the Duke. Off to Scotland she goes as a captive, albeit kindly treated by the young Scottish Laird. His brother had been hung for the death of her brother with scant evidence other than he was a Scot, thereby deserving of death. Revenge was the motive of Catrin’s capture by Ranulf Thorburn, heir to the Laird of Clan Thorburn, but never did he think he would lose his heart to her. Thus begins a wild ride back and forth between England and Scotland with multiple captures and escapes by poor Catrin, who proves herself a quite capable warrior, merely overpowered by the numbers of men dedicated to her capture. She is also the victim of various intrigues to gain control of her father’s lands and riches, and of her own person as their bride. All of this action keeps the reader turning the pages until the very end! CRITIQUE: Intriguing storyline that maintains interest all the way through. The tension between Catrin and Ranulf from the beginning is offset by the admiration each develops for various aspects of the other’s personality: Catrin’s boldness and levelheadedness in the face of danger and obstacles, as well as her extraordinary ability to shoot arrows accurately while riding, impresses the formidable Scot, who had not expected such qualities in a gently born English lady. Likewise, Ranulf’s kindness and concern for his people and family soften Catrin’s heart towards her captor. These qualities of our H & h garner the reader’s attention and help to invest the reader in the story. Overall, a good story with heartwarming characters
Catrin is kidnapped by Ranulf to avenge the death of Ranulf's brother and heir to their father's clan that was hung when he was accused of murdering Catrin's brother. Ranulf told Catrin that he was seeking proof of the real murderer and planned on holding her hostage until then and getting acknowledgement from her father that he'd hung an innocent man. Lady Catrin earns the respect of Ranulf's clan when she shows her skill at archery and riding Ranulf's stallion that only he has ever been able to ride. She then shows her skill at archery from horseback and Ranulf gives her a family heirloom diamond and ruby necklace for winning their bet. Lady Catrin escapes from Ranulf's castle and is captured by the Earl of Hargrove and is saved by Ranulf and his men. She convinces Ranulf to spare the Earl's life and he is escorted back to the border, in the meantime, the Earl's treachery is discovered of his murdering of a unarmed shepherd boy and the loss of three sheep. Between the nefarious schemes of the Earl and his kidnapping of Catrin, his attempt to get Catrin's father to agree to her hand in marriage and being declined, she ends up in the Earl's clutches again and is forced into marriage to him against her will. She is saved from the Earl's dungeon by Ranulf and he returns with her to her father's castle in order to save her father's life and to tell him that Ranulf's brother was innocent and the identity of the murderer. They find her father on his deathbed, the leaders of the clans that were allied with him and that war is eminent between England and Scotland with vast armies being amassed by the King's of both countries.
Highlander's Honor by Barbara Bard is an incredible Historical Scottish Romance. Well crafted, an epic story set in the 1600s when tensions and emotions between England and Scotland are still running high, anything could set off a war between the two countries, again. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly, giving readers a glimpse into the life and times of the characters and the era. I absolutely loved HIGHLANDER'S HONOR!
Follow Ranulf Thorburn, the Scottish laird of clan Thorburn, and Catrin, the daughter of the Duke of Whitewood. Grief, and revenge carries heavily on Ranulf minds, due the Duke of Whitewood hanging his innocent eldest brother, Kyle, for the Duke's son's murder only on the word of who the Duke thought was his son's best friend. Ranulf is out to learn what really happened to the Duke's son by whom and why, to clear his brother's good name. Ranulf kidnaps Catrin as an act of revenge, an eye for an eye kinda of thing. But what develops between Catrin and Ranulf is not revenge but an epic love story, each from a different country, Scotland and England.
Fast paced, action packed, with murder, mystery, betrayal, romance, secrets with twists and turns and plenty of action. A story that will have you on the edge of your set, turning pages and at times nail biting may be found. Good vs evil. Powerful, compelling and intriguing.
The epilogue, is brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A very satisfying ending to what can only be described, as an epic love story. Well done, Ms Bard!! I highly recommend HIGHLANDER'S HONOR. Can't what for the next adventure.
Highlander's Honor by Barbara is an enchanting book centered on Lady Caitlyn Waterford, daughter of the Duke of Whitewood. Ranulf Thorburn, who apparently is the brother of Kyle Thorburn, the man who had killed her brother, approaches them. Caitlyn is English and of course, Ranulf is Scottish. The coincidence is too much to ignore: the daughter of his brother's killer in his hands. He doesn't know what he will do with her yet, but take her he must. Oddly, Caitlyn is given freedom when she arrives at Castle Thorburn, more and more as time goes on. It obviously can't be that easy. They take Caitlyn back, Ranulf rescues her; they take her again, but by now she is in love. She convinces her father that Kyle had been innocent but she is taken again. Will Ranulf arrive in time or will she be forced to marry the repulsive blackguard?
What a good story and probably much like the border of England and Scotland was at the time. Plenty of bad guys, plenty of good ones, too. And always a beautiful damsel. Loved Ranulf and Caitlyn both. Some of the supporting characters were good, too. Especially, the bad guys: Lord Gilbert Hargrove and several of his hirelings. But, all's well that ends well, as Shakespeare pointed out. I like this book. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Highlander's Honor. All opinions stated herein are my own.
I enjoyed reading this story. It was slow at first deciphering the Scottish brogue but it got easier as I went along. Catrin was out riding the moors, making her escort ride too far behind her, when she was kidnapped by a Scottish Laird and taken to his castle. Ranulf's brother had been hung by Catrin's father, Duke of Whitewood, because he was told his son had been killed by Ranulf's brother. Catrin was sure she'd be raped and killed; however, she was treated with dignity and respect. She learned the castle was run much like her father's with the clansmen showing great respect for Ranulf. They get used to each other and fall in love. Catrin ends up being kidnapped again and taken to her father. The rest of the story is about righting wrongs, foiling evil plots, and averting war between England and Scotland. This book had a lot of sword, bow/arrow and knife fighting with the blood and gore that goes with it. The sex scenes are explicit unlike what I normally read. If that doesn't bother you, then this is the book for you! The book was well written with good character development. An extended epilogue takes up 11 months later. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
It’s been a while since I’ve read anything other than Regency. Thanks to Barbara Bard My love of anything Scottish has returned. When I started reading Highlanders Honor. It was hard to put down. I always find it fascinating how the English found the Scottish to be such blood thirsty heathens when they were just as bad. To me The English were too busy looking down their noses to see it and in some cases worse due to their arrogance. But that’s merely my opinion. The story of Ranulf and Catrin is one not to be missed it has a little of everything that a great romance should have. Evil family, villains, misunderstandings, sword fights, romance, happy ever after and most important a true hearted Hero in this case a big sexy Highlander. Although I’m glad that Gilbert the wonderful Earl of Hargrove got his in the end I wish he could have gotten more he was just so slimy. Also I have to mention Barbara Bards descriptions of everything were so vivid. One of my favorite lines is Catrin asking Ranulf if she can ride the mean bugger. I smiled throughout the whole book even when I was cringing. This one will definitely be recommended and read again.
I purchased this as part of a 3 story bundle the author offered called THE SECRETS OF A HIGHLAND HEART.
You will certainly get your monies worth in this tale. As the story progressed, I regretted not keeping track how many times she was kidnapped - I'd say 5 and I am sure that is underestimated- lol. It got to be overkill for me. Granted made for a very suspenseful story.
You have so many villains that it is a wonder our H/h could get time for romance. As the story unfolds you have many to choose who killed the h's brother. You will use many emotions because people you start to care for are killed.
There is a lot of violence, betrayal, many exciting fight scenes and strong main and secondary character's. You will be certainly entertained!
We have lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 if that and described only a few times and not long in description. I didn't find it erotic.
We have no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a tad of spice. We do get a short epilogue. But, if you want the EXTENDED EPILOGUE, you have to download it - WHICH I DISLIKE!! (ljb)
Goodreads stated 830 pages. They made an error and needed to be corrected. It's ebook pages 252.
I was so annoyed with Ranulf with his dialects, I be trying to understand it.
I don't enjoy this read only time I was excited was getting to it but there's runabouts and then back again..of course it's war but it's too much for me.
Too many deaths and why do poor horses have to be abused!? 😭😭😭
R.i.p:
Damn, Catrin's bloody thirsty! “Perhaps he is watching even now, biding his time, waiting for you to return me to my father before he attacks, and rips through your men like a scythe through a field of oats.”
A very good story with intelligent characters. Our hero and heroine are sensible people. That makes this novel better than most. Although Catrin is a bit stubborn, with good reason, as she believes Ranaulf’s brother has killed her brother, and she has, afterall, been kidnapped, she realizes that the Scots are not the barbarians that she has grown up believing them to be. Eventually she and Ranulf acknowledge their attraction and put their heads together to stave off a war between the Scottish and English, but at a great price. With minor characters getting killed off that the reader has grown to like, I felt like I was in the middle of Game of Thrones. Don't worry, though, the bad guys "get theirs," too! A good amount of history, but not so tedious that might cause the reader to do a lot of skimming. Recommend this novel for caring characters and a good storyline.
When Lady Catrin Waterford is abducted by Ranulf Thorburn of Clan Thorburn she has every reason to expect torture and an agonizing death at his hands to avenge his brother’s hanging at her father’s command. Kyle was executed for the murder of Lady Catrin’s brother. Ranulf intended to do just that but something about the feisty Sassenach beauty, who was too proud to admit her fear, made him change his plans. Not only is she beautiful but she has the heart and skills of a warrior, something any Scotsman would admire.
As her abductors carry her toward Scotland, her father and his men are in pursuit to rescue her. When they fail to catch the Scotsmen in time and her father takes drastic steps to get her back, the resulting events may start a war between Scotland and England.
The characters are likeable, intelligent and engaging.This is the perfect book for those who love historical romances with plenty of action.
ONE DAZZLING DELIGHT!!! OMG! Talk about fireworks. Barbara brought the magic with this baby. A whirlwind of unexpected activities and surprising events catapults all of those swirling emotions bursting into play front and center that keeps you flipping page after page. One engaging storyline and gripping plot bring this little gem to life flawlessly. The characters are authentic, relatable and so realistic with depth and individuality you feel apart of the story instead of on the sidelines. All the pulse racing, heart pounding, smooth flowing, hard hitting and suspense thrusting piece after piece together brilliantly. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them. Remarkable job Barbara, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Mrs.Bard delivered an awesome story. This has all the good stuff kidnapping, action, brigands, funny moments, love, and a HEA. This story starts out with Ranulf kidnapping Catrin as a means to find the killer of her brother and proof of his brothers innocence. Ranulf is a honorable and moral man and Catrin is smart and had some preconceived notions of how Scots are. She thinks they are all barbarians but the more time she spends with Ranulf and his clan she starts to think differently.I don't want to give any more of the story away but will say this is a great story with a honorable H and a smart and strong h. There is also an extended epilogue. Overall this is a must read.
Ranulf is determined to find out who killed Catrin’s brother! His innocent brother was hanged for it. So he kidnaps Catrin and the adventure begins. The neighboring Duke tells her father he will rescue her if he can have her hand in marriage! Catrin is kidnapped several times by different people! This book had plenty of adventure, mystery and drama! I really enjoyed the many characters descriptions. It made them so real in my minds eye! I love the stories of how strong and virile the Scots of old were. The fighting scenes were described in a very real way. You can almost hear the swords coming together! This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I love highland romance stories. I recommend this book and this author!
This is the story of Lady Catrin from England and the Scottish Laird Ranulf Thorburn. This book has it all. Action, suspense, danger, romance, kidnapping, drama, bravery, twists, and turns that will keep you turning pages from start to finish. It is fast paced, has fleshed out characters, a well constructed plot and very well written. Characters range from very honorable to just plain evil. Will England and Scotland go to war again? Will Catrin and Ranulf find out who murdered Catrin's brother? Get a copy as you won't want to miss this story. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Very intense read with twists and turns and bumps along the way. It has a lot of excitement, suspense, drama, surprises high emotional situations and so much more. The characters fit so well with the story line. It flows so nicely and keeps your attention so well you have to finish it. It is very well written and highly recommended. I enjoyed it and will read it again. There is so much that happens and it is better to read the blurb and the book. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
A well written detailed epic story dealing with the relationship between England and Scotland in the 1600s. It also had you fall in love with the characters, feel at home with the country sides and understand the hardships and the joys of that time.
I enjoyed this story and most of the characters. This story flowed easily from scene to scene while providing enjoyable details about everyday life in this era. I will buy additional books by this author.
I liked the story of Catrin an English woman and Ranulf a Scottish Laird. They meet when he kidnaps her to get revenge on her father for having killed his brother. The characters are strong , capable, determine and well developed. This story has secrets, adventure, action, suspense, twists , turns and romance. I Recieved an ARC and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Fast-paced, action-packed Highland Tale. Wonderful storyline, with great battle descriptions, edge of your seat escapes and an exciting ending, make this a book not to be missed. I enjoyed the to and fro relationship between Catrin and Ranulf. A few times the Scottish brogue was a little difficult to work out, but at other times, I had no problem. This is definitely a book that I will read again.
What do you do when your kidnapped by the Scottish Laird hell bent on vengeance? That is the situation Catrin finds herself, the Laird wants to find out who really killed the man that his brother was hanged for. What follows is a rollicking good story of betrayal, love and redemption. The characters are so alive and you are cheering for them and hissing the baddie. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this story. It was well-written and really went all in with the Scottish brogue. Ranulf and Catrin are both strong characters and had excellent chemistry. Lots of excitement with battles and intrigue and of course some pretty hot romance. I didn't want to put this one down. It drew me in from the beginning and kept me engaged all the way through.
Catrin, an English Lady and daughter of a Duke is kidnapped by Ranulf, a Scottish laird in revenge for her father killing his brother. As they get to know each other, admiration, trust and love follow. But betrayal and political unrest threaten to keep them apart. Great historical romance !!!
They each have lost a brother. Now he wants revenge and to clear his brother’s name. He kidnaps her with no intention to fall in love with her. All she wants is to go home but soon realizes she cares for her captor. These two will have to fight for their love.
Full of romance and twists and turns, plus some drama thrown in just because, this is a definite read. I never reveal a plot or the characters because I don't want to spoil the surprise! I enjoyed this a lot!
This book was so interesting. It wasn’t what I expected at all. It was even better!! I enjoyed the writing and the plot. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends!
Lovely complicated characters, a multitude of villains, two uneasily as peace nations, two murders of heirs and an enemy love to last forever. What more could one want? Oh, yes, lots of action. Excellent tale.