Desire tempted them. Honor forbade them. Love ensnared them.
Legendary warrior Lachlan MacLeod has never encountered anything or anyone he could not conquer. But when his younger brother confesses his love for Bridgette MacLean—the only woman Lachlan has ever wanted—Lachlan turns away from the beautiful Scottish lass, vowing to be no more than her friend. Yet his need for Bridgette enslaves him and may well prove to be the one thing he cannot defeat.
Fiercely independent Bridgette longs to be treated as an equal to the men. She always imagined great battles in her future, not great love. Then Lachlan saw her as no one ever had and captured her heart, awakening new cravings inside her without realizing it. But when Lachlan’s younger brother suffers a grave injury while saving her life, she feels unable to deny his plea for her heart. However, it is impossible to give what belongs to another…
Torn between their own desire and their loyalties, Bridgette and Lachlan must find the courage to grasp the passion awaiting them and face the pain their choice will cause. Yet even as they confront their future and love finally seems within their grasp, a fight for the Scottish throne divides the Highland clans and Bridgette becomes a pawn in a political game that threatens to tear her and Lachlan apart forever.
Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Since I enjoyed the 1st part, I thought the 2nd would be equally good. Wishful thinking…
Oh! The drama… 🤦🏻♀️ The hero and his brother desired the heroine. The hero had pledged to marry another woman, and there was a female servant who wouldn’t stop flirting with him. No, thank you.
I just re-read this and I think I might have had some vodka covered glasses on when I gave it five stars. I did not like it as much on re-read. I would give it three and that is being generous. I hated all the I am pledged to Helena, and she is marrying Graham and Lillias wants him and Colin wants her and .... It just got annoying. And then Colin kidnapped her and that part was just horrible. I loved the ending but the rest of the book just irritated my romance gene. That's the gene with sunshine and roses and unicorns and happy ever afters. It's an angst free gene. And this book was just a little too angsty. Still good but I definitely was sober this time and I didn't love it!
Lachlan MacLeod, I'm in love with you.❤️. I love how fierce and protective you are. I love how accepting and beyond time you are. I'm officially declaring him to be the 'Hero of the year'
The climax was the best part of the book. I literally cried for I don't know how long after taking a glance in Lachlan's soul. He's the kind of man every girl deserves.❤️
I'm blown by the various phases of the story. The story is beautifully carved with almost all the elements required to make a story a masterpiece.
Characters and characters building is fantabulous. Bridgette is an amazing heroine.
I'm writing a review after so long and it's because I couldn't control myself not telling everyone how wonderful this book is!
Oh, man! I was so disappointed to go from 5 stars for the first book in this series to 2 stars for the second book. This one didn't work for me for several reasons. (1) Love at first kiss when the heroine was 15 isn't much to go off of as a reader. (2) I wasn't vested in this couple because Lachlan avoided Bridgette for the first half of the book and then she avoided him. (3) The author went to great pains to develop a feisty, independent and strong heroine and then had her do two really stupid things in the last 25% of the book. I literally screamed at my iPad. When your life is in mortal danger, you do not stand around chatting for ten minutes. You get the hell out of dodge. Do not data dump on the reader at a critical and suspenseful moment in the story. The author completely lost me because you cannot convince me that a person who'd been through what Bridgette had would stand around and talk - no matter who that person was - no matter the situation. She was in survival mode. Grrrr....
Also, fair warning to those readers who do not like rape scenes / themes in their romance novels. Steer clear. Personally, I thought the author handled that aspect well and the reason for the rape was meaningful in the context of the story and believable for that time period. She also dealt with the aftermath and healing in a very respectful way.
Wicked Highland Wishes by Julie Johnstone Highland Vows: Entangled Hearts, Book Two Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook, Tartan Book Reviews TBR: 10/10/2016 (tomorrow) Heat Rating: Hot Overall Rating: 5/5
Scotland 1354-1358
This story centers on a beautiful young girl Bridgette MacLean who is struggling as she is coming into womanhood. She resents being born a female, not able to do all the the things her male sibling and other males are allowed to do. Bridgette has a warrior's heart and want to hunt and even go to battle and fight. As she resents all the restrictions put on women not being allowed to do these things and live the life she chooses. Then the first time she puts herself in a dangerous situation she is nearly ruined. The braw handsome Highlander Lachlan MacLeod rescues her and from that day on Bridgette realizes she's in love with Lachlan. The problem is on that day Lachlan's brother Graham has declared he is in love with Bridgette MacLean
Lachlan loves Bridgette too, but feels guilty and hides it. He had had given a deathbed promise to his mum to protect and watch over his younger brother. So he does all he can to hide his true feelings. Then Graham is crippled protecting Brigette so out of guilt she agrees to marry the wrong brother. On top of that Lachlan feels he's failed his brother, focusing on the lass he loves, instead of the bother he promised to protect. So he leaves for for four years hoping to forget and and bury his guilt and feelings. On top of this a seers dire protections all seem to be coming true!
Graham is great at manipulation and putting the guilt on and extremely jealous of his successful and honorable brother. Does he truly love Brigette or does he want something just so he brother can't have it? Yes Lachlan is honor bound to his mother's deathbed wish to watch over and protect Graham which Graham seems to despise and hate. Then after returning from Kings business Lachlan returns with a beautiful possible fiancé on his arm! Bridgette is heartbroken. In addition their enemies sister whose lethal brother Colin Campbell also wants Bridgette. A marriage proposal she refused as her mother has promised she could always pick her own husband,. On top of this there is a seer whose dire predictions all seem to be coming true! A Fairie flag in question, plus a surprise twist that was a total shocker that is very dark but definitely needed to be told!
So Bridgette and Lachlan do everything try can do to suppress and hide their guilt and true feelings, but sometimes love just can't be denied.
A fast paced powerful and very emotional read that definitely pulls on the heartstrings. Also weaves some true history with a fictional romance . So have the the tissues ready while reading this powerful heart pulling story about betrayal, guilt, sibling rivalry, jealousy, enemy clans, trauma, battles of the sexes and all consuming love. A heartstopping captivating story Scottish romance lovers will absolutely devour!
Well done Ms. Johnstone! I can't wait for the next book in this riveting and addictive series. You can also read this as a stand alone book. If you want to read about Bridgette's best friend Marion and Lachlan’s older brother Iain story: I recommend book one “When a Laird Loves a Lady”.
Wicked Highland Wishes (Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Book 2 …
Sorrow, pain, heartbreak. Test, trials, tribulation. Family, honor, respect. This one took me on a journey through it all and then back again. I did not think that I could love a highlander more. Lachlan has my complete and utter devotion. This man. This highlander has vowed to love. The one true love that will take him to the ends of the Earth. This one love tests the bonds of family, honor and respect.
Bridgette was no slouch of a heroine. Lachlan could not have chosen a better woman to love and cherish. She was his equal. I don’t want to give anything away. This was that one true highlander piece of magic that will draw you in and grip your heart. It will have you in tears. It will pull your heart apart. It will heal your heart. It will give you a reason to believe.
Julie Johnstone has made my love of highlanders richer with the stories she has provided. I have found my everlasting passion and deep rooted love renewed in my highlanders. This love of Bridgette and Lachlan was a true journey of love. It grabs you and pulls you in to their world.
Lachlan goes to extreme measures when it comes time for one on one with his woman, "he shook his head. “I threatened them with death if they simply thought of coming outside.” Bridgette chuckled as she ran her hand down his chest and over the hard muscles of his stomach." I enjoyed this book, I really loved Lachlan.
Medieval Romance is not a genre that I usually read. That said this book by Julie Johnstone was a addictive read that I enjoyed very much. This is also the first Julie Johnstone book that I have read. EBooks have opened up a whole new world to romance readers in that we can now read many different authors that we have never read. Ok on with my review.
Brigette Maclean is a highland lass who would rather be a lad. She wants to help her brother protect her Clan from the English and rival Clans. She is stubborn, opinionated and beautiful.
Lachlan MacLeod is a warrior of immense size and skill. He has fought in many battles and has a loyal heart and will do anything to protect his Clan.
One day Brigette disregards her brother's wishes and ventures out to the forest to hunt a boar. While searching for the boar she is attacked by outlaws. Lachlan hears her screams and comes to the rescue, but not until Brigette is forcefully kissed by one of the outlaws. To help Brigette erase the distaste from her assault he kisses her. The kiss is a life changing event and will change their lives forever.
Now there is a lot going on in this book. There are many different characters that have had their story told in the first book in this series and those that will probably have a book of their own. What I really liked in this book is the setting, the history and all the accurate tensions and politics that permeated this time period in history.
I really loved the twists and turns and how the story and the characters all had specific part in the story. There is no unnecessary characters or secondary stories that are not relative to the story. If you have read my reviews before you know I only give you a brief outline of the story and characters and no spoilers. Also there are brawny good looking Highlanders in this book, and who doesn't love that?
I would reccommend this book to readers who love a marvellous Scottish
Sooooo..... this was really awesome but it made me nauseous. You know how the hero always gets there just in time to save the heroine? Not this time.
I actually wanted to give this like 1-2 stars because I was so upset you know? I mean, I read romance for happy stories and I avoid sad, gross or angsty books like the plague. This was like all three. I swear it was like welcome to ansgst city for most of the book then... oh good I'm gonna vomit.
Ugh. Some parts were really great and the book was as well written as the first I just... yeah I HATE books like this.
This book honestly frustrated me. There were negative motivations (motivations NOT to do something like pursue your true love) because Lachlan seemed to think his brother’s feelings mattered more than Bridget’s. They were both too stupid/stubborn to tell each other how they felt until well into the book, so I skimmed because I was bored.
I didn’t love the love triangle between Lachlan and his brother. There was just a lot of drama without not much excitement on page. There was mainly longing and frustration with the MC’s for their lack of communication.
I did appreciate how Lachlan manned up after Bridget’s kidnapping and rape (trigger warning), though I’m not sure his acceptance of that was historically realistic, but it’s still a love story, so…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bridgette MacLean’s heart belongs to one man and has for many years but guilt has her compelled to face a life married to another man. When a seer foretells of a great divide between these two men, a divide that leads to the death of one the other bent on vengeance Bridgette seeks to prevent this from happening. What she doesn’t foresee is the threat to her life and the very love she’s determined to protect and what it will cost her. Lachlan MacLeod is a warrior of honor; a warrior whose motto is always “family first”. A motto that has him placing his brother’s wants (a brother who harbors great resentment towards Lachlan) before his own and letting him pursue the one woman Lachlan cannot forget. Amidst his duty to the King, an unwanted fiancée, and a threat to his family’s land Lachlan realizes this is a love he’s not willing to give up on. Which is a good thing as he will need that belief in love and patience to overcome harrowing events. My, oh my, oh my!! Julie Johnstone has written a riveting tale of love, the desire to do what’s right and throws in some curve balls I didn’t see coming all to great effect. Bridgette is a strong heroine who goes through ordeals that would truly break a lesser woman. I bawled at what she goes through then bawled some more as she comes out even stronger. And Lachlan? I wasn’t prepared to fall hopelessly in love with this hero! His adoration, love and patience is what true heroes are made of. This is one of those rare stories that will sit with you long after you have read it. Outstanding job, Ms. Johnstone!! (Side note: this story contains parts that are not a favorite trope but in this – it works and makes the love between the hero and heroine that much sweeter.)
Before I continue I’ll warn you that this book does contain harrowing scenes, and some that may be triggers.
That done I’ll now tell you that it was brilliantly written and one of the best books I’ve read. Yes it was tough because of some of the content, but tbh if you go back to that era in history life was not all hunky-dory and hearts and flowers . It was a tough time to live in , bad things happened, they still do, but life went on and you learned to adapt. This was realistic for the time and very addictive reading.
I hope that Julie writes more with as much passion as this , it truly is outstanding.
Excellent characters and storyline and the passionate chemistry was off the charts. Highly recommended!
Very good book oh my heartbreak and love so deep that your tears mingle with your smiles. This heroine was top notch but oh Lachlan well he defines sexy alpha hero!!!
Bridgette Maclean is living with the MacLeod clan. Her best friend Marion is married to the Laird Iain. Bridgette wants to be seen as an equal to men, but this isn't very common. She is very good with a bow and arrow. Not many men will best her when it comes to accuracy. When the men are heading out to hunt a boar Bridgette wants to show them that she could be a valuable asset. During this hunt she is ambushed by a rivaling clan and it's Lachlan who saves her from getting hurt.
Lachlan MacLeod is used to getting what he wants and he never has any trouble with the ladies. He is also a feared warrior. On his mother's deathbed all of her sons made the vow to look after each other. Lachlan lives for his clan and will do anything in his power to protect what is his. After saving Bridgette they share a kiss. It's this kiss that rocks his world. Lachlan never thought that he would find the love of his life, but Bridgette is everything he's ever wanted. When his younger brother Graham confesses his love for Bridgette Lachlan has no choice but to take his distance.
Bridgette is a very independent and headstrong woman. Sometimes she makes rash decisions that get her in trouble. She has a strong need to prove herself to the men. When Bridgette's best friend Marion was kidnapped Graham almost died protecting Bridgette. Graham is still recovering from these injuries and made it clear to Bridgette that he will be asking her to marry him. Bridgette feels obligated to stay with Graham even though her heart belongs to Lachlan. Bridgette is incredibly strong. She went through something terrifying and horrific and she's still standing. Bridgette is a true heroine with a pure heart.
Lachlan is a born warrior. He trains very much to keep his body strong and healthy. He is a man of honor with strong believes and values who will always put his family first. He is a real hero. He stands for what he believes in and when Bridgette needs him the most he confesses his love for her. Lachlan has everything a man needs. He's Scottish, handsome, strong, kind and honorable. I completely fell in love with him at the beginning of the story and this feeling didn't change.
Wicked Highland Wishes is a story that I felt deep within my heart. It has everything that keeps a story interesting, beautiful men and women, betrayal, battles, jealousy and of course true love. Julie Johnstone kept me on the edge of my seat with all of her unexpected twists and turns. Wicked Highland Wishes shows how strong women can be when they are pushed to their limits. This story isn't a fast-paced read because of the Scottish language that's being used and it takes a few chapters to get used to this, but I love it and it's worth taking the time to get into it. Wicked Highland Wishes is a story with fascinating and powerfull main characters and a stunning setting. I really loved this emotional rollercoaster.
Wicked Highland Wishes by Julie Johnstone Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Series Book Two Lachlan MacLeod loved the lassies and they loved him. While boar hunting at MacLean Castle, he rescued—unless you ask the lass, who claimed she was doing fine on her own—Bridgette from their enemies. They shared a moment. When his brother said his heart belonged to her—Lachlan did what was best. He backed away.
Bridgette MacLean will never forget the man who kissed her to erase the memory of an attack. The same man who never showed interest in her again. The same man whose brother she was going to marry because he was injured while saving her. The same man who would always hold her heart.
What an exciting page turner. King David has been rescued and is ready to find out who his enemies were—and who stayed true. He also used his power to choose what woman he would gift those who helped him. It's a time of turmoil for these Scottish clans and a tough time to fall in love. Great series that starts with; When a Laird Loves a Lady. **Sexual content http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Bridgette MacLean is a very independent young woman, determined to prove she is equal to any man. In the highlands of Scotland in 1354 that is not an idea the men are agreeable with. King David's reign is shaky, with some of his nobles acting against him. A woman is often used as a pawn to secure alliances. Lachlan MacLeod is brother to a powerful Laird and knows that he must put the needs of the clan above any personal wishes. When his King orders him to get information by any means necessary , he must obey. This is a wonderful highland adventure. Fate seems to be against our heroine. She puts the feelings of others before her own wishes. Our hero is torn between his desire and loyalty to his family. A very emotional choice in a dangerous time. An intriguing story that will keep you reading well last bed time. Very hard to put down. I loved it.
I continue to be enthralled with Ms. Johnstone’s medieval romances. This one is about another of the MacLeod brothers, Lachlan, who is involved in a private feud with his brother Graham, who has declared he will marry Bridgette MacLean only because he seeks to win her from his brother Lachlan’s regard due to his jealousy. There are a couple of other intrigues going on in this Highland romance, including a long lost sister and a vengeful man who wishes to marry Bridgette as well as Graham and Lachlan, and a nefarious plan to steal the Faery Flag from the MacLeod Clan whose faith in the flag is thought to be the reason for their winning so many battles. But Bridgette’s and Lachlan’s love is so strong that they survive these many battles despite all of the stumbling blocks put in their way. An exciting, action-filled love story not to be missed!
WICKED HIGHLAND WISHES by Julie Johnstone is the second book in the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series and it does not disappoint. Bridgette is strong, independent, fiery, and completely in love with Lachlan, but when his brother declares his love for her after saving her, she feels honour bound to accept him, even though it is tearing her apart. Lachlan is a stoic hero, who tries to stay away from Bridgette to protect his brother, but as danger closes in around them, he cannot deny what she means to him. Full of passion, heartache, and danger, this fast-paced emotional read is sure to keep you hooked until the very end. WICKED HIGHLAND WISHES by Julie Johnstone is a Highland romance with a twist and I highly recommend it.
*Book received from author in exchange for an honest review
Wonderful story couldn't put it down, it has all the elements you could want but be prepared for a sad part, well I thought it was sad. But at least it wasn't at the end of the story.
Bridgette MacLean always believed that just because she is a woman it shouldn't stop her from doing things the men did like hunting but her brother Alex the Laird believed otherwise. Just one person, Alex's friend, Lachlan MacLoad thought differently.
Lachlan wanted Bridgette, but because his brother said he also wanted her, he put his feelings aside, but as the years go on he finds it harder to put them aside. Follow them on their journey, as go through a sham betrothal and kidnapping and loads more
Did I say I couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next one
Julie Johnstone has done it again! I was instantly attached to the character Bridgette MacLean for her fierceness and spirit. Her heart has belonged to Lachlan MacLeod, brother to the laird, from the moment they shared her first kiss in the woods. She can't get him out of her head nor her heart all those years ago. Lachlan is the type of man every woman would love to have, either as their lover or husband, but he can't deny the fact that there is something special about Bridgette. Loved the way the story just draws you in with everything going on. There are moments that I felt transported into the story itself. Do yourself a favor and give this a read- you won't be disappointed.
I'm sorry I couldn't help myself. Why is it when it's a highland book it's all och and braw. Almost the entire book is written in venacular so, if you just skim to get the gist it's fine but to actually read it hurts your brain. The plot twist of something bad actually happening to the female mc was a good one. But the idiocy that led up to the bad thing was typical author "where do we go from here?" Its almost a one star book but the hero failing to make it in time gives it a boost. But overall, save your head and just leave this one alone.
A heartbreaking love story between Lachlan and Bridgette that managed to grasp my attention from the moment I read it. This story took me on an emotional and rocky journey that made me laugh, cry, scream with frustration, and showed me that whatever happens, if two people are meant to be together, nothing will keep them apart. This book lived up to be everything I had hoped for and didn't let me down. A must read! Enjoy!
This book had me laughing and crying. There are some dark places, but love shines its light to warm your heart. I loved Bridgette's strength from the beginning. I held my breath at times when she did as she pleased. Lachlan was a very caring man with a big heart. The history behind the story was intriguing. I highly recommend this story, part of a series but does standalone.
I received an ARC of this book. I am voluntarily reviewing this.
First, let me state the very obvious - I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I am also going to be purchasing a copy, so there's that...
Now, I like to share the blurb. No spoilers here since this is literally copy/pasted from the Amazon store.
Desire tempted them. Honor forbade them. Love ensnared them.
Legendary warrior Lachlan MacLeod has never encountered anything or anyone he could not conquer. But when his younger brother confesses his love for Bridgette MacLean—the only woman Lachlan has ever wanted—Lachlan turns away from the beautiful Scottish lass, vowing to be no more than her friend. Yet his need for Bridgette enslaves him and may well prove to be the one thing he cannot defeat.
Fiercely independent Bridgette longs to be treated as an equal to the men. She always imagined great battles in her future, not great love. Then Lachlan saw her as no one ever had and captured her heart, awakening new cravings inside her without realizing it. But when Lachlan’s younger brother suffers a grave injury while saving her life, she feels unable to deny his plea for her heart. However, it is impossible to give what belongs to another…
Torn between their own desire and their loyalties, Bridgette and Lachlan must find the courage to grasp the passion awaiting them and face the pain their choice will cause. Yet even as they confront their future and love finally seems within their grasp, a fight for the Scottish throne divides the Highland clans and Bridgette becomes a pawn in a political game that threatens to tear her and Lachlan apart forever.
I'm going to be honest here, and admit to you that I normally books with a Scots / Highland theme. Not because they aren't good, in and of themselves, but because (a) I have this standard that was set a long time ago, and too many fall far, far short of that lofty goal, and (2) a lot of them include more violence (sexual assault) than books set England, and yes, that includes this book.
Despite that, I read this book. And I loved it. There is passion, romance, hope... guilt, treachery. Don't let the minimal violence deter you - this is a really good book. And I promise you, Ms. Johnstone doesn't wave a Lachlan shaped wand and make all right with the heroine after her tragic incident. If she had, I would not be rating this book as high as I am.
Some laughs and many tears along with anger. When you read a story like this you want to strangle those who need to be strangled. I was shocked with what happened. I absolutely loved this story and stayed up to finish it. Bridgette and Lachlan continued this wonder story and I wanted more. So on to book #3 holiday story then hopefully back to the family with Book #4. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
I was excited to read after the first and the first half was really good. However the second part I found myself actually skipping parts getting bored. the second half honestly kinda ruined the entire series for me don't think I will be continuing...