Trapped between war and peace, the road to their destiny may just be the battle that defeats them both. Lady Madeleine is the daughter of the Laird Campbell and she is one of the fiercest warriors in her clan. From hunting in the woods to killing enemies, she was the pride of her father, but the pain of her mother.
When she is sent to France to find a suitable match, Madeleine attracts the eye of the most desirable bachelor. James II of Crussol is the ideal man for every woman, but he is not the one that wakes up her passion...
Fyn Stewart never imagined that in a court filled with French roses he would find a Scottish thistle. From the first moment, Madeleine steals his heart, haunts his dreams and fuels his desires. But the road to everlasting love is long and there are many secrets that the dashing Fyn must find the courage to reveal. Like his true name...
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!
This was a fast moving story, full of action and adventure. It takes place in Scotland but also in the court of France. Two very different places. I did like the main characters of Madeleine and Fyn, although Madeleine could be impetuous at times. Whilst in France, Madeleine felt restricted by her expected behaviour and didn’t feel that she was being true to herself. There was such a lot happening in this story, it will keep you turning the pages. One thing that had me puzzled, it seemed like Madeleine was travelling by herself but maybe the servants weren’t just mentioned. However, it was an entertaining read.
This writer writes like a baby lol. I found the insta love a bit cheesy but also kind of understandable. I wish the diction was a bit stronger. Anyway, I found James too annoying and Margaret was really dumb, not noticing how much Maddie didn’t want to wed the boy. Ian was no alpha male. I overlooked it most times but when he refused the Lairdship and let his uncle take it I wanted to smack him. He had no sense of discernment. In fact no one in the book did. They all took everything on face value. It made the book really childish. Claire was almost a terrible mother with how she pushed Maddie around and was quick to show disappointment. I thought they French court was so silly too! And was glad when Maddie left.
Madeline Campbell is sent to France to live with her Aunt Margaret to learn how to be a Lady at Court and find a husband, after being accosted by two men from the Arthur Clan. Ian Arthur "saves" Maddie from an elderly "admirer" and learning her name decides to use the alias of Fyn Stewart so that he could become better acquainted with her as he knows that their Clans have been fighting with each other. Maddie has another man that decides he wants to wed her regardless of her telling him NO. James forces her hand by getting permission from King 👑 Charles to agree to their marriage. Maddie agrees because Fyn hadn't shown up at Court to support her and stop the engagement to James. Unbeknownst to Maddie, James and his men had accosted Fyn on his way to Court, beaten him severely and tied him up. At Maddie and James' engagement party, the truth about Maddie and Fyn's association comes to light along with the truth about who Fyn really is. Maddie flees France to return home to Scotland and away from Ian as she thinks that he didn't really care for her and was just using her. Ian returns to his Scotland home too and comes across Maddie while she's out in the countryside. They find themselves just as smitten with each other as they were in France and decide to keep meeting privately until they can eventually meet openly and get married. When Laird Campbell sends an envoy to Laird Arthur to set up a meeting for negotiations for a peace treaty between the two Clans, Ian thinks it will be possible for him and Maddie to finally wed. Evil deception and murder destroys the negotiations and with it splits the two lovers again. Ian is now the rightful heir to be the Laird of the Arthur Clan, but when his Uncle Duncan claims the title he doesn't dispute him over it and the Clan divides their loyalty between the two of them. Good overcomes evil, but at a great cost in lives. When Ian decides to take back his right to be Laird by fighting his uncle to the death and both factions that had split their loyalty between them fight against each other instead of waiting to see which would survive to lead their clan, the truth about the circumstances of the murder of Ian's father comes to light.
Two clans that have been at battle with each other a long time the Campbell clan and the Arthur Clan and it could get worse when Madeleine and Ian of clan Arthur meet.
Madeleine is a warrior and beloved by her Father and Clan Campbell but her wild was have cost her the freedom of the Highlands her mother doesn't see that she will ever become a lady and marry if she stays at home so Maddie is sent to France to live with her Aunt and make a advantageous marriage she is sought after by two men one James II of Crussol who she constantly refuses and Fyn Stewart who has been hiding at French court his real identity is Ian Arthur her family's enemy she falls for him but there romance is brief James has him beaten so he can't be at court and around Maggie. James goes one step further with the help of Maggie's Aunt they petition the King for Marriage how will Maggie get out of this with the help of one jealous women. But when she thinks she's free with only her name tarnished she heres from someone that Fyn has kept a secret about who he really is she decides to go back to Scotland.
Ian Arthur loves Madeleine but with there two clans fighting and the prospect of them clashing in battle against each other they may never be together. But then he has hope the Campbell wish for a peace treaty but something goes wrong there is sabotage and murder committed. Now war is a new threat Ian is made Chief of the Arthur clan but his uncle Duncan demands it and sends the Arthur clan into chaos with sides being chosen. And when Ian decides to take back what is his he will dicover just how gready and manipulative his uncle is. With divided loyalties danger from there own and murder Ian and Madeleine will either unite against there enemy and find love and peace or be lost to each other forever.
I was allowed and advance copy of this book but also purchased one.
This is a hard fought and hard-won romance between Lady Madeleine Campbell and Ian Arthur. Before they met, in Scotland the Arthur clan was feuding with the Campbell clan. Maddie grew up under her father's tutelage. She was a warrior and knew how to run the clan. Because of her mother's despair that Maddie would never become a true lady, she shipped her off to France to train under her sister. While in France Maddie was taken by surprise by all the palace intrigue, rules and secrets. There she met Fyn aka Ian. He did not reveal his true name because of the feuding between their clans. He thought Maddie would reject him outright. They fell in love. But a noble became fascinated with Madeleine and was determined to wed her. Maddie rejected him continuously but that only spurred his desire for her. When Madeleine was disgraced at court the noble called off the wedding. The noble's vindictive sister-in-law told her Fyn's true name Ian Arthur. Feeling betrayed she fled back to Scotland where things had not improved. The two clans were still feuding. Laird Campbell reached out to Laird Arthur to broker a peace plan. But dark forces were at work that did not want this peace treaty to occur. Somehow Maddie and Ian secretly got back together. Shortly thereafter, devastation, betrayal and death came to both clans at the peace treaty meeting. Ian was next in line to be Laird but because of his deep grief he allowed his evil uncle to take over. Madeleine vowed revenge. What an exciting story. The characters are well developed, interesting and personable. The story is well written and filled with surprising and shocking twists and turns. This is a must read you will not be disappointed.
Trapped between war and peace, the road to their destiny may just be the battle that defeats them both. Lady Madeleine is the daughter of the Laird Campbell and she is one of the fiercest warriors in her clan. From hunting in the woods to killing enemies, she was the pride of her father, but the pain of her mother. When she is sent to France to find a suitable match, Madeleine attracts the eye of the most desirable bachelor. James II of Crussol is the ideal man for every woman, but he is not the one that wakes up her passion... Fyn Stewart never imagined that in a court filled with French roses he would find a Scottish thistle. From the first moment, Madeleine steals his heart, haunts his dreams and fuels his desires. But the road to everlasting love is long and there are many secrets that the dashing Fyn must find the courage to reveal. Like his true name...
This is such a beautifully written story. Tomboy to lady and finding and fighting love... just wonderful. Beautiful descriptive scenery. Wonderful love story between that develops between two opposite warring clan members. A true love story with lots of twists and turns and some suspense. Wonderfully written characters that are so well developed. Story is so wonderfully written that you can just see it all happening before you. Highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Maddie, the strong willed warrior from Scotland becomes the Belle of the Ball from her Aunt's societal connections and excessive guidance in widely acceptable submission of women. In reality, our heroine doesn't seem to adhere to the oppressive attitudes of French Court. Two suitors, one is narcissistic and domineering, but comes with a title. Her aunt consistently reminds Maddie of her duty and good fortune at this suitor's intentions. In comes out Hero Fyn. He's handsome, considerate and Scottish from a clan who could help the family battling a clan uprising. However, all is not what it seems as secrets are revealed . Embarrassed and heartbroken, Maddie heads back to Scotland, where the upheaval worsens. The story keeps the interest through serious conflicts, peppered with the hope that true love will prevail. I enjoyed this read, finishing it in one sitting. Good job.
Wow! What a fantastic novel by Fiona Faris! I really enjoy Highland books with the Scottish brogue and this one doesn't let you down. I loved how Ian and Maddie's characters developed and are so believable it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. Highlander's Forbidden Lass is a wonderful tale that hooks you from the start and and keeps you turning the pages until the end. All the drama, danger, suspense, uncertainty, deception, romance and, twist and turns make for one exciting experience. Fiona has a way of grabbing you the fist few pages and then you can't put the book down until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, from cover to cover. The Extended Epilogue rounds out the story very well.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
In this one, Madeleine finds herself forced to go to France to look for a husband and learn to be a lady after her mother is frustrated over her rough and tough ways and lack of interest in marrying. The story line was more original as part of the book takes place in France, and her mother is hoping for her to marry up instead of just finding some Scottish man. I enjoyed the story, but I just found it a tad bit of a culture shock reading back and forth with the Scottish and French tones, and it read more like a Victorian romance than a Scottish one to start with. It just wore me out reading, and I had to keep myself in a different frame of mind for what I’m used to reading in a highlander book. But the author keeps the suspense going, and there are lots of twists and turns, which still make it a good read.
This was a really great book!!! I loved Madeleine & Fyn are true romantic warriors! I seriously coulq put the book down. I just wanted to read what was going to happen next. I couldn't stand James uuughh he made blood boil. Aunt Margaret was making me mad. Like she wouldn't listen to what Madeleine was saying. She had to know she was in the wrong. Her sister Fiona made me mad. To the point I'm yelling at the book (that's when you know a book is good) my husband is laughing at me for yelling. One thing I noticed about the book the chapters kept repeating itself. I noticed that the states its 60 something chapters but it was really 30 something. But all in all I loved this book. I'm going to read more books from this author. The excitement and adventure was off the hook!!
Aunt Margaret was singularly focused and a woman on a mission- not to be swayed from it. She acted like a tactical advisor set blindly on pompous arrogant James. I loved that Ian had integrity and morals and foresight. He insisted they both agreed to marry before he took her virginity. He got that a lot easier than he got to the alter. Lol. You have to appreciate Francie's spirit and tenacity. She was like a dog with a bone, and the mean girl who does whatever it takes to trap her quarry. So poignant- crying during the sword fight- it gutted me! In the epilogue, my heart ached for Ian when he said all he wanted from Maddie was "family" - bittersweet!!
Again Fiona Faris does not disappoint! Madeline is sent to France to stay with her Aunt and find a wealthy husband after getting into a scrap with two men from their rival clan the Arthurs. Madeline has no intention of getting married until she meets Ian. He's keeping a secret from her because he knows how f she knew who he really was she wouldn't talk to him. They fall in love and agree to wed until other people get in their way and Ian's secret comes out. I couldn't put this book down! I'm waiting not so patiently for her next book☺ I received a free copy of this book for an honest and fair review.
Absolutely loved this story! My favorite story from this author to date. Maddie was just the type of fiery heroine that I love to read about. I can't wait to see what comes next for Ian and Maddie. I hope to see a story about Colin and Fiona too. I think the only thing that set me off about the story was the fact that the girls kind of just went wherever they wanted with whomever while they were at court without chaperones. I guess I always assumed young women of that time and social stays always had chaperones to keep them out of trouble. Other than that, I feel this story was well written and I truly enjoyed it.
A fantastic read. I loved Madelaine s spirit and zest for life. I despised which I'm sure is what the author wanted us to, the Frenchman who was determined to have her , in any way he could marry her, w her consent or not. I enjoyed Ian's quirky way if stealing Madelaine s heart by doing things together that they enjoyed. Not to mention the infighting in one of their clans, the rivalry between their 2 clans, the politics of the French court and all the scheming going on. Truly w so many twists I really wonder if they'll ever get the chance to be happy together. Now I'm curious to find out if there will be a story about Fiona and Colin or a new romance for Claire or Margaret?
GIDDY ON UP, GIDDY ON OUT!!! Shock and awe baby! One refreshing spin throwing caution to the wind, set the stage for this action packed bombshell, blazing this baby to life spectacularly. A churning, roiling eddy of surprising mishaps and unfortunate events blast all the stormy emotions into play front and center. All of the trials and tribulations, twists and turns, ups and downs adds a little spice to the mix with staggering results. Observing this mind blowing storyline and striking plot, propels this bad boy together vividly. Throw in all the drama, angst, danger and suspense that catapults this little jewel to a whole new level. The characters are intriguing, genuine and realistic with individualism its easy to relate. The scenes are graphically detailed you have no problem picturing each scenario as they blend and flow fluidly along. Incredible job Fiona, thanks for sharing.
There are things that I loved about this book and things not so much but all in all I gave it 5 stars. I liked the story and I love all things Scottish. I really liked the characters Ian and Maddie but with both of them there were times when I wanted to scream at them to do something and they just didn't. But I guess that is a sign that I was really into the story and in the end they did stand up and do what they needed to. I don't want to give spoilers so that's all I will say but I liked the book and would definitely read more by this author.
Fiona may be the lairds daughter but she is a tom boy so her mother sends her to France to her aunt to make a lady out of her and to find a husband. There she meets a Scot who draws her feelings she's never felt before. Ian (Fyn) had been in France for years for his safety and no woman had turned his head like the one from his homeland but on find out who she is he keeps his turn name from her. I loved this story it has everything Romance, intrigue, betrayal, passion and action with twists that will surprise you and to top it off a great story line.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great with just enough drama to make want to keep reading. I enjoyed the strong personality of Madeleine it fit perfectly with Fyn's more calm approach. However, there was one point where I wanted to kick him in the pants and tell her to go sit down somewhere. Clearly I was so into the book that I was deeply engaged with the characters. Great adventure with a few shocking events that made go "wait what!?" Overall fantastic story, a definite must read if you love highlander tales.
The path of love isn’t always easy and that was especially true for Maddie Campbell and Ian Arthur. It is even more complicated when they meet in France where Maddie has been sent to become a lady and marry well. When Maddie becomes engaged to James Crussol all hope is lost for her to marry Ian to whom she has promised to become his wife. After a deceitful turn of events Maddie is forced to return to Scotland leaving Ian behind. Can the two lovers be reunited and can Maddie overcome the lies or will their love die on the battlefield?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sent to France to become a more refined young lady, and hopefully find a husband, Madeleine comes across two prospective suitors, one a baron, who wanted to tame her fiery spirit, to make his docile, obedient wife. The other, a Scottish Highlander, wanted to enjoy her free spirit, rejoice in her warrior abilities, but he had a secret that could cause grief between them. Okay, enough, you need to read this tale, as the author intended. It's a good yarn, and you will be kept on the edge of your seat, as the story unfolds.
Wasn’t a bad story BUT I’m confused why only half of this book was this story and the other half was just a repeat of the same thing. Also the extended epilogue was a waste of time because it was exactly the same as the end of the book?! There were a few errors in the book as well, especially wrong names being put down (eg Fiona instead of Madeleine etc)
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £7.99 a month for the subscription)
Maddie is a fiery Scottish maiden sent to France to find a noble husband. Fyn is the highlander heir of her rival clan. They fall madly in love before she learns who he really is. There are some R rated sex scenes and an alternate suitor of great wealth and power. The dialect is a bit distracting. The plot is good but overall the story is just more of the same highlander romance I’ve seen before.
This is a & strong willed girl who is sent to France to find a husband. As two men found out when they tried to rape her. As she told her parents she didn't kill them but children aren't possible anymore.No female was taught how to use a broad sword except Madeline? A common practice in Queen Mary's time. It was felt that the French Court was more lavish, more exciting and the place to be if titles and land are what you are looking for.. Two men find that they must have Madeline, one with a title and very close ties to the French King and Queen; and the other a fellow Scott, from a warring clan.One who wants to break Madeline's spirit.. One who loves her no matter what. I found myself thinking "Fynn" a less strong willed male, however he makes women swoon.A little like Romeo & Juliet.
Fiona Farris has done it again, setting her story in both France and Scotland, giving the characters different locations to relish and at times dislike. Her heroine is a strong independent lassie who’s love for family is strong. She is a great success in France, catching the eye of a wealthy suitor, though she has lost her heart to another. With many trials and tribulations ahead of her she will fight for what she wants. Highly recommend.
Fyn Stewart aka Ian Arthur is the second son of the laird of a rival clan to the Campbell's. Maddie Campbell is the oldest daughter of her father who is their laird. Maddie and Fyn fall madly in love and she gives herself to him. They pledge their undying love to each other but others have different plans for each of them. There is a lot of bitterness and treachery in the Arthur clan that leads to a lot of death. But it ends nicely.
This was a fast-paced, swoon-worthy read, that I found I did not want to put down! The story was fresh, original and exciting with characters that are realistic and likable. It is everything you could want in a rousing romp through the pages of a historical romance and more!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
She was sent france to become a woman and find a husband. The one man she should of stayed away from and the one woman he should of never talked too was the start of a love that was forbibben but couldn't be stopped. I could not stop reading it once i started it.
Another masterpiece from Fiona Far is.I really loved this love story,I started it this Sunday night and I finish it not even 20 minute before.Even thought I have to study for my finals,I couldn't keep this book down.It was really good written and put together. And I really loved it that one character name was Fiona.I can't wait for the next book.
Edge of your seat action, with intriguing plot twists that keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. From the French Court to the Scottish Highlands, this book describes two warring clans, and how two people find love against all odds. Maddy and Ian are both strong characters, who must overcome lies, danger and betrayal, before they can trust each other.