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Her Highlander's Lion Heart
He thought he had nothing left to fight for anymore. Until she became his reason to live...
Finlay has survived the complete annihilation of his clan. Now a broken man, hunted down and desperate, he refuses to stop fighting. His blood boils with the wrath this injustice has spread inside of him.
Isla, a beautiful fierce warrior, has her own demons to face. As the leader of a gypsy Highlander clan, she must fight to keep her people safe and prove worthy of her father’s dying wish.
When vicious attacks break out across the Highlands, the rumors of a madman sworn to destroy every clan on the land start spreading like hungry flames. Now, Finlay and Isla must find a way to survive against all odds as their numbers and strength are dwindling by the second.
But what happens when their only hope to escape a life of violence and fear is be to betray their own honor…?
Finlay has survived the complete annihilation of his clan. Now a broken man, hunted down and desperate, he refuses to stop fighting. His blood boils with the wrath this injustice has spread inside of him.
Isla, a beautiful fierce warrior, has her own demons to face. As the leader of a gypsy Highlander clan, she must fight to keep her people safe and prove worthy of her father’s dying wish.
When vicious attacks break out across the Highlands, the rumors of a madman sworn to destroy every clan on the land start spreading like hungry flames. Now, Finlay and Isla must find a way to survive against all odds as their numbers and strength are dwindling by the second.
But what happens when their only hope to escape a life of violence and fear is be to betray their own honor…?
- GenresHistorical Romance
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2019
79 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bard
88 books286 followersBarbara 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 1, 2019
A really great book. Wonderful characters and lots of action well paced with romantic times too. Well written story.
October 25, 2019
Finlay is the last of his clan and as he is injured, he may not survive. Isla leads her clan and is doing her best to keep them safe. They rescue Finlay and soon sparks fly between them. Lord Henry want Isla for his own and to destroy her clan. Fast-paced high adventure read with loads of drama and suspense. Amazing characters and a story that takes you back in time. I loved it!
October 26, 2019
*Warning* Cliffhanger at the end. This story is action packed. From page one you delve into the scene of the four Scottish Baird brothers riding for their lives away from the English. From the eldest on down the line they sacrifice their lives so the others may live. Till there is one. Finley. With an arrow in his side he collapses and is found by a clan fleeing from an English massacre to their new home in the highlands. They take him in and heal him. Finley was the most brilliant of his brothers. A man of honor, intelligence, wisdom, strategy and leadership. The English had murdered his parents, brothers and the rest of the men, women and children of his clan. He was the last of the Bairds. He had much to grieve and his hatred for the English was second to none. Until he met the Laird of the clan that took him in. Lady Isla was blessed as her father's heir to take over the clan when he passed. The English murdered most of their people and now they were on the run. Her father's plan which was now hers was to take the clan to a remote area far, far away up in the Highlands where they would not be disturbed by war. Isla was as intelligent as she was beautiful. She is the epitome of a highland warrioress. She had the clan's approval, faith and trust. She would not let them down. Finlay and Isla had the same thing in common. A hatred of the English noblemen who were exterminating their people, destroying everything in their path systematically as they traveled. Also, they were both wanted by a gluttonous despot noble Lord Henry. He wanted Finlay dead and wanted Isla as his bride. Henry was a horrible man, worthless as a leader and a disappointment to his father the Earl. Henry was going insane abandoning the King's mission in order to pursue Isla and to slaughter what was left of her clan. Now that Finlay was by Isla side and her clan had accepted him as one of their own, he would not let her or their clan down. There was an attraction between Finlay and Isla that they tried to deny but it was impossible. It caused Isla no end of confusion as to their future if there was one. Finlay with the utmost consideration and care allowed her to break with him and then call him back into her arms a few times. The English were hot on their heels and they had to come up with a way to fend them off even though the odds were not in their favor. They would fight for their honor for a free Scotland for future generations. This is a must read they face death on several occasions trying to outwit the English. They find allies along the way. But Henry ruthless pursuit of Isla was getting closer and closer. Do not pass this book up. It will keep you glued to each page hungry for more, waiting to see what will happen next. You will not be disappointed.
June 3, 2020
I am going to ask one more time regarding Ms. Bard's books - what is the time period for this story??? It sure would be good to know so that the reader can understand a little better where the relationship between England and Scotland is for the time the novel is set in. Sure, we know that they never enjoyed "a good relationship," but there were times in their history when things were at least a little less warlike than others. Okay, with that being said, despite this one ongoing issue I have with the author, i always enjoy her stories. They are full of strong women and brawny and faithful men. Her Highlander's Lion Heart is the story of Finlay and Isla. Finlay is the last surviving brother of the Baird Clan and Isla is the clan leader that is leading her people to what she hopes is an oasis of peace deep in the Scottish highlands. They come together with one purpose, find this peaceful place and kill Lord Henry, (but not necessarily in that order) the main villian of this story. There's a couple of surprises in the story that will cause you to hope maybe that something will change the outcome. And, also, there's some things that come up that are usual to this sort of story. So be prepared for just about anything. There's a lot going on in this story and you truly do wonder if these two will find their HEA. Although, as another reviewer said, there is a little bit of a cliffhanger, but nothing that will deter from the story and leave you with wondering about the conclusion of Finlay and Isla's story. Of course, there's more to this series and this reader will enjoy reading what happens to some of the characters in future stories.
October 22, 2019
The Baird brothers are trying to flee English Noblemen. They can't get away. The youngest, Finlay, lives but is badly wounded. His brothers are dead. He throws some of his clothes into a river and they are carried downstream. He hides in a cave.
Isla's father is dying. He is Laird of a gypsy clan. He makes Isla the new leader. Will the clan accept a female as their new leader? Within an hour of his death Laird William's body is burned on a pile of wood. The next morning they break camp and get ready to leave.
Finlay makes his way back to the river. A few of Isla's people head for that same river to get a supply of water. They find Finlay and Isla takes him in and nurses him.
Lord Henry is determined to marry Isla. He is an uncaring man and will do what ever is necessary to get what he wants. Will lord Henry catch up with Isla? He has already killed half her clan. How will they fight the Sassenach off? Barbara's descriptive writing will have you envisioning what is happening. Plot is well thought out, story is very well written. Twists and turns will keep you reading right to the end. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Isla's father is dying. He is Laird of a gypsy clan. He makes Isla the new leader. Will the clan accept a female as their new leader? Within an hour of his death Laird William's body is burned on a pile of wood. The next morning they break camp and get ready to leave.
Finlay makes his way back to the river. A few of Isla's people head for that same river to get a supply of water. They find Finlay and Isla takes him in and nurses him.
Lord Henry is determined to marry Isla. He is an uncaring man and will do what ever is necessary to get what he wants. Will lord Henry catch up with Isla? He has already killed half her clan. How will they fight the Sassenach off? Barbara's descriptive writing will have you envisioning what is happening. Plot is well thought out, story is very well written. Twists and turns will keep you reading right to the end. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
October 22, 2019
Why can't people live and let live?
Another epic story of the Highlanders. The 5 Baird brothers are trying to flee Sassenach soldiers. They were each killed except for the youngest, Finlay. He is wounded but gets away to hide in a cave, left for dead; but he didn't die. The only one left from his clan, he is picked up by a gypsy clan trying to ellude the Sassenach also.
Isla's father, the Laird of the clan, passed away and made Isla the new Laird being older than her brother, Denholm. As Finlay recuperated in Isla's tent, they were drawn to each other.
The storyline continues with their search for a safe place to live and their deepening relationship. Who do you trust? Will Lord Henry find them? Will Finlay avenge his brothers' deaths? What will the English king do?
I enjoyed reading this. I'm getting used to the Scottish brogue in which it is written. The author keeps you engaged in wanting to find out what happens next. There is an extended epilogue that takes place a year later that leads into the next book.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. Thanks Barbara!
Another epic story of the Highlanders. The 5 Baird brothers are trying to flee Sassenach soldiers. They were each killed except for the youngest, Finlay. He is wounded but gets away to hide in a cave, left for dead; but he didn't die. The only one left from his clan, he is picked up by a gypsy clan trying to ellude the Sassenach also.
Isla's father, the Laird of the clan, passed away and made Isla the new Laird being older than her brother, Denholm. As Finlay recuperated in Isla's tent, they were drawn to each other.
The storyline continues with their search for a safe place to live and their deepening relationship. Who do you trust? Will Lord Henry find them? Will Finlay avenge his brothers' deaths? What will the English king do?
I enjoyed reading this. I'm getting used to the Scottish brogue in which it is written. The author keeps you engaged in wanting to find out what happens next. There is an extended epilogue that takes place a year later that leads into the next book.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. Thanks Barbara!
October 21, 2019
AN EXTREMELY ENJOYABLE TREAT!!!
Touchdown! Barbara not only brought it, she sewed the tapestry, mended the lines and mastered the scenes. This is one jaw dropping, mind blowing, thrilling piece to grace the space and expand the genre. Ramping all the swirling emotions into play with every color on the spectrum. Witnessing the trials and tribulations that tests our characters in ways they never saw coming. This little gem lures you in with a slew of plot twists along with a throng of revelations propels this bad boy to life flawlessly. The characters chemistry is intense, sizzling and palpable. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities adding spice as their on point personalities bloom and blend together with smooth even grace. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions you have no problem picturing each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Fantastic job Barbara, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Touchdown! Barbara not only brought it, she sewed the tapestry, mended the lines and mastered the scenes. This is one jaw dropping, mind blowing, thrilling piece to grace the space and expand the genre. Ramping all the swirling emotions into play with every color on the spectrum. Witnessing the trials and tribulations that tests our characters in ways they never saw coming. This little gem lures you in with a slew of plot twists along with a throng of revelations propels this bad boy to life flawlessly. The characters chemistry is intense, sizzling and palpable. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities adding spice as their on point personalities bloom and blend together with smooth even grace. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions you have no problem picturing each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Fantastic job Barbara, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
November 7, 2019
Barbara Bard delivers!
The English are inflicting their will on Scotland with disastrous results for the Scots. Finlay Baird is the lone survivor of his clan. Wounded and unconscious, he is discovered by members of another clan. The newly appointed clan leader, Lady Isla, was tasked by her late father to lead their clan to another part of Scotland where they will be safe from the Sassenach.
Lady Isla's clan is fleeing Lord Henry, an English lord tasked by the king to subjugate the Scots. Lord Henry is obsessed with Lady Isla and determined to make her his wife and destroy her clan. Finlay will be a valuable asset to Lady Isla's fighting force. While he recovers from his wounds he and Isla find they have more in common than their hatred for the invaders.
Barbara Bard writes true to the period. This is a well written historical romance that incorporates a painfull time in Scotland's history.
The English are inflicting their will on Scotland with disastrous results for the Scots. Finlay Baird is the lone survivor of his clan. Wounded and unconscious, he is discovered by members of another clan. The newly appointed clan leader, Lady Isla, was tasked by her late father to lead their clan to another part of Scotland where they will be safe from the Sassenach.
Lady Isla's clan is fleeing Lord Henry, an English lord tasked by the king to subjugate the Scots. Lord Henry is obsessed with Lady Isla and determined to make her his wife and destroy her clan. Finlay will be a valuable asset to Lady Isla's fighting force. While he recovers from his wounds he and Isla find they have more in common than their hatred for the invaders.
Barbara Bard writes true to the period. This is a well written historical romance that incorporates a painfull time in Scotland's history.
October 26, 2019
The hatred and prejudice of the Scots and the English is breaking out once again.
Both are so proud and loyal to their people and country, but death and hardship makes survival in hard times unbearable.
Isla a fierce warrior is honored to be in charge of her clan now, since her father passed away.
She must get her clan to safety.
The English are closing in ,with Lord Henry who wants her to be his bride. He is a vile and detestable person.
Finlay Baird is the last survivor of his clan, everyone else has perished .Isla's men find Finlay near death in the river. She nurses his wounds, and immediately she knows there is a strong attraction between them.
This re-energizes Isla to stay strong and focused.
A fast paced action packed adventure in the Highlands of Scotland. Sizzling love scenes with two strong engaging characters will keep you turning the pages.
Both are so proud and loyal to their people and country, but death and hardship makes survival in hard times unbearable.
Isla a fierce warrior is honored to be in charge of her clan now, since her father passed away.
She must get her clan to safety.
The English are closing in ,with Lord Henry who wants her to be his bride. He is a vile and detestable person.
Finlay Baird is the last survivor of his clan, everyone else has perished .Isla's men find Finlay near death in the river. She nurses his wounds, and immediately she knows there is a strong attraction between them.
This re-energizes Isla to stay strong and focused.
A fast paced action packed adventure in the Highlands of Scotland. Sizzling love scenes with two strong engaging characters will keep you turning the pages.
November 2, 2019
This is another epic highlander romance by Barbara Bard! She is the queen of highland romance. Finley’s whole clan is wiped out by the English lead by the mad Lord Henry!
Isla’s has lost several people she loves including her father by Lord Henry’s hand! He is obsessed with possessing her! When she meets Finley sparks fly instantly!
This book describes the beautiful highlands in great details. It’s as if you are there! All the characters were wonderful! There was plenty of action, drama, romance ! It ends with a cliffhanger! There were quite a few spelling and grammar errors despite it being written with a Scottish vocabulary! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series!
Isla’s has lost several people she loves including her father by Lord Henry’s hand! He is obsessed with possessing her! When she meets Finley sparks fly instantly!
This book describes the beautiful highlands in great details. It’s as if you are there! All the characters were wonderful! There was plenty of action, drama, romance ! It ends with a cliffhanger! There were quite a few spelling and grammar errors despite it being written with a Scottish vocabulary! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series!
July 4, 2020
Oh, this one is a Must Read!! Her Highlander's Lion Heart is on of those love stories that you have a difficult time putting down! It starts out fast paced and doesn't stop until the end! It's a rollercoaster ride full of twist and turns with a tangled web of one man's madness. Take a journey with Finlay and Isla as they fight for their lives in this great Highland romance, it is an awesome love story and a action packed adventure as well. With heart pounding drama, trials and tribulations, suspense, the heartbreak of loss, and all the delicious passion makes this one an outstanding read that you won't want to miss. Barbara Bard has outdone herself with this novel. The Extended Epilogue rounded out the story nicely.
October 21, 2019
Excellent story. The Highlander, Finlay, is the last surviving brother of the Clan Baird. His brothers having been killed by Lord Henry, who is ruthless, uncaring, and will do anything to marry Lady Isla, who would rather die than submit to Henry. Eventually, Lady Isla and Finlay cross paths. She is the Laird of her clan. One of her men find Finlay near death at a river when he and a couple of women are gathering water for the clan. Lady Isla nurses him back to health. She soon becomes attracted to Finlay as he does to Isla. As the clan travels to relocate to a new and safer area, Lord Henry follows them. He is obsessed with Isla and will do anything to get her.
October 22, 2019
It is not often you find an author who can make you feel like you are there. Not just reading about it. Finlay and his brothers were fleeing these people whose only purpose was to kill them. Finlay is the only one who makes it to a cave to hide and try to heal. You can feel the emotions and pain as something happens to each brother. Isla and her Gypsy clan find him and take him in. It just gets even more exciting from there. It is dramatic, intriguing, emotional, edge of your seat reading. And it is so enjoyable. I highly recommend it. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
October 22, 2019
Fast-Paced Highland tale with action, drama, suspense, betrayal, alliances and romance. When Isla’s father dies, Isla is made Chief of her clan. Her leadership is tested when she finds out that the man who murdered her father, is still pursuing them. Finlay is devastated when he loses his older brothers in battle. His path leads him to Isla’s clan and their attraction is almost instantaneous. Trying to keep one step ahead of the English Lord is difficult. Will they manage to get the clan to safety or will destiny catch up with them? I enjoyed this story and look forward to finding out where the next book will take us.
October 24, 2019
By chance, Isla and Finlay are thrown together to defend against a common foe. I enjoyed the fast paced story that took the characters through a myriad of challenges and heartfelt losses. The banter between Isla, Finley, Gavina and some of the other clan members was entertaining. I did, however, find some of the romance between Isla and Finley to be a bit perfunctory. Clearly Isla is the dominant one in that relationship. The story is an interesting take on the historical struggle for dominance between both the people and leaders of England and Scotland. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2019
This is the story of Finlay & Isla. The last of his clan and family, namely his brothers, were killed by the Sassenach. He is seriously injured and is found by one of Isla's men and is brought to camp to be tended to so he can heal. Most of Isla's clan was killed, also, and the rest of them are retreating North, hopefully to live in peace. Isla is the head of her clan. They encounter many obstacles on their journey. There is much action in this story. This ongoing story in this series of the Highlander's of the McCall Clan is an excellent read. Looking forward to the next book.
October 26, 2019
Another great book by Barbara Bard who once again brings strong,well developed characters in Finlay and Isla. It's an interesting story brought to life with her descriptive writing and vividly painted scenes. She has a way of taking you back to the times and making you feel you're there. She brings drama,danger and intrigue and delivers an emotional story that captured and held me from beginning to end. I loved and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 24, 2019
This one grabbed me where I live! The heroine is a warrior woman and not some fragile milksop lady, but she ALL woman! I loved Isla and Finlay, and together they were unbreakable! Henry had me seeing red, blood red!! Evil, deranged, hateful brute! Grr... Emotion overload at times fir me as I read, but I couldn't pause or put it down. I was pulled in and held hostage by the characters and storyline. I'd love to read Isla's sister's story. Hint hint.
October 26, 2019
Her Highlander 's Lion Heart A Historical Scottish Highlander Romance Novel
A very good Scottish Highlander Romance Novel about lady lsla and Finley Baird and their mutual enemy Lord Henry .Henry is perusing Isla and his men killed Finley's brothers .They fight together and fall in love when all they want is peace This is a story of survival and the extended epilogue is good as they have a child .A enjoyable story
A very good Scottish Highlander Romance Novel about lady lsla and Finley Baird and their mutual enemy Lord Henry .Henry is perusing Isla and his men killed Finley's brothers .They fight together and fall in love when all they want is peace This is a story of survival and the extended epilogue is good as they have a child .A enjoyable story
February 22, 2021
The Highlanders lion herat.
I loved this book for several reasons. One is the using of a woman as the leader of the cal. Not done much. The other is how they met it was also a little different. It also was strange how she let him take over when a small number of English solders found them. He gave the orders not her?? The story line is really good but doesn't help when the wrong words are there or the wrong spelling. Need a better editor.
I loved this book for several reasons. One is the using of a woman as the leader of the cal. Not done much. The other is how they met it was also a little different. It also was strange how she let him take over when a small number of English solders found them. He gave the orders not her?? The story line is really good but doesn't help when the wrong words are there or the wrong spelling. Need a better editor.
October 29, 2019
A story where heart ache and loss is all too real. Follow our Lady Isla as she deals with finding a very damaged Finlay as her and her clan flee from a crazed English Lord. The same man that nearly wiped out Finlay and all his kin. Together can they find a way out from under the English tyranny. A really well told story, with love, loss and growth.
November 3, 2019
This story grabs you on the first page and you will not be able to put it down. Lady Isla has been named Laird by her father as he lays dying. Fraiser Baird is the only brother to escape an evil English Lord. He is determine to end all clans and he wants Lady Isla as his bride.
Twists and Turns will keep you excited.
Twists and Turns will keep you excited.
October 24, 2019
Great book
This is a great book of love in the middle of troubles and trials. The Highlanders continue to be destroyed by the British that say they are savages. Can the Highlanders ever find peace
This is a great book of love in the middle of troubles and trials. The Highlanders continue to be destroyed by the British that say they are savages. Can the Highlanders ever find peace
October 26, 2019
Freedom
An action packed story filled with battle, bloodshed, murder and mayhem. Finlay and Isla are great characters and the journey they take is intriguing, steamy, passionate abd fraught with danger and new beginnings.
An action packed story filled with battle, bloodshed, murder and mayhem. Finlay and Isla are great characters and the journey they take is intriguing, steamy, passionate abd fraught with danger and new beginnings.
October 27, 2019
Everything I read from Barbara Bard is really good! This was no exception!
This is one of my favorite genres maybe because I have some Scottish heritage.
The times of this era were brutal. You had to be tough as nails just to survive.
This is one of my favorite genres maybe because I have some Scottish heritage.
The times of this era were brutal. You had to be tough as nails just to survive.
November 5, 2019
A wonderful romantic novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel. The characters are well developed. The romantic lead is exceptional and draws the reader along. They are both strong and need each other for completion. I recommend this book to any romantic fan. Thank you, Jack.
April 26, 2020
Her Highlander's Lion Heart: A Historical Scottish Highlander Romance
This was a very good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This was a very good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
June 30, 2020
Very Good Story
I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading the next one with Gavina! Worth Reading For Sure! 💜💜
I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading the next one with Gavina! Worth Reading For Sure! 💜💜
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September 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/22/2020)! 🎁
June 25, 2025
Another perfect book
Barbara Bard is a wonderful writer. This book does not disappoint. From beginning to end its a work of art.
Barbara Bard is a wonderful writer. This book does not disappoint. From beginning to end its a work of art.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews