Highlander’s Sinister Deception

by Fiona Faris

He thought that she would be the deceived one, not his partner in crime
Ethan Alasdair Buchanan has been born a bastard. Even though he is a Laird's son, the death of his mother and the dismissal of his father threatened to turn him into a cold-hearted man. Filled with the need to survive and take revenge upon the family that cast him away, Ethan will take part in a most devious plan: pretend to be his half brother and marry his rich betrothed. But the future bride is not a blushing one and Ethan might be more surprised than he thought.

Lady Georgiana Leighton's reputation is completely ruined. Having been seen in a compromising position, she is scorned by the noble society and for that, her father is ready to ship her to Scotland, in an unknown land, with a man she never met before. As it turns out, there is much more to this Highlander than meets the eye, and Georgiana will not hesitate to take part in his plans to escape her fate.

As perfect as their alliance might seem, there are dangers ahead that none of them is ready to face and a desire that will only make things much more complicated…

Revenge was the only thing on his mind until he met her!

"Highlander’s Sinister Deception" is a Historical Scottish romance novel of more than 80,000 words (around 440 pages). STANDALONE, No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Historical Romance

513 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2020

About the author

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!

Reviews

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[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written from a different perspective than any other historical book I have read and I really, really liked it. Usually a bairn born on the wrong side of the blanket was reviled and full of revenge. Ethan's father was Laird and was never acknowledged by him. When things were hard and his mother was sick, he went to the Laird for help. He received none. He was fifteen at the time. Now five years later the village did all they could to help him but he finally decided to leave and seek his fortune on the seas. During all the years he was growing up to present his legitimate half-brother Lachie and his cronies taunted, bullied and tortured Ethan practically daily. He was glad to be going away. There were a few people he would miss. At the docks gaining employment on a ship due to a fortunate conversation with another sailor Fergus. He and Fergus became fast friends. Fergus gave him a crash course on duties of a sailor. When they docked in London somehow Ethan told Fergus his story about his da and his half-brother who was to wed. Fergus came up with an ingenious plan. Ethan was to take Lachie's place and marry the Lady Georgiana. After he met Georgiana, she knew he was hiding something. Ethan being a good hearten, honest man confessed all to Georgiana. She decided she liked Ethan and did not want to marry Lachie. So, they married making her parents think he was Lachie. Lachie went crazed when he found out and vowed revenge. He and his father needed the dowry to survive. He was determined to get it one way or another. But get it he would. Through all the confusion going on in Georgiana's father's home and at Ethan's father's home, she and Ethan truly fell in love. Ethan worshiped Georgiana and always put her first before himself. When they returned to Scotland after their honeymoon, Lachie stuck the first of many blows of revenge to Ethan and Georgiana. This turned into a page turner. There was plenty of action and danger. Lochie had his chance to even physically tortured Georgiana all for her money. What was different was when all was said and done, the Laird offered to legitimize Ethan as his son and heir. Ethan disgustedly walked away. I have not read any books whether Highland or Regency where the by-blow did not want to be acknowledged. Ethan was different. He was his own man, knew what he was made of, confident in his relationship with Georgiana and confident of their future. I also liked how we got to read close up and personal the ups and downs of Ethan and Georgiana's personal relationship. It was gratifying to know that through all their troubles their love kept them together. I was anxious to read more about this couple in the extended epilogue but found it not as exciting as the book. A very interesting take on the life of a by-blow.

[Elouise · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Ethan Alasdair Buchanan at the funeral of his dear mother, in a crofter's shack, wondering if his father, Laird Barclays Alasdair Buchanan would come to say a goodbye to her. He didn't expect that he would, nor that his stepmother or half brother, Lachie Alasdair Buchanan would come. After all they had not helped when she needed expensive medications during her illness, the only help he got was from other crofters and there was not much of that. Ethan decided not to stay where he was obviously not wanted and he left for Edinburgh. There he would find a way to get on a ship bound for the New World to seek his own fortune. He did manage to secure a job on a ship eventually and made a friend Fergus. Now Fergus was a curious person and he managed to get a pretty good idea of Ethan's history and family ties. He also managed to discover that a disgraced daughter of a fairly wealthy Duke was promised to Lachie as a wife with a dowry to help the Laird Barclays out of his troubles. The Laird's wife went to London for the season every year and needed money to support that lifestyle. That gave Fergus an idea. Ethan could take Lachie's place as husband and thus get the wealth from the dowry and perhaps even get the inheritance of his father. It was not the clearest plan ever made, but it was worth a try. Ethan married the Lady, earlier than the planned wedding and they went on a honeymoon to the South of France, then to Scotland. With the Dowry money, Ethan had purchased a home and the mortgage on his father's estate. And thus began an adventure that involved lies from the married couple, the love they shared and deceptions. Their adventures and work in taking over he dowry, making a home for themselves and fitting into the Scottish way of life is quite a story. It gets even better when Lachie finds out that the deception occurred and the Lady married the wrong man! Then the legitimate son tries to get his bride back from the illegitimate son! A great tale with misdirection, fighting, love and surprises. Loved this book immensely. Could not put it down.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He thought that she would be the deceived one, not his partner in crime
Ethan Alasdair Buchanan has been born a bastard. Even though he is a Laird's son, the death of his mother and the dismissal of his father threatened to turn him into a cold-hearted man. Filled with the need to survive and take revenge upon the family that cast him away, Ethan will take part in a most devious plan: pretend to be his half brother and marry his rich betrothed. But the future bride is not a blushing one and Ethan might be more surprised than he thought.
Lady Georgiana Leighton's reputation is completely ruined. Having been seen in a compromising position, she is scorned by the noble society and for that, her father is ready to ship her to Scotland, in an unknown land, with a man she never met before. As it turns out, there is much more to this Highlander than meets the eye, and Georgiana will not hesitate to take part in his plans to escape her fate.
As perfect as their alliance might seem, there are dangers ahead that none of them is ready to face and a desire that will only make things much more complicated…
Revenge was the only thing on his mind until he met her!

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of what the author has next for us!
Recommend reading.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE!!!
Buckle up! Fiona hit the motherload, spinning this incredible, sensational, mind-blowing, chart topping, mesmerizing, prize winning, block busting, page flipping bombshell, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. Ramping all the swirling emotions into play front and center, sending this baby into a tizzy, blasting this little fella into such shocking results. Bracing the drama, intrigue, vengeance, danger and soaring suspense as tension spirals, melding this little fella together piece by piece seamlessly. Add distress, turmoil and a boatload of perplexing situations, toss in a little humor and you have one incredible adventure. Bumbling through the trials and tribulations, sharp twists, crisp turns and thin lines testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Producing deliciously thrilling, well rounded scenario's that punch dead center with such exuberance and style, thrusting this gem into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, blasting it into a tailspin with one unbelievable culmination. The characters are genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that blend into amazing personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Fiona, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.

[The Shopping Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story BUT....

Could do with a better proofread. There were quite a few errors throughout, including the writer seemingly forgotten things already written! For example, when Ethan was racing to save his wife he's praying his half-brother Lachie hasn't discovered she's pregnant with his child and yet Ethan himself had already told him she was when he turned up with Fergus and the new workers on page 3374...if I picked that up in one read thru, I find it hard to believe it would've got that far!
So 3stars is me being generous, I think.
The storyline wasn't bad, but it wasn't especially well written and some of it was rather unlikely. Particularly Georgiana going along with a total stranger after she'd already fallen prey to one man's duplicity I'm fairly sure she would've been alot more cautious. Alot of these historic romance novels seem to totally forget how women were expected to behave, so some decisions are ludicrous.
The extended epilogue took longer to sign up for than read!

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)

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Highlander's Sinister Deception is a must read that will keep you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey until the end. This is well-written with well-developed characters and a story line that kept me interested right to the end and wanting more from this author. With a deranged brother seeking vengeance against his bastard born brother for stealing his bride Lachie sets out to find Ethan and destroy him. Ethan a brawny Highlander with a soft heart sets out to take revenge on his family who turned their back on him plans to deceive Georgiana into marrying him instead of his half-brother. Georgiana whose catches onto Ethan's deception agrees to go along with his plan instead of marrying his half- brother. It's a heart pounding story with hot steamy passion, plenty of drama, suspense, kidnapping, deceit, tears, trials and tribulations, and the gamut of emotions from despair and grief to joy and ecstasy. It's a story of love, faith, and to triumph over all. An outstanding historical romance by Fiona Faris!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new take on a romance novel! Ethan is the by-blow of Laird Buchanan and lives with his sick mother in a hovel, working to farm the land in order to fund his father’s wife’s exorbitant spending. His step-brother Lachie is a bully who hates Ethan and is always looking for ways to hurt him. When Ethan’s mother dies, he is allowed to continue living in the hovel of a cottage, but he plans to leave as soon as he is able. He learns that Lachie has been betrothal to the socially dishonored daughter of a Duke in London in order to get her dowry. At that point, Ethan decides to leave Scotland and catch a ship to the new world. However, when he befriends Fergus, a new different plan is hatched. Ethan will pretend to be his brother and steal the unsuspecting girl away from her real betrothed. Unfortunately, Ethan has always been an honorable man and he is worried that he won’t be able to lie to her. Together, they are able to hatch a plan that will get them both what they want, but the peril that waits for them is nothing they ever expected.

[SHERRY · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you get back at your half brother when he has abused you all your life?? Why not take the chance to marry an heiress betrothed to him and get her dowry so he can't get it to save your father's estate.
Ethan is the bastard son of the Laird and he has been ignored by his father all his life. His horrible selfish half brother has beat him up all his life.
Georgiana is tired of having to listen and obey men. When Ethan comes clean and tells her his secret, she wholeheartedly agrees to go along and marry him. Don't miss this one. One of her best.

[Angie Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! Not the usual hero, Ethan is a quiet caring man who saves his step brother’s intended bride. Ignored by his father and beaten daily by his half brother Lachie Ethan travels to “steal” Georgiana Leighton by saving her. He confesses the truth to her before they exchange vows. When Lachie finds out what Ethan has done he vows to get even. Kidnapping Georgiana, almost killing Ethan and Georgiana, will he succeed or will Ethan be able to save his wife and baby? A page turner to the end!

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good portrayal of two radically different half-brothers. Lachie is legitimate but evil personified. Ethan is a bastard with a good and kind nature who has been ignored by his father and abused by his half-brother, Lachie. Georgiana is an English heiress who is betrothed to Lachie but upon meeting Ethan and learning of what he has had to endure, she agrees to marry him instead.
A good historical romance where intrigue, drama, and danger abound. A very well-written storyline that keeps the reader interested throughout the entire book.

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Highlanders Sinister Deception from Fiona Faris. This is the for forever and ever love story of Georgiana Leighton, a disgraced Duke's daughter, and Ethan Buchanan, a Scottish Laird's illegitimate son. They both knew of the deception when they got married; what they didn't expect is the depth of their love and the unforeseen consequences of their union. Their love is tested: their forbearance tried: amd the enemy still tries to conquer them and their inner strength. What a fabulous story by Fiona. I adored the characters and the very different sensual story.

[Penny]

Great read as always. It did have some ironic twists and turns. It was a little rough to read when Georginas actual betrothed tried to come between them. Overall, it was a great love story showing how much Ethan and Georgina loved each and just how much they will persevere and overcome just to be able to be together no matter the obstacles. Fiona has just the right amount of humour to have us chuckling even when the odds between appear to be at there worst

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Society

Society certainly wasn’t fair for both these characters. While I understand they lived in a time with different sets of societal norms, I still couldn’t help but feel indignation on their behalf. It certainly set the stage up for an epic love story though. I loved the moment where the line between situations got blurred. Things grew more interesting from that point onward.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this story did not follow the typical, historical romance 'formula'. It was a very unique tale that immediately drew me in. Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds.

*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.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a mess they made, oh, how in love they are!

Worse than a "spare son" is a bastard, beget out of wedlock; the hero of the story. Fast paced, so full of excitement. Charaters were added at a rate that eased into the story line, making it easy to follow.
The baby's name - how sweet!

[JoAnn Herald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. I enjoyed reading it very much and was captivated by the story. The storyline was definitely well written and the characters were so realistic I felt like I was in the story myself. This has got to be one of the best books I've read in a long while and definitely of of Fiona's best stories. Good job Fiona, keep up the good work, what a great start to the new year. 😸😸😸😸

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserved love

He is the bastard child of the Laird pretending to be the son that was to be wed to the Dukes daughter. She is the daughter of a Duke in England and knows the his true identity. They realize they have a spark and wed with the truth being hidden, until the Laird and his true son find out what happened.

[Penney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great storyline.

I was extremely disappointed by the inaccuracies for the time period. Woman did not wear pants, they wore dresses and no knickers, that type of inconstancy is really disappointing.
The story of Ethan and Georgia was lovely, and typical of Fiona's style.
I do enjoy her books, but cannot stress enough that the research into the time period is sadly lacking.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conquering The Monsters In His past

I enjoyed reading this book for the most part. I really enjoyed the beginning and the last several chapters. I found the middle of the book to be tedious, in that it focused almost solely on intimacies with her new husband. It was too drawn out. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story builds excitement and tension right from the beginning. How will the story turn out? Georgina and Ethan seem like an unlikely pairing at first but the story melds them together. Lachie is the dark and evil presence in the background waiting to strike. The scene in the crofter’s cottage where Georgina has been kidnapped is grim and painful to read but well written.

[John Stillfeather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Georgiana's story

I disliked the cad Clarenbon Wakefield, Viscount Ashness.
I also disliked Lachie Alasdair Bachanan , a cruel and vile individual.
I liked how Ethan and Georgiana found love with each other.
I would recommend "Highland we'd Sinister Deception" to lovers of Scottish Highland Historical fiction.

[Melvin Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book!

I loved this book!, the pages flowed together so well I could see it all as I read. The characters were great. Lots of spicy love scenes. I'll be reading more of this authors books.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!

This might have been my favorite book so far by this author! Loved the storyline and how he fought to become so much more than just a blow by son. And the baby's name was perfect!

[Pat Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable storyline about Ethan and Georgiana meeting instead of his brother. This book has drama, kidnapping, suspense, romance, love, and hot, steamy, chemistry. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and gave my honest opinion.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Highlander read

I really enjoyed this story and all the characters. Ethan and Georgiana had a difficult beginning but held on to each other through it all. I found the story captivating and really enjoyed it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I think it may be the best book so far. I especially adored the love story as it seemed as though so many things had to fall into place for them to even meet and fall in love. Nice work Ms. Faris.

[Lynn Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Fiona has done it again! Such an excellent book. These characters are fabulous and so relatable. The story flows so well that I could hardly put this one down. It is definitely a page turner that I highly recommend.

[Juneta Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great family dynamics & angst. Another fun highland adventure with lots of action, an emotional ride and wonderful descriptions of the setting. I enjoyed this one a lot.

I volunteered to read an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Lmmh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to travel the Scottish Highlands through Fiona Fairs’ book. This new stand alone book has a happily ever after, my favorite kind of read. There are many twists and turns with Georgina and Ethan’s love story. A must read, this book does not disappoint!