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The Banished Highlander
Forbidden passion. Buried secrets. A love like no other.
Ruari Cameron considers himself a failure. His brother, Aedan, became chieftain of the Camerons upon their sire’s death, but Ruari was too young to serve as his second. Now, at eight and twenty summers, he still has no defined position within the clan. He has no children, either, and his marriage ended so horribly he refuses to consider marrying again. Determined to prove himself once and for all, he pours himself into the goal of becoming Aedan’s second—until he meets a young lass for whom he’ll risk everything.
When Juliana meets Ruari, she’s instantly attracted to him, but she knows it’s not to be. She has two choices for the future—become a nun, like her sister, or marry the powerful older suitor her sire favors. She wants neither choice, but no one has asked her for her opinion. No one except for Ruari. The Highlander makes her dream of another life, one in which she can have love and bairns, but her family's secrets tug her away from him.
Although pursuing a novice might cost Ruari the position he covets, he cannot stay away from Juliana. But will their forbidden love cost them both everything they hold dear?
Ruari Cameron considers himself a failure. His brother, Aedan, became chieftain of the Camerons upon their sire’s death, but Ruari was too young to serve as his second. Now, at eight and twenty summers, he still has no defined position within the clan. He has no children, either, and his marriage ended so horribly he refuses to consider marrying again. Determined to prove himself once and for all, he pours himself into the goal of becoming Aedan’s second—until he meets a young lass for whom he’ll risk everything.
When Juliana meets Ruari, she’s instantly attracted to him, but she knows it’s not to be. She has two choices for the future—become a nun, like her sister, or marry the powerful older suitor her sire favors. She wants neither choice, but no one has asked her for her opinion. No one except for Ruari. The Highlander makes her dream of another life, one in which she can have love and bairns, but her family's secrets tug her away from him.
Although pursuing a novice might cost Ruari the position he covets, he cannot stay away from Juliana. But will their forbidden love cost them both everything they hold dear?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
309 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Keira Montclair
88 books529 followersKeira Montclair is the pen name of an author who lives in South Carolina with her husband. She writes fast-paced historical romance, often with children as secondary characters.
If she’s not writing, she prefers to spend time with her grandchildren. She’s worked as a high school math teacher, a registered nurse, and an office manager. She loves ballet, mathematics, puzzles, learning anything new, and creating new characters for her readers to fall in love with.
She considers her work done well when her readers shed tears over her stories, but there’s always a happy ending! Her bestselling series is a family saga that follows two medieval Scottish clans through three generations and now numbers over fifty books.
Contact her through her website, www.keiramontclair.com.
If she’s not writing, she prefers to spend time with her grandchildren. She’s worked as a high school math teacher, a registered nurse, and an office manager. She loves ballet, mathematics, puzzles, learning anything new, and creating new characters for her readers to fall in love with.
She considers her work done well when her readers shed tears over her stories, but there’s always a happy ending! Her bestselling series is a family saga that follows two medieval Scottish clans through three generations and now numbers over fifty books.
Contact her through her website, www.keiramontclair.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 17, 2025
I suspect all the people that rated this highly are not Scottish...
September 25, 2019
4.5 Stars. The Banished Highlander by Keira Montclair.
Juliana and Ruari’s love story is fast-paced with multiple plots, twist and turns of adventure, danger, mysterious secrets, betrayal, and love at first site. Good world building with compelling characters with deep emotional intersecting past. The romance is sweet and patient until the last love scene which heats up with some intimate open door notations that will leave a 3 flame blush. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this great author.
Happy Reading♥️
Juliana and Ruari’s love story is fast-paced with multiple plots, twist and turns of adventure, danger, mysterious secrets, betrayal, and love at first site. Good world building with compelling characters with deep emotional intersecting past. The romance is sweet and patient until the last love scene which heats up with some intimate open door notations that will leave a 3 flame blush. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this great author.
Happy Reading♥️
November 10, 2022
Love a forbidden romance. Kind of sad that Ruari wasn't somehow included in one of the other series. It makes it feel like he's somehow disconnected from the Grant/Ramsay families, which otherwise seem to be so close. It also makes it all the more sad that he feels like he doesn't have a place in his clan. Overall a fun quick read and honestly kind of refreshing after the last few series.
September 20, 2019
I always know I will love Keira's characters & story, so I was really excited to read this new stand alone book outside the series' we all know & love.
Rauri Cameron is the younger brother of Aedan, Laird of the Camerons. When Aedan became Laird, after the death of their sire, Rauri was too young to be Aedan's second. Rauri is now 28 years old & knows he must prove to the clan that he is deserving of being his brother's second.
Juliana is at a crossroads in her life that leaves her with only 2 choices - either follow in her sister footsteps & become a nun or marry an older & influential man that her sire approves of for her. She doesn't find either choice to her liking. Then she meets Rauri & there is an instant attraction but she knows nothing can come of it.
Can Rauri convince her to dream of love & her own bairns - will her family secrets keep them apart - will her father succeed in his choice for Juliana - will Rauri succeed in becoming his brother's second? All this will be answered in a great story with the charismatic couple of Rauri & Juliana. Another winner from Keira Montclair - read it, you won't be disappointed!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Rauri Cameron is the younger brother of Aedan, Laird of the Camerons. When Aedan became Laird, after the death of their sire, Rauri was too young to be Aedan's second. Rauri is now 28 years old & knows he must prove to the clan that he is deserving of being his brother's second.
Juliana is at a crossroads in her life that leaves her with only 2 choices - either follow in her sister footsteps & become a nun or marry an older & influential man that her sire approves of for her. She doesn't find either choice to her liking. Then she meets Rauri & there is an instant attraction but she knows nothing can come of it.
Can Rauri convince her to dream of love & her own bairns - will her family secrets keep them apart - will her father succeed in his choice for Juliana - will Rauri succeed in becoming his brother's second? All this will be answered in a great story with the charismatic couple of Rauri & Juliana. Another winner from Keira Montclair - read it, you won't be disappointed!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
November 5, 2019
3.5 for me. Lots of twists and turns, not much background, and sometimes slow.
The twists are nice and sometimes unexpected, sometimes predictable.
I got the book as a Goodreads Giveaway, thanks!
The twists are nice and sometimes unexpected, sometimes predictable.
I got the book as a Goodreads Giveaway, thanks!
January 5, 2026
2.5 stars.
It was just meh. Nothing really special about this book. It was free with my subscription and I decided to read it.
The story was flat. The main characters felt like they were teens. The hero was so not what I look for in a male character. First, he sounded and acted like a teenager. He didn’t feel like a mature male.
The heroine’s sister was infuriating with her secret. I know it was a plot device to move the story along, but it didn’t work in my opinion. The father was also infuriating, as he wanted to have his child married to a man that raped one daughter and abuse the other.
I know the heroine was 18 or 19 and she acted a bit younger than her age and very childlike.
Meh, overall it wasn’t bad but it was nothing tha would make me re-read it or want to read the series.
It was just meh. Nothing really special about this book. It was free with my subscription and I decided to read it.
The story was flat. The main characters felt like they were teens. The hero was so not what I look for in a male character. First, he sounded and acted like a teenager. He didn’t feel like a mature male.
The heroine’s sister was infuriating with her secret. I know it was a plot device to move the story along, but it didn’t work in my opinion. The father was also infuriating, as he wanted to have his child married to a man that raped one daughter and abuse the other.
I know the heroine was 18 or 19 and she acted a bit younger than her age and very childlike.
Meh, overall it wasn’t bad but it was nothing tha would make me re-read it or want to read the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
“Let. Go. Of. Her.”
(((Why would you called it," The Banished Highlander" when he was never banished to begin with? Only for few seconds with only a threat but never banish.))) The title made me think he was already or will be banished within 1st few chapters.
🤔🤔🤔🤔
Love the Ruari Character. But the character of Juliana, is ok. She's confused which is understandable since she was sheltered most of her life. So I'll permit her dimwitted. Until she comes into strong character as she grow along.
But this read, something was off. Seem rush, and cut though as If some chapters were missing. But nonetheless I loved it!!
Rauri♥️Juliana
(((Why would you called it," The Banished Highlander" when he was never banished to begin with? Only for few seconds with only a threat but never banish.))) The title made me think he was already or will be banished within 1st few chapters.
🤔🤔🤔🤔
Love the Ruari Character. But the character of Juliana, is ok. She's confused which is understandable since she was sheltered most of her life. So I'll permit her dimwitted. Until she comes into strong character as she grow along.
But this read, something was off. Seem rush, and cut though as If some chapters were missing. But nonetheless I loved it!!
Rauri♥️Juliana
September 21, 2020
THE BANISHED HIGHLANDER:A SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY KEIRA MONTCLAIR is the first book I have read from this author. I only gave it three stars as I was not really impressed with the quality of the characters or the story. I have read other authors who at least have more three dimensional characters than what Ruairi and company are in this book. Yes, the plot of the book did twist and turn as plots go, but I was really hoping for more.
I recieved this e book free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review
I recieved this e book free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review
February 4, 2021
An unholy chaotic abbey misadventure!
To vow or not to vow seems to be the tossed about question happening throughout Juliana and Ruari Cameron's entangled tale of blossoming contended love! And the oh so villainous neighboring Laird with deep dark secrets galore keeps their story moving right along! Great story for this second born son.
To vow or not to vow seems to be the tossed about question happening throughout Juliana and Ruari Cameron's entangled tale of blossoming contended love! And the oh so villainous neighboring Laird with deep dark secrets galore keeps their story moving right along! Great story for this second born son.
January 16, 2026
The audio book is read by an older British narrator. It's ok but....
The story is enjoyable but I wish it was more. more foreshadowing, more tension, more connection between characters. There was a lot of conflict in MFC's family but little was said about the emotions this evoked. I wish it had delivered more emotion. There was a great deal going on in both families.
The story is enjoyable but I wish it was more. more foreshadowing, more tension, more connection between characters. There was a lot of conflict in MFC's family but little was said about the emotions this evoked. I wish it had delivered more emotion. There was a great deal going on in both families.
February 15, 2020
Juliana and Ruari
They were soulmates who came with a lot of things getting in the way of their plans. She almost married a homicidal maniac who her father wanted. Now they have a family including a niece.
They were soulmates who came with a lot of things getting in the way of their plans. She almost married a homicidal maniac who her father wanted. Now they have a family including a niece.
May 21, 2020
An enjoyable story, but I couldn't connect with the characters as well as in the author's other books. The characters seemed not as well drawn as usual. Nevertheless I did enjoy it and read it in one sitting.
May 24, 2020
Another great book about this family!
I absolutely love these books about the Grants, Cameron's, Ramsay's, etc. I like the strong women and the big, handsome men. These are quick reads, but always leave me uplifted.
I absolutely love these books about the Grants, Cameron's, Ramsay's, etc. I like the strong women and the big, handsome men. These are quick reads, but always leave me uplifted.
May 29, 2023
Enjoyed
Just found this by accident. Loved the fact that it was part of the story of the Grant and Ramsey clan although separate unto itself. Hope that there is somewhere a story that involves Padrig and other characters that really need their own stories.
Just found this by accident. Loved the fact that it was part of the story of the Grant and Ramsey clan although separate unto itself. Hope that there is somewhere a story that involves Padrig and other characters that really need their own stories.
June 6, 2025
Another Clan Cameron tale
Violence, wickedness, nuns and love; this is the perfect set up for a highland romance, right? Oh, don't forget the unnamed skeletons in an unmarked cemetary!
Violence, wickedness, nuns and love; this is the perfect set up for a highland romance, right? Oh, don't forget the unnamed skeletons in an unmarked cemetary!
July 4, 2025
Another excellent read!
If you like family-based stories from centuries past with love, fighting, danger, and some magic, you will love these stories. Start with her first novel and then keep on going. I am certain you will love them, and this story was no exception!
If you like family-based stories from centuries past with love, fighting, danger, and some magic, you will love these stories. Start with her first novel and then keep on going. I am certain you will love them, and this story was no exception!
March 18, 2020
I found it a bit slow. It was good but not what I was looking to reat today
October 12, 2021
Great love story
I enjoyed this book. I think I have read all of your other books. They keep a person wanting to know what happens next.
I enjoyed this book. I think I have read all of your other books. They keep a person wanting to know what happens next.
May 16, 2022
Good story!
Love a story where the lass gets stronger. This was filled with good lads and bad men, reivers and clans, love and lies.
Love a story where the lass gets stronger. This was filled with good lads and bad men, reivers and clans, love and lies.
September 29, 2023
The Banished Highlander
I loved this book. I was so happy to find it had a clan from the previous books of Keira Montclair. I hope there us more coming
I loved this book. I was so happy to find it had a clan from the previous books of Keira Montclair. I hope there us more coming
May 12, 2025
Another fun read!
Every time you read one of Kiera Montclair's books you fall more in love with the characters. Many intertwined families to keep you on your toes.
Every time you read one of Kiera Montclair's books you fall more in love with the characters. Many intertwined families to keep you on your toes.
December 27, 2025
i liked the second part much better. just wished it was clearly indicated it was an all but closed door romance.
December 27, 2019
Do not waste your time
The main characters were weak, and the minor characters strong. Especially previous major characters from other books who were minor characters in this book. Perhaps she was more in love with her previous characters, but the major characters need to have some kind of intelligence and depth. There was an attempt to making them look like there was some character development in the major characters, but they were still kept as minor characters in a major character position. Very sad. I kept reading because I thought the plot and character development would improve. I was SO wrong. Do NOT waste your time here!!!
The main characters were weak, and the minor characters strong. Especially previous major characters from other books who were minor characters in this book. Perhaps she was more in love with her previous characters, but the major characters need to have some kind of intelligence and depth. There was an attempt to making them look like there was some character development in the major characters, but they were still kept as minor characters in a major character position. Very sad. I kept reading because I thought the plot and character development would improve. I was SO wrong. Do NOT waste your time here!!!
October 19, 2019
They say that money is the root of all evil and greed its second cousin. Juliana if faced with losing her best friend and sister Joan. Her father has “sold” her sister in marriage to a most despicable noble for a large amount of coin. Joan won’t have it and decides she is better off becoming a nun. Twelve years later Juliana is in the same situation to the same noble. The father promised Joan that Juliana could visit her sister before marrying. On the trek to the abbey Juliana’s party is attacked. Juliana seems to be the prize. To her rescue are the men of Clan Cameron, the guardians of the abbey. A widowed Highland warrior catches Juliana’s eye. The Highlander has vowed never to marry again. He doesn’t believe he is worthy, doesn’t feel he has the respect of his chieftain, nor of the rest of the clan. Sister Joan is trying to convince Juliana that marriage to the noble would be a grave error and that life as a nun rewarding. Juliana is confused and has mixed feelings. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to marry. She wants a happy life filled with children and an adoring husband. But from what Joan has told her it is not an easy life; there are no guarantees and definable not with the noble. Julianna father wants the marriage to take place soon and believes that Julianna has no choice in the matter. When she finally meets the noble, she thinks that maybe things will work out. However the Highlander is still part of her dreams. This story is filled with twists and turns, a quick read, quite entertaining and great characters. Will Julianna marry the noble? Will the Highlander loose his chance at true love? What secrets is Sister Joan keeping? Read the book to find out. I think you will enjoy it as much as I have.
September 23, 2019
The Banished Highlander by Keira Montclair
Ruari Cameron is Aedan's younger brother. He too often feels he's failed. Aedan hadn't chose him as his second-in-command, he couldn't save his wife, and even his mother seems to not hold him in the same esteem as his brother. And, he's not sure he'd know what love is even if he found it.
Juliana Clavelle is spending time with her sister before she is to be married to some old man her father chose for her. No choices. Her sister, Joan, is pressing her to take her vows as she's done and no choice to marry someone she loves. And then there's the handsome highlander.
Familiar names from previous books, but this is a stand-alone story. Action-packed and page-turning. I've enjoyed every book I've read from this author.
**Sensual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Ruari Cameron is Aedan's younger brother. He too often feels he's failed. Aedan hadn't chose him as his second-in-command, he couldn't save his wife, and even his mother seems to not hold him in the same esteem as his brother. And, he's not sure he'd know what love is even if he found it.
Juliana Clavelle is spending time with her sister before she is to be married to some old man her father chose for her. No choices. Her sister, Joan, is pressing her to take her vows as she's done and no choice to marry someone she loves. And then there's the handsome highlander.
Familiar names from previous books, but this is a stand-alone story. Action-packed and page-turning. I've enjoyed every book I've read from this author.
**Sensual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
October 5, 2019
A dreamy love story
Definitely 5 stars. Another visit to my favorite extended family. I have read all of Keira Montclair’s books and never disappointed. This latest book has everything, Romance, intrigue, surprise, and one very tender, innocent and sweet romantic love scene. I loved Ruari and Juliana, the Hero and Heroine. So happy to see so many characters from previous stories. I could go on and on with glowing remarks, but to say more not necessary. I honesty recommend this book.
Definitely 5 stars. Another visit to my favorite extended family. I have read all of Keira Montclair’s books and never disappointed. This latest book has everything, Romance, intrigue, surprise, and one very tender, innocent and sweet romantic love scene. I loved Ruari and Juliana, the Hero and Heroine. So happy to see so many characters from previous stories. I could go on and on with glowing remarks, but to say more not necessary. I honesty recommend this book.
September 25, 2019
Meh
The main female character in this story is a complete nitwit. The main male character is not much better. The father is a horrible person who we never really see accept reality. The ending with Neil was brief, unsatisfactory, and slightly unbelievable. Joan’s story was frustratingly disjointed. The worst of the secrets are never aired. All in all, I skimmed through parts of this just to wrap it all up, but was rather disappointed that it still felt unfinished to me.
The main female character in this story is a complete nitwit. The main male character is not much better. The father is a horrible person who we never really see accept reality. The ending with Neil was brief, unsatisfactory, and slightly unbelievable. Joan’s story was frustratingly disjointed. The worst of the secrets are never aired. All in all, I skimmed through parts of this just to wrap it all up, but was rather disappointed that it still felt unfinished to me.
October 2, 2019
Wonderful
I don’t think I have read any of Ms.Montclair’s books without laughing and crying at least a couple times. This is a wonderful story that goes along will her other series. I really enjoy how she keeps the families recurring in all these stories. Highly recommend this book and all her books as well.
I don’t think I have read any of Ms.Montclair’s books without laughing and crying at least a couple times. This is a wonderful story that goes along will her other series. I really enjoy how she keeps the families recurring in all these stories. Highly recommend this book and all her books as well.
September 26, 2019
Wow!
A story that would not let me put it down until I got to the end. Just enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat but mixed in enough love to be tingly. A villain that adds a good mix to make a wonderful spell of a story. Another winner from Keira Montclair!
A story that would not let me put it down until I got to the end. Just enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat but mixed in enough love to be tingly. A villain that adds a good mix to make a wonderful spell of a story. Another winner from Keira Montclair!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews