A Lass for the Haunted Highlander

by Barbara Bard

He took on a mission to bring her back. Now it's his own heart she holds hostage…

When Lady Barrie St. Claire loses her father, Lord Huxley immediately demands she marry him. Barrie makes her escape and heads for Scotland, seeking the only man she can trust, a good friend of her father.

She could never have thought her life will be on the run after the death of her father…

Kyle MacLaine, a Scottish mercenary, is hired by Huxley to find his runaway bride. Soon he realizes that things aren’t what he was led to believe. His original plans have changed and now Kyle has to trust his gut!

But Kyle’s past is now catching up with him faster than ever…

Both hunted down like wild animals, trying to stay hidden till they find a way out! Their instincts will be tested as danger approaches. While fear and danger grow can love be their sanctuary?

*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “A Lass for the Haunted Highlander”!

Buy “A Lass for the Haunted Highlander” and unlock the exciting story of Kyle and Barrie today!

Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!

Genres: Historical Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2020

About the author

Barbara 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.

Reviews

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed Highland tale with a lovely twist. This book has wonderful, realistic characters, a well-developed storyline and enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. I didn’t want this one to finish. Kyle and Barrie have both been through so much. When they come together, under undesirable circumstances, they must learn to trust each other but this is difficult for them both. A great story.

[Tammy Ambrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I did like the h and the fact that she was not sitting around waiting to be rescued, but was a fighter herself, but with that said there was little else I liked about this book. I felt no connection between the H and the h, they spent most of the book apart from each other and on the road going back and forth from castle to castle. The villain of the story was like the energizer bunny and he never gave up. Barrie, the h had to escape from him not once, not twice, but three times! The book was way too long and for the most part the traveling back and forth after awhile was just ridiculous. There was some editing issues, especially early on with mylordmylord being used several times along with the word escortescort and at one point a sentence just ended and clearly was missing a word or two. The editing problems seemed to clear up toward the end of the book though. Supposedly these two were in love, but I didn't feel it.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how the story opened and progressed. The first chapter set the stage for anguish and anger that Kyle is enduring. Turn the clock forward 18 years....With no family other than his mentor and several close fellow mercenary friends, Kyle and his inherited band for hire are the perfect ones English Lord Huxley contracts to recover his so-called runaway bride Barrie. Once Kyle finds Barrie, he wonders what the truth really is. There are many skirmishes as well as many times that Barrie is kidnapped and escapes by her wits alone. Oh my... where did this girl learn all these skills? (Certainly not in the solar practicing needlepoint!) Barrie is still overcome by a recent loss and the stress of what will happen to her familial holdings- who will the King force her to marry? Kyle and Barrie spend some time together travelling to the highlands, enough to ignite a spark between them. Meanwhile, Kyle is chasing his own elusive ghost and periodically leaves Barrie throughout the story to track down new clues despite her protests. I found this disappointing, yet ultimately necessary for the story to unfold completely. Lord Huxley is a wonderful delusional character, and tries everything in his power to win the prize. As all the unknowns pieces from the pasts of many characters are revealed, a very satisfying ending takes place eventually. The optional extended epilogue provided wonderful closure. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sheree K · Rating 4 out of 5]

True love is forgiving


As a child, Kyle witnessed a rogue band of mercenaries attack their village, slaughtering his parents and raping his mother. He vowed revenge.

Barrie St. Clair was the only child of the Earl of Creggan. When her father died, Lord Huxley confined her to her room and vowed to marry her as soon as the priest arrived at the castle. He planned to be the next Earl of Creggan and take everything. Barrie knew he had poisoned her father and forged his will. She needed to escape which she did with her handmaid and a few of the men still loyal to her.

When Lord Huxley found out she had escaped, he was furious and sent a band of Scottish mercenaries after her. After a time, he realized they weren’t coming back from their search and rounded up some of those loyal to him and went after Barrie himself. His claim to the castle was tied to his marriage to her.

Did Barrie make it unharmed to Laird McDougal? Will he help an English Lady? What will Huxley do when he does find her? Many twists to the story but in the end, all questions are answered.

Should have been a 5* rating. My only complaint was the editing. Wrong words used and many times words were typed twice like “MylordmyLord.” I did, though, enjoy the story and recommend it. There is an extended epilogue that takes place a year later to add to the story. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the story begins in a small village in Scotland. It is being ravaged my outlaws and bandits killing raping and stealing. It has the reader jumping right into the action and being swept away with emotion. The H because of what he witnessed when he was ten summers, at twenty-eight summers was now one of the foremost mercenary soldiers and vowed revenge to the one eared man that destroyed his life. As the leader of his loyal men he and his men however did not pillage, kill and rape indiscriminately, they had honor and did not hurt innocents. They were men for hire and only killed when their lives were being threatened. In England, the h just lost her father. She knew the man who poisoned him. He and his men took over her father estate and was forcing her to marry him so he can inherit a fortune in money, land and receive the h’s father's title. The h refused to marry him. So, he locked her up. There were still men who were loyal to her and her father. With their help she escaped. This was the beginning of a long and dangerous trek for freedom for herself and her people. An exciting story. You will be shocked, thrilled, in awe, full of suspense, feeling the tension and of course the budding romance between the h and H that to some serious blows. There are stomach clenching twists and turns that are unpredictable making the reader not want to put the book down. This is indeed a page turner. A must read. You will not be disappointed.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It starts in a small village In Scotland! After 10yr old Kyle watches his family being slaughtered and his mother raped he swears revenge. The young boy sets on that path that day and never strays! He shows courage and strength as he finds the best man to teach him to fight! He is constantly searching for the man who slaughtered his family. His vow never forgotten. He becomes a mercenary! He travels all over to find The Man!
Barrie St.Claire is devastated that her father has been murdered, his will forged and she is locked up by the evil man who did both and demands she marry him! She also shows strength and courage as she faces many trials and tribulations to free herself! When she is caught by Kyle and his men who have been paid to take her back she is fierce and very protective of her maid who is unwell! This begins their story of action, adventure and love!
I loved the depth to these wonderful characters! The plot was nonstop action! The book was well paced just long enough for you to take a breathe in between all the action and fighting! I recommend this book if you like highland romance!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/3/2020)! 🎁

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE!!!
Ah crap! Barbara rings my bell, dials my number and cranks my tractor with this arresting storyline and gripping plot, showcasing such ingenuity, imagination, style, finesse, fervor and unique insight for detail, fusing this gem together flawlessly. A raging vortex of fervent events and surprising circumstances, blow this bad boy wide open. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, doubt, turmoil, danger, mounting suspense and unexpected situations along with a boatload of chaos while dodging mayhem, makes for one chart topping masterpiece. Witnessing the instant realization and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of thrilling twists and stunning turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a tempest, blasting it into a frenzy with a mind-blowing culmination. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that really pull this baby together smoothly. Fantastic job Barbara, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Margaret Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She Be Sassenach, But She Be Me Love.”

Lady Barrie St. Claire, ( don't you just love that name?) has been dealt a double blow. First, she lost her father, and now, she's being forced to marry Lord Huxley. Barrie does the only thing that a young woman in her situation CAN do - she flees. Lord Huxley is not about to give up his prize so easily. He hires the best to track her down. Scottish mercenary, Kyle MacLaine. Thus begins our thrilling adventure. When Kyle realizes he hasn't exactly been told the truth about his quarry, Barrie and Kyle BOTH go on the run. Oh, and what an adventure, it is! With "A Lass For The Haunted Highlander," by Barbara Bard, expect drama, angst, excitement, thrills, adventure, danger, intrigue, narrow escapes, breath-taking twists and turns, and pulse-pounding romance. A thrilling, action-packed read!

[JackEllena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rewarding read of a historical romance!

I enjoyed reading this novel. I enjoy reading about strong,intelligent, resourceful women. Strong, brave honorable men. Of course having an evil dangerous opponent trying to destroy them makes a good nights reading of a good story, thank you, Jack.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Barrie had to escape from Lord Huxley. There were men who had been loyal to her father and were willing to help her and her maid to escape. They rode to Scotland to find a friend of her father. Huxley hires Kyle MacLaine and his mercenaries to find her. Kyle finds her and she tells him her story and he believes her. He decides to help her. Now they are both hunted. They encounter many troubles. Will their love get them through it all? Drama, suspense, intrigue, danger, action, excitement, twists and turns will keep you turning pages. Great characters that are fleshed out, well thought out plot, and very well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her father dies and someone she despises tells her she has to marry him. Well she runs along with her maid to a friend but this other man sends someone after her. He finds out things are not always as they seem. But there are twists and turns, danger, excitement, emotions. A very scary and bad situation for her. Are things going to be okay? I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[SHERRY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has interesting well developed characters that are delivered in an original storyline. There is Plenty of twist and turns that will make you fall in love with the hero and heroine. It will keep you up until the last page.

[Demoness Tenebrae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will keep this as brief as possible.

I love Barbara Bard, I really do. I have read many of her books and most I rate 4 or 5*. Even if I couldn't feel the chemistry between the characters I could still enjoy the story. So this is not bias against the author, not at all. I just needed to put that out first so I wouldn't be attacked needlessly.

I give this book 1* because I cannot find one single positive thing to say about it. Not one.

The book on the surface has all of the elements a historical romance book should have. There is a couple with their difficult set of circumstances which in the beginning keeps them apart but then after lots of hardships brings them together. It is set in a historical time period. It is written by a competent good author that has many wonderful works out.

So what went wrong?

Well, I would like to think that this is a result from entering the formula into a computer program and the program giving you a story in return. I would like not to think that this author actually sat down and wrote it. I feel better like that.

The hero and the heroine have zero chemistry. There was no relationship development. They just co-existed some time as separate entities with their own agendas and then just declared their love. I am at a difficulty with finding words with which to describe just how bad this is. The romance part is completely missed.

Then we have a very boring story with riding from one place to another and then another and another. So many boring unnecessary scenes and characters that just fill the pages with meaningless words I would like to use to create an imaginary rope that I would then proceed to hang myself with.

Then there is the kidnapping aspect. Not once. Not even bloody twice. Nope. We have three freaking kidnappings taking place in this story. Of the same woman. The supposed strong heroine of the story. I suppose what you cannot do with a good story you do with over the top repetition.

And lastly we have a villain that is simply a comical parody of a villain that I almost need to give a credit to the author for this achievement. My goodness. With such a stupid reasoning he does an incredibly stupid thing and expects everyone to just ignore the stupidity. Not only that but he never gave up on this incredibly stupid plan he concocted. Not even when almost all of his men died and he lost everything and he was at death's door, not even when his target was safe and secure with protection in another castle, not even when she returned home and he was blocked from entering the castle he needed to put his plans into action... it is simply marvellous in its stupidity. I almost gave it 2* just because of that but then again decided against calling it a positive point.

There were also grammatical and spelling errors.

I hope I never come across anything like this ever again by this author because I do respect and love her other works.

Avoid at all costs and don't be stupid like me to actually purchase it from Amazon. Or anywhere else.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the smoke billows and the fire raged over the village you can here the screams of the dying.
A ten year old hides under a cart as the men in red coats attack and burn his village, rape and kill the women and cut down any others they can find them steal anything they can find. As the leader of the red coats turn the young noticed he has one ear missing! The young lad calls out "I wi' know you again." "You be mine." Ten year old Kyle promises. A Lass for the Haunted Highlander brings you through the dark and turbelent time between Scotland and England. It comes to life with all the danger, vengeance and strife as a web of deceit and revenge are spun that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very end! It starts out fast paced and doesn't stop until the end!  Barbara Bard has filled this story with remarkable emotions, unforgettable characters and a strong plot that brings this read together perfectly and will keep you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Kyle and Barrie until the very end. Years later a Sassenach Lord needs Kyle and his mercenary friends help in finding a wayward lass that has run away from him instead of marrying him. Barrie is a strong willed lass and is running from the Lord who killed her father. When Kyle meets Barrie he vows to keep her safe but Kyle will have to make decisions between revenge or love in this heart pounding story full of drama, action, romance, adventure, trials and tribulations, turmoil and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that makes this one outstanding story!

[Jean Holtof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Bard has a wonderful writing style that is easy to read and yet rich in depth and detail which portray the Highlands in all their magnificent and dangerous beauty. I have Irish and English blood running in my veins so conflict and warring is firmly entrenched in my DNA and the endless struggles that face the English and the Scottish people resonates within me. Barbara has mastered the craft of writing a thoroughly entertaining adventure set in the Highlands. I loved the characters in all their facets.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author does not take you through pages and pages of the Perils of Pauline. Yes there are some complications in the book. But they make sense. Emotionally that makes sense. We have Dylan’s. And the villains are brought to justice – finally. We have romance and sensuality. What my would you want?? How about another great read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues

Lord Huxley is truly something else. He and his father both. As for Kyle, it’s certainly an amazing thing to see how he was able to uncover the last he didn’t think he had and how intertwined his and Barrie’s lives truly are. It was an adventure reading their story.

[Tonya Goodhope · Rating 4 out of 5]

English Lass and a Highlander

I really enjoyed third action packed book; however, how many times can a person get kidnapped. Only problem was the love connection between the two main characters

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lass for the Haunted Highlander

This was an excellent book I couldn't hardly put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next,I would highly recommend this book to any one who wants an excellent read.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

The book was something I was not expecting, all the drama that Kyle and Barrie went through not only them but their friends as well.It is a great read just when you think it's all over some situations presents it self.

[Larcie Fitzmorris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story

A delightful story. The characters were absolutely amazing, watching the characters develop and interact was very entertaining. A delightful tale.

[Sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lass for the Haunted Highlander

A very adventurous story filled with interesting characters and enjoyable plots. Its really good to make your day. Just read it.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved this Story so Much!!

This was such a beautiful story! I enjoyed all the characters except for the Monsters!! I can’t wait to read the next Book!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰