Wicked Passions

Glennoe Highlanders #1

by Nicola Davidson

Scotland, 1504

Bold and wild, Lady Isla Sutherland disguised herself as a lad to hone her gift of sword fighting. But when she is discovered and dragged to court for punishment, it is decreed she must wed at once. To gain time and a chance at finding love, Isla proposes a royal tourney—to the victor her richly-dowered hand in marriage—and the king agrees.

After constant raids, laird Callum MacIntyre’s small but prosperous clan is now on the brink of ruin. His only choice is duty; to set aside his private desires and secure an alliance with a powerful Highland family. Winning the week-long tourney would solve all his problems…if only he was a warrior not a scholar.

Squire Alastair Graham yearns for a wife and children, yet he cannot forget one torrid, forbidden night in his laird’s bed, unspoken of since. Alastair dreads losing his closest friend, but meeting the beautiful Isla is a revelation. She offers to train Callum in secret, and when sword lessons lead to scorching passion for the trio, both men know Isla is the unconventional woman of their dreams.

But the battle for her hand is fierce…and their enemies will do anything to win…

Please note this erotic romance contains explicit sexual content and language.

Series reading order:
1. Wicked Passions
2. Her Wicked Highlander

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Novella, Historical Fiction, M M F, LGBT

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com

Reviews

[mina reads™️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wish this was a full length novel I would have loved it so much if the story had more time to develop but alas. also me and the authors writing style dont get along that well but the concept?? And the character dynamics!? So good

[b.andherbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, when you are in a big reading slump, you just need a romp between a Lady sword master, a Laird, and his second hand man, plus a tourney. The fact swords cross not only on the tournament field but also in the bed just makes this all the better.

Davidson knows how to bring heart and care to her characters, and this was just so much fun to read. Hits me right in the nostalgia for cartoon fox Robin Hood.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WICKED PASSIONS was such a delight! You can't go wrong with a lady sword fighter, a scholarly laird, and a pining squire. The royal tourney was a lot of fun and I adored the sword fighting lessons between Callum and Isla -- talk about sexy foreplay! These three were a lot of fun and I enjoyed Isla's unbreakable spirit even in the face of an arranged marriage that could mean the end of her autonomy. While the circumstances might be dire the angst was minimal and these three were rock solid in their devotion to each other. A fun and sexy MMF historical romance.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:

"You invite a conquering, Isla?"

"And what if I did? What if my desire to conquer halts at the bedchamber door, where instead I wish to surrender and be conquered most thoroughly...by not one man, but two?"

[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This is the first book in Nicola Davidson's Glennoe Highlanders series. While a spin-off from Scandalous Passions, I haven’t read that (but will now!) and it didn’t negatively impact my enjoyment of this book.

I just loved this mix of action, adventure, love, and sex. Davidson does a fantastic job of creating dynamic characters and world building. Isla is an independent woman who’s more interested in swordplay than expected feminine pursuits. Callum knows he must forgo love with his best friend and beloved squire, Alastair, to protect his clan. Alastair is resigned to watching his love from afar. However a King’s tourney will change all their fates.

While I wish it was longer only because I would just love to spend more time with these three, this was a complete story. I loved the various tourney events like archery, stone put, dancing/music, and of course swordplay. Additionally the budding romantic and sexual relationship included all three partners equally. Isla is fierce not only with a sword, but with her encouragement and love of Callum *and* Alastair. They all have their own relationship with each other yet a something more as a unit. There was no doubt by the end that they were getting their HEA.

I’m hoping for more of the trio in Maude’s book, Her Wicked Highlander. And, of course, I’m going to check out Scandalous Passions for more of Lachlan, Marjorie, & Janet.

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicola Davidson has been my go-to author for sexy historical romances for a while now and she does not disappoint with Wicked Passions. I really loved the previous book in the series, Scandalous Passions, and highly recommend it. Nicola returns to 16th century Scotland with a MMF romance this time. Isla, the heroine, is a sword fighter but once she’s discovered, she is forced into marriage. Luckily, she convinces the king to offer her hand and fortune to the winner of a tourney. Callum is a scholarly laird hope desperately needs Isla’s money and connections to protect his home and just as desperately wants his squire, Alastair. The contrast between all three characters, headstrong Isla, cautious Callum, and steady Alastair is what makes this story so great. The attraction between the three, Callum and Alastair already there, and the introduction of Isla is so scorch the pages steamy. Isla has decided that Callum is who she wants to win the tourney and offers to train him in sword fighting but the three also end up engaging in a different form of sword play as well. While the timeline for them all falling in lust and then love is at times rushed, the foundation of Callum and Alastair is already there and Isla fits in perfectly.

Nicola Davidson creates a lush historical setting and quickly pulls the reader into the 16th century. The minor characters, including King James IV, Ladies Marjorie and Janet and Sir Lachlan Ross from the previous book, all continue to stand out. This book is sexy and delightful and yet poignant. Callum struggles with the trauma of his past and the pressures as a leader, Isla with her passion for sword fighting and the realities of her position as a high-born lady, and Alistair with both his place in the world and his place in a relationship with Isla and Callum. There is just as much heart in this story as passion.

*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tournament, tons of sexy times, and I had so much fun reading this sexy book!


So in this story we have Alastair who loves his lord and best friend Callum. Callum who is into Alastair. And then there is Isla, the one who will connect them all. I just love these three together and they make such a wonderful trio. I instantly took a liking to them all. Callum was such a sweet guy who isn’t that much into fighting and would rather just read books and strategize and such. Alaistar who is a big big guy and he is so kind and always there for the ones he loves. Isla, I just love a girl who can wield a sword and who kicks some serious butt. I felt for her, because her family clearly isn’t happy with her being so into fighting (oh and wearing pants). I loved how the boys were totally fine with her being that way and even, despite not being together for real yet, promised that if they won that she would have a happy life filled with swords and pants.

The story was pretty predictable to me. I knew from the start how things would go. How the tourney would end. What would happen between Isla, Callum, Alastair. It was still tons and tons of fun to read, especially since we did get some wrenches thrown in to give the story a bit of a turn, but it just wasn’t enough. I would have liked to see a bit more excitement. Just a tiny bit more. A bit more effort for our trio.

The sexy scenes. is still fanning herself and looking around for ice cubes to put in places Just like the previous book they are HOT. Sizzling even. At times it even became a bit too much for my poor brain. XD I loved all the things these three get up to.

I love that we get to see our trio from the previous books again! I was already delighted to see them mentioned in the beginning, but later two of them are there even more and it made me smile that these three are still happily together!

Again I just cannot get used to reading about cunts. For me that is a curse word, not a word for vagina. XD Also, just like the previous book which was just 150 pages and this one is 180 pages, it felt like 300/400 given that it took me 3/4 hours to read it. Normally with a normal novel it would take me less than two hours to read 180 pages.

But all in all, I had so much fun with this sexy and fun book and I can just say one thing… PLEASE can we have more? I need more!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[IsagelCharles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just the right speed for reading last night when I was kept awake by being ill. My one complaint about it is that it could have been a better book if it had been longer and we got to spend more time seeing the characters’ feelings develop instead of so much happening at first sight.

[Britt Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful romp. If the words "historical MMF" get you excited, you're gonna love this

[Kateryna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivers on the expected story beats with a touch of external tension. Easy poolside read.

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pure Fluff. I liked it, though these novellas would be so much better ... as novels.

I am hoping this will be an unconventional highland romance series with longer installments at some point.

I liked the first installment about Janet, Lachlan and Marjorie so much i picked this one up. Isla appeared in the very last chapter of the first novella. Isla is a lady swordfighter who wants to live a fulfilled life doing the things she loves, with people she loves by her side. Sadly, her power-hungry parents have other ideas. When she is discovered crossdressing and studying swordfighting instead of learning proper piety in a nunnery ... she is to be married, right away. A tourney with entries from all over the highlands will decide who will win Isla's hand in marriage. She was joined in the cast by Callum and Alastair, whom I liked both. Callum is a sweet laird who has a great mum but suffered under a mean, punishing father who didn't believe in him. Alaister was found by Callum's mother as an abandoned child and "adopted". He has since served as squire to Callum and they became very close.

I want to mention that I am trash for a set-up like this. It's the ultimate star-crossed love with sweet wonderful people who are driven into a corner by destiny and have so much healing to do together!

BUT!! This story is rather too short and compact for all three people to shine and get enough development. While the tourney story was well done and I enjoyed it a lot (hopefully the glimpses we got of other Knights and Lairds in the tourney mean we will get their stories too), Isla, Callum and Alastair remained a little too sketchy. Alastair has a lot to grapple with, and even Callum comes to terms with his late father's meanness way too quickly. It's all mentioned, then resolved. I think this is 100% due to the shortness of the novella. There simply was no space on less than 200 pages for a good story, hot sex AND three people. Also, their pasts all remained sad footnotes. A shame! In Book 1, I was okay with it because all three characters had not been properly introduced and just one had a severe crush from afar. But in this book, Callum and Alastair had a friendship that developed for years, yet we don't see it. We are just told. Important events are just mentioned. That's really sad. I honestly wish that the next installment will have an appropriate length that allows for introspection and character development. Even if this is fun fluff, if the characters are well done you just want to see more of them.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series!

Lady Isla, fresh from her scandalous session at ( Scandalous Passions 's) Sir Lachlan's sword fighting school (where she excelled, of course, while dressed as a boy--the horror! ;)) must redeem her reputation by marrying, something she has zero interest in but even less choice about. When King James decides that her suitor will be picked via a royal tourney, it feels like a reprieve of sorts. Maybe the victor will at least support her passion for sword fighting?

She is drawn almost immediately to the scholarly Callum--and to Alastair, his brawny squire. Interestingly enough, they are drawn to...each other *and* quite taken with Isla as well (who could have seen that coming? :)) James chooses some unusual competitions for his tourney, and a few of them just happen to be among Callum's strengths. But sword fighting? That isn't one of them...

You see where this is going, yes? Secret sword fighting lessons for Callum and Alastair, in exchange for lessons of a whole other sort for Isla? ;) Each session is more successful--and more steamy--than the last, but each one also pushes them closer to discovery. And of course, Callum's competitors in the tourney are formidable. Can there possibly be an HEA for the three of them in the end? Or are there too many obstacles?

I mean, of course there's going to be an HEA--it's a romance! Plus, the name of the series is a teensy bit of a giveaway here--it will ultimately be an HEA for three. What I am really enjoying about this series is the relationships, between the members of the menages as well as their relationships with the others who care about them. Even though they can't be as open with their relationships as they deserve to be able to, it is heartening to see that the people that love them are completely accepting of them.

And the--ahem!--swordplay isn't too shabby either. ;)

Wicked Passions is the second book in Nicola Davidson's Highland Menage series. It could be read as a standalone, but why not read them both? If the series name is a draw for you, you won't be sorry!

Rating: 4 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Scotland, 1504 Bold and wild, Lady Isla Sutherland disguised herself as a lad to hone her gift of sword fighting. But when she is discovered and dragged to court, King James decrees she must wed at once. To gain time and a chance at finding love, Isla proposes a royal tourney--to the victor her richly-dowered hand in marriage--and the king agrees. After constant raids, laird Callum MacIntyre's small but prosperous clan is now on the brink of ruin. His only choice is duty; to set aside his private desires and secure an alliance with a powerful Highland family. Winning the week-long tourney would solve all his problems...if only he was a warrior not a scholar. Squire Alastair Graham yearns for a family, yet he cannot forget one torrid, forbidden night in his laird's bed. Alastair dreads losing his closest friend when Callum marries. She offers to train Callum in secret, and when sword lessons lead to scorching passion for the trio, both men know Isla is the unconventional woman of their dreams.
A well written page turning MMF book. The characters have depth & I loved Callum, Alastair & Isla, all have their insecurities, I loved how this threesome found their HEA. Yes it was steamy but also an engrossing story surrounding the tourney. The author had really done her research into the events & also herbal remedies & uses. Of course there are villains who will stop at nothing to get their way, I would have liked one in particular to have had more of a comeuppance. I read this engrossing book in two sittings finishing it in the early hours
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla has been caught training for battle. The king says she must marry. She suggests a tournament. The king agrees and eligible lairds come to Stirling Castle to vie for Isla's hand. Who will win?

I enjoyed this book. I loved Isla's independent and feisty spirit--a true Highland lass. Callum and his squire Alistair go to compete for Isla's hand. Callum's cousin, Red, also goes. I liked that the tournament was not all brawn. It was a combination of arts as well as sports and swords. Each contestant could find something where he excelled. Callum was scholarly but he showed himself to be able to keep up in the sports and swords. Isla takes a liking to Callum and Alistair and a strong dislike to Red. I heartily agree with her.

Isla was good at disguises so was able to leave the castle to visit with Callum and Alistair to help Callum with his fighting. They also showed what else they were good at. I liked that we had the thoughts of all three of these characters and that their thoughts agreed. I have to admit I did not see the aftermath at the castle coming. But I was glad it happened as it did.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Isla hasn’t been acting like a lady, and her parents want her wed. She and Lady Janet convince King James to host a tournament to choose her husband. Isla comes with a large dowry and an alliance with the Sutherlands, her family. The MacIntyre Clan is on the edge of ruin due to persistent raids. The tournament is an opportunity to replenish the clan’s coffers, so Callum and Alastair Graham, his squire, travel to Stirling Castle to take part.

This is an emotional and sexy story. There is already a strong attraction between Callum and Alastair. When Isla comes to help Callum with his sword skills, she is enthralled by the passion between them and is brought into the circle. In addition to the three main characters, the story is filled with strong characters. King James IV, Ladies Marjorie and Janet and Sir Lachlan Ross from the previous book are here along with Callum’s mother. There are a couple of dangerous characters to watch. An entertaining story, engaging characters, and an interesting happily ever after, a good read.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, hot, medieval MMF. She's a lady swordfighter who is commanded to marry for her misdeeds (learning to fight). He's the highland laird who prefers books to fighting, but must win a tournament to marry her and gain her dowry. He's the laird's squire who longs for a repeat of their one night together.

This book is a delight. For a shorter book, the author quickly and effectively creates three dimensional MCs. Some of the secondary characters are less rounded, but I can give that a pass here.

I adored Isla who has always been bold, following her passion to learn swordfighting and posing as a boy to do so, then following her (wicked) passions to help the Callum and Alastair win the tournament and her hand.

In addition to lots of steamy sex, there's excellent historical and swordfighting details, including interesting herbal tidbits such as using clove oil as a numbing agent.

Would recommend!

I received an ARC from the author for review.

[Sadie Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like Tamora Pearce went SPICY. Honestly - picked it up because I saw bi heroes and a lady with a sword. (I am easy to please.) But this ended up being really fun! Isla is badass and not quiet about it. Alistair is everybody's favorite teddy bear boyfriend. And Callum is a cinnamon roll with a reluctance for bloodshed. The way these characters played off each other was cute and fun! Not to mention all sorts of... swording...

I ended up wanting slightly more emotional and character development moments - but this was really more novella length than a full-length novel so that is fine.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Tropes: reluctant hero, girl in pants, girl with sword, tournament for marriage, menage

Subgenre: Historic Romance - Medieval, Erotic Novella

CW/ TW: toxic mother and minor threats of violence, some violent sword play, period-appropriate homophobia (very minor)

[Shayley Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhhh... It was okay. Overall I just found this lacking I'm sorry.

The actual story and story line left quite a bit to be desired. You expect me to believe homeboy just learned how to fight in like a week??? Nah, sorry.

I liked that homegirl was a badass like that but she just irritated me. Like a lot. I don't know why. Just something. She just seemed hella fake. And character development wise, I feel like there was little distinction between her two men. Almost as if the author just had one guy mc and decided to split him in two for the sake of the book. Incredibly disappointing.

Maybe I'm just being extra and expecting too much from this book. (Because it's not really catering to people who are reading for the poetic prose and mystery of the novel and such (myself included)) I get it, but still, have some class at least.

I just really didn't enjoy this. I'm sorry Nicola but that's my truth.

[MadeMarion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I wanted a light read during a busy time. Davidson is a good author, and I really enjoyed her action scenes. From her bibliography in the back of the book, it's clear she put in the time and effort to make the sword fighting and training believable, and flow correctly. I thought they were well-paced and ably balanced the action with the plot.

The characters are lively and fun, and I enjoyed their interplay. I really like that the woman lead is the one teaching the laird swordwork. The character's non-romantic behavior is as interesting as their romantic behavior, which is really important to me in any romance. I thought Davidson did a good job there.

On the minus side, this is the first story I've read with the 'insta-love' aspect to it, and it's not my cup of tea. The sex scenes were good, and Davidson never forgets where a leg or an arm is (a hazard in any such scene!) but I never connected with them as a trio in any real emotional way. You need more than 193 pages to convince me of any relationship I'm not already invested in, to be honest.

The page length is also why I'm not rating this higher. I don't think the book accomplishes what it needs to in the length written. It's fulfills its plot, but it never really takes a moment to breathe. I feel like the author was having a good time writing, but I wish we'd had the chance to read a lengthier exploration of the world at court, and the players within it. Davidson's a good author, I'd have loved to spend time in her world.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable nugget of a queer medieval Scottish romance. It wasn't perfect by any means, but I cared about all the characters, and I love the way Nicola subverted the expectations of the setting. Not only was our heroine the expert swordfighter, but one of the heroes was the softer laird of his clan who valued books, culture, and freedom of expression and the other hero was the only commoner and pretty much the one in charge in the bedroom.

For a novella, she packs in a lot of spice, but it was well balanced by plot and character development. A longer book could have gotten into those more meaningfully, but I enjoyed this a lot for what it is. And the teaser for the next book at the end had me going to get the second one immediately.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nicola pops up in my suggested all the time and I love that she takes on some taboos in a historical setting but this just didn't work at all for me. Her Surrey S- Freedom novellas are some of my favorite but everything I've read since has fallen flat. I'm not buying some petite Highland lass wielding a broadsword and teaching a Laird or is it a Lord how to do the same in a couple days. I get it's a novella but the insta love/lust just felt so forced and the smex was repetitive and clinical, and the historical is wallpaper at best. I skimmed more than I read and still didn't finish this and it was only 180 some pages.

[Natalie]

I don't think this author is for me. If you want something very hot and taboo, a quick hit, this author seems to fit that perfectly. I have a hard time with the lack of personality that the characters have in her books. The storylines are almost silly in how straight to the sex they are. I like a little, or a lot, more building to these moments. Victoria Vale is a similar author but I find the situations more organic. I understand that there totally a place for ND, but I think I need more from my novels, even the quick and dirty ones.

[Nuha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is quite short but honestly it was so pleasant. Easily an underrated book. The writing style always felt accurate and ‘in character’ to the settings the story took place in. It was heartfelt and sweet but also had this heroic feel. The main character was a fierce woman who was able to defend herself, often this trope becomes completely overbearing and jarring to read in lots of books. But in this book it was realistic and refreshing. Fantastic read, I’m excited to read another book of the authors. Now if only I could get her to write reverse harem……….

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m having a hard time finding books that keep my attention (seriously, so many half finished books right now), but this one managed to do it. It’s got action, developed relationships and it’s sexy. For a novella with a plethora of characters, each manages to have their own personalities. The villains were a little one dimensional, but eh, I can live with that.
This author does a great job at not neglecting the romance in erotic romance and I appreciate that.

[Christina, but with tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I think this suffered for being so short. Had it been longer, more fleshed out, then I think I would have enjoyed it more. As it is, it just reads as something that doesn’t fulfill its potential.

I liked the characters, but wanted to learn more about them. I liked their dynamic, but wanted to see more of it, something a bit more slow burn where the emotions would feel more genuine and believable.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMF romance set in 1504 Scotland, in the court of James IV. Lady Isla is being punished for dressing as a lad and learning to swordfight. As a noblewoman, she requests a tourney in her honor to win her hand. She meets Lord Callum MacIntyre and his squire Alastair Graham, and finds she desires both of them. She offers sword lessons to help Callum defeat his cousin Red.

A fun, steamy, surface level. Nicola Davidson is often hit or miss for me, but this was a hit.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 for genera-specific rating. 3/5 overall.

I was unsure about MMF, and I don't generally read pure erotica but I liked the concept of a female sword fighter. I liked the differences in the MMCs, especially one being larger. The love between them made it everything more understandable. I liked that one was a dominant lover regardless of the gender of partner.

Sometimes I felt like the dialog was lacking because of it being a novella. The FMC's communication was "blurted" direct short thoughts that were used to give the MMCs an understanding of her long-term desires but it wasn't endearing, it just seemed like a total shortcut. I think the author could have added a few pages to emphasize the bold character of the FMC without compromising the novella status.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy swordplay and lots of heat

Ms. Davidson’s attention to detail continues to enthrall with her latest release in the Highland ménage series. While reading, I realized how rarely the heroine gets to be the expert at anything and was just ecstatic to find Isla teaching Callum how to sword fight. Lots of hot scenes ensue, but the tension in the contest was my favorite part, and had me fist-pumping the air at the exciting resolution. Loved it!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've been able to read in weeks. Nicola Davidson writes fantastic throuples. Each character loves and is loved fully by the others. The tourney was a fun and exciting structure. I was in love with Isla, Callum, and Aleister from their first appearances. Overall, a sexy and sweet read!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, suspenseful and hot

OK, there’s never really a moment when you doubt the HEA is gonna happen but the journey (or tourney) is worth the trouble. There’s less UST than I would have liked, but smoking hot threesomes, sword nerdery and not outstaying its welcome make this a must read.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody writes historical erotic romance quite like Nicola Davidson. This one introduces us to a lady sword fighter, a scholarly lord, and his devoted squire in Highlander times. Both of the heroes are bisexual and sword crossing occurs. Very hot and sweetly emotional. We also get a cameo from the throuple in Scandalous Passions although this novella would also work fine as a stand alone.