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The Highland Angels #0.5

The Bruce's Angel

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Lady Charlotte MacLeod is desperate to escape marriage to a traitor, so she turns pirate. As the notorious Black Banner, she's able to capture the Queen's ship, and finally get someone to hear her evidence. But she doesn't expect the Queen to be guarded by the man who once stole her innocence and her heart.

Liam Bruce has spent years serving his royal cousin. While he doesn't begrudge this latest guard duty, he does regret that it's keeping him from returning to MacLeod land and the fiery angel he can't forget. But when he unmasks a dangerous pirate in the middle of a desperate battle, 'tis his Charlotte spitting curses at him!

Now it's up to Liam to protect his love from charges of royal treason. Can he convince Charlotte to trust him again?

This novella was previously published in the Once Upon a Pirate anthology.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2019

563 people are currently reading
338 people want to read

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Caroline Lee

162 books654 followers

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5 stars
324 (47%)
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211 (30%)
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102 (14%)
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37 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,921 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2020
A great swashbuckling Highlander book. Caroline Lee captivated me from the beginning. Liam Bruce and Lady Charlotte have a past that they have to overcome plus lots of danger and twist and turns. A most interesting read.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 30, 2020

🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/30/2020)! 🎁
352 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2020
The Bruce’s Angel by Caroline Lee. Excellent short read by Caroline Lee written with her usual attention to detail and historical accuracy. However beware—this is steamy, not sweet and clean.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
April 2, 2020
BEWARE THE BLACK

I truly enjoyed Ms. Caroline Lee’s addition to Once Upon A Pirate. The story had passion and was an adventurous, page-turning tale, along with adding artistic liberties to actual historical events. Having read many books by this author, I was so impressed with her story, ‘The Bruce’s Angel,’ that I have already purchased several of her books in The Sinclair Jewel series and look forward to reading them. I also have pre-ordered and marked on my reading calendar, the first book in The Highlanders Angel series.

The story is about Charlotte MacLeod and Liam Bruce—two people who meet, and there is an instant attraction. Charlotte and Liam make tentative plans for their future, but he is at the call of the King and that will come first. But during their short time together, they make the most of a dalliance. Yes, there are mildly explicit sex scenes in this story.

“If she, the willful and beautiful daughter of the laird, was willing to buck convention for him, who was he to argue?”

Life changes quickly, Liam is ordered back to court, and Charlotte’s father makes a betrothal on her behalf with John MacDonald, sealing her future. But in spite of what she endures, she is a smart person and has evidence that needs to be seen by the King—and when she is denied, she will find a way to the Queen—even if it is considered unorthodox. What happens when she once again see Liam after a year of no communication? Did he use her and then just go on his way or was it more? Now she is being summoned by the King to appear at court!

“What did ye do this time, Charlotte?”

The story is full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, pirates, along with good and evil. Charlotte is a strong-willed, determined woman and doesn’t back down from anything—even if it could lead to her death. Liam learns that she is a woman of great courage and he still wants her, no matter what.

“I’ll stand beside ye, Char. Not in front of ye, nor in back of ye, but beside ye.”

While the story has plans laid out, it doesn’t always drag out details, making it more suspenseful and entertaining. I love the unbridled passion between Charlotte and Liam. I am intrigued by what the Queen offers Charlotte which will lead to the new series and I look forward to reading more about the Angels that will serve the crown.

“Angels, hmm? Beautiful, dangerous, hidden creatures? She could lead the Queen’s Angels.”

“This is not a mission officially sanctioned by the crown, Charlotte. Tis, a secret mission, delivering justice to a traitor who deserves it, although we are unable to condemn him.”

“Condemned by an angel.”

Note; This story was featured in Once Upon a Pirate: sixteen swashbuckling historical romances anthology. It was such an amazing story, that I have continued reading Ms. Caroline Lee's The Highland Angels.
1,645 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2020
I've read books 1, 2 and 3 and this takes place prior to those. I enjoyed how the Queen decided to form the "Angels" which is what part of this story is about - the forming of the group.

You don't have to read the other books of the series, since this is the start.

I was pulled into the story from the first page to the end. It is fast moving, filled with emotion of all kinds. Be warned there is TALK only of a rape.

There is suspense and most of the romance happens before the story starts, but I still felt a connection and knew the love they had for each other.

There is lovemaking, outside and within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 if that.

There is a villain who I wanted it described what happened to him. I wanted to know who was responsible for seeking the revenge? That is my only thing this was lacking.

We have no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance but you still feel the love and some heartache. The story ends at the 89% mark. We get an Epilogue one year in the future. I recommend this series and this author. (ljb)

Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,203 reviews124 followers
April 11, 2020
I gifted a copy of this book.
YESSS! YESSS! YESSS! This is how you should write a Scottish, Highlanders book! Thank you!
Thank you to Caroline Lee for writing, The Bruce’s Angel. Whew, woman! You had my wanting more and more coming from the to lead characters, Liam and Charlotte. Hot darn! The steamy passion transpiring between them two Knocked me off my bed, (get your head out the gutter readers).
Lol. No, I was in awww of how Caroline helped me visualize the love and the care between Liam and Charlotte. I loved how Caroline made Charlotte’s character a strong Heroine, who didn’t need to rely on the brute strength of all the men around her. She was the one leading the charge. Doing that intrigued me even more to read the book.
There is so much that is wrapped up into this book, that I want to read more from this series. My fellow readers, I recommend this book with two snaps and two twist. Until next my fellow readers... read on!
Profile Image for Beverly McCall.
Author 2 books28 followers
April 24, 2020
The Bruce’s Angel, The Highland Angels, Book 0, by Caroline Lee is a delightful medieval romance. Set in the highlands in the early 1300s, we meet Lady Charlotte MacLeod the daughter of a clan’s chief. Lady Charlotte is in love with Liam Bruce but before he can secure her hand from her father he is called away by the Scottish king with a special mission of returning the Queen Elizabeth to safety. In the meantime, as was the custom, Lady Charlotte’s father arranges a marriage to John MacDonald for profitable gains. This marriage is a disaster. John rapes her and realizing she was not a virgin tosses her aside and treats her horribly. When Lady Charlotte discovers John is a traitor to the Scottish King, she leaves and joins with her brother, a pirate. Together they plunder the coastlines. The MacLeod siblings concoct a plan to kidnap the Queen and inform her of the treason of John MacDonald. A sea battle ensues bring Lady Charlotte and Lian Bruce together. Will the Scottish Queen be safe? Will the MacLeod siblings’ plan be a success? Will Charlotte and Lian reconnect? What happens with John MacDonald? To discover answers to these questions, you must read the book.
Ms. Lee created dynamic characters in Lady Charlotte, Lian Bruce, and Queen Elizabeth. They have multiple layers to their personas. There is more to this plot line that a simple romance. Ms. Lee introduces a unique twist when the Scottish Queen wants a secret band of female spies called her angels headed by Lady Charlotte who is a remarkable warrior. Ms. Lee’s dialog is well constructed and allows the characters to reveal their inner strength as well as their hurts. This makes these characters believable. The descriptive language adds value to this story with vivid scenes like the sea battle when the pirates board the Queen’s transport. I enjoyed that this medieval romance was full of mystery, suspense and intrigue. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2020
4 stars ( 5/4 stars Margaret Mallory, Julie Johnstone, Monica McCarty, Lynsay Sands, Donna Fletcher)

4 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book. my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.

The development and interest in main characters and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.

Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action filled.

I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.

Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.

Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 3/5 rating hotness and steam with some ‘dirty’ words thrown in 😉.

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).

would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order however you’ll miss the true telling of the story for books .5 to 3.


Profile Image for Carole Rae.
1,618 reviews43 followers
April 22, 2020
I randomly found this on Amazon. They have so many freebies going on right now. I for sure recommend heading that way!



The story follows Lady Charlotte is being forced to marry a traitor to Scotland and King Robert. No one at court will allow her to speak to the King about this man. In order to escape and save the King, she turns pirate and captures the Queen's ship in order to force them to listen to hear. Liam is the cousin of King Robert and is also the bodyguard of the Queen. He regrets having to leave Charlotte behind for an entire year, but duty calls. Can he save Charlotte from her treasonous acts and convince her to even forgive and trust him again?



This is a prequel to what seems like an interesting series. We get a little introduction to how this girl spy group is formed. Spoiler, no spoiler, but Charlotte's actions will unknowingly set in motion the Queen to create her own little spy group. How fun! I am intrigued to read about the other girls.



This was a fun read. For sure something different and I was worried about Charlotte. GURL kidnapping the Queen is such a bad idea. BUT it worked....ish. LOL. However, desperate times call for desperate measures I guess.



I liked Liam even though he was a bone-head. DUH she thinks you abandoned her. I would've thought the same thing! Sighs. Big, hot, dumb-dumb.



This was short and fun. I am intrigued to read the next full book. I'll stamp this with 4 stars.
Profile Image for AZsenorita.
239 reviews
August 18, 2022
Liam & Elizabeth

This is a cute quick short read with a little steam 🔥 The H is a cousin to the King and is also a Royal guard to the Queen. The h is a Lady that he’s known from childhood. They fall in love as they grow up and make love before the H is summoned by the King Robert Bruce to fight in the war against England. The h is clever resourceful and a brave warrior too. Circumstances separate them twice because the h’s father lies to her that the H is betrothed to another and the father marries her off to a blackguard involved in treason. Pirates, attempted kidnapping of the Queen and finally a marriage and HEA for the couple occur. During this time the Queen establishes the Angels which are a group of covert spies that vow to protect the Queen and the h is set to be the leader of the group. It was a cute short light read.
Profile Image for Charlotte Ewing.
133 reviews
September 17, 2021
Scottish pirates with a little Charlie's Angels! This series is for those that are Charlie's Angels fans or like Queen Catherine's "Flying Squad" on the TV show Reign. I know this was just a prequel--introducing us to how the angels were formed, etc, so I understand that it wasn't going to have a well rounded romance. I would have liked to get to know the characters a little more though and would have liked Charlotte to put up a little bit more of a fight (i mean she's a female pirate for freaks sake!) but she so easily gives into Liam. She also is very weak in her love for him. I would have thought her badass personality would have seeped into their relationship more. Nevertheless, looking forward to reading the series!
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
February 2, 2024
Caroline Lee always writes entertaining stories and this one is no exception! She makes her characters come alive and when I finish reading one of her books, I always feel like I actually met these characters in real life:)

I've read some of the Highland Angels books but for some reason I missed this one! This is Charlotte and Liam's story and although there are some misunderstandings that keep them apart for a year, when they meet up again....well let's just say, she acts like a true pirate! lol There is one "trigger" in the story that I wasn't too crazy about but otherwise it was a fun read. Doesn't hurt that my favourite historical figure, Robert the Bruce and his Queen, make an appearance:)

Well written novella!!
78 reviews
May 13, 2020
The Bruce a.d his Lady

The setting for this book is in Scotland in the early 1300's . Caroline really made me feel like I was there in Scotland. I really like the use of Scottish words it really helped with the setting. Lady Charlotte's father has arranged a marriage for her to John McDonald. He is a horrible man. And lady Charlotte is in love with Liam Bruce but before Liam can ask for her hand in marriage he is called away for special mission to returned Queen Elizabeth to safety. To discover all that happens with Lady Charlotte and Liam Bruce you must read this book.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,089 reviews87 followers
January 3, 2021
Lady Charlotte Macleod has been betrayed by her father when he betrothed her to a traitor,  when she insisted she loved another.  That lover then abandoned her.  It's time to take justice into her own hands.  

Liam Bruce is cousin to the King and has duties to perform that have interfered with his plans.  The last place he expects his lover to turn up is on the other end of a blade to his neck.

This is the first book in a new series and lays the groundwork for some even more exciting stories.  

I loved it. 
1,024 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2022
quick read to explain the formation of the Queens Angels

Sketchy and quick tale of Liam and Charlotte. This is more a tale of how Charlotte rose to prominence in the court of the Bruce. Liam doesn’t have much of a role except as a love interest and sexually attracted to Charlotte. We know he’s honest, honorable and loyal. This story is related to the Sinclair Jewels series and the Macleod Pirate. It’s fun to see Travis and Charlotte as grown ups.
1,121 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2023
Good start to a new series to me, looking forward to the rest.
When seemingly abandoned by the man who promised her marriage, and after her father forced her into a betrothal to a rival clans youngest son, Charlotte was delighted to find evidence of his treason against King Robert. But no one at court will listen to her or read her evidence. So Charlotte decides to kidnap the queen and ask her for help.
But does Charlotte now face treason charges of her own?
Profile Image for Gina.
2,392 reviews31 followers
April 1, 2020
Desperate measures

What happens when a woman.is spurned and then attacked. She learns how to fight and becomes a pirate. She uses this to get a message to the queen about an enemy. Except the man who spurned her is guarding the queen. Oh boy. But things come out and their love was ambushed. Now maybe they can be together if she doesn't get hanged for treason.
91 reviews
April 16, 2020
I loved the storyline and the characters. I could not put the book down and finished it in 1/2 a day. Thank you for the great story. I went right into the next story but want to know more about the characters from this book. thank you for helping to keep my entertained while not being allowed to teach
Profile Image for Whitney .
987 reviews31 followers
October 9, 2020
The Bruce’s Angel is the prequel to The Highland Angels series and I just loved getting to enter this new world and meet these new characters. I just loved getting to read this story. I was just drawn in and I just fell in love with these characters and I was so sad to turn the last page. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
61 reviews
October 13, 2020
I enjoyed this story. It was shorter than many other stories which is just what I wanted to read today. The main characters were very much in love. The manner in which the story ended for the heroine was unique and perfect for her abilities. Some of the plot may have been true to Scottish history. And the story has a very happy ending.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,706 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2020
Liam and Charlotte were in love. When the king ordered Liam back to his side Charlotte was sure he would be back for her. However her father has arranged a marriage for her with John MacDonald. She tries to talk her father out of this union but he tell her Liam is already betrothed. She suffered a lot at John’s hands. Now she is out for vengeance.
This is an interesting short book.
Profile Image for K YB.
191 reviews
December 15, 2020
2,5/5
It had potential but felt like everything happened fast and wonder if it has historical annotations that are correct. Nonetheless, them reuniting and fighting for 1h and then making up was too fast and just not realistic, and while I liked the ending and the job Charlotte received, it all felt too good to be true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Picky_Book_B1tch.
625 reviews57 followers
December 16, 2020
So that was a fun, quick read. Now I want more and isn't that the point of prequel. I picked this up because I have a thing for pirate stories and also who doesn't love a highlander? I got both in this book and a strong female lead, another love of mine. It's a win all around. Now onto the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,797 reviews
June 19, 2022
This is my first Caroline Lee and it was a fun read. Pirates, high-seas, feisty heroine and her lusty man. It reminded me of the harlequin books I read so many years again. This read like a prequel to me which I am glad I read first as it was a quick read. I am curious to see what the other elite angel's are up to.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
110 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2025
Great story—I need more of it!

Great story! Charlotte is a strong, intelligent women and who fights for what she wants. Liam is loyal and loving, even though in answering his king’s summons he has to leave Charlotte with no explanation. The queen’s “sentence” for Charlotte is a great premise that I love!
372 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2020
Very good

I like Highlander stories. This one is short and I read it in a couple of hours. The main characters are well written and make you,like them. I hope you will like this book too. Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Belinda K Miller.
227 reviews
August 2, 2020
A great love, strong women and handsome strong scots!

Love concurs all! A lasting love and the unloving father putting a daughter in harm's way! A stronger daughter than the father thought and her love being stronger!
Profile Image for Barbara R. Cady.
1,081 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2020
Angel or hellion??? Good question!

Being a tad headstrong myself, I found Charlotte to be a kindred spirit. You have to admire a woman who takes charge of her life, come what may. Liam is the kind of man we all wish for.
Profile Image for JackEllena.
430 reviews
October 13, 2020
An exciting historic romance!

I enjoyed reading this novel very much. The characters are wonderful and so right for each other. The action is riveting and exciting. A forever love makes zany romance worth reading, thank you, Jack.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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