A Hellish Highlander

Clan Ross #3

by Hildie McQueen

When a warrior's fiercest battle is between his heart and his oath!

Warrior Kieran Ross, the youngest son of Laird Ross, is intent on finding his father's killer and exacting revenge, even if it means losing his own life. While tracking his enemy, an unexpected encounter with a familiar face could ruin all his plans.

When village girl Gisela Munro happens upon the same handsome man who insulted her, she is forced to ask for his help. Little does she know; the simple action will wreak havoc on both of their lives.

The day Gisela disappears, Kieran once again faces the anguish of losing someone he loves.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval, Scotland

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2020

About the author

Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimately, “A Hellish Highlander” is a delightful novel with an engrossing story and endearing characters!

Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hellish Highlander by Hildie McQueen
Clan Ross series #3. Historical highlands romance. Can be read as a standalone.
Kieran Ross is intent on revenge. Nothing will get in his way. Not even the feisty Gisela Munro, whom their mother’s feel would be a good match. Kieran saw his father gutted by Ethan McCleod and is determined to track the man down. Though he doesn’t have time for family, let alone marriage, when Gisela disappears and it seems that Ethan has her, Kieran is on the trail to destroy him once and for all.

A fast moving story of intentional chase, family, romance and revenge. Gisela is a strong female, unimpressed with Kieran’s thirst for revenge even though it does help her.
Secondary interwoven bonus romance of Ian and Ceilidh adds considerable depth to the story. He’s lost an arm as a guard and doesn’t feel any woman would want him. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful as she convinces him otherwise.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge... A strong motivator and if was the focus of Kieran Ross's life as he had seen his father die before his eyes when he was younger.
He has been tracking the man he saw kill the Laird and he doesn't have time for anything else except his focus. That makes everyone weary of him and appears very distant.
Gisela Monroe makes soaps and lives in a cottage with her mother a distance from the village. Her mother is anxious for her to marry,
As these two meet for the first time, all does not go well. But their lives are about to intersect and take them on a journey of healing and love.
Hildie McQueen always creates amazing stories that pull at the heart and I know when I pick up one of her books. I will not be able to put it down until the end. Perfectly wonderful.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible. I was excited to read Kieran's book. I knew it would take a feisty hellion to tame him. As with the previous books in the series, the characters were wonderful. Kieran is as temperamental and Gisela is stubborn. Together they made a great match and a fantastic story. It was also nice to have Ian and Ceilidh's story mixed in. They make such a lovely couple. This series has been an amazing read and I plan to read all of the books together. Will Ewan get a book? I sure hope so.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kieran and Gisela. Love that Kieran wasn't just a pretty face even though it's never not mentioned how ridiculously good looking he is. I'm actually really glad that it didn't play a huge part in his and Gisela's story. Gisela is awesome, and I wish we say more of her in the following books. Good story about revenge, loss, grief, and purpose.

[Moonlight 🌸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first two, book 3 felt a bit repetitive. I skimmed through most of it as what I really wanted to see was Ethan’s end. An okay read...

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hellish Highlander by Hildie McQueen takes us again to visit Clan Ross, most specifically, the last son, Kieran. Kieran was present when Ethan McCleod had gutted his father, Robert, Laird of Clan Ross. Since then Kieran had been hunting the man. Always a little behind him. One day he would find him and kill him. Everyone warned him that it would not take the pain away, that he would still be hollow, but her knew better. At his sister's wedding, well, near it, it met a beautiful, half-wild girl named Gisela. He was attracted to her and admired her, but he could not think of marriage until after McCleod was dead. Sadly, his mother, her mother, and her aunt did not agree and so when the Clan Ross people returned home after the wedding festivities, Gisela went with them, ostensibly as Kieran's betrothed, despite the fact she said she was not. And he said he was not. The night before he was to return her to her cottage, she disappeared. He asked questions and tracked her and discovered McCleod had her. Did he follow her or was he simply following McCleod? No one knew, but his brother dispatched guards and archers to follow.

This is the third Clan Ross book and it was totally enjoyable., even though Kieran is totally unlikable. One of the things McQueen always does is to include lesser romances in her books so that the reader has something to keep track of as the main story unfolds. This time it was Ian and Ceiledh. Ian was a guard who had lost part of his arm in battle. Ceiledh had helped him recover his health, but of course, he thought she would not want him because he had lost part of an arm. He was no longer whole. They got that worked out with humor and resilience. Elspeth had her first child and Merida was with child.
All of this made the book enticing and entertaining to enjoy. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of A Hellish Highlander from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars 3.5/4 (Margaret Mallory, Julie Johnstone, Monica McCarty, Lynsay Sands, Donna Fletcher)

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book.

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). You get series book characters, nicely written and enjoyable.

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. The Scottish dialogue wasn’t difficult to follow and there’s also modern vocabulary. Action packed.

Laugh out loud humorous moments.

Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top, some ‘dirty’ words intertwined rightly in the story telling. Short story 2.5/5 hotness and steam.

Totally recommend author.

Will read the next book by the author.

You don’t have to read the book in order however I think you miss the true story of it’s not read in its order.

side note…i find there are missing/conclusion storylines in each book which can a little ‘sooooo what happen’.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kieran and Merida. The book starts with the backstory of when Kieran watched his father being murdered by Ethan. Brutal and very detailed to explain his deep rooted desire for revenge. He comes across her while she is selling soap in a local village and she slaps him for propositioning her. He's extremely attractive and this is new for him (to be denied). He is on his way north looking for Ethan but gets sidetracked when he comes across her, thinking she's in trouble. He gets held up at the Munro keep (his sister Verity is to marry Munro's oldest son) and they avoid each other as much as possible because there is something there. He leaves after the wedding to continue his journey. Meanwhile, her mother has been trying to marry her off to someone/anyone and with the use of the Munro laird/wife, they settle on her leaving with the Ross clan with the intention of marrying Kieran. She sees it as a way to escape the consistent nagging to find a husband and knows Kieran will be gone for a couple of weeks. She intended on having him return her to her home when he returns knowing that he had no desire to marry her. Despite that being the plan they develop feels. Ethan kidnaps Merida and takes her north to draw Kieran out and finally have their go at each other. In the battle, Kieran is hurt and Merida is weak from being starved. Ethan ends up falling off the cliff taking away Kieran's ability to kill him for revenge. Merida returns home and Kieran heals. His cousin comes to town and can tell there is a girl issue and after being told about her, he says he wants to meet her. She's back at the Munro keep, and they come across her. Her mother is still trying to marry her off and Ewan (the cousin) says he will marry her but Kieran is having none of it and marries her himself.

[Sandra Standefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Clan Ross series. Although a stand-alone book. Hell bent on killing the man that killed his father Kieran has been chasing his revenge for a long time. While heading to the northern border he sees Gisela Munro running across a field when she falls he stops to help and realizes that it is the same girl that he offended the last time he was in the Village. Thrown together at the Munro keep for the wedding festivities Kieran can’t help but be attracted to the feisty Gisela, but Kieran has no time for the attraction he has a mission to avenge his fathers death.

Giesla’s mother has different ideas as she is determined to find Gisela a husband and Kieran is in her sights. As determined as he mother is to find her a husband Gisela is just as determined to remain single. I loved Kieran’s story, he is so full of guilt and his revenge that he needs somewhere soft to land and to help him. Gisela is perfect for him, feisty, independent and understanding. I definitely recommend reading this series!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I've read all the books in the series, they can be a stand alone.

I didn't care for book 2 of the series, A HARDENED WARRIOR (Clan Ross Book 2), because it ended in a cliffhanger. I read too many books to remember all the details when the next book comes out, which ended up being true. Which is why I can say you don't have to follow the series, because the author does a great job giving us info to help understand the current story.

What the H goes through when his father is killed consumes him. He is cold and doesn't care about anything except avenging his father's death. There is a scene with the h and it isn't explained how a villain was able to get into the keep.

There is suspense, violence, romance builds slowly, HEA and a tad of spice within marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5.

There are several stories besides our H/h and you will not be lost as the author has a way she introduces them.

I did feel a connection to the H/h. I especially liked how our h was spirited and knew how to handle herself.

I recommend this series and author. (ljb)

[Corina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author needs to keep her storylines straight

Insane. That is what I must be, because I continued onto the third book hoping it would be better structured and the storyline wouldn't be as muddle....only to be fooled again. Name mix ups and character mistakes abound. In this book the author created a character called Caylen Munro. Second born son to the Laird and a rogue, despite the author creating in book two a Caylen McKenzie, second born to the Laird as well. She just overlooked theses details and then had them all compete in games and festivities. Or the fact that in book one the character, Verity, was sexually active, but her wedding night went without the traditional witness of bloodied sheets. The author's book one and two included this in the storyline. The death of Ethan was anticlimactic after three books of the brothers vowing revenge. Their cousin Aidan disappeared in book one and the author never got around to tying up that storyline. Poof, just gone.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kieran Ross watched his father killed and now has only vengeance on his mind. The mad man responsible is proving hard to track.  

Gisela Monroe sells perfumed soap that she makes and prefers to live in her cottage away from the village.  Her mother however is determined to find her a husband.  To that end she makes herself indispensable to the Laird's wife.  There is a big celebration coming up so everyone is set to work.  

This story actually has two seperate romances.  Our main hero is devastatingly handsome and is used to causing a stir,  but he is so angry that many are afraid of him.  All except our main heroine.  She's just trying to avoid her mother's matchmaking.  

This is part of a series but easily read on it's own.  You will meet characters from other books in the series so it's better to read the series in order to avoid spoilers.  A very exciting story with fabulous characters.  

I loved it.  

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋

From the prologue I was completely absorbed into this book, and my heart was Kieran’s.
His fight for his father’s life when all seems lost shows his deep strength and his love for the man.
Be warned it’s quite graphic at this point. But necessary.

The rest of the book is a journey that he has to take , one of Revenge, it’s also learning curve.
It doesn’t matter who advises him he won’t listen and does it his own way , but you can see that this is needed to it’s another lesson for him .
He needs to grow and mature, and he does slowly get where he needs to be . It’s wonderful to read.

It was heartening to see his relationship gradually blossom with Gisela, she had her own battles and Kieran was there to help her.
A very satisfying experience to read this book and see the end achievements for both characters.

I loved the book and love Hildie’s style of writing .
More soon please

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

After revenge

Kiernan wants revenge for his fathers death and lived for it until its all he sees! Gisela has a thriving soap business and away from her mother who would take a!.let any able bodied man to bed! Kiernan is handsome so much so that no woman has refused him until now!? Gisela slaps him after he makes an improper proposition to her she is a lady and niece to the Laird! Kiernan is drawn to her and through Gisela mother and her uncle she is sent to the Ross keep unknown to Kiernan! Their betrothal is at somewhat slow and drawn out at first neither sure of the other! Kiernan initially beds almost anyone many women stop in their tracks a this breathtaking male!
Ethan Kiernan enemy that slew his father in front of his eyes grows more bold and in his madness does the unthinkable!!! What will Kiernan and Gisela do when their lives hang in the balance and Kiernan coldness hides the truth!? This woman means everything to him but is he too late??

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book slightly more than the one before I. The series, but that’s probably just because I loved the way this one (book 3) seemed to have a clearer ending even tho the stories do continue on after this one. Brian J. Gill always does an excellent job narrating the audiobooks. He, along with the the strong characters, just seem to pull you through time and into the story. I love being able to switch between print and audio depending on what I’m doing at the time. My only complaint is that the gorgeous man had blonde hair in the book, and being such a visual learner,seeing the redheaded model on the cover was a disappointment. The cover art is great, but everyone and then when reading or listening to a book, I refer back to the cover to solidify my vision of the characters. (I know, that’s probably strange) 😂 But the book is fabulous and the series continues after this one, I just haven’t reach those yet. 😊

[Debbie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kieran Ross the youngest son of Laird Ross watched his father be killed and now has only vengeance on his mind. He’s tracking madman Ethan McCleod across country when he run into Gisela Munro. Everyone who see Keiran are astounded by his handsomeness and Gisela is no different, but she’s doesn’t let him know it. Gisela happens to be the soap girl who he insulted last summer, but now she needs his help to return to the castle. The two are like fire and water, both are attracted to each other and neither wants to wed. Her mother has gone to the castle to ask Gisela’s uncle to find her a husband. A captivating story and it was good to see Ian and Ceilidh's story mixed in and interacting with our hero and heroine. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book three of Clan Ross series, we meet the youngest son of the Laird Ross. Kieran had the misfortune to be with his father when he was killed. What remains of that terrible day, rests in Kieran’s mind and haunts him where ever he is. He is determined to find the killer and make him pay for his deeds. As a result, everyone is rather careful around him due to the fact he is always seems unapproachable. Even when he meets Gisela Munro selling her perfumed soaps in the village he insults her, and then she is forced to ask for his help. What will happen next between them makes for an adventurous tale. I have loved meeting the characters in the Clan Ross series. Hildie McQueen takes pride in her Scottish Clans and this makes for a wonderful reading experience.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 Stars

The rating for this one is simply based on me liking the heroine Gisela most. She had a lot of spirit and she really came to life unlike many of Hildie's characters. So I definitely liked her. And Kieran was a decent hero if kind of flat. Fueled by guilt and revenge and apparently so pretty he gets the shock, gasp and stare treatment everywhere he goes despite scowling and remaining unapproachable. Surreee. The fact it was mentioned repeatedly felt stupid. Why was his Godly good looks such a defining characteristic for him? It didn't serve much purpose to either the story or the character himself.

Either way I mostly enjoyed this one over all the others. Gisela was a lovely heroine and her mother was an odd one but fun at times.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking like an Adonis and a gift from the Gods, Kieran Ross is the youngest brother of the Ross Clan, but the scariest. Although his beauty makes both women and men stare, his intimidating manner and gruff nature scares everyone he meets, except a beautiful young woman named Gisela Munroe.
Focused on avenging his father's death, he is not prepared to be distracted by a woman, even one as lovely as Gisela, but fate often has other plans and as this wonderful plots twists and turns with murder, jealousy, and revenge, this extremely emotional and passionate book is all consuming, especially with Hildie McQueen's mastery in penmanship.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Extremely Emotional Romance Story:
For a short story this has all of the elements of an epic novel.
Revenge and love dominate the plot. Wonderful thrilling characters along
with all of the secondary characters kept this story moving at a fast pace.
Tons of drama, many intense scary, and emotional situations.
I laughed, I cried and I highly enjoyed this heartfelt touching story.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
This authors stories are all consuming and I highly recommend.
Mature reader:

[Judith Sherrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hellish Highlander

Keiran's story was just a bit different in that he had a mission to avenge his father's death by Ethan McLeod. Ethan was completely mad. In his quest to find Ethan and kill him, Keiran kept running into Gelisa. She was attracted to him and he her but the timing wasn't right. Until Ethan kidnapped her and was going to kill her when Kieran came to her rescue.

[Gretchen Fraley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but?

I enjoyed the story but am left with questions. I feel the twit of a sister(Ross) should have had the same wedding night as explained in the other books and been discovered impure and unworthy as she is known to the reader. It would only be fair for her and her mother to experience some humiliation. Then later said to be nice and quiet????? That's my main complaint I am bloodthirsty lol I didn't quite feel the connection between H/h but otherwise fun read

[Sharon Dubuque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Kieran was really hindered since watching his father die before his eyes. Thereafter he was never the same. Revenge ate him away. All the lassies vied for his attention, but to no avail he was not up to paying attention to any one lass. Then he met Gisela running in the field. She did not pay attention and flirt like others. She was a wildcat. You’ve got to read and find out all the going ons.

[Brittany S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for the secondary characters…

My least favorite characters and story…

Kieran is a bore and Gisela a shrew. Neither were really likable until 80%. You do get a HEA, but…

Pace was choppy. Grammatical errors, misspelled words, and felt very much thrown together as there was lack of detail and substance. I would have not finished had it not been for the secondary characters. I feel Ian deserved his own book.

[BROWN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief and Revenge

A spectacularly written series. I have been caught up in each book from the word go. They build and expand upon the previous stories, each one with its own unique twist. This one, to me, was the most intense. The pain and grief Kieran has fought from the beginning catches up with him. His quest for revenge overtakes him until he meets Gisela. Powerful series.

[gary c lehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story......

I've enjoyed reading this story of the adventures of a highlander, the story was a very entertaining and splendid change. I'm usually a romance and early western America reader. The author has done a wonderful job of giving me a very pleasant way of spending a couple of evenings. Great!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The healing of Kieran Ross.

This was my favorite of the first three books in this series. There was great action and romance in Kieran and Gisela’s story. There were also side stories including Tristin, Malcolm and Ian. This was definitely a book I couldn’t put down. I am hoping there is a fourth book, perhaps Ewan’s story?

[Marla Higdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved this couple. I just wondered did his brothers ever understand what he had to see and do when his father fell and died. That was what made him so special to me. And I loved her no one else would have worked..

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

I was so happy to finally get to this book in the Clan Ross series! It has all the feels! The H/Hbare amazing together. I enjoyed the banter and sparks between them. I happy to see this brother finally find what he really needed in the end