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The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #5
Highland Thief
When a Highland laird makes a promise, nothing can stand in his way...
No one ever accused Kerr Macalister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when he makes up his mind about something, no one will change it. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.
Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and deadly sexy Scot. It wasn't until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her, that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her.
But Isobel knows how to hold a grudge and won't be swayed unless he proves his love. So she tricks him into believing she's eloping with another man. Kerr responds by kidnapping her to a remote cabin in the Highlands where both love and danger lurk...
Will this Highlander's fate be to finally have the woman of his dreams?
No one ever accused Kerr Macalister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when he makes up his mind about something, no one will change it. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.
Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and deadly sexy Scot. It wasn't until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her, that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her.
But Isobel knows how to hold a grudge and won't be swayed unless he proves his love. So she tricks him into believing she's eloping with another man. Kerr responds by kidnapping her to a remote cabin in the Highlands where both love and danger lurk...
Will this Highlander's fate be to finally have the woman of his dreams?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2021
49 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Alyson McLayne
10 books316 followersAlyson McLayne is a mom of twins and an award-winning writer of contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. She’s also a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast of Canada where she worked in film for several years and met her prop master husband.
Alyson has been nominated for several Romance Writers of America contests, including The Golden Heart, The Golden Pen, The Orange Rose, Great Expectations, The Molly’s and The Winter Rose.
Her debut historical romance, Highland Promise, will be published by Sourcebooks in October, 2017. Highland Promise is the first of five books in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. Highland Conquest will come out in February, 2018.
Alyson and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate lab puppy named Jasper.
Please visit her at www.alysonmclayne.com and look her up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne) or Twitter (@AlysonMcLayne). She loves chatting with her fans!
Alyson has been nominated for several Romance Writers of America contests, including The Golden Heart, The Golden Pen, The Orange Rose, Great Expectations, The Molly’s and The Winter Rose.
Her debut historical romance, Highland Promise, will be published by Sourcebooks in October, 2017. Highland Promise is the first of five books in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. Highland Conquest will come out in February, 2018.
Alyson and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate lab puppy named Jasper.
Please visit her at www.alysonmclayne.com and look her up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne) or Twitter (@AlysonMcLayne). She loves chatting with her fans!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 30, 2021
I really enjoyed the first 3 books in this series. I didn’t really enjoy the 4th but still wanted to see Kerr’s story. I’m sincerely befuddled. First of all, it’s been unfortunately hard to get invested in the story. Second of all, Isobel... she’s so childish. I can’t even fathom the explanations behind her pranks. Like a 23 year old lady, this is what you do with your life?? Play prank upon prank and tell yourself it’s justice? Like how did the author come up with this idea? Literally Isobel has no other priority than to pull pranks. And I don’t even think she has any precise reason to reject the hero. I really wanted to grasp the deeper reasons to actions but there was zero. It’s almost like Alyson wanted to give each couple very different issues and dynamics, and she got an inkling feel about this idea, then decided to ride with it. Sincerely speaking, it’s not working at all. There’s a war going on, and conspiracies, and this Isobel’s focus is on dunking men into manure??? My goodness.
August 15, 2021
Barbara’s Rating: 3.75 of 5 Stars
Series: The Sons of Gregor Macleod #5
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Medieval Scottish Highlands - 1453
Number of Pages: 384
I thoroughly enjoyed Kerr and the excitement of the chases and battles in this book. The descriptions of the crags, crevices, and forests made you feel as if you were right there on Diabhla’s back with him as they dashed away from their foes. I absolutely loved Eirik and Siv and would have loved to see more of them in the story rather than the small bit of page time they were allowed. I loved that we finally have a resolution to who was behind all of the attacks and threats throughout the series. What I absolutely did not love was Isobel. She was spoiled, self-centered, immature, and one of the most childish ‘heroines’ I’ve ever read. I had to slog through her childishness for 72% of the book before she finally had the epiphany that her tricks and traps were hurtful and dangerous – and that only happened after one of her tricks and subsequent temper tantrums almost got her and Kerr killed. I have absolutely no idea why Kerr would love her so much and pursue her so hard. Frankly, I was rooting for him to throw her into the manure trench she’d dug and tried to trick him into falling in it. The author only left a scant 28% of the book to manage to redeem Isobel – and frankly, that just wasn’t enough time. She was getting there, but it was too little, too late in my book.
Through each of the books of the series, we have born witness to the brother’s clans being attacked – one by one. Through their strong alliance, each attack has been thwarted. What none of them have been able to figure out is who is the mastermind behind the attacks. This book starts off with the brothers and their armies returning to MacKinnon Castle after their last battle. They are taking some rest time before the brothers leave for their own clans and keeps. Kerr MacAlister is the last unmarried brother and he hopes to remedy that before he leaves. He has long loved Isobel MacKinnon and wants desperately to make her his bride. While he doesn’t think she’s ready for marriage, he’d like to get things settled between them. But she has a bee-in-her-bonnet about something to do with him and he doesn’t know what it is or how to fix it. He loves Isobel and takes great delight in figuring out her traps and then thwarting them. Yet, then she devises one elaborate trap, and he’s sure it is a trap – but what if it isn’t? He’ll figure it out, thwart it, and then turn it to his advantage.
That trap, and what happens after, nearly gets both of them killed – but it uncovers an army massing to attack Kerr’s clan. As they are greatly outnumbered and Kerr is fearlessly fighting to save them, Isobel finally realizes her little trick could be the cause of Kerr’s death. They have to escape – Kerr can’t die – and they have to manage to save his clan.
I could easily give this story a 5-star rating if it weren’t for Isobel. If I were rating just her character, I’d give it maybe a 2-star rating. This is the last book in the series, but it doesn’t seem like a complete wrap-up. Yes, we know who the villain is – and he got his punishment, but it still seemed as if we were left hanging with the Campbell angle. Maybe we’ll get another book that features Gregor and his deceased wife’s cousin. At any rate, it was an exciting read with some wonderful characters – and one dud of a character. I would, however, read it again just to be able to spend time with Kerr, his brothers, Eirik and Siv.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Sons of Gregor Macleod #5
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Medieval Scottish Highlands - 1453
Number of Pages: 384
I thoroughly enjoyed Kerr and the excitement of the chases and battles in this book. The descriptions of the crags, crevices, and forests made you feel as if you were right there on Diabhla’s back with him as they dashed away from their foes. I absolutely loved Eirik and Siv and would have loved to see more of them in the story rather than the small bit of page time they were allowed. I loved that we finally have a resolution to who was behind all of the attacks and threats throughout the series. What I absolutely did not love was Isobel. She was spoiled, self-centered, immature, and one of the most childish ‘heroines’ I’ve ever read. I had to slog through her childishness for 72% of the book before she finally had the epiphany that her tricks and traps were hurtful and dangerous – and that only happened after one of her tricks and subsequent temper tantrums almost got her and Kerr killed. I have absolutely no idea why Kerr would love her so much and pursue her so hard. Frankly, I was rooting for him to throw her into the manure trench she’d dug and tried to trick him into falling in it. The author only left a scant 28% of the book to manage to redeem Isobel – and frankly, that just wasn’t enough time. She was getting there, but it was too little, too late in my book.
“Isobel was not married, did not have children, and enjoyed devising elaborate plots and traps to put deserving people in their place. She was judge and jury for bad behavior, and when it wasn’t a crime that warranted her brother’s intervention, or when the offender was her brother, beloved or not, she took it upon herself to call the person out. Publicly. Nobody wanted to get on her bad side – except maybe Kerr MacAlister.”
Through each of the books of the series, we have born witness to the brother’s clans being attacked – one by one. Through their strong alliance, each attack has been thwarted. What none of them have been able to figure out is who is the mastermind behind the attacks. This book starts off with the brothers and their armies returning to MacKinnon Castle after their last battle. They are taking some rest time before the brothers leave for their own clans and keeps. Kerr MacAlister is the last unmarried brother and he hopes to remedy that before he leaves. He has long loved Isobel MacKinnon and wants desperately to make her his bride. While he doesn’t think she’s ready for marriage, he’d like to get things settled between them. But she has a bee-in-her-bonnet about something to do with him and he doesn’t know what it is or how to fix it. He loves Isobel and takes great delight in figuring out her traps and then thwarting them. Yet, then she devises one elaborate trap, and he’s sure it is a trap – but what if it isn’t? He’ll figure it out, thwart it, and then turn it to his advantage.
That trap, and what happens after, nearly gets both of them killed – but it uncovers an army massing to attack Kerr’s clan. As they are greatly outnumbered and Kerr is fearlessly fighting to save them, Isobel finally realizes her little trick could be the cause of Kerr’s death. They have to escape – Kerr can’t die – and they have to manage to save his clan.
“Pain thudded through her arm and chin, but it was dulled, muffled through heartache and sorrow, through fear that this mighty Highlander was going to die because of her. If she hadn’t left the castle, if she hadn’t insisted on staying once they were here, if she had married him two years ago, when she knew he wanted her to …”
I could easily give this story a 5-star rating if it weren’t for Isobel. If I were rating just her character, I’d give it maybe a 2-star rating. This is the last book in the series, but it doesn’t seem like a complete wrap-up. Yes, we know who the villain is – and he got his punishment, but it still seemed as if we were left hanging with the Campbell angle. Maybe we’ll get another book that features Gregor and his deceased wife’s cousin. At any rate, it was an exciting read with some wonderful characters – and one dud of a character. I would, however, read it again just to be able to spend time with Kerr, his brothers, Eirik and Siv.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 25, 2022
I love historical romance … add in a strong, confident, alpha male … 😍 Now put this man in a kilt and make him chivalrous — and we have sexy highlander perfection! Alyson McLayne has written a story that captures your attention and doesn’t let go. Everything about this book —including the mystical setting, the endearing characters, the beautifully crafted angst, and pulse pounding passionate romance — all come together to create a #mustread story!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
@sourcebookscasa @sourcebooks
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
@sourcebookscasa @sourcebooks
Want to read
January 14, 2022After reading the reviews I don't think I am going to like this. But I already bought it. It sounds bad. Why didn't I read the reviews first.
July 10, 2021
I found this to be such a wonderful story to read and quite entertaining! The heroine of the story, Isobel, is a real minx but her heart's in the right place:) I loved the banter between her and Kerr, many times I was giggling at their antics.
Isobel and Kerr have known each other a long time and she's forever setting traps for him and her brother because, well, they are annoying! Kerr has determined that she is the one for him but convincing her of that is another thing!!! One does not tell Isobel what to do!
Well written and never a dull moment, a really fun read!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Isobel and Kerr have known each other a long time and she's forever setting traps for him and her brother because, well, they are annoying! Kerr has determined that she is the one for him but convincing her of that is another thing!!! One does not tell Isobel what to do!
Well written and never a dull moment, a really fun read!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 12, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I will say that I have been a fan of this author and this beloved series since the very beginning with "Highland Promise" when I fell in love with all of these brothers and their adopted father that brought them all together "Gregor" (which seriously please please Alyson give us his story even if its a novella) Highland Thief I am assuming is the finale of the series and I was utterly captivated and drawn into the story pretty quickly. And while it's not one of my favorites, it definitely somehow won my heart when in the beginning I wanted to strangle a certain character. The talent of this author never ceases to surprise me and this story was a pure delight on every page.
Highland Thief begins by taking us back to time to the Scottish Highlands to Kerr MacAlister and his brothers coming home from battle, and this time he came close to losing his life and he is determined more than ever to claim Isobel as his wife. But the battle of his life....will be winning her trust and heart. Isobel doesn't trust easily, and she knows that as a woman there isn't much she can do, her abilities lie in a different nature than those of her sisters. She plays tricks on those that harm others whether it's intentional or not, and in her mind it brings balance to the clan, and is a sort of cleansing for all involved. She seems to stay one step ahead of everyone except one infuriating Scot....Kerr. He always sees the traps that she sets and she can never get one above him and she is determined more than ever to make it certain. Isobel is crafty and cunning and beautiful, and Kerr has loved her for a long while. But he knows receiving her gift of love in return will not be an easy task for him to accomplish and it might take a kidnapping, some battles, and a lady wolf to prove his devotion to his lovely lass.
Highland Thief was quite an entertaining read, and I had so much fun with this one here. I will be honest in that I was supremely anxious about the heroine. I was careful not to read reviews because I wanted to go in with a clean palette and zero expectations. I wasn't sure how easy this book would become to be fully invested in, but why oh why did I lose faith in this author?? Because on the FIRST page I was sucked straight into the story and I loved every part of that experience. I can tell you that I loved how this author crafts her storytelling and I was hooked. Now I first want to talk about my issues with the book, which is really only one issue. The heroine. *sigh* I swear more and more I am seeing heroines that just aren't my cup of tea and are problematic. And this heroine was a struggle for me to truly enjoy. I do not like "bully" heroines in romance. And while I found her contribution to the clan quite inventive, it just rubbed me the wrong way. And what she was going to do to her own BROTHER?? Man if it wasn't for the talent of this author and knowing she would give me a win, I am not sure I could have kept going on with the story but alas....this author won my heart despite my protests. I had no chance haha This author definitely knows how to write a captivating read. And while it was written to suit those with modern sensibilities, it was also done with subtlety so it felt more genuine in many ways.
Highland Thief is an adventure, with a bit of a road trip adventure (kinda) and some sexy bantering, fun laughs and some sword fighting between some Scots and a Welsh with a wolf...maybe he will be getting a story. *crossing fingers* I actually had a blast with the way that the plot developed in this story and I just couldn't get enough of seeing where this author was taking me in this book. Now, this does have some elements of the unrequited love trope, this is from the heroine. She is very resistant to the hero even though she feels the underlying chemistry between them. I think much of her resistance comes from issues she has with herself and a lack of trust in the male species. But as their chemistry builds, and they have to work together to survive, she sees Kerr as a male worthy of her trust and love. And seeing this transition was so beautiful to see. I found it utterly delightful seeing her change toward Kerr. It was slow going in some ways, but I did become in love with the heroine even though I struggled with aspects of her character in the beginning. I see her as a woman worthy of Kerr and willing to stand by his side and fight for him and their love and she won my heart in that fierce loyalty to him.
Overall I found Highland Thief to be a sensation thrill of twists and turns that kept me guessing, this author had me turning in circles wondering what the next move would be, I was stunned by the way that this author worked this story, Highland Thief is a book that will warm your heart, excite your senses and offer all the heart and beauty of the highlands!
I will say that I have been a fan of this author and this beloved series since the very beginning with "Highland Promise" when I fell in love with all of these brothers and their adopted father that brought them all together "Gregor" (which seriously please please Alyson give us his story even if its a novella) Highland Thief I am assuming is the finale of the series and I was utterly captivated and drawn into the story pretty quickly. And while it's not one of my favorites, it definitely somehow won my heart when in the beginning I wanted to strangle a certain character. The talent of this author never ceases to surprise me and this story was a pure delight on every page.
Highland Thief begins by taking us back to time to the Scottish Highlands to Kerr MacAlister and his brothers coming home from battle, and this time he came close to losing his life and he is determined more than ever to claim Isobel as his wife. But the battle of his life....will be winning her trust and heart. Isobel doesn't trust easily, and she knows that as a woman there isn't much she can do, her abilities lie in a different nature than those of her sisters. She plays tricks on those that harm others whether it's intentional or not, and in her mind it brings balance to the clan, and is a sort of cleansing for all involved. She seems to stay one step ahead of everyone except one infuriating Scot....Kerr. He always sees the traps that she sets and she can never get one above him and she is determined more than ever to make it certain. Isobel is crafty and cunning and beautiful, and Kerr has loved her for a long while. But he knows receiving her gift of love in return will not be an easy task for him to accomplish and it might take a kidnapping, some battles, and a lady wolf to prove his devotion to his lovely lass.
Highland Thief was quite an entertaining read, and I had so much fun with this one here. I will be honest in that I was supremely anxious about the heroine. I was careful not to read reviews because I wanted to go in with a clean palette and zero expectations. I wasn't sure how easy this book would become to be fully invested in, but why oh why did I lose faith in this author?? Because on the FIRST page I was sucked straight into the story and I loved every part of that experience. I can tell you that I loved how this author crafts her storytelling and I was hooked. Now I first want to talk about my issues with the book, which is really only one issue. The heroine. *sigh* I swear more and more I am seeing heroines that just aren't my cup of tea and are problematic. And this heroine was a struggle for me to truly enjoy. I do not like "bully" heroines in romance. And while I found her contribution to the clan quite inventive, it just rubbed me the wrong way. And what she was going to do to her own BROTHER?? Man if it wasn't for the talent of this author and knowing she would give me a win, I am not sure I could have kept going on with the story but alas....this author won my heart despite my protests. I had no chance haha This author definitely knows how to write a captivating read. And while it was written to suit those with modern sensibilities, it was also done with subtlety so it felt more genuine in many ways.
I want to hear again that you missed me when I was gone. That you worried about me--like you admitted to before. That you were happy to see me arrive back safe and sound. That when I kissed your neck today, your knees grew weak and shivers ran up your spine. That when we spar, or you try to trick me and dump me in a pile of dung, you feel more alive than at any other time during your day. That when you see my hands, or my body, or my lips, you think about them touching your hands, and your body, and your lips. When you see me, Isobel, that you know I really see you too.
Highland Thief is an adventure, with a bit of a road trip adventure (kinda) and some sexy bantering, fun laughs and some sword fighting between some Scots and a Welsh with a wolf...maybe he will be getting a story. *crossing fingers* I actually had a blast with the way that the plot developed in this story and I just couldn't get enough of seeing where this author was taking me in this book. Now, this does have some elements of the unrequited love trope, this is from the heroine. She is very resistant to the hero even though she feels the underlying chemistry between them. I think much of her resistance comes from issues she has with herself and a lack of trust in the male species. But as their chemistry builds, and they have to work together to survive, she sees Kerr as a male worthy of her trust and love. And seeing this transition was so beautiful to see. I found it utterly delightful seeing her change toward Kerr. It was slow going in some ways, but I did become in love with the heroine even though I struggled with aspects of her character in the beginning. I see her as a woman worthy of Kerr and willing to stand by his side and fight for him and their love and she won my heart in that fierce loyalty to him.
Overall I found Highland Thief to be a sensation thrill of twists and turns that kept me guessing, this author had me turning in circles wondering what the next move would be, I was stunned by the way that this author worked this story, Highland Thief is a book that will warm your heart, excite your senses and offer all the heart and beauty of the highlands!
August 31, 2021
This is book 5 in the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. I have was very excited to read this series and I wish that I could say that I loved this series because I have loved all of the other books, but Isobel held out too long for me. This is Kerr Macalister and Isobel MacKinnon's story. I really wanted to love this book, but I personally just found Isobel to be a spoiled brat. I did not find her endearing at all. I know that I was supposed to find her tricks, etc. cute, but I just found them to be immature. At this point in history I am unsure how she did not just end up dead.
While the second half of the book was an improvement, I struggled greatly to get through the first half. There might be a reader out there who would be able to look past Isobel's immaturity, but I am not that reader. I am glad that I read it, so I will be prepared for future books by Alyson McLayne because I am going to consider this anomaly.
While the second half of the book was an improvement, I struggled greatly to get through the first half. There might be a reader out there who would be able to look past Isobel's immaturity, but I am not that reader. I am glad that I read it, so I will be prepared for future books by Alyson McLayne because I am going to consider this anomaly.
December 27, 2021
3.5 stars
As Gregor has 5 foster sons this should be the last book in the series. But I think the writer left room for another one, perhaps Gregor? I would read it. (hint..hint..Alyson...)
I like these characters would love to see more of their stories.
Book #5 starts off slow & kind of dull. I was like, "eh...not too keen on this one." But then in the middle there are some surprises & it starts to get good.
The story picks up and becomes more interesting.
Kerr & Isobel have been foreshadowed in the previous books so I'm glad to see we're addressing their story.
Ewan is still a cutie. Loved Erik & Siv. They were great additions to the characters and I would love to read more about them. (hint..hint..Alyson..)
Overall, a decent way to end a series.
As Gregor has 5 foster sons this should be the last book in the series. But I think the writer left room for another one, perhaps Gregor? I would read it. (hint..hint..Alyson...)
I like these characters would love to see more of their stories.
Book #5 starts off slow & kind of dull. I was like, "eh...not too keen on this one." But then in the middle there are some surprises & it starts to get good.
The story picks up and becomes more interesting.
Kerr & Isobel have been foreshadowed in the previous books so I'm glad to see we're addressing their story.
Ewan is still a cutie. Loved Erik & Siv. They were great additions to the characters and I would love to read more about them. (hint..hint..Alyson..)
Overall, a decent way to end a series.
July 15, 2021
Full disclosure: This one was a DNF for me. I don't typically like to leave reviews if I don't finish a book, but on the other hand, I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Not writing a review wouldn't be honest, would it?
A further disclosure is that this is the first book in this particular series that I read or tried to read anyway. It's possible that if I'd read the previous four books, I might have had a greater appreciation for the couple that stars in this one. That said, I liked the hero Kerr well enough. His main flaw was finding anything interesting in the heroine Isobel. For her part, Isabel was incredibly annoying. All she did was play tricks on Kerr that could be described as mischievous at best and mean-spirited at worst. True, Kerr seemed to relish her attempts, but for me... Meh. I just couldn't see any chemistry.
It's possible that the book eventually takes a turn for the better. However, I read just shy of half of the book and I just couldn't stand Isobel any longer. I tried taking breaks and coming back to the book once or twice, but it got to the point when trying to pick it up again just made me angry.
If you look at other reviews, it seems that I'm in the minority. If you're familiar with this author or the series, you know what you're getting into and will probably like it. For me though I just can't read one page more.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I appreciate the opportunity even if I didn't appreciate the book. Thanks!
A further disclosure is that this is the first book in this particular series that I read or tried to read anyway. It's possible that if I'd read the previous four books, I might have had a greater appreciation for the couple that stars in this one. That said, I liked the hero Kerr well enough. His main flaw was finding anything interesting in the heroine Isobel. For her part, Isabel was incredibly annoying. All she did was play tricks on Kerr that could be described as mischievous at best and mean-spirited at worst. True, Kerr seemed to relish her attempts, but for me... Meh. I just couldn't see any chemistry.
It's possible that the book eventually takes a turn for the better. However, I read just shy of half of the book and I just couldn't stand Isobel any longer. I tried taking breaks and coming back to the book once or twice, but it got to the point when trying to pick it up again just made me angry.
If you look at other reviews, it seems that I'm in the minority. If you're familiar with this author or the series, you know what you're getting into and will probably like it. For me though I just can't read one page more.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I appreciate the opportunity even if I didn't appreciate the book. Thanks!
August 8, 2021
For all those who would like to embark on a short adventure with handsome and powerful highlanders, this author has prepared the last story of this series The Sons of Gregor MacLeod. And it does not matter if you have read the previous ones, this story can be read as a stand-alone without any problem.
They say that the line between hatred and love is really thin. Maybe what scares us the most is exactly what we need and want the most ...... Such is the story of Isobel and Kerr, two strong characters who throw sparks whenever they are in the same space ..... And maybe he manages to avoid all her perfectly planned traps, but still finds himself trapped in love that offers him both strength and fear, but will this beauty finally fall into his trap?
To be honest, I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book. The writing style is quite simple and easy to read, with enough details and descriptions to take the reader into the forests and lakes of the highlands. The idea, as well as the realization itself, are not bad at all, but somehow I cannot get rid of the feeling that the couple is not well balanced. Kerr deserves a different partner, a feisty and brave lass who will suit his greatness. He is a character who is irresistible, handsome and charming, patient and careful enough. Brave and loyal, Kerr is the true epitome of masculinity and virtue. Even the moments when he shows weakness and doubts about himself, offer insight into the complexity of his character and arouse additional sympathy among readers. In contrast, Isobel from the beginning does not look like a lady who deserves such a man, she is irritating. She reminds me of a spoiled brat who has no sense of morality and respect for other people. Her actions are disgusting, and her constant rejection of Kerr’s offers, especially the last one is so repulsive that you just do not understand how he can love her. She changed her ways toward the end, but unfortunately, I couldn’t perceive her other than as a spoiled brat. This book has a lot of sexy scenes, but I somehow failed to feel the chemistry between the characters.
They say that the line between hatred and love is really thin. Maybe what scares us the most is exactly what we need and want the most ...... Such is the story of Isobel and Kerr, two strong characters who throw sparks whenever they are in the same space ..... And maybe he manages to avoid all her perfectly planned traps, but still finds himself trapped in love that offers him both strength and fear, but will this beauty finally fall into his trap?
To be honest, I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book. The writing style is quite simple and easy to read, with enough details and descriptions to take the reader into the forests and lakes of the highlands. The idea, as well as the realization itself, are not bad at all, but somehow I cannot get rid of the feeling that the couple is not well balanced. Kerr deserves a different partner, a feisty and brave lass who will suit his greatness. He is a character who is irresistible, handsome and charming, patient and careful enough. Brave and loyal, Kerr is the true epitome of masculinity and virtue. Even the moments when he shows weakness and doubts about himself, offer insight into the complexity of his character and arouse additional sympathy among readers. In contrast, Isobel from the beginning does not look like a lady who deserves such a man, she is irritating. She reminds me of a spoiled brat who has no sense of morality and respect for other people. Her actions are disgusting, and her constant rejection of Kerr’s offers, especially the last one is so repulsive that you just do not understand how he can love her. She changed her ways toward the end, but unfortunately, I couldn’t perceive her other than as a spoiled brat. This book has a lot of sexy scenes, but I somehow failed to feel the chemistry between the characters.
February 20, 2025
Кер МакАлистър и Изабел МакКиниън
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Кер е закоравял воин. След като му се налага да убие баща си и чичовците се, когато е едва 17 годишен, за да спаси своя живот и този на клана си, както и за отмъсти за смъртта на майка му, Кер вярва, че носи злото в кръвта си. И все пак, обучен от великият Грегор Маклауд, Кер иска да направи света по-добро място за клана си, за братята си и за жената, която смята да направи своя съпруга. Тя обаче изглежда е твърдо решена да направи всичко по-силите си, това да не се случи.
Още когато е младо момче Кер знае, че един ден ще се ожени за сестрата на своя осиновен брат Гавин. И по всичко личи, че Изабел иска същото... до денят в който решава, че го мрази. След като на смъртният й одър майка й кара Гавин да обещае, че ще позволи Изабел сама да избере кой да бъде неин съпруг, тя е твърдо решена, че това няма да е Кер. За нея се превръща в мисия да се заяжда с него,да му залага капани и да е вечната опозиция. Когато гениалният й план да го накара да вярва, че е решила да избяга с друг мъж, я отведе до лодка насред езеро през нощта, Изабел ще разбере, че Кер не е толкова лесен за манипулиране, а когато жувота и на двама им е изложен на риск, Изабел ще осъзнае, че Кер би пожертвал живота си за нейния, и че тя е готова да направи всичко, но да не го пусне да се отдели дори за миг от нея.
Ок, от всички герои до сега в тази поредица Кер явно ще ми е любимия. Вярващ, че в кръвта му тече зло, както е било с баща му и повечето му роднини, той е винаги внимателен да не се отдаде на тъмната страна, която вярва, че притежава. И все пак той е весел, забавен, галантен и невероятно чаровен. Въпреки цялото магарешко държание на Изабел, той не се отказа от нея дори за миг, а Изабрл си беше чисто магаре. Тя се заяждаше нонстоп с него, дори когато беше поласкана от държанието му, тя избираше да го нагруби. Беше досадна, инфантилна, рязка, вършеше простотия след простотия, всеки път в който Кер й предложеше сърцето и душата си, тя ги стъпкваше. Винаги правеше грешните неща, казваше грешните неща и го нараняваше. До сега съм чела мнлго книги с дразнещи героини, ама тук Изабел просто разби дразномера ми.
Обожавам обаче сцените в които Кер трябваше да се бие, за да я защити. Тези сцени бяха толкова силни, Кер е наистина ненадминат воин и сцените бяха съпер интересни и наелектризиращи.
Относно злодея и мотивите му... Авторката се опита да ни подведе, и поне при мен се получи, тя наистина ме прати по грешна следа.
Въпреки раздразнението ми от Изабел, от средата на книгата, много хубаво ми потръгна и много ми хареса. Малко съм тъжна , че поредицата приключи и че авторката няма други книги, които да прочета, но наистина се насладих на книгите. Препоръчвам ги.
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Кер е закоравял воин. След като му се налага да убие баща си и чичовците се, когато е едва 17 годишен, за да спаси своя живот и този на клана си, както и за отмъсти за смъртта на майка му, Кер вярва, че носи злото в кръвта си. И все пак, обучен от великият Грегор Маклауд, Кер иска да направи света по-добро място за клана си, за братята си и за жената, която смята да направи своя съпруга. Тя обаче изглежда е твърдо решена да направи всичко по-силите си, това да не се случи.
Още когато е младо момче Кер знае, че един ден ще се ожени за сестрата на своя осиновен брат Гавин. И по всичко личи, че Изабел иска същото... до денят в който решава, че го мрази. След като на смъртният й одър майка й кара Гавин да обещае, че ще позволи Изабел сама да избере кой да бъде неин съпруг, тя е твърдо решена, че това няма да е Кер. За нея се превръща в мисия да се заяжда с него,да му залага капани и да е вечната опозиция. Когато гениалният й план да го накара да вярва, че е решила да избяга с друг мъж, я отведе до лодка насред езеро през нощта, Изабел ще разбере, че Кер не е толкова лесен за манипулиране, а когато жувота и на двама им е изложен на риск, Изабел ще осъзнае, че Кер би пожертвал живота си за нейния, и че тя е готова да направи всичко, но да не го пусне да се отдели дори за миг от нея.
Ок, от всички герои до сега в тази поредица Кер явно ще ми е любимия. Вярващ, че в кръвта му тече зло, както е било с баща му и повечето му роднини, той е винаги внимателен да не се отдаде на тъмната страна, която вярва, че притежава. И все пак той е весел, забавен, галантен и невероятно чаровен. Въпреки цялото магарешко държание на Изабел, той не се отказа от нея дори за миг, а Изабрл си беше чисто магаре. Тя се заяждаше нонстоп с него, дори когато беше поласкана от държанието му, тя избираше да го нагруби. Беше досадна, инфантилна, рязка, вършеше простотия след простотия, всеки път в който Кер й предложеше сърцето и душата си, тя ги стъпкваше. Винаги правеше грешните неща, казваше грешните неща и го нараняваше. До сега съм чела мнлго книги с дразнещи героини, ама тук Изабел просто разби дразномера ми.
Обожавам обаче сцените в които Кер трябваше да се бие, за да я защити. Тези сцени бяха толкова силни, Кер е наистина ненадминат воин и сцените бяха съпер интересни и наелектризиращи.
Относно злодея и мотивите му... Авторката се опита да ни подведе, и поне при мен се получи, тя наистина ме прати по грешна следа.
Въпреки раздразнението ми от Изабел, от средата на книгата, много хубаво ми потръгна и много ми хареса. Малко съм тъжна , че поредицата приключи и че авторката няма други книги, които да прочета, но наистина се насладих на книгите. Препоръчвам ги.
August 3, 2021
While this is the last book in this series, it can be read as a standalone. I havent read any of the other books, but now I really want to.. From the glimpses I got of all the couples I definitely want to read how they all got together..
Isabelle and Kerr have been dancing around each othe for years.. She was promised to him, but when Isabelles mother on her death bed told her she had a choice, that she could marry whomever she wanted she took that seriously.. Now years later all Kerr and Isabelle seem to do is aggravate each other.. Kerr knows that the only woman for him is Isabelle even if she won't admit it.. Isabelle is terrified of her feelings for Kerr, so instead she riles him up on purpose, and lays traps for him to get back at him when hes being especially annoying.
She also lays traps for others in her clan.. anyone that has some sort of injustice done to them knows that Isabelle will get them back somehow..
When Isabelle decides that she needs to lay one last trap for Kerr, which involves going out on a moonlit night and pretendings shes running off to elope with someone else, hoping that Kerr will come after her.. Of course he does.. he has been in love with her forever.. and this leads them on an awsome adventure.. Where Isabelle learns how to do all the things she has never been allowed to do, like fishing and cooking.. She gets to talk to Kerr about all the things shes always wanted to know about his life and what its like when he goes off to war with other clans.. The different strategies, and plans he and others hes with makes to win.. Along the way they begin to really see each other in ways they didn't get to before, and realize that they have loved each other the whole time and they are RIGHT for each other.. Isabelle just needed to see Kerr in action with her to figure out what she actually knew all along.
The chemistry was amazing, a slow burn romance, where your yelling at the couple to just kiss already!
Im very happy to have discovered a new author to dive into, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Isabelle and Kerr have been dancing around each othe for years.. She was promised to him, but when Isabelles mother on her death bed told her she had a choice, that she could marry whomever she wanted she took that seriously.. Now years later all Kerr and Isabelle seem to do is aggravate each other.. Kerr knows that the only woman for him is Isabelle even if she won't admit it.. Isabelle is terrified of her feelings for Kerr, so instead she riles him up on purpose, and lays traps for him to get back at him when hes being especially annoying.
She also lays traps for others in her clan.. anyone that has some sort of injustice done to them knows that Isabelle will get them back somehow..
When Isabelle decides that she needs to lay one last trap for Kerr, which involves going out on a moonlit night and pretendings shes running off to elope with someone else, hoping that Kerr will come after her.. Of course he does.. he has been in love with her forever.. and this leads them on an awsome adventure.. Where Isabelle learns how to do all the things she has never been allowed to do, like fishing and cooking.. She gets to talk to Kerr about all the things shes always wanted to know about his life and what its like when he goes off to war with other clans.. The different strategies, and plans he and others hes with makes to win.. Along the way they begin to really see each other in ways they didn't get to before, and realize that they have loved each other the whole time and they are RIGHT for each other.. Isabelle just needed to see Kerr in action with her to figure out what she actually knew all along.
The chemistry was amazing, a slow burn romance, where your yelling at the couple to just kiss already!
Im very happy to have discovered a new author to dive into, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
December 22, 2021
DNF at page 23. I never write reviews but I felt like I needed to because I spent $6 on this at my local Walmart. Anyways this simply wasn’t it. The main character, Isobel is so childish and annoying I quite literally felt sick while reading the first chapter but I decided to push through to meet the hero. I would like to say that the first chapter is just the heroine standing and talk about pranking and how she pranks people who deserve it as punishment on behalf of her clan. Mind you the person could simply be annoying and will be tricked into falling in a pit on manicure. At first glance I asked myself “who has the time and energy to dig a pit and fill it with manure for one person” but I decided that this isn’t a book and this isn’t a character you should take seriously. This is a twenty something year old woman that only thinks about pranks and how she dislikes Kerr for no reason while her clan is in the middle of a war.
July 26, 2021
4-4.5 Stars! This is the last book in the ‘The Sons of Gregor MacLeod’ series but the first that I’ve read and can be read as a standalone. I love a good historical Scottish romance especially when it has a strong female main character! This author is up there with the best historical Scottish romance authors, think Amy Jareck, Eliza Knight, Tanya Anne Crosby, Suzanne Enoch, Shana Galen, & Bronwen Evans. I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of the series and I highly recommend this book! It’s got action, heat, passion, adventure, sexy times, sad bits, and witty banter - the perfect balance for an awesome book. I want a brawny, sexy highland Warrior, with the Scot’s accent, to love me like Kerr loves Izzy! Anyone know a sexy Scotsman’s looking for love? Haha! Kidding, sort of!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
March 7, 2022
Isobel and Kerr are quite the crazy couple in this story, but I will say this, they are very smart when it comes to paybacks. I liked the comedic moments among the characters while speaking about how they became attached to their betrothed. Isobel character stood out the most for me. It’s how she controlled the keep or managed it without her brother assistance. How she cared for all who looked to her for guidance.
Kerr was happily in love with Isobel for that. Their romance was entertaining for me. I was curious to see how he would win Isobel heart. In all this was a good book to read.
Kerr was happily in love with Isobel for that. Their romance was entertaining for me. I was curious to see how he would win Isobel heart. In all this was a good book to read.
July 5, 2021
1.75 stars
Well, this was a disappointment. I really didn't like Isobel character at all. When a moving into a new chapter, it felt very disjointed and very confusing at times.
Trigger Warnings: death, violence, and mentions of sexual abuse
Well, this was a disappointment. I really didn't like Isobel character at all. When a moving into a new chapter, it felt very disjointed and very confusing at times.
Trigger Warnings: death, violence, and mentions of sexual abuse
August 22, 2021
Maybe 3.5 stars
If you have been following the series, you know that Kerr MacAlister has planned to marry Isobel MacKinnon, but plots against his foster brothers, war, and even Isobel herself have kept him from claiming her. But now that her brother Gavin has found his son and has married, Kerr feels it is time and sets out to win Isobel.
Years ago Isobel was infatuated with Kerr, but when he spurned her request for a kiss, she tried to quash those feelings and instead turned her attention to making him pay for his callousness. Isobel is known far and wide as the Beauty of the Highlands, but what she should be known for is her pranks, tricks, and traps that she springs on those who have wronged someone and she believes require punishment. To date, she has not been able to catch Kerr in one of her traps and that only fuels her ire towards him. So when he makes it clear that he wants to marry her, she comes up with a plan to catch him in one of her tricks, and this time she is sure he won’t figure out and she will finally have her revenge. She will trick him into thinking that she is eloping with another man and make a fool of him when he comes after her. What could go wrong?
This is a well-written, action-packed story, that picks up shortly after the end of the last book. Kerr has finally decided it is time to claim his bride, but Isobel is not going to make it easy for him. The story doesn’t really take off until after Isobel puts her plan to fool Kerr into play, but once he follows her, the story picks up speed and it is a non-stop adventure until the very end. The book has a little of everything, graphic fight scenes, great secondary characters, cameos from the other “brothers”, a villain who is finally revealed and who is dealt with accordingly, steamy love scenes, surprising revelations, and finally the long awaited HEA of Kerr and Isobel. I liked the book but there were some things that kept me from loving it, for instance, I had a really hard time liking Isobel, she was incredibly immature and I thought her “tricks” were petty, spiteful, and stupid, I don’t understand why Kerr was so crazy for her and seemed to be proud of her ridiculous plots and plans, but to each their own, I suppose. I also felt that while this story did answer the question of who has been attacking the clans, it didn’t feel like it really made sense – why attack all the other clans and fail each time before going after who you ultimately wanted all along – I don’t just don’t get it. I also wonder what happened to Eirik and Siv, they just seemed to disappear. In the end, it was an exciting, action-filled adventure that gives readers some closure and answers long-standing questions and if you have been following the series, I would highly recommend reading this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
If you have been following the series, you know that Kerr MacAlister has planned to marry Isobel MacKinnon, but plots against his foster brothers, war, and even Isobel herself have kept him from claiming her. But now that her brother Gavin has found his son and has married, Kerr feels it is time and sets out to win Isobel.
Years ago Isobel was infatuated with Kerr, but when he spurned her request for a kiss, she tried to quash those feelings and instead turned her attention to making him pay for his callousness. Isobel is known far and wide as the Beauty of the Highlands, but what she should be known for is her pranks, tricks, and traps that she springs on those who have wronged someone and she believes require punishment. To date, she has not been able to catch Kerr in one of her traps and that only fuels her ire towards him. So when he makes it clear that he wants to marry her, she comes up with a plan to catch him in one of her tricks, and this time she is sure he won’t figure out and she will finally have her revenge. She will trick him into thinking that she is eloping with another man and make a fool of him when he comes after her. What could go wrong?
This is a well-written, action-packed story, that picks up shortly after the end of the last book. Kerr has finally decided it is time to claim his bride, but Isobel is not going to make it easy for him. The story doesn’t really take off until after Isobel puts her plan to fool Kerr into play, but once he follows her, the story picks up speed and it is a non-stop adventure until the very end. The book has a little of everything, graphic fight scenes, great secondary characters, cameos from the other “brothers”, a villain who is finally revealed and who is dealt with accordingly, steamy love scenes, surprising revelations, and finally the long awaited HEA of Kerr and Isobel. I liked the book but there were some things that kept me from loving it, for instance, I had a really hard time liking Isobel, she was incredibly immature and I thought her “tricks” were petty, spiteful, and stupid, I don’t understand why Kerr was so crazy for her and seemed to be proud of her ridiculous plots and plans, but to each their own, I suppose. I also felt that while this story did answer the question of who has been attacking the clans, it didn’t feel like it really made sense – why attack all the other clans and fail each time before going after who you ultimately wanted all along – I don’t just don’t get it. I also wonder what happened to Eirik and Siv, they just seemed to disappear. In the end, it was an exciting, action-filled adventure that gives readers some closure and answers long-standing questions and if you have been following the series, I would highly recommend reading this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
August 23, 2021
Book: Highland Thief
by Alyson McLayne
Series:The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, Book #5
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: August 24, 2021
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blog Rating : 5/5 Saltire Flags 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
(Scotland 1432)
This all started twenty years ago, with Laird Madadh MacAlister leading five clans in attacking Gregor MacLeod's keep and losing. Giving his word to his deceased wife Kellie, Gregor promises to find a solution and peace among the feuding Clans. He comes up with a plan: each Laird has to give them his heir, their oldest son for fostering. Each son is destined to be the next Laird, if their fathers do not agree they will be punished by death! Each Laird reluctantly agrees, with a promise they will see their boys again and MacLeod will not harm the boys in any way. Gregor MacLeod is thinking with his head not his heart wholeheartedly agrees! He knows if they were his blood kin he would have asked the same.
(Scotland 1453)
This is the Kerr MacAlister’s story, who is the last unmarried foster son of Gregor MacLeod, obviously not his biological father, but the father of his heart! Kerr wishes Gregor was his biological father with all his heart, as his foster father’s prediction came true that Kerr’s biological father, Madadh MacAlister would one day try to kill him! Kerr recently comes home to find his sweet mother murdered, leaving her body for the livestock to gnaw on which made him sick. Madadh attempts to murder Kerr his own son, but does not succeed and in defense and for the murder of his sweet mother Kerr kills his own father In his own defense! Now Kerr is the Laird of Castle MacAlister and determined to win hIsobel (Izzy) MacKinnon, the beauty of the highlands that owns his heart! For the past four years he decides the beauty of the highlands would one day be his bride. Kerr hasn’t even touched or looked at another woman since making this earth shattering decision, he also hasn’t asked the lady in question either. A woman he does not realize when she was fifteen he had rejected and broke her heart!
Isobel (Izzy) MacKinnon has known Kerr MacAlister since she was only two months old and has loved him the majority of her life! That was until she was fifteen years old and Kerr being deep in his cups rejected her affection and broke Izzy’s tender heart! In retaliation Izzy hardened her heart and has been trying to set traps for her humiliation mostly with animal dung! Except Kerr knowing her so well can trick him! He spots the tracks just by the expression on her lovely face before she can even set her smelly trap! However since setting his sites on her he also chases off any man that shows an interest in his Izzy! After all nobody ever accused Kerr of being a nice man, but when Kerr MacAlister makes up his mind about something nothing and no one can change it!
For Izzy it is very annoying, but at the moment it is helpful since she isn’t interested in anyone else! So she doesn’t have to reject anyone herself with Kerr chasing all her would be suitors away. Plus the fact she keeps having these intimate-steamy-hot dreams about Kerr! It is also so exasperating! Another problem for Kerr is feeling he has tainted bloodlines and nowhere honorable or good enough for his highland beauty. As his father was a wicked sadistic monster which everyone in his clan feared, he was especially brutal to women and children. Now he wonders that is his future and should he let the woman of his heart go due to his bad tainted blood? Not realizing his vicious father was not capable of loving anyone but possibly himself!
On top of that someone wants to take over his clan and kill him and his people. Isobel and Kerr end up going on this journey together that puts both their lives in jeopardy. This journey will reveal their true feelings for one another, meeting new friends, including a kind wolf and it’s owner, plus enemies who want to kill them. Find out the result of Gregor MacLeod’s last unmarried son. Will he win this highland beauty or feel he will never be good enough for her highland perfection? Will his enemies tracking Kerr catch up and murder him and take over his clan ? Read and find out the conclusion of the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series.
I have read every single book in this amazing series: The Sons of Gregor McLeod and have absolutely and unequivocally loved each and every book. I enjoyed this one too even at times when Isobel made me absolutely crazy, but who likes rejection? Especially in those teenage sensitive years to your early twenties. People are not at the maturest level, myself included so I totally understood where Isobel was coming from. I am sure I wanted to throw my husband in manure while we were dating too! As far as Kerr was concerned he checked all the right boxes as he was a drool and swoon worthy, highlander hunk! You definitely felt for the man who lost his perfect mother and wicked father who tried to kill him! Yet the wonderful Gregor trained and prepared him for this day!
This author excellent take on highland adventure, as Alyson McLayne has written Highland Thief as another choice story filled with compassion, understanding human motivation and love. A book readers definitely will be dazzled by and love and a total masterpiece! I am also definitely looking forward to reading her next brand new four book series, plus a prequel called “Second Sons”! In addition even Gregor MacLeod, the savior foster father is getting his own book too which filled my heart with joy! As Alyson McLayne is definitely a favorite author of mine and one of my go to authors for sure!
You can read this as a stand alone book but I highly recommend you read every book in this spectacular series!
The Son of Gregor MacLeod by Alyson McLayne
Highland Promise (Book 1)
Highland Conquest (Book 2)
Highland Betrayal (Book 3)
Highland Captive (Book 4)
Highland Thief (Book 5)
I received this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Thief...
https://books.apple.com/us/book/highl...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?que...
https://www.bookbub.com/books/highlan...
https://read.sourcebooks.com/fiction/...
by Alyson McLayne
Series:The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, Book #5
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: August 24, 2021
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blog Rating : 5/5 Saltire Flags 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
(Scotland 1432)
This all started twenty years ago, with Laird Madadh MacAlister leading five clans in attacking Gregor MacLeod's keep and losing. Giving his word to his deceased wife Kellie, Gregor promises to find a solution and peace among the feuding Clans. He comes up with a plan: each Laird has to give them his heir, their oldest son for fostering. Each son is destined to be the next Laird, if their fathers do not agree they will be punished by death! Each Laird reluctantly agrees, with a promise they will see their boys again and MacLeod will not harm the boys in any way. Gregor MacLeod is thinking with his head not his heart wholeheartedly agrees! He knows if they were his blood kin he would have asked the same.
(Scotland 1453)
This is the Kerr MacAlister’s story, who is the last unmarried foster son of Gregor MacLeod, obviously not his biological father, but the father of his heart! Kerr wishes Gregor was his biological father with all his heart, as his foster father’s prediction came true that Kerr’s biological father, Madadh MacAlister would one day try to kill him! Kerr recently comes home to find his sweet mother murdered, leaving her body for the livestock to gnaw on which made him sick. Madadh attempts to murder Kerr his own son, but does not succeed and in defense and for the murder of his sweet mother Kerr kills his own father In his own defense! Now Kerr is the Laird of Castle MacAlister and determined to win hIsobel (Izzy) MacKinnon, the beauty of the highlands that owns his heart! For the past four years he decides the beauty of the highlands would one day be his bride. Kerr hasn’t even touched or looked at another woman since making this earth shattering decision, he also hasn’t asked the lady in question either. A woman he does not realize when she was fifteen he had rejected and broke her heart!
Isobel (Izzy) MacKinnon has known Kerr MacAlister since she was only two months old and has loved him the majority of her life! That was until she was fifteen years old and Kerr being deep in his cups rejected her affection and broke Izzy’s tender heart! In retaliation Izzy hardened her heart and has been trying to set traps for her humiliation mostly with animal dung! Except Kerr knowing her so well can trick him! He spots the tracks just by the expression on her lovely face before she can even set her smelly trap! However since setting his sites on her he also chases off any man that shows an interest in his Izzy! After all nobody ever accused Kerr of being a nice man, but when Kerr MacAlister makes up his mind about something nothing and no one can change it!
For Izzy it is very annoying, but at the moment it is helpful since she isn’t interested in anyone else! So she doesn’t have to reject anyone herself with Kerr chasing all her would be suitors away. Plus the fact she keeps having these intimate-steamy-hot dreams about Kerr! It is also so exasperating! Another problem for Kerr is feeling he has tainted bloodlines and nowhere honorable or good enough for his highland beauty. As his father was a wicked sadistic monster which everyone in his clan feared, he was especially brutal to women and children. Now he wonders that is his future and should he let the woman of his heart go due to his bad tainted blood? Not realizing his vicious father was not capable of loving anyone but possibly himself!
On top of that someone wants to take over his clan and kill him and his people. Isobel and Kerr end up going on this journey together that puts both their lives in jeopardy. This journey will reveal their true feelings for one another, meeting new friends, including a kind wolf and it’s owner, plus enemies who want to kill them. Find out the result of Gregor MacLeod’s last unmarried son. Will he win this highland beauty or feel he will never be good enough for her highland perfection? Will his enemies tracking Kerr catch up and murder him and take over his clan ? Read and find out the conclusion of the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series.
I have read every single book in this amazing series: The Sons of Gregor McLeod and have absolutely and unequivocally loved each and every book. I enjoyed this one too even at times when Isobel made me absolutely crazy, but who likes rejection? Especially in those teenage sensitive years to your early twenties. People are not at the maturest level, myself included so I totally understood where Isobel was coming from. I am sure I wanted to throw my husband in manure while we were dating too! As far as Kerr was concerned he checked all the right boxes as he was a drool and swoon worthy, highlander hunk! You definitely felt for the man who lost his perfect mother and wicked father who tried to kill him! Yet the wonderful Gregor trained and prepared him for this day!
This author excellent take on highland adventure, as Alyson McLayne has written Highland Thief as another choice story filled with compassion, understanding human motivation and love. A book readers definitely will be dazzled by and love and a total masterpiece! I am also definitely looking forward to reading her next brand new four book series, plus a prequel called “Second Sons”! In addition even Gregor MacLeod, the savior foster father is getting his own book too which filled my heart with joy! As Alyson McLayne is definitely a favorite author of mine and one of my go to authors for sure!
You can read this as a stand alone book but I highly recommend you read every book in this spectacular series!
The Son of Gregor MacLeod by Alyson McLayne
Highland Promise (Book 1)
Highland Conquest (Book 2)
Highland Betrayal (Book 3)
Highland Captive (Book 4)
Highland Thief (Book 5)
I received this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Thief...
https://books.apple.com/us/book/highl...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?que...
https://www.bookbub.com/books/highlan...
https://read.sourcebooks.com/fiction/...
February 16, 2023
I was so looking forward to Kerr and Isobel's story, especially since it was the final book in the series. It did not deliver.
Isobel: unlikeable. 1) She comes off as childish and thoughtless with all of her pranks and traps. The 5 clans are in the middle of a war with an unknown enemy and Isobel is digging manure pits for Kerr to fall into to get back at him for no good reason. 2) Then she thinks it's a good idea to run off and hope that Kerr chances after her (yep another prank), again knowing there is an unknown enemy threatening all the clans. 3) I'm all for the strong heroine, but enough of the "no one tells me what to do, I can take care of myself" heroines. That line of thinking doesn't show them as strong. It makes them look stupid. Because of her thinking like that Isobel not only puts herself in danger but Kerr too. Finally, the reason for Isobel treating Kerr the way she did was unbelievable and weak.
Kerr: loved him. I have yet to understand why Kerr wanted Isobel. He totally deserved a better heroine. He was more than patient with her antics. He's a Laird and a warrior and should not have to beg a childish woman to marry him. When she gave him the 2 day ultimatum he should've packed his bags and left right then.
Erik: I really hope the author explores his story. I was intrigued by him from the moment he and Siv appeared.
I was highly disappointed that the author didn't have the other Lairds show up for one final epic battle. The resolution of who was attacking them truly missed the mark. Through 4 books MacGregor and his sons fought together when their clan and lands were attacked. Then we get to Kerr's book and all we get is they're on their way. What! Really? No big battle? Just a measly chance and that's it? Come on, these are Highlanders! Warriors! What a let down.
Isobel: unlikeable. 1) She comes off as childish and thoughtless with all of her pranks and traps. The 5 clans are in the middle of a war with an unknown enemy and Isobel is digging manure pits for Kerr to fall into to get back at him for no good reason. 2) Then she thinks it's a good idea to run off and hope that Kerr chances after her (yep another prank), again knowing there is an unknown enemy threatening all the clans. 3) I'm all for the strong heroine, but enough of the "no one tells me what to do, I can take care of myself" heroines. That line of thinking doesn't show them as strong. It makes them look stupid. Because of her thinking like that Isobel not only puts herself in danger but Kerr too. Finally, the reason for Isobel treating Kerr the way she did was unbelievable and weak.
Kerr: loved him. I have yet to understand why Kerr wanted Isobel. He totally deserved a better heroine. He was more than patient with her antics. He's a Laird and a warrior and should not have to beg a childish woman to marry him. When she gave him the 2 day ultimatum he should've packed his bags and left right then.
Erik: I really hope the author explores his story. I was intrigued by him from the moment he and Siv appeared.
I was highly disappointed that the author didn't have the other Lairds show up for one final epic battle. The resolution of who was attacking them truly missed the mark. Through 4 books MacGregor and his sons fought together when their clan and lands were attacked. Then we get to Kerr's book and all we get is they're on their way. What! Really? No big battle? Just a measly chance and that's it? Come on, these are Highlanders! Warriors! What a let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Meh. I feel like the premise of this series that I was so excited about didn't really deliver. I'm not usually looking for a lot in highland romance. But I would say of the various series I've read this series as a whole is one of my least favorites. This couple like the others were okay at best, and if I had been in a more irritable mood I probably wouldn't have liked them at all.
September 8, 2025
First Rating: 2.6 / 5
So, first thing's first, just a note to myself that I will try reading this again, because I only got to page 100 this time before giving up. To the author's credit, she does write well, and there is genuine chemistry between the leads.
The only problem is that I got fed up with Isobel being unreasonable for no good read, and just got sick and tired of trying to put up with her bullshit resistance when Kerr's so obviously perfect for her, she lusts after him anyway, and he's really trying here. Good lord, was the poor man TRYING.
Isobel was trying too--on my nerves, that is.
Maybe when I have more patience/tolerance for the bullshit back-and-forth that some couples go through, I might give this another go.
For now though...nope.
So, first thing's first, just a note to myself that I will try reading this again, because I only got to page 100 this time before giving up. To the author's credit, she does write well, and there is genuine chemistry between the leads.
The only problem is that I got fed up with Isobel being unreasonable for no good read, and just got sick and tired of trying to put up with her bullshit resistance when Kerr's so obviously perfect for her, she lusts after him anyway, and he's really trying here. Good lord, was the poor man TRYING.
Isobel was trying too--on my nerves, that is.
Maybe when I have more patience/tolerance for the bullshit back-and-forth that some couples go through, I might give this another go.
For now though...nope.
August 18, 2021
🐺 Highland Thief 🐺
This Strong Laird is no Match for the Stubborn Lass He's Long Had His Heart Set On
The Sons of Gregor MacLeod Book 5
✒️ Alyson McLayne
https://www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne/
Release Date 08/24/2021
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LQX85CV/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When a Highland laird decides to marry, nothing can stand in his way...not even the bride.
No one ever accused Kerr MacAlister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when the laird makes a promise, nothing can stop him. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.
Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and sexy Scot. It wasn't until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her, but Isobel won't be swayed...no matter how tempting he might be.
Then Kerr discovers she may be eloping with someone else, and he has a choice to make—is this Highlander's fate to steal her away himself, to a place where both love and danger lurk, or let her go and face losing her forever?
Readers will fall in love with this Scottish Highlander Romance with:
Enemies (or friends?) to lovers
A bantering band of Scottish brothers
A lass who never loses (unless it's her heart)
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she realize in time what she is throwing away…
One more new author for me to discover today.
But I am not sure if the last book in a series was the best way to enter an author’s world.
I loved the hero, but the heroine …
Isobel is twenty three not a twelve something kid, yet she never really looks like a grown woman. Only thinking pranks when people might suffer around her of hunger, abuse, poverty …
Those times were harsh and people had to grow up fast, but she still acts like a spoiled child, throwing a tantrum or bullying others because this or that did not please her.
I do not mind someone who exposes people’s wrongs, if they really need to be corrected, but tricking them? What are those slights as there is a chief to administer justice, so who is she to play judge and jury if he deemed his people not deserving of punishment.
Worse, one of her last trick put herself but also her ardent suitor in danger and could be their downfall, just because she can’t act like an adult and express her feelings and sort them out. She blames him for something he has done years ago, and doesn’t even remember when she was only a girl. So instead she flees like the bratty coward she is, and drags him in her mad scheme.
So I do not know what Kerr saw outside her renowned beauty. She pushes him away again and again, she is mean and rejects his advance time and time again. Definitely he could do better.
Yet he goes after her, trying to rescue her from her own folly.
He is a man with a past, a past which left him with doubts about himself, his inner self and true worth. So he needs someone to stand by him, not some silly chit more invested in her pranks than anything else. Someone to rest with after a battle, not to poke at him because he does not want to reminisce the gruesome parts of war. Still, patiently and kindly, he follows her, listens to her, tries to make her see reason, he adapts his pace to her, teaching her what she asks about.
And she continues to reject him.
For three quarters of the story she tells him she is not ready, she is 23, she had years to accept his suits or not, but no. She is in love and he cares for her but it is not good enough because she has not caught him in one of her tricks or wants a kind of impossible freedom during those hard times.
And suddenly when he could have died protecting her, she realizes she really wants him.
To late to redeem her in my eyes.
As for the conclusion of the threat against the five foster brothers, it seemed a bit anti-climatic if it has brewed for four other stories before, it then ended a bit abruptly.
I liked Kerr, the friendship, the period details, Eirik and Siv but the heroine lacked of real persona and fortitude, 3.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CStNU8Ijt...
This Strong Laird is no Match for the Stubborn Lass He's Long Had His Heart Set On
The Sons of Gregor MacLeod Book 5
✒️ Alyson McLayne
https://www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne/
Release Date 08/24/2021
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LQX85CV/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When a Highland laird decides to marry, nothing can stand in his way...not even the bride.
No one ever accused Kerr MacAlister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when the laird makes a promise, nothing can stop him. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.
Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and sexy Scot. It wasn't until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her, but Isobel won't be swayed...no matter how tempting he might be.
Then Kerr discovers she may be eloping with someone else, and he has a choice to make—is this Highlander's fate to steal her away himself, to a place where both love and danger lurk, or let her go and face losing her forever?
Readers will fall in love with this Scottish Highlander Romance with:
Enemies (or friends?) to lovers
A bantering band of Scottish brothers
A lass who never loses (unless it's her heart)
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she realize in time what she is throwing away…
One more new author for me to discover today.
But I am not sure if the last book in a series was the best way to enter an author’s world.
I loved the hero, but the heroine …
Isobel is twenty three not a twelve something kid, yet she never really looks like a grown woman. Only thinking pranks when people might suffer around her of hunger, abuse, poverty …
Those times were harsh and people had to grow up fast, but she still acts like a spoiled child, throwing a tantrum or bullying others because this or that did not please her.
I do not mind someone who exposes people’s wrongs, if they really need to be corrected, but tricking them? What are those slights as there is a chief to administer justice, so who is she to play judge and jury if he deemed his people not deserving of punishment.
Worse, one of her last trick put herself but also her ardent suitor in danger and could be their downfall, just because she can’t act like an adult and express her feelings and sort them out. She blames him for something he has done years ago, and doesn’t even remember when she was only a girl. So instead she flees like the bratty coward she is, and drags him in her mad scheme.
So I do not know what Kerr saw outside her renowned beauty. She pushes him away again and again, she is mean and rejects his advance time and time again. Definitely he could do better.
Yet he goes after her, trying to rescue her from her own folly.
He is a man with a past, a past which left him with doubts about himself, his inner self and true worth. So he needs someone to stand by him, not some silly chit more invested in her pranks than anything else. Someone to rest with after a battle, not to poke at him because he does not want to reminisce the gruesome parts of war. Still, patiently and kindly, he follows her, listens to her, tries to make her see reason, he adapts his pace to her, teaching her what she asks about.
And she continues to reject him.
For three quarters of the story she tells him she is not ready, she is 23, she had years to accept his suits or not, but no. She is in love and he cares for her but it is not good enough because she has not caught him in one of her tricks or wants a kind of impossible freedom during those hard times.
And suddenly when he could have died protecting her, she realizes she really wants him.
To late to redeem her in my eyes.
As for the conclusion of the threat against the five foster brothers, it seemed a bit anti-climatic if it has brewed for four other stories before, it then ended a bit abruptly.
I liked Kerr, the friendship, the period details, Eirik and Siv but the heroine lacked of real persona and fortitude, 3.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CStNU8Ijt...
September 3, 2021
This is the fifth book in the MacLeod series and follows the last unmarried foster brother. While it could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading it as part of the series. The overarching plot and previous romances are referenced, and at times, integral to the story. Also, starting from the beginning of the series allows more time for you to enjoy McLayne's excellent writing and storytelling. The chemistry between the two leads, Kerr and Isobel, is apparent; as is the chemistry between the foster brothers. And you shouldn't miss out on the other books.
There are two separate but converging plots. One is the romance between Kerr and Isobel. Kerr is determined to have Isobel for his wife and Isobel is determined he won't...maybe....she's still trying to figure it out. She has reservations about whether Kerr loves her and doesn't just view her as property to protect. The romance between the two is one of learning to communicate (with a mix of hijinks thrown in) and learning how to trust in one another. The romance is slow burn--at times I felt it slowed the story down. Too much time is spent going over the same arguments in both Kerr and Isobel's heads before actually talking with each other.
The pace picked up quickly around the 70% mark with the addition of the other plot. The book series has long been about taking care of a looming threat from an unknown source. With this book, that overarching plot has been finished. Without giving too much away, that overarching series plot does align with the romance plot without feeling contrived. I felt that the battle, and the reveal, that the series has been leading to was anti-climatic compared to the previous books..
Overall, I highly recommend this book to both previous readers of the series; they won't be disappointed. And I'm confident any readers that picked this book read without being aware of the previous one would enjoy the romance and banter between Kerr and Isobel and be intrigued to start from the beginning. I think readers of Julie Garwood's and Maya Bank's highland romances would enjoy this as McLayne's book has the same humor, intrigue, and romance.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There are two separate but converging plots. One is the romance between Kerr and Isobel. Kerr is determined to have Isobel for his wife and Isobel is determined he won't...maybe....she's still trying to figure it out. She has reservations about whether Kerr loves her and doesn't just view her as property to protect. The romance between the two is one of learning to communicate (with a mix of hijinks thrown in) and learning how to trust in one another. The romance is slow burn--at times I felt it slowed the story down. Too much time is spent going over the same arguments in both Kerr and Isobel's heads before actually talking with each other.
The pace picked up quickly around the 70% mark with the addition of the other plot. The book series has long been about taking care of a looming threat from an unknown source. With this book, that overarching plot has been finished. Without giving too much away, that overarching series plot does align with the romance plot without feeling contrived. I felt that the battle, and the reveal, that the series has been leading to was anti-climatic compared to the previous books..
Overall, I highly recommend this book to both previous readers of the series; they won't be disappointed. And I'm confident any readers that picked this book read without being aware of the previous one would enjoy the romance and banter between Kerr and Isobel and be intrigued to start from the beginning. I think readers of Julie Garwood's and Maya Bank's highland romances would enjoy this as McLayne's book has the same humor, intrigue, and romance.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 11, 2023
This was the best Highland romance I have ever read! EXCEPT for two things.
It's well written. The characters are fun and it's a great ending to the series. There's lots of great external conflict and warring clans and actually seeing the MMC in active fights!
And really hot foreplay. The kissing scene on the boat is hawt!
Ok-- but I agree with other reviewers that this FMC has been drawn a wee bit shallow. Like her main "character trait" or thing that makes her "special," is that she plays tricks on people, and sets traps for people to humiliate them as some form of vigilante justice within her clan. And it's completely blown out of proportion. Like the author repeatedly beats us over the head with some version of "FMC has such an important role in the community; by playing these tricks, she keeps problems from festering by granting justice for wronged people etc, when it's not important enough for the laird to take notice." Which is BS.
Anyways, if you can squint your way through those parts, then you just have to get over her reason for disliking the MMC, who is head over heels for her and has been celibate for 4 years while waiting for her to choose him. No spoilers, but he was cruel to her when she was younger, and made her feel bad about her body. Which sucks. It was a dick move. But like she is all hung up on it, and then finally tells him, and then he's like "I'm sorry, I was a dick." And she's like "yeah all good." I don't know... That was a whole lot of years of grudge holding which just kind of disappeared. And he kept asking her if she had been with anyone else but him and she was never like "What about you?"
Ok and then the end just kind of wrapped up so fast. Like after 5 books of every laird trying to discern who the group was that threatened them, it was over in like one chapter. And I had been hoping for a big final battle where all the brothers went to war together.
Ok so maybe that was like 4 things. But it was enjoyable. I liked the story. I liked Kerr. I liked Isobel once was she was away from her keep and was thinking about herself outside of her "trickster" character trait.
And I loved how much danger they were in!
Overall I highly recommend. Just squint your eyes past the parts that bother you and enjoy the rest!
It's well written. The characters are fun and it's a great ending to the series. There's lots of great external conflict and warring clans and actually seeing the MMC in active fights!
And really hot foreplay. The kissing scene on the boat is hawt!
Ok-- but I agree with other reviewers that this FMC has been drawn a wee bit shallow. Like her main "character trait" or thing that makes her "special," is that she plays tricks on people, and sets traps for people to humiliate them as some form of vigilante justice within her clan. And it's completely blown out of proportion. Like the author repeatedly beats us over the head with some version of "FMC has such an important role in the community; by playing these tricks, she keeps problems from festering by granting justice for wronged people etc, when it's not important enough for the laird to take notice." Which is BS.
Anyways, if you can squint your way through those parts, then you just have to get over her reason for disliking the MMC, who is head over heels for her and has been celibate for 4 years while waiting for her to choose him. No spoilers, but he was cruel to her when she was younger, and made her feel bad about her body. Which sucks. It was a dick move. But like she is all hung up on it, and then finally tells him, and then he's like "I'm sorry, I was a dick." And she's like "yeah all good." I don't know... That was a whole lot of years of grudge holding which just kind of disappeared. And he kept asking her if she had been with anyone else but him and she was never like "What about you?"
Ok and then the end just kind of wrapped up so fast. Like after 5 books of every laird trying to discern who the group was that threatened them, it was over in like one chapter. And I had been hoping for a big final battle where all the brothers went to war together.
Ok so maybe that was like 4 things. But it was enjoyable. I liked the story. I liked Kerr. I liked Isobel once was she was away from her keep and was thinking about herself outside of her "trickster" character trait.
And I loved how much danger they were in!
Overall I highly recommend. Just squint your eyes past the parts that bother you and enjoy the rest!
August 28, 2021
Oh my gosh. I have read the first four of this series and really liked them, but this one was completely ruined by the "heroine". She's petty, vindictive, and spoiled. Her priorities are humiliating other people based on hurt feelings and perceived slights. And this is supposed to make her a good leader? Who goes around correcting the way people refer to her looks? What on earth would a man see in her childish behavior? Honestly her personality would gave made more sense if she had been the traitor herself. You know it's bad when you have more sympathy for the villain than for the heroine.
Sure, they wrapped up the storyline of who's been attacking the clans, but they didn't even explain WHY. If all they wanted was to take over one clan, why unsuccessfully attack the others first, just to give up and move on.
3 stars only because it finished the series. As a standalone book I probably would have only given it 2.
Sure, they wrapped up the storyline of who's been attacking the clans, but they didn't even explain WHY. If all they wanted was to take over one clan, why unsuccessfully attack the others first, just to give up and move on.
3 stars only because it finished the series. As a standalone book I probably would have only given it 2.
August 3, 2024
DNF at 88%
I was so close to finishing this book but felt like I couldn’t force myself to read even one more page. This story was a huge let down. Isobel was truly insufferable. In fact, most of the time I just wanted to reach through the pages and slap her across the face. She was so childish and self-centered for the majority of the book while Kerr is so sweet and playful. My only gripe with his is that he has no self respect. The fact that he put up with her attitude for so long and LIKED IT? No way. I don’t understand how anyone is supposed to like Isobel until maybe 75% of the way into the book and by then you are exhausted by the whole story. Forcing myself to read the last little bit felt pointless because I was not invested in the slightest. I just wanted Kerr to have a woman he deserved who didn’t make him doubt his self worth. #JusticeforKerr😭
I was so close to finishing this book but felt like I couldn’t force myself to read even one more page. This story was a huge let down. Isobel was truly insufferable. In fact, most of the time I just wanted to reach through the pages and slap her across the face. She was so childish and self-centered for the majority of the book while Kerr is so sweet and playful. My only gripe with his is that he has no self respect. The fact that he put up with her attitude for so long and LIKED IT? No way. I don’t understand how anyone is supposed to like Isobel until maybe 75% of the way into the book and by then you are exhausted by the whole story. Forcing myself to read the last little bit felt pointless because I was not invested in the slightest. I just wanted Kerr to have a woman he deserved who didn’t make him doubt his self worth. #JusticeforKerr😭
December 30, 2021
This was an okay read. Honestly I don’t know why I kept up with the series when I wasn’t even a big fan of the first book. I loved the 2nd book and I think I held out hope that the series would just get better.
Things I liked:
- Second chance trope
- h falls first when they are younger but H falls first when they are older
- slow burn
Things I didn’t like:
- blushing virgin h when the H gets to go around sleeping with whoever for years until he decides he likes the h and will marry her
- the H purposefully intimidated anyone who the h might have become involved with because he didn’t want her sleeping with anyone else
Things I liked:
- Second chance trope
- h falls first when they are younger but H falls first when they are older
- slow burn
Things I didn’t like:
- blushing virgin h when the H gets to go around sleeping with whoever for years until he decides he likes the h and will marry her
- the H purposefully intimidated anyone who the h might have become involved with because he didn’t want her sleeping with anyone else
July 17, 2025
We first meet the characters of this story in the fourth book. To be honest, I didn't like any of the characters in that book: Kerr in that book behaved ridiculously with grimacing, barking like a dog, ridiculous jokes and pranks, it seemed to me that he was not serious and even stupid, Isobel in general seemed immature, spoiled, very arrogant and self-confident, I started reading this book only to complete the general storyline of the entire series. I was very afraid that the main character would be just as stupid, but fortunately the author showed us a completely different side of him. It's a pity that the heroine didn't make me happy with such changes.
But let's go into detail about our impressions. The plot begins with the heroine's completely senseless, completely childish attempt to make a dung trap for her tired brother, who is returning from the war. Hey author! If you read your readers' reviews, then pay attention to your heroines. How can you make such foolish heroines and even potential wives of clan leaders who, at 23, behave like children at 12! I understand that she is long-awaited and beloved by the boys, but permissiveness has led to the fact that the girl, although incredibly beautiful, behaves foolishly, recklessly, sticks her nose into her brother's affairs, is stubborn and does not listen to anyone, but her brother does nothing to put her in any framework. Often in the midst of battle, the presence of such a woman sometimes leads to the death of the powerful warriors who protect such idiots. And she behaved arrogantly and foolishly for almost the entire book. Only when Kerr almost died because of her did she realize that war is not a walk in the woods, that it is not a game of traps, that it is difficult and deadly. I don't understand why you can love her - yes, she's beautiful, but that's not the most important thing, the lord needs a strong partner by his side. How can the author call her intelligent? A strategist? She has no useful skills at all, all she can do is hold her head high because she is the Queen of the Mountains.
But Kerr pleasantly surprised me, I can't even find the words to describe how much. Here he no longer looks like a senseless joker or a jealous man who slaps everyone who approaches Isabel. No, we see a deep person, a thoughtful, attentive and simply incredibly trained, cautious warrior and protector, he was ready every minute of their joint journey to prevent any danger and protect the heroine even at the cost of his own life. The moment when they were attacked by a huge group of mercenaries and he alone repelled the attack of thirty warriors was exciting and soul-breaking, it was truly incredible at that moment, this is exactly the kind of professional warrior I want to see in books about the highlanders. The author is very good at conveying the essence of the battle with all its cruelty. And after what he saw, it is simply impossible not to appreciate and not fall in love with the hero. This is a man who is so loyal, so protective that being behind him is like behind a stone wall. And coupled with the fact that he also loves children, it is just a treasure. It's just ridiculous for the heroine to push him away for so long, it doesn't say that he's annoying, it just says that she's brainless. Especially since she had liked him since childhood and other men didn't attract her that much, and considering her interest in sex and all the eavesdropping... it was just pointless to push him away.
As for the relationship between them during their journey together, I was more pleased with it than her brother's relationship in the fourth book, because in addition to the eternally excited hero, we still see kisses, and playful seductive comments, and a scene in bed that's almost...but again, it's "only after the wedding", well, at least you can get married with a regular vow, otherwise we would have been waiting for the priest until the very end of the book. Although, frankly speaking, I expected more from their sexual contact, more Alpha male, more originality, real fire, and all we saw was that the hero gave the control levers to the heroine in bed. In general, he gave her a lot of levers so that she wouldn't refuse to be with him, and considering her crazy ideas and lack of strategic experience, this could lead to problems.
Overall, thanks to the joint hike in the forest and the chase from the enemy, the plot turned out to be dynamic, but the ending really let us down - again, the enemy was defeated in a matter of minutes, and although we learned who the mysterious enemy was who attacked everyone from the first book, the plot seems unfinished - we didn't even see what happened to his brother who was wounded, it was possible to make the epilogue so that everyone gathered at their wedding, with all their wives... And so the bait is cast further, there is another enemy who is pulling the strings and the only question is who will be the next main character.
But let's go into detail about our impressions. The plot begins with the heroine's completely senseless, completely childish attempt to make a dung trap for her tired brother, who is returning from the war. Hey author! If you read your readers' reviews, then pay attention to your heroines. How can you make such foolish heroines and even potential wives of clan leaders who, at 23, behave like children at 12! I understand that she is long-awaited and beloved by the boys, but permissiveness has led to the fact that the girl, although incredibly beautiful, behaves foolishly, recklessly, sticks her nose into her brother's affairs, is stubborn and does not listen to anyone, but her brother does nothing to put her in any framework. Often in the midst of battle, the presence of such a woman sometimes leads to the death of the powerful warriors who protect such idiots. And she behaved arrogantly and foolishly for almost the entire book. Only when Kerr almost died because of her did she realize that war is not a walk in the woods, that it is not a game of traps, that it is difficult and deadly. I don't understand why you can love her - yes, she's beautiful, but that's not the most important thing, the lord needs a strong partner by his side. How can the author call her intelligent? A strategist? She has no useful skills at all, all she can do is hold her head high because she is the Queen of the Mountains.
But Kerr pleasantly surprised me, I can't even find the words to describe how much. Here he no longer looks like a senseless joker or a jealous man who slaps everyone who approaches Isabel. No, we see a deep person, a thoughtful, attentive and simply incredibly trained, cautious warrior and protector, he was ready every minute of their joint journey to prevent any danger and protect the heroine even at the cost of his own life. The moment when they were attacked by a huge group of mercenaries and he alone repelled the attack of thirty warriors was exciting and soul-breaking, it was truly incredible at that moment, this is exactly the kind of professional warrior I want to see in books about the highlanders. The author is very good at conveying the essence of the battle with all its cruelty. And after what he saw, it is simply impossible not to appreciate and not fall in love with the hero. This is a man who is so loyal, so protective that being behind him is like behind a stone wall. And coupled with the fact that he also loves children, it is just a treasure. It's just ridiculous for the heroine to push him away for so long, it doesn't say that he's annoying, it just says that she's brainless. Especially since she had liked him since childhood and other men didn't attract her that much, and considering her interest in sex and all the eavesdropping... it was just pointless to push him away.
As for the relationship between them during their journey together, I was more pleased with it than her brother's relationship in the fourth book, because in addition to the eternally excited hero, we still see kisses, and playful seductive comments, and a scene in bed that's almost...but again, it's "only after the wedding", well, at least you can get married with a regular vow, otherwise we would have been waiting for the priest until the very end of the book. Although, frankly speaking, I expected more from their sexual contact, more Alpha male, more originality, real fire, and all we saw was that the hero gave the control levers to the heroine in bed. In general, he gave her a lot of levers so that she wouldn't refuse to be with him, and considering her crazy ideas and lack of strategic experience, this could lead to problems.
Overall, thanks to the joint hike in the forest and the chase from the enemy, the plot turned out to be dynamic, but the ending really let us down - again, the enemy was defeated in a matter of minutes, and although we learned who the mysterious enemy was who attacked everyone from the first book, the plot seems unfinished - we didn't even see what happened to his brother who was wounded, it was possible to make the epilogue so that everyone gathered at their wedding, with all their wives... And so the bait is cast further, there is another enemy who is pulling the strings and the only question is who will be the next main character.
June 25, 2021
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I read Highland Captive after finding it on a e-library app and absolutely loved it. Along with loving the story of Gavin and Deirdre, I loved meeting Kerr and Isobel. It was immediately obvious that these two were meant for one another so I couldn't wait to read their love story. Highland Thief definitely lived up to (and in some ways exceeded by expectations). My only complaint was that it got a little repetitive with Isobel's constant rejection of Kerr's affections. He is a saint for continuing to fight for (and with) her rather than just returning home and finding a woman who would love him in return. I saw Isobel finally telling Kerr about how his rejection from when she was 15 continued to affect her as the turning point in their relationship and the first time they really had a conversation about their feelings for one another. My heart did break for Kerr a few times when Isobel rejected him - he was so open and honest and sincere and then she would just say 'no'. Poor guy. It was a shame it took him almost being killed for her to finally admit her feelings, but better than her continuing to pretend he wasn't the man she wanted to spar with for the rest of her life. I also really liked that she wanted to learn how to defend herself - no damsel in distress here. The fact that had Kerr not "kidnapped" Isobel they probably wouldn't have uncovered the plot against them was a little too convenient, but I was willing to overlook that in order to find out what has been going on through the previous books. The final confrontation between Kerr and the bad guys was interesting and well written. This was a really great ending to the series.
I read Highland Captive after finding it on a e-library app and absolutely loved it. Along with loving the story of Gavin and Deirdre, I loved meeting Kerr and Isobel. It was immediately obvious that these two were meant for one another so I couldn't wait to read their love story. Highland Thief definitely lived up to (and in some ways exceeded by expectations). My only complaint was that it got a little repetitive with Isobel's constant rejection of Kerr's affections. He is a saint for continuing to fight for (and with) her rather than just returning home and finding a woman who would love him in return. I saw Isobel finally telling Kerr about how his rejection from when she was 15 continued to affect her as the turning point in their relationship and the first time they really had a conversation about their feelings for one another. My heart did break for Kerr a few times when Isobel rejected him - he was so open and honest and sincere and then she would just say 'no'. Poor guy. It was a shame it took him almost being killed for her to finally admit her feelings, but better than her continuing to pretend he wasn't the man she wanted to spar with for the rest of her life. I also really liked that she wanted to learn how to defend herself - no damsel in distress here. The fact that had Kerr not "kidnapped" Isobel they probably wouldn't have uncovered the plot against them was a little too convenient, but I was willing to overlook that in order to find out what has been going on through the previous books. The final confrontation between Kerr and the bad guys was interesting and well written. This was a really great ending to the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2021
After Highland Conquest I was delighted to read about the last McGregor son: Kerr mac Alistair. He has his eyes set on Isobel Mackinnon. However, Izzy seems to be dead set on keeping him at bay.
Izzy loves to pull pranks with people of her clan as a way of retribution when they did a minor offense. In this way, order is restored in the clan with a touch of humor.
But for some reason, trying to manoever Kerr into a put of manure, feels very differently for Izzy than her other pranks. Maybe it is because Kerr has stated his intention to marry her. Well, Izzy will decide for herself, thank you very much! And although Izzy has had a crush on Kerr for years, she hasn’t forgotten his rejection all those years ago.
So, when her manure trap fails, she invents the ultimate prank: she pretends she is eloping with someone else! Kerr can’t believe it, when he hears that Izzy will elope with another guy. It must be another prank, now is it? Kerr realizes that he has to do something t avoid losing Izzy. So, he ends up kidnapping Izzy, before she can elope. Together they roam the woods, but then they encounter a situation, which can endanger their entire clan. while working together Izzy realizes that maybe this prank go bad may be the best that has happened to her.
A wonderful and funny read. Izzy is a feisty woman, who has her own opinion and is not afraid to show it. She is awesome. And Kern is just a sweetheart. Big and burly and a real warrior, yet afraid to be rejected by a girl.
Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Izzy loves to pull pranks with people of her clan as a way of retribution when they did a minor offense. In this way, order is restored in the clan with a touch of humor.
But for some reason, trying to manoever Kerr into a put of manure, feels very differently for Izzy than her other pranks. Maybe it is because Kerr has stated his intention to marry her. Well, Izzy will decide for herself, thank you very much! And although Izzy has had a crush on Kerr for years, she hasn’t forgotten his rejection all those years ago.
So, when her manure trap fails, she invents the ultimate prank: she pretends she is eloping with someone else! Kerr can’t believe it, when he hears that Izzy will elope with another guy. It must be another prank, now is it? Kerr realizes that he has to do something t avoid losing Izzy. So, he ends up kidnapping Izzy, before she can elope. Together they roam the woods, but then they encounter a situation, which can endanger their entire clan. while working together Izzy realizes that maybe this prank go bad may be the best that has happened to her.
A wonderful and funny read. Izzy is a feisty woman, who has her own opinion and is not afraid to show it. She is awesome. And Kern is just a sweetheart. Big and burly and a real warrior, yet afraid to be rejected by a girl.
Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
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