Lost and pursued, searching for protection...When Brighde Kerr collapses in his arms at Castle Dunbeath in the middle of the night during a Highland thunderstorm, Alexander Sinclair does not hesitate to bring her inside to receive medical care and shelter. Hiding secrets that she is sure will only bring danger to the Sinclairs if revealed, Brighde struggles against her growing attraction and affection for Alex. She attempts to keep her identity a secret, but it does not take long before Brighde realizes that Alex could be the one person to save her. Steadfast and determined, willing to protect...Alex dedicates himself to nursing this mystery woman back to health and offers her the security of the Sinclair Clan. Alex's ongoing support and determination to protect Brighde fuels their growing passion but often puts them at odds when Brighde is not convinced they have a future together.Both in need of love...When the source of Brighde's fears shows up at their gates, Alex proves that he will not give up on Brighde no matter the risks or consequences. Now can she accept that Alex's pledge for protection or will she keep fighting the inevitable?
Meet the members of Clan Sinclair in this first installment of the five book Highland romance series. The Clan Sinclair features Mairghread and her four brothers, Callum, Alexander, Tavish, and Magnus. Each member of the Scottish clan faces challenges as they meet their fated match, but all of the Sinclairs find their HEA. Each novel in the series is a stand alone, but they are best read together.
Celeste Barclay, a nom de plume, lives near the Southern California coast with her husband and sons. Growing up in the Midwest, Celeste enjoyed spending as much time in and on the water as she could. Now she lives near the beach. She's an avid swimmer, a hopeful future surfer, and a former rower. Before becoming a full-time author, Celeste was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating rich historical romances that bring the steam.
I did not like this relevant all. It was a little boring actually and I just didn't understand why he fell into instant lust. And the heroine was just a little too 'frisky' for a virgin, and someone who had been physically abused. I just didn't buy it for some reason. He was always talking about how honorable he was with women, and then he'd say something about what he'd done in his prior honorable sex life. Lol. I just didn't like it. And then the battle at the end was anticlimactic really. Just not for me. And that last scene where she let him.... I just was gobsmacked. It was more about the sexual act and not love. I will read more of this author but I hope it is more romantic than this. Person opinion only. Free in KU!
His Highland Prize by Celeste Barclay The Clan Sinclair series #3. Medieval Scottish Highlands romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Previous characters have minor roles. Brighde Kerr arrives at Castle Dunbeath at the point of collapse and exhaustion. Alexander Sinclair immediately sends for help and doesn’t think twice about putting Brighde in his own bed and caring for her. He stays by her side and helps to nurse her back to health. After a long month of unconsciousness, Brighde’s health improves and she and Alex get to know each other. Alex has fallen in love but she knows she is not the woman for him and will only put him in danger.
She’s hiding secrets. He wants to protect her and provide for her. Together they are combustible but there are clan issues to be dealt with. Steamy romance. I didn’t like her assumptions or actions.
DNF at 7%, so no star rating. Got this for free on Amazon and didn't notice it was 3rd in a series.
I have to like the leads in a romance, and at least in this book, Alex is a selfish douche. He immediately imprints like a duckling on a battered, starving, dirty heap of a woman that he sees as a lump in a field on a dark rainy night. He describes her as looking like "a beige rock" but also insists that he is already drawn to the soul of said rock. He takes the unconscious woman to his room, and instantly is obsessed. He demands that she stay in his bed, that he wont molest her, and he will be her overnight caretaker. He ignores the caretaking for the whole night (doesn't give her water, doesn't give her pain/fever meds, doesn't salve her feet that are covered in infected wounds.) Instead, he climbs into bed with her, undresses her, examines her naked body, (hey, he's not a pervert, he's just trying to look at her wounds!..he insists, while rocking a boner and describing her pubic hair to us.) and takes off his clothes to warm her body. Yeah, I like the huddle-together-for-warmth trope too, but usually it's because they are out in the wilderness without shelter. He is in a castle with a fire and blankets. He KNOWS he should go get the women to do this, but he just can't help rubbing his junk on a helpless, naked woman while she is unconscious.
In the morning, she has a high fever, but he slept well through the night. Everyone knows he fucked up, both by not taking care of her needs after chasing away the healer and BY COMPROMISING her chastity, but they all like him, so they assure him that he's not a totally wretched piece of shit.
What a selfish twat. I guess from all the other reviews, that Alex accumulated goodwill with the readers in the first two books. Nope. Here he comes off as a manchild who doesn't want anyone to touch his new toy before he can break it. Maybe I'm just sensitive because I went to nursing school and my partner cares for a man who is disabled. I will never root for Alex, therefore reading this will only make me angrier and angrier.
A new Author for me and I want to read the first two books in this series. This is a well-written story that held my interest from the first chapter even though it did take me a couple of pages to get into the accent used. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I want to belong to Clan Sinclair!!! This was a thoroughly wonderful read, I can always count on Celeste Barclay to give us a story with brawny heroes and spitfire heroines!
Brighde and Alex are so perfect for each other and I love how he takes care of her when he finds her in really bad shape during a severe storm. Alex is true hero material and you can't help but adore him. As for Brighde, she's got secrets and hasn't had a very easy life which makes her scared of committing or showing her true feelings. Trust is very hard to come by but as they get to know each other, it's up to Alex to convince her that she belongs with him.
A beautiful historical romance story that includes an honourable family that have each other's backs and support each other fully. The Highlands beckon and may we all find our "Alex"!!
Two who seemed fated for each other. She had been running forever until she could not go anymore. Seeing a light, she collapsed. He was called and went down to see who it was and it was her. He felt called by her plea for help and it began. Brighde Kerr, collapsed in the rain at Castle Dunbeath after days of running and exhaustion. Alexander Sinclair, son of the Laird brought her in hoping to save her life with their healer and care. Alex will not leave her side and feels a pull to her even though she is not conscience. A captivating tale filled with suspense, secrets and romance that will have you anxious to turn the pages. Can these two find love when Brighde's fears come to the Castle? This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last! I read this through Booksprout!
Brighde and Alex have different ideas in how women, men and love beside feelings are expressed or handled. This historical romance was just right. Some stories jump about or leave parts out that can't be figured out. Different characters from other stories (this series) are woven into The Highland Prize and creates an interest in reading their stories. Believable story line, accurate historical actions and more popular beliefs of that time and culture incorporated into this story. Never a boring minute and kept my interest. The sexual relationship scenes were done just right and not the main story line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Have enjoyed all 3 of these books. But, I believe this was my favorite with a real highland battle. And the love scene's wow! I will recommend. Can't wait to read about the other 2 brothers.
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You won't be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.
He was concerned that there was for more to worry about than what they could currently see.
Sigh. I had so much fun reading this, guys. I will totally admit that this series has become a comfort read for me and I can’t believe I put off this third novel for two years! What is wrong with me?!
I remember reading His Highland Lass in 2018 and being utterly swept away by the setting, the storytelling, the family, and the steam, holy hell the steam in this series is enough to burn you and I love it! Since then, I’ve come back to this series whenever I needed a sexy, fun escape, much in the same way I pick up Abbi Glines novels. The author was kind enough to provide me a copy of His Bonnie Highland Temptation as well, and I’ve been watching her grow and create more immersive romance novels over the last two years, so I was beyond happy to be back visiting the Sinclair Clan!
She is a bushel of secrets and evasions, but yet, I canna keep away.
This opens as Brighde is running for her life from a scenario we don’t yet know and collapses into the safety of Alex Sinclair’s strong arms. Alex whisks her into his chambers and cares for her while she’s sick, concerned over what lead her to them in the first place… and what might be following her. This was a bit of an insta-love story, but I didn’t dislike it. Barclay’s novels all have this kind of fated mate feeling where the men and women just click right off the bat. Usually it’s not my thing, but I really love them in her books.
My biggest problem with this came from the beginning of the book where Brighde tells Alex a fake name and calls herself Mary. Now, it’s not the lie that I didn’t like, but it was the way it was handled and written. So, before Brighde even wakes up, Alex is gazing at her and the book says something along the lines of “Brighde was sleeping” or “Brighde rolled over” and I get that this is in third person, but if we’re looking at it through Alex’s eyes it should have said something like “the mystery girl was sleeping”. He didn’t know her name, so why was it being used in his perspective? Then, she wakes up and gives him the name Mary and yet her real name is used in his perspective again. Also, she literally tells him her real name like three paragraphs later. It was just short lived and not handled well, I think it could have just been left out.
Aside from that bumpy beginning for me, I think the book flowed really well. I was happy to see old favorites from the previous books make an appearance and it always feels like coming home when I’m with the Sinclair brothers. While this was an insta-love situation, there was a lot of back and forth in the way Brighde wanted to do what was best for Alex and if that meant she had to leave then she was going to leave. It was nice to see the tension between the two as they came into their relationship and the realization that they wanted a future together.
His Highland Prize had a lot of similar themes that the first two novels had but this one was entirely different in terms of plot and I really appreciated it! I was so happy to see there was no kidnapping; trust me, I love a good damsel in distress story line but Brighde was a total badass and I loved that aspect here! The battle scene at the end was EVERYTHING to me! I had literal chills while I was reading it and I’m so happy we got to see a big battle as opposed to the more singular fights in the previous two books. The brothers fighting back to back. Brighde holding her own. It was such a fabulous way to end the tension in the novel! Then there was the actual end! Basically, I really loved the end of this one.
Overall this was such a fun and sexy read! It was preciously what I needed! Like I said, Barclay’s Sinclair series is like a comfort to me, I know that when I pick it up I’ll enjoy what I’m reading and that’s really all I can ask for. I snagged the last two books in the series as well so I’ll be reading them soon!
You can check out other full reviews, author interviews, and bookish talks at Tonkin About Books!
This is the third book of the series and can be read as a standalone. The characters from previous books appear in this story but they are introduced seamlessly so you don’t feel lost. This is Alex and Brighde’s story.
Alex Sinclair is the second oldest son. He is the quiet warrior who doesn’t tend to stand out, but it doesn’t take away from his strength and looks. We meet him in the other books of the series and I was excited to read his story. He happens upon Brighde one night as she appears at the gate of his Keep battered and exhausted. He was taken with her immediately and she became his responsibility. He did not know why he was drawn to her , but he stayed with her the entire time she recovered.
Brighde Kerr is a runaway. She has had a rough life and recently found out her father has betrothed her to an awful man. She attempted escape only to be caught. She was beaten by her father and after escaping again, beaten by her betrothed. They left her for dead, but she waited them out and travelled two weeks to find the Sinclair Keep. Once she knew she reached safety she collapsed into the arms of an angel.
I loved these two and Brighde’s story will break your heart. She has some real strength that is to be admired. Alex was amazing with her. There were times that she made me a bit frustrated but her past makes her behavior understandable. This is a good story with great characters, some intrigue, romance and sexy time mixed in and a great ending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would have given it five stars but I gave it four stars for two reasons:
1. Editing issues 2. I felt that some parts of the plot were just used to prolong what was already an excellent story. It just made the story feel drawn out in some parts. Like the heroine being stubborn and running away.
All these aside, the book is still worth reading. It has the strong and innocent heroine running away from an arranged marriage and a future of abuse or even murder. We have the hero who is just perfect. Here we have the story of a heroine who has to grow into the relationship because the hero is already the man who he is meant to be- honorable, strong, faithful, Godly (and yet randy) and all those qualities that spells marriage material. Unlike the previous books this does not have a scorned ex mistress which is a refreshing change. There are multiple love scenes but for me it does not detract from the story whether you skip the pages of love scenes or not the story remains worth reading.
Brighde arrived at the Sinclair keep barely alive feet blooded and body bruised fell right into Alex arms! A!ex thought with her white blond hair she was an angel! Brighde was anything but she was a physically, emotionally and mentally scarred woman not worthy of Alex! She hurt him so many times I was sick of her and wanted her to leave! She tested him even after the full month he stayed at her side when she almost died! Alex is one of the most stars !e serious one of the brothers not the kind to date!my ordeal a mistress even though Brighde knows this she keeps making excuses even when he gave up his room for her the first day!!! Brighde was betrayed by her father and betrothed and brutally beaten but Alex didn't deserve the pain she brought him or the war to their clan! When Brother finally pushes Alex away one to many times can he forgive her? Should he or is it too late??
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Quite well written, it is a really lovely love story, with just the right amount of action, not too much warring but just enough! The family dynamics were beautifully portrayed (although one wonders if any family could be quite that harmonious)! Of course there were less admirable families portrayed!
However, I found it slightly irksome that there was no indication of time. No year was stated, but going on various clues, such as the clothes worn, how they fought and travelled I assumed it was Medaeival, therefore the mention of “milky mashed potato” was a little perplexing, as potatoes did not arrive until the late 1500s or early 1600s!
Albeit, I definitely recommend this tale to anyone who likes historical romance and adventure.
This is book 3 in the series, it didn't bother me that I'd not read the first two but I'd probably have had a richer experience if I had read them first.
Brighde and Alex are likeable characters who were brought up differently and experienced things differently, this meant that they clashed at times, but for me this showed a true picture of what relationships can be like, not every love story is plain sailing. I enjoyed the different characters and how they interacting with each other and the story held my interest from start to finish. I will definitely be looking into reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His Highland Prize begins with an intriguing circumstance – a beaten, beautiful young woman appears at the castle gates in the midst of a terrible storm and promptly collapses. The reader is left with so many questions, as is Alexander Sinclair, the H. The book was enjoyable, although not particularly suspenseful.
Brighde displays incredible prowess as an archer in a big battle scene toward the end. I found it jarring. It had been mentioned that she successfully hunted some small game, but that is nothing like having deadly accuracy from the battlements of a castle during a critical fight.
Overall, however, this was a good read with plenty of action, heat and laughter.
I enjoyed reading this series. Anyone reading these wonderful books needs to realise that back in the time period that they are set, the views of the Sinclair family towards women is not the norm. Therefore, if you have a problem with strong, protective, possessive Highland warriors and unconventional women whose families have often mistreated them, then maybe this series is not for you. However, if you love steamy love stories with lots of action, last minute rescues and happily ever after, then give these books a chance. I absolutely loved it when these strong warriors admitted their feelings to their significant others.
I love the Clan Sinclair books written by Celeste Barclay. I couldn't put this book down. You will find suspense, romance, hot sex, with no cliffhangers. The author interweaves the characters from book 1 and book 2 which I enjoyed very much. I was taken from my current location to the highlands. I felt I learned about Scottish and historical practices also enjoyed how the author let you know the meaning the sayings without having to look at the back of the book. Another great read!
This beyond steamy Scottish romance involved a runaway lass found by Alex Sinclair who nurses her back to health while becoming obsessed with her. Her hesitancy causes rash and impulsive actions which endanger her life, although Alex is always there to save her. Well-written with spot-on dialect, however their bickering becomes a bit tedious and redundant at times. Much of the book involves their sexual attraction. For those who enjoy a book involving continuing hot and erotic scenarios - not for the prudish at heart, for sure.
This story has captured my interest. This is a standalone despite it being the 3rd book in the series. I will surely read the first two to further enjoy the Sinclair Clan. The plot has steady pacing, not far fetched and has well-developed characters. The romantic steam is just perfect. The author has become one of my favs especially since I am into historical romance books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book can be read alone, but better as a series in my opinion. I like the characters, main and side. The story is interesting and held my attention throughout. A few mistakes need editing, but nothing too drastic. I look forward to the next book in the series. Warning this book has explicit sex scenes. Well written sex scenes, but I know some prefer to read a "clean romance".
This story is seriously hot! But it’s also very sweet. Any woman would be lucky to get an Alex of her own. The Sinclair men are protective of their women. I loved how strong Brighde was. She was not only able to take care of herself she also helped to save Alex. I’m truly enjoying listening to this series. I love Paul Woodson’s performance
He found her and took her inside to help her back to help. She is hiding a secret which would be dangerous for those around her. He wants to help no matter what. Will her secrets hurt them all? Will he keep her safe? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brigade was running for her life and it was pouring rain. Alex couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw her. He took her into his clan’s castle and nursed her back to health. Her father and another man was looking for her to exchange monies and then to do away with her. Alex’s clan fought them to yet save her again. Brigade and Alex later married.
Celeste Barclay weaves wonderful stories that pull you into the era - full of honorable Highlanders warriors and their women. This story had an interesting plot and a terrific HEA. I am looking forward to reading more novels in this series and enjoying more of the Sinclair clan.
Brieghde Kerr is a strong but a bit stupid heroine who because of her past experiences with men cannot accept the devotion Alex offers her. Though there is plenty of action and excitement, the real story is the character development that turns a doubting heart into an acceptance of love. ‘Tis a fine tale.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It has everything that appeals to a romantic.... brave, young Scottish warriors, fearless ladies and a great storyline. I really like the characters and will read the first two in this series now that I read this one.
This story with its full cast of characters invite you right into the story. The story line was good and the characters were relatable. It is an easy read with lots of HEA among the couples . It has a few steamy pages here and there so if that’s not to your liking be forewarned.
Alex compares Bridghide at one point to winning a prize and that is exactly how he treats her. The sex is hot and a lot but the actual romance leaves something to be desired. It was to install I've and never seemed to develop without us being told what they're feeling.