Will he honor his promises and hold his family together?
Callum McDougall’s fate has never been in question. He will follow in his father’s footsteps and become chieftain of his clan. A clan that is struggling in a Scotland where their very way of life is threatened by the industrial revolutions that are leaving them behind. All of that, however, will have to wait. For when Callum’s cousin, Gregor, goes missing, there is no one else Callum trusts to find him, leading him to embark on a journey that might just change his life forever.
Will she have her freedom, no matter the cost?
Victoria should have listened to her aunt’s warnings. But the time for regrets is not necessarily while hanging off the trellis outside of a duke’s second-story window. After nearly being manipulated by her stepfather into a marriage orchestrated for his own financial gain, Victoria Brighton escapes just in time. Now she must create a new future for herself, one which she is determined will never again include reliance on a man who might yet again use her as a pawn.
They must find the answers they seek...
One accidental starlit encounter leaves Victoria and Callum at odds, with one another, and with themselves over the intensity of attraction they feel for one another. But the more they try to fight it, the harder it will be to leave one another behind. Knowing a future between the two of them can never be, how will the unlikely new allies ever be able to say goodbye?
For readers over 18 due to some steamy content.
Note: Callum's Vow was previously published as Hearts of Starlight and The Scot's Vow by Audrey Adair.
Audrey Adair spent her childhood reading through the various sections at the library, and her love for books has continued throughout her life. She has read every book by Julie Garwood, Mary Balogh, and Julia Quinn! She studied English and History in college before completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. She wrote feature magazine articles and non-fiction books before discovering her true love of writing historical romance.
She has a soft spot for the rough and tumble men of history -- the pirates, the rakes, and most especially the Highlanders, and loves the power of a strong woman.
Audrey finds intrigue and romance in every time period, from the ancient Egyptians to 20th century pioneers.
Audrey loves to connect with her readers! She loves to receive email from readers at audrey@prairielilypress.com.
If you'd like to receive the latest news on Audrey's releases, be part of giveaways and other content, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.prairielilypress.com/audre....
An adventure that takes a long journey from England to Canada in the Americas and with it two strong characters that will find what each of them needs even though they never expected it. Victoria Brighton was a runaway bride. Indeed she would not marry the man her step father was in collusion with so they both could split her inheritance! Having secretly corresponded with her aunt, she planned everything to escape and made the ship to cross the Atlantic. Callum McDougall was traveling on that same ship as well to go search for his cousin Gregor, who had taken a job in Canada. Although his loyalty was to his clan, who was struggling due to all the innovations that where taking over. As the two meet on the ship, sparks fly, at first not in the best of ways but they are very attracted to each other. Each have their secrets they keep close, but will they ever be honest with each other? What will become of them once they reach their destination? I really enjoyed this story and it kept my interest. How could it not? A braw Scot and a feisty heroine bound for a world that is new and growing. An excellent start to a new series that I cannot wait for more!!
4.5 Stars Callum McDougall’s fate has never been in question. He will follow in his father’s footsteps and become chieftain of his clan. A clan that is struggling in a Scotland where their very way of life is threatened by the industrial revolutions that are leaving them behind. All of that, however, will have to wait. For when Callum’s cousin, Gregor, goes missing, there is no one else Callum trusts to find him, leading him to embark on a journey that might just change his life forever. Victoria Brighton should have listened to her Aunt Sarah’s warnings. But the time for regrets is not necessarily while hanging off the trellis outside of a second-story window. After nearly being manipulated by her stepfather into a marriage orchestrated for his own financial gain, Victoria escapes just in time. Now she must create a new future for herself, one which she is determined will never again include reliance on a man who might yet again use her as a pawn. Victoria and Callum find themselves thrown together on their journey from Liverpool to the North Western frontier of Canada they are often at odds with one another, and with themselves over the intensity of attraction they feel for one another. A different genre for myself & the author but I loved it. Strong characters & a well paced story had me engrossed from start to finish & I’m so glad the author decided to update this series & publish it under her own name. I loved Callum, the strong Highlander determined to find his cousin Gregor, I also loved Victoria who wanted to forge a new life for herself without being under any man's thumb. The chemistry between them sizzled, although they each fought it. There was also the secondary romance with Sarah which was an added bonus. I’m now looking forward to the other McDougall siblings having their stories. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
"Hearts of Starlight" is book one in a new series by Audrey Adair, "The McDougalls". I agreed to be part of the author's "Street Team" after reading and reviewing the first book in her time travel series.
Although I am not usually a fan of romance novels, even those with historic settings, I am comfortable recommending this book to readers who enjoy the genre. It is well written and the characters are interesting.
Victoria has grown up pampered and wealthy in England. She is young, stubborn and strong, although inexperienced in the world.
Callum is slightly older, from Scotland, and plans to return home to become chieftain of his family's clan as soon as he finds his missing cousin. Although his family is proud and respected are struggling economically as is much of Scotland.
As they both travel via train, boat, and train to the American northwest, they resist the attraction. Fate continues to throw them together as they bump into each other at each new location. While this is typical in historical romances, the adventures and perils are interesting and engaging.
If you like historically based romance, Scotish men (no kilt), and adventure I think you should give this book a try.
It was an OK story, though there was more "tell" than "show". The h, Victoria, was rather annoying as she showed little common sense in dealing with strangers.
Victoria is fleeing a prospective unwanted husband, and travels to Canada. She meets Callum who has his own reasons for making the journey. Mostly well-written and interesting, I was disappointed near the end when continuity errors spoiled some scenes. Overall enjoyable.
Callum- from Scotland, He is looking for his cousin Gregor who has gone missing. He is strong, trustworthy and feels conflicted about being the next chieftain for his clan. Victoria- from England strong, independent and wise. She was escaping her step-father and her unwanted betrothed dukes selfish plans. Setting: 1882 Northwest Territories Canada (mostly) Characterization: 5* (strong) felt connected, good chemistry- Including the "villains". plot/storyline: 5* I enjoyed it. Both were escaping to the north west territories in Canada, for their own reasons. This week I was given a rare treat! I was given an advanced copy of “Hearts of Starlight” by Audrey Adair to read and give an honest review. Writing: 4.5* good voice- very descriptive, Had witty and humorous dialog. Ending: 5* - A good romantic HEA- anything else said would be in the spoiler category and I refuse to do that. How much I enjoyed it: 4.5* A sweet and touching story, I had troubles putting it down, anxious to read other books in this series. Overall rating: 5* (out of 5*)
I really loved Victoria and Callum’s story. After an unfortunate first meeting, the attraction between Victoria and Callum grows steadily. Although they are from different worlds, the feelings are strong, but their secrets are stronger. The intrigue, danger, suspense and romance in this book make it a page-turner. I couldn’t put it down.
A runaway bride, a trip across the ocean, bad men. What more do you need to have a great story? And that was what this was. Both hero and heroine were strong, but they needed each other to be complete. I loved it.
This is an interesting story that tells the tale of two completely different characters who are on the same journey but for different reasons. Callum and Victoria leave Scotland/England and their paths entwine. A bit of intrigue and romance help the story along.
A quick and easy read; the story itself was okay at best.
There were a few instances in the book where I wanted to roll my eyes at the heroine's decision-making at times. The author does write about Victoria's (the heroine) physical appearance way too many times throughout the story that it becomes a bit repetitive (as another reviewer pointed it out).
I did have a few issues with the hero (Callum) himself. I thought his character was a bit undeveloped compared to Victoria, for the most part. I also wanted to know more about his history growing up in the Scottish Highlands, instead of a brief flashback at the beginning of the book.
As for the romance itself, it could have been better. The attraction between the main characters really didn't pull me in until late in the story, almost till the end.
A strong, independent woman escaping an arranged marriage meets a hard headed Scotsman looking for his cousin who has disappeared. This may not be an original plot, but the story here is good.
The character arcs are fairly strong (Victoria’s much more so than Callum’s), and the plot is moved along quickly in the middle and end (almost too quickly for me). Victoria’s realization that all women are looking for their Mr. Darcy is probably the truest thing I’ve ever seen in a romance novel.
What I didn’t like was Callum’s rather patronizing attitude towards Victoria throughout the book, and while he finally tells her he loves her, you don’t see the growth in character, you only know that he feels any marriage, rushed or otherwise, is indissoluble.
It’s a good, read, & while the rest of the series isn’t on top of my TBR pile, it is in the pile.
A strong, independent woman escaping an arranged marriage meets a hard headed Scotsman looking for his cousin who has disappeared. This may not be an original plot, but the story here is good.
The character arcs are fairly strong (Victoria’s much more so than Callum’s), and the plot is moved along quickly in the middle and end (almost too quickly for me). Victoria’s realization that all women are looking for their Mr. Darcy is probably the truest thing I’ve ever seen in a romance novel.
What I didn’t like was Callum’s rather patronizing attitude towards Victoria throughout the book, and while he finally tells her he loves her, you don’t see the growth in character, you only know that he feels any marriage, rushed or otherwise, is indissoluble.
It’s a good, read, & while the rest of the series isn’t on top of my TBR pile, it is in the pile.
Hearts Of Starlight by Audrey Adair is a fantastic read. Ms Adair has given us a book that is well-written and fun to read. I totally love the characters in this story. Sassy and strong-willed Victoria and lovable Callum are a joy to discover. There is plenty of action and adventure, drama and humor, suspense and spice to keep readers glued to this story. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to reading more from Audrey Adair in the future. Hearts Of Starlight is book 1 of The McDougalls Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A sweet adventure romance, Hearts of Starlight has a good plot with a strong hero and a quick thinking heroine. Not many romance novels speak of the actual journey taken by the early immigrants to the New World and this story highlights the differences between what they left behind and the life experienced by the early settlers. There were a number of editing problems as well as slip ups regarding the era in which this book was written, mostly in the language used. Nevertheless this was an entertaining read and Callum makes a delightful hero who finds himself enthralled by Victoria's somewhat impetuous nature.
Victoria was a young lady with a large inheritance that her stepfather wanted to get his hands on. He had betrothed her to a Lord who was rumored to have killed his first wife, and gamble to the point of ruination. On the day she was to be married, she climbed down a trellis and left England for Canada. Callum was the son of a Scottish Clan leader, whose cousin had gone to Canada because life was better there, more opportunities. They met in the shipping across the Atlantic. He was in steerage, she in first class. They met and sparks flew. You have to read the rest of the story. It's well written and I really enjoyed reading it!
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌ h gave me major whiplash She was a clingy bitch, one moment she doesn’t want to do anything with H, even says she doesn’t want a husband and wants to live for herself and the next she’s following H, kissing him, wanting to know his secret even though H did not ask what hers was and respected it. When he said there can be nothing between them, because he will eventually leave, she was upset/angry about it and still went on to follow him like a little snake, like what the hell? She said she doesn’t want to be saddled with a man/husband and is upset when he says there can be nothing between them? I don’t know she was too clingy after one kiss
This was an entertaining historical romance. Victoria's stepfather plans to marry her off to a Duke to get access to her inheritance. She flees from England to the Northwest territories, planning to build a life for herself. Callum, heir to a Scottish clan, travels to the Northwest territories trying to find his missing cousin. Sparks fly whenever the two of them interact, and the more they see each other the more attracted they are to each other. I enjoyed this book and would read others by this author.
I was asked to do an ARC from this author for a complete review:
Truly enjoyed the book. I loved that instead of centering it in Scotland it involved it and brought it to a young America instead. Kind of nice to get outside that same story line you read in so many books. Gave it a 4 out of 5 stars only because there were times I felt confused in what was written and had to read it twice which throws off my enjoyment and it becoming a true page turner. I recommend you read it! I did truly enjoy it!
Victoria is determined to make her own choices and be independent. Callum is determined to find his cousin, go back to Scotland, and live his life as the head of his clan. These two clash with each other over nearly everything, and it is pretty entertaining. I enjoyed the secondary characters, too. They added color to the town while Victoria and Callum find their new lives. Also, I think this is only the second book I have ever read that was set in Saskatchewan. I wish that had been played up a bit more, but there were some interesting bits.
I just LOVED this story. The fact that this sort of thing (the arranged marriages and women with no control over their own money) did actually used to happen, makes it just that more real!
I couldn't put the book down.
I really recommend this to all for a fast paced and action packed story about a lovely, if slightly impetuous and outspoken, young lady and her adventures to avoid an arranged marriage.
I really did enjoy the story line and each of the characters, Audrey made me wish I was there for all of their adventures ! 💖 What I did not enjoy were all of the typos and grammatical errors :( Several times the pronoun was the wrong gender. On one page I was reading a paragraph and thought, " On I already read this", and sure enough I had , as it was a repeat of the above paragraph! Where are the proof readers ?
This is the story of Victoria and Callum. She started out in England and he in Scotland and they both ended up in the North West Territories of Canada in the 1800's. The book tells each of their stories and why they left home and how and where they meet up. I found the storyline so interesting and with such good cast of characters it was easy to follow along. You can read it as a standalone HEA. I really enjoyed this book.
Initially this reminded me of Titanic because a part of it was set in a ship bound for the Northwest Territories (now Canada), so it's a trans-Atlantic trip.
I liked the promise of new beginnings without the restriction of society's expectations. Victoria and Callum were both freer.
There was a bit of excitement with a mystery that was eventually solved.
I was given an advanced copy of “Hearts of Starlight” by Audrey Adair to read and give an honest review.
I found this book very easy to read and I enjoyed the story. It was believable which is very important to me when reading. The characters were likable except the bad guys who you were not excepted to like. I would recommend this book.
I received this from the author. This was an interesting read and a good start to a new series. This is set a little bit later in time than I usually read but still an interesting read. The romance was pretty well done but man Victoria’s man was a jerk in the beginning. I just feel like that story was a little drawn out at times. It needed to be a little bit sped up.
A highlander story with a difference. Our hero travels to America, in the time of the new frontier, on the journey he encounters a young woman, who confuses him, because of his attraction to her and because she didn't fit with the future he envisaged. However, fate forces both his and her hand, and their story is well worth reading.
I just couldn't finish the book. I got around halfway through before I had my fill of an idiotic heroine with few redeeming qualities (stupidity not being a desirable trait) and pedantic writing that drones. I gave the book a full star for clean editing.