Quest of the Highlander: Forbidden Passion in Scotland

Crowns & Kilts #5

by Cynthia Wright

A HIGHLANDER NO MORE
Lennox MacLeod was raised on the Isle of Skye as grandson of the powerful clan chief, yet his kind heart and artistic talent set him apart from other Highland warriors. When Lennox uncovers a shocking secret about his parentage, he angrily leaves the Highlands behind, vowing to discover his father’s true identity...and where he really belongs.

BOLD DREAMS DASHED
Lovely, strong-willed Nora Brodie has devoted her life to becoming a master weaver of royal tapestries, even though men scoff at the notion of a woman achieving such a goal. At Stirling Castle, Nora is determined to make her dreams come true, until the night a dissolute Englishman, used to taking what he desires, steals the one thing she can never replace.

TRAVELING AN UNCERTAIN PATH
Hiding a shameful secret, Nora must leave Stirling Castle, and the only person who can help her is the splendid Highlander, Lennox MacLeod. Traveling together, from Stirling to the Isle of Mull to the magnificent Tudor court, Lennox and Nora forge a passionate bond as soulmates and lovers.

THE WINDS OF FATE
Yet, just as their hearts come together, everything changes when Lennox discovers the surprising identity of his real father and Nora begins to achieve her lifelong dream as a master weaver. Does the flame of love stand a chance against the powerful winds of fate?

Genres: Historical Romance, Amazon, Historical, Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2020

About the author

Cynthia Wright is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Rakes & Rebels series, 16 intertwining historical romances starring the irresistible Raveneau & Beauvisage families. Her other acclaimed series are Crowns & Kilts and Rogues Go West. Romantic Times Magazine hails Cynthia's novels as "Romance the way it was meant to be."

Cynthia lives in northern California. She enjoys riding a tandem bike and taking road trips in an airstream trailer with her Colombian-born husband, Alvaro & their corgi, Watson. She is also devoted to her two teenage grandsons who live nearby.

You are invited to visit Cynthia's website (where you can sign up for her newsletter and peruse the Books Page):
http://cynthiawrightauthor.com/

You are invited to join Cynthia's private Facebook reader group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/98606...

View her "Behind the Books" boards on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/cynthiawright77/

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family series:
1 - SILVER STORM (André & Devon)
2 - HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE: a sequel novella (André & Devon)
3 - SMUGGLER'S MOON (Sebastian & Julia)
4 - THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
5 - SURRENDER THE STARS (Ryan & Lindsay)
6 - HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
7 - HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND (Justin & Mouette)
8 - HER SECRET ROGUE (Anthony & Frederica)
9 - HIS FIERY ANGEL (Benedict & Camille)
10 - HIS RECKLESS BARGAIN (Nathan & Adrienne)
11 - TEMPEST (Adam & Cathy)

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family intertwines with RAKES & REBELS: The Beauvisage Family series:
1 - STOLEN BY A PIRATE: a prequel novella to RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Jean-Philippe & Antonia)
2 -RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Alec & Caro)
3 - TOUCH THE SUN (Lion & Meagan)
4 - SPRING FIRES (Nicholai & Lisette)
5 - HER DANGEROUS VISCOUNT (Grey & Natalya)

CROWNS & KILTS: The St. Briac Family
1 - YOU & NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimee)
2 - OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
3 - ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)
4 - RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE (Ciaran & Violette)
5 - QUEST OF THE HIGHLANDER (Lennox & Nora)

ROGUES GO WEST
1 - BRIGHTER THAN GOLD (Jack & Katie)
2 - IN A RENEGADE'S EMBRACE (Fox & Maddie)
3 - THE DUKE & THE COWGIRL (Geoff & Shelby)
Read less

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox MacLeod has never felt part of his clan. He doesn’t really look like anyone in his family, he considers himself more of an artist than a Highlander, and his grandfather, chief of Clan MacLeod, doesn’t seem to fully accept him. Despite feeling this way, Lennox loves his family. One day, while helping his sister prepare for travel, he unwittingly uncovers a shocking family secret. Hoping to learn more, he sets out on a quest to discover his true parentage.

Nora Brodie is an artistic woman trying to make her mark in a man’s world. Learning skills from her father, Nora’s dream is to become a master weaver, creating tapestries for royalty. As a woman, this dream is difficult, if not impossible to achieve. Nora and her father travel to Sterling Castle where she hopes that a demonstration of her skills will allow her to attain her dreams. Unfortunately, a chance encounter ruins all of Nora’s prospects and she is determined to escape.

Nora persuades kind-hearted Lennox to take her with him on his journey and so their adventure begins. Traveling through Scotland and England, both are determined in their individual quests but they soon discover a passion for each other along the way.

Lennox is the 3rd MacLeod sibling from the Isle of Skye. His brother Ciaran and sister Fiona both try to convince Lennox that family bonds are strong, no matter what blood travels through their veins. But Lennox is resolute and feels the need to find answers he seeks.

As one can expect from a Cynthia Wright book, the details of medieval Scotland and London are well depicted, as are the courts of James V and Henry VIII. Her descriptions of food, clothing, and the settings are spot on. In addition, Wright describes the art of tapestry making in the 16 century. This is a topic that I knew nothing about, but delighted in the descriptions of the looms, bobbins, and cartoons. These cartoons are not what you would expect them to be.

I highly recommend visiting Cynthia Wright’s Pinterest boards, including her latest for Quest of the Highlander. She includes pictures of historical figures, clothing, and castles of the time. Also included are pictures of the Stirling head medallions, galleys, and tapestries.

Quest of the Highlander is a strong addition to the Crowns and Kilts series. One of my favorite things about Cynthia Wright is how her books are all interconnected. While it can stand alone, knowing the back story of the MacLeods adds to the enjoyment. New readers can go back and learn about the MacLeod siblings in Abducted at the Altar and Return of the Lost Bride. There are also cameos from Andrew, the Duke of Aylesbury, and Micheline from Of One Heart. Even Andrew’s sister Cicely tries to lend a hand. (And if you are really paying attention, the St. Briac family eventually winds up in America with the Beauvisages….)

Once again, fans of medieval romance will delight in Cynthia Wright’s latest foray into 16th century Scotland, where passion and love abound.

[Julie Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Wright’s novels have always been at the top of my favorite list because they are a notch above the typical historical romance. This latest one, QUEST OF THE HIGHLANDER, is no exception. I am so excited that it’s finally here!

We’d met the handsome, gentle Lennox MacLeod in previous stories, so I couldn’t wait for it to be his turn to not only find true love but also to search for answers to the questions that had been ever-building in his mind. Despite being raised on the Isle of Skype as part of the powerful Clan MacLeod, Lennox never quite felt like he fit in with the rest of his Highland family. Not only did he look different, but he was different on the inside as well. When he stumbles upon evidence of a shocking family secret long hidden by those he loves, he knows he can not rest until he competes a quest for answers about where he really belongs.

Nora Brodie, a young and very talented weaver who has dreams of someday creating tapestries for kings and queens, crosses his path at his first stop, Stirling Castle. Although drawn to each other through their shared love of art, neither can afford a distraction that might keep them from their goals. When a tragic and horrible night’s events leave Nora battered but no broken, she knows she must leave Stirling if she ever wants to achieve her dream. Remembering that Lennox had planned on setting out on the next part of his journey soon, she went to the kind Highlander for help. Having Nora along will slow his progress, but the kind-hearted Lennox could never resist someone in need of help, even if he doesn't fully understand why.

Will Lennox be able to find a place he truly belongs? Will Nora be able to still achieve her goal of being a master weaver despite the odds and her sudden change in circumstance? Is there room in either’s life for anything but the unbending desire to complete their quest?
As they follow a trail of clues that lead them towards their goals, they meet many characters along the way that each add color and depth to the story in wonderful ways. I especially love the extra research behind every one of Cynthia Wright’s novels because it makes these people and the places they visit seem completely and utterly real. It tends to take me longer to read one of these novels than other historical novels because I find myself currently wanting to Google this or that person/place/thing mentioned in the story to learn even more. Her books are so much more than just a romance novel. They are historical experiences that you want to immerse yourself in and stay there for days on end.

Although part of a series, as with any of the author’s novels, this story can stand on its own as an enjoyable read. But a word of warning--nce you read one, you won’t be happy until you’ve read them all!

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about finding one's path in life, a path that will lead to happiness and contentment.
Lennox MacLeod has been a Highlander his whole life, but he has always felt different from his family. Artistic and sensitive, as handsome, bronzed and sculpted like a Norse God, he looks very different from his siblings. After receiving a huge shock, Lennox sets out on a journey of discovery that will change his life forever.
Nora Brodie is beautiful, gifted, independent and an extremely talented tapissier whose dream is to become a master weaver, but in Tudor England is that even possible.
Strung along by her father, it is all she's ever wanted until she meets the very handsome Highlander, Lennox MacLeod while living at Stirling Castle.
But during the king's feast one evening, she is deceived into trusting the venomous and deceitful Sir Raymond Slater and her world crumbles around her like dust.
And so, this romantic adventure begins....
As usual, Cynthia Wright's very descriptive writing captures the atmosphere, decadence, and mood of the Tudor era beautifully, with accurate historical references, while she takes you on a magical adventure from the Isle of Skye to the city of London. You can almost feel the wind in your hair as you stand looking out at the Sound of Mull, while in London the rustling of silk dresses and talk at the dinner table, makes you feel as if you are sitting in the room with these wonderful characters. Cynthia cleverly brings the delightful Andrew Weston, Duke of Sandhurst and his beautiful French wife, Micheline from Of One Heart into the story, as well as other beloved characters that we have come to know so well.
This book reflects that families are made up of all different beginnings and experiences, but what matters most is the warmth and love shared in that family circle.
Sometimes the grass isn't always as green as you think it is going to be....
I absolutely loved this splendidly emotional, passionate and colourful book, and so will you!
I heartily recommend it.

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's finally over

All the bad things exist in this book at the same time. The sheer incomprehensible accomplishment of that fact is remarkable. First trigger warning: SA on page. Then we go to the nature of the SA and it has a very modern circumstance. I'd love for a historian to correct me if I'm wrong but I can think of no substance that ever resembled rohypnol before the invention. There was Spanish Fly which irritated a woman's urethra and caused the entire area to swell if tainted urine came into contact with the skin. And that has existed since Roman times.
Then we have a woman with career goals and she's able to achieve them in a royal setting. She has no birthright to land, power,or wealth. There is no magic way to make an heir legitimate.
The callbacks were atrociously obnoxious and uncalled for, especially Fairhaven. The story couldn't have been moved forward except through the actions of old characters simply because the author refused to allow characters to make decisions for themselves.
The plot was a hero's journey. Except it lacks the details of awesomeness that are the visit to the underworld and the wise council.
The characters are the lost heir and the career woman. Plus a plethora of characters from previous books.
The writing, yee gods. Don't refer to a certain female body part as congested, like seriously, not ever. Don't make me get the spray.
The pacing would not die. How many epilogues were needed to say they lived happily ever after.
The world building is the best part but, it's ruined by trying to shove a thoroughly modern character into actual places that existed.
I'm not saying that there weren't women weavers. She doesn't want to be a weaver or cartoonist. She wants to hold a master position in the Royal Guild.
Just make it stop.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to read Cynthia Wright's Quest of the Highlander. It is a wonderful continuation to the Crowns and Kilts series. It tells the story of Lennox and Nora. Each has been delivered a blow that makes them question where they belong and they set off on a quest to find their true selves. Lennox is a gentle warrior with an artistic soul. Nora has an independent spirit that drives her to achieve the status of master weaver where only men are allowed. Their journey brings them together and to a love strong enough to heal their wounded souls.

I have been a fan of Cynthia's books for a long time and not just for her charming and entertaining stories but also for their historical accuracy. Characters and settings are described in such detail that you feel you are right there with them. It is not just the descriptions of the clothes they are wearing. It is the detailed descriptions of the Scottish wilderness, the castles and architecture along with the norms of the times. Everything comes to life as you read. I absolutely recommend Quest of the Highlander. It is a great book!

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, Intriguing, Adventurous & Romantic

Another Fantastic Book in the Crown & Kilts Series.
Each of these Stories are written exceptionally well. I really enjoyed Nora & Lennox's journey from the Isle of Skye to Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace, Isle of Mull, London, Surrey.
Lennox is a Wonderful man but doesn't feel like he fits in with his Family. His Father & Grandfather treat him differently as well. He accidentally drops a casket given to Fiona by their mother & when it shatters a miniature photo appears with a man who looks exactly like Lennox, he knows this must be his real father. He sets out to find out what his future may hold for himself.
Nora is a weaver of tapestries, but only acknowledged by her father. She is proud & wishes to become a master weaver. One night at Stirling Castle changes her life & she asks Lennox to take her with him.
I could go on, but I don't want to give the Story away.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I used to read was historical fiction and even though now, I rarely read it, I never ever miss a chance to read this author's releases. Cynthia writes in a way that immediately pulls you in to the character's story topped with vibrant descriptions of the beautiful settings. She does her research well but not in a way that feels like a school lesson but leaves you wanting to visit and see the history you've just read about.

Lennox and Nora's story is a bit different from the usual angsty love. Nora is a "career" woman and strong enough to move forward through her trials. Lennox has his own baggage trying to unravel his family tree. They are well suited and I enjoyed following their individual stories come together in true love. Best of all, we meet some old friends in this story!

Thanks to Cynthia for sharing an ARC with me!

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lennox and Nora's story although it certainly didn't come without plenty of angst and heartbreak. Both characters are so strong which is a good thing since they both have to go through so much before finding their HEA.

All Nora wants is to become a master weaver but because she's a woman, that dream may never come true. As for Lennox, he learns the truth of his birthright and is on a search to find his real father. When the two meet, neither one of them expected the attraction between them. Nora has a secret, though, and she is sure it will destroy whatever feelings Lennox has towards her and when circumstances throws them together, love and heartache will go hand in hand.

Cynthia Wright is an author I can always trust to write the best stories with wonderful characters that will keep you wanting to read more!

[Bonita Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes love comes when you least expect it

The story of Nora and Lennox is an exciting one. After discovering that his father is not his biological father, Lennox feels like he doesn’t know who he is. Deciding to try and find out who his father is, he makes plans to leave on a quest to find him.
Nora was raped by a horrible man and needed to leave town quickly. Hearing that Lennox was leaving on a trip, she asks him to let her go along. Her father gave his consent only if they handfasted. They left on their trip, not knowing what they would learn.
Read this great book. You’ll be glad you did.

[Mary Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Wright’s 5th book in her Crowns and Kilts series, Quest of the Highlander, is a story that you will fall into with eagerness for each chapter as you’re whisked away to Renaissance Scotland and into the love story of Nora and Lennox. Ms. Wright. as always, makes her characters come delightfully alive with enjoyable details, an exciting plot, tons of romance, and interesting historical tidbits. This beautiful book is the perfect cozy read and a must - not only for fans of the genre, but for anyone looking for a little escape.

[Alison Burnhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end for now

That's me read all the series, and I can definitely recommend them all, the stories are original and cover Scotland, France and America from the sixteenth century onwards. I always enjoy series that cover families as they move through life and how history has affected them. Do try these books.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a very naive but strong willed Nora and an angry highlander, Lennox, who feels betrayed by his family sparks begin to fly while they are both seeking their own individual dreams. There is much sadness, hurt, anger and even love involved, but will they be strong enough to withstand all of the negative under currents! Excellent book! Easy to recommend! 😍

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great tale from Cynthia Wright!

What a wonderful book this was. It’s the kind that makes you want to keep reading until well into the night. Nora and Lennox struggle mightily against events that keep them apart, but they never lose their love for each other. I enjoy the setting in Scotland—how I’d love to see the castles and cliffs.

[Patricia S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lennox and Nora’s story.
They face betrayal and heartache.
Lennox grew up on the Isle of
Skye. His Grandfather was Chief
of the McLeod clan.
This story captivated you from
page 1 until the end.

[John Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quest of the Highlander

Every time I read a new book written by Cynthia Wright I think it is better than the last. As you become entrenched in the series and become familiar with all the characters the stories just get better. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Katy Carkuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox and Nora weave magic

I loved the story of Lennox and Nora! I think the author did a great job telling their story with great passion and love! And I learned a lot about weaving, and how young love could be similar!

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance read

Nora & Lennox need to find their place in the world. They are both pulled in different directions but will they find their way back to each other? A good read. Good characters full of rich scenery.

[Katherine Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and endearing

A most interesting and enjoyable story and this author writes the kind of books that I dearly love. Loaded with drama and struggles you will love the HEA.

[Laura Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The h irritated me. She made the H feel loss of love for the lie of a career. Also, how could she not realize she had been drugged. And what good friend tells all your secrets to another “for your own good?” Not her secrets to tell.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quest of the Highlander ( Crowns & Kilts Book 5)

Cynthia Wright has done it again. When a boy grows up looking different than his family he sets out to find his true father. Lennox finds that whom ever raised him with love is true family.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quest of the Highlander is an entertaining historical romance about a spirited weaver and a man in search for his roots. Contains graphic sex scenes and rape, so reader discretion is advised. The narrator does a good job with the audiobook.

[Barbara R. Cady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in the series!

A good story that emphasizes the life style and rules of the age. It also reflects the difference between the social classes. Lennox and his lady love make a couple you'll like to root for.

[Debra Loewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I really enjoyed reading this story. It had wonderful twists and turns...great ups and downs. I would recommend this story

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read

Thus ends this series. The Sandhurst family play a key in this last part Thus the story goes full circle

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love story

I have now read all your stories I believe. I loved this last one and the drama Nora went through and survived happily.

[Ramonita Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Lennox's & Nora's story. In search of his true identity he discovered what will truly defined him.
Highly Recommend. Happy Reading.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not her best work.

[Coco.V]

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[Sheila]

Truely charming

Fell in love with the characters and the wonderfully well done description of the times they were living. It was most definitely a mans world.

[Alida C. Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review

Love this series. Love the characters and how the author makes them real and human. Will continue to read all your books.