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Escape to the Highlands
A stand-alone historical romantic suspense novel
Secrets threaten to destroy them, but can they uncover the truth behind the lies?
Symon MacKinnon, eldest son of the chieftain, spends his days training with his sword and his nights drinking his clan’s famous whisky. But after many peaceful years, the clan is unprepared for the attack that seems to come from all sides. He fights like the devil but seeing his father and brothers slaughtered and the keep laid low by the marauders, he is barely able to escape with his sister and one young clansman in tow.
Johanna Murray never had an easy life but the past two years have been especially difficult since her parents sold her as a servant to a family that mistreated and frightened her. She tries to make the best of it but when they humiliate her in public, pushing her down on a muddy town street, Johanna is holding onto her pride by a thread.
Symon can’t believe his eyes when he sees a small cluster of people kicking at a young woman in the street. He intervenes before he can stop himself and finds himself lost in the most beautiful blue eyes he’s ever seen. How will he save this beautiful woman when he couldn’t save his clan?
He’ll find a way—not only to rebuild his clan but to rescue the woman who captured his heart with a single look.
Heat level: warm/mild
Secrets threaten to destroy them, but can they uncover the truth behind the lies?
Symon MacKinnon, eldest son of the chieftain, spends his days training with his sword and his nights drinking his clan’s famous whisky. But after many peaceful years, the clan is unprepared for the attack that seems to come from all sides. He fights like the devil but seeing his father and brothers slaughtered and the keep laid low by the marauders, he is barely able to escape with his sister and one young clansman in tow.
Johanna Murray never had an easy life but the past two years have been especially difficult since her parents sold her as a servant to a family that mistreated and frightened her. She tries to make the best of it but when they humiliate her in public, pushing her down on a muddy town street, Johanna is holding onto her pride by a thread.
Symon can’t believe his eyes when he sees a small cluster of people kicking at a young woman in the street. He intervenes before he can stop himself and finds himself lost in the most beautiful blue eyes he’s ever seen. How will he save this beautiful woman when he couldn’t save his clan?
He’ll find a way—not only to rebuild his clan but to rescue the woman who captured his heart with a single look.
Heat level: warm/mild
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2022
216 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Keira Montclair
80 books523 followersKeira Montclair is the pen name of an author who lives in South Carolina with her husband. She writes fast-paced historical romance, often with children as secondary characters.
If she’s not writing, she prefers to spend time with her grandchildren. She’s worked as a high school math teacher, a registered nurse, and an office manager. She loves ballet, mathematics, puzzles, learning anything new, and creating new characters for her readers to fall in love with.
She considers her work done well when her readers shed tears over her stories, but there’s always a happy ending! Her bestselling series is a family saga that follows two medieval Scottish clans through three generations and now numbers over fifty books.
Contact her through her website, www.keiramontclair.com.
If she’s not writing, she prefers to spend time with her grandchildren. She’s worked as a high school math teacher, a registered nurse, and an office manager. She loves ballet, mathematics, puzzles, learning anything new, and creating new characters for her readers to fall in love with.
She considers her work done well when her readers shed tears over her stories, but there’s always a happy ending! Her bestselling series is a family saga that follows two medieval Scottish clans through three generations and now numbers over fifty books.
Contact her through her website, www.keiramontclair.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 28, 2022
I'm a huge fan of this author but this book was really disappointing. So many grammatical errors, it felt like there wasn't any editing done. The story was not good, the characters were bleh. As I was reading it I kept feeling like the author didn't even care about these characters. But still I powered through, only to get to the end and see an author's note that this is a standalone and that she's not interested in continuing this particular story/series. It basically felt like confirmation that she didn't want to write the story, in which case, why publish it?
June 21, 2023
Too much of a focus on the hero instead of the heroine--which, in a shorter book, is SAYING something--and so I got bored.
NEXT.
NEXT.
November 10, 2022
Another fabulous story by Keira Montclair. This is a standalone story with new characters. The story is everything that I have come to expect from Keira. It is well written with wonderful characters. It is a Highland romance so there is danger and intrigue as well as some surprises I did not anticipate. The romance is a slow burn but the HEA is worth the wait.
January 2, 2023
A nice entertaining easy read. Short, sweet and predicable. The characters were very cliche and flat. I probably will not remember this book in a year, but I didn't hate it.
November 15, 2022
Escape to the Highlands
Keira Montclair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Symon MacKinnon is the eldest son of a chieftain. He spends his days training with his sword, and his nights are spent drinking his clans famous whiskey. But after many long peaceful years, the clan was not prepared for the attack that brought them to their knees. Symon fights like a possesed man with all he has, but seeing his father and brothers slaughtered and the keep destroyed by the enemy, he barely escapes with his sister and another young clansman.
Johanna Murry has been given a hard lot in life. She has never had it easy, but these last two years have been especially horrible since her parents sold her as a servant to a family that has mistreated her time after time. She tries to make the best of it but when they humiliate her in public by pushing her down and kicking her in the middle of a muddy street, Johanna is left holding onto her pride by a thread.
Symon can't believe his eyes when he comes upon a small band of people kicking a young woman in the street. If there's one thing he will not tolerate is bullies so he intervenes before he knows what he's doing and finds himself lost in the most beautiful blue eyes he's ever seen. What he doesn't expect is the anger that comes with it. How can he save a beautiful woman when he couldn’t even save his clan?
Symon knows he'll find a way. A way to not only rebuild his clan, but to rescue this beautiful woman who doesn't even seem to realize she needs rescuing.
Keira Montclair is a magnificent author. She knows exactly what her readers want and she delivers. This book was so good. It had me at chapter one. The two main characters were absolutely perfect for eachother. Symon is such a sweet caring man and Johanna is a woman who is being so abused by the very people that she serves. This is the perfect historical romance. Ms. Montclair you have another winner here.
Keira Montclair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Symon MacKinnon is the eldest son of a chieftain. He spends his days training with his sword, and his nights are spent drinking his clans famous whiskey. But after many long peaceful years, the clan was not prepared for the attack that brought them to their knees. Symon fights like a possesed man with all he has, but seeing his father and brothers slaughtered and the keep destroyed by the enemy, he barely escapes with his sister and another young clansman.
Johanna Murry has been given a hard lot in life. She has never had it easy, but these last two years have been especially horrible since her parents sold her as a servant to a family that has mistreated her time after time. She tries to make the best of it but when they humiliate her in public by pushing her down and kicking her in the middle of a muddy street, Johanna is left holding onto her pride by a thread.
Symon can't believe his eyes when he comes upon a small band of people kicking a young woman in the street. If there's one thing he will not tolerate is bullies so he intervenes before he knows what he's doing and finds himself lost in the most beautiful blue eyes he's ever seen. What he doesn't expect is the anger that comes with it. How can he save a beautiful woman when he couldn’t even save his clan?
Symon knows he'll find a way. A way to not only rebuild his clan, but to rescue this beautiful woman who doesn't even seem to realize she needs rescuing.
Keira Montclair is a magnificent author. She knows exactly what her readers want and she delivers. This book was so good. It had me at chapter one. The two main characters were absolutely perfect for eachother. Symon is such a sweet caring man and Johanna is a woman who is being so abused by the very people that she serves. This is the perfect historical romance. Ms. Montclair you have another winner here.
October 17, 2025
I'm so sorry, but I cannot understand the overall high rating for this book. This book was boring, everyone was flat and predictable, and everything was easy for them. A lot felt anachronistic as well, though I can't point to a specific word or object. It just didn't feel authentic.
The actual outline of the story was good and had potential, but unfortunately the execution was not there. I gave it 2 stars for its concept.
Content warnings: death of a MC's family (off page), threats of/attempted sexual assault (off page), actual sexual assault (unwanted groping) on page, ongoing sexual harassment (on page), violence against MCs (on and off page), repeated physical and emotional abuse of FMC by others (on and off page), death of a mother and baby shortly postpartum, kidnapping, emotional abuse of a child (recalled by a character), threats of violence and sexual assault by an intended spouse
This was a free read for me (included with my audible account) but I honestly would have preferred to have skipped this one. I can't recommend it and probably won't be reading more from this author.
The actual outline of the story was good and had potential, but unfortunately the execution was not there. I gave it 2 stars for its concept.
Content warnings: death of a MC's family (off page), threats of/attempted sexual assault (off page), actual sexual assault (unwanted groping) on page, ongoing sexual harassment (on page), violence against MCs (on and off page), repeated physical and emotional abuse of FMC by others (on and off page), death of a mother and baby shortly postpartum, kidnapping, emotional abuse of a child (recalled by a character), threats of violence and sexual assault by an intended spouse
This was a free read for me (included with my audible account) but I honestly would have preferred to have skipped this one. I can't recommend it and probably won't be reading more from this author.
November 10, 2022
THIS BOOK IS SOOOO GOOD!!! Escape to the Highlands by Keira Montclair is so very well written and I totally enjoyed this book from the beginning until the very end. It just sucked me in. Keira is one of the best writers of today and I always enjoy her books and she never disappoints. Her imagination and writing is so very vivid that you can see everything she is writing in your head. I found this book easy to read, original, had the real feel of the medieval era, wonderful characters, heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. Just a joy to read. This story has a commoner that was sold to a noble family, a Laird that lost most of his family, starting a new, new friends, kind neighbors, an evil cruel noble, rescue, revenge, an unwanted marriage, a greedy Laird that thinks he is entitled to what ever he wants, lies, protection, finding out you are not who you think you are, a brother who committed treason against his clan and finding love. I am very highly recommending you read this book. I found it to be Wonderful!!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
November 15, 2022
Highlander Romance.
I truly enjoyed this awesome tragedy to hope and happiness story. From the disastrous devastation of his clan and home Symon MacKinnon gathers up one person who wasn't killed in the massacre, horses, what supplies they could find and heads for the highlands to escape the villainous low lander Clan Chisolm. The sole reason for such destruction was greed. Clan Chisolm wanted treasures he thought the MacKinnon had.
Symon found his sister, Alicia, beaten badly but alive. They fled with Finn the stable lad and a local healer.
This was a great story of loss, love and righting many things which were wrong, as well as a new beginning for all. Keira writes wonderful clean novels of life, love and happiness after tragedy. She always includes children and animals. I love to read Keira Montclair novels. A must read novel which will leave you wanting for more.
I truly enjoyed this awesome tragedy to hope and happiness story. From the disastrous devastation of his clan and home Symon MacKinnon gathers up one person who wasn't killed in the massacre, horses, what supplies they could find and heads for the highlands to escape the villainous low lander Clan Chisolm. The sole reason for such destruction was greed. Clan Chisolm wanted treasures he thought the MacKinnon had.
Symon found his sister, Alicia, beaten badly but alive. They fled with Finn the stable lad and a local healer.
This was a great story of loss, love and righting many things which were wrong, as well as a new beginning for all. Keira writes wonderful clean novels of life, love and happiness after tragedy. She always includes children and animals. I love to read Keira Montclair novels. A must read novel which will leave you wanting for more.
November 9, 2022
The beginning scenes for the H and h were very emotional. The H is told he is responsible for tragedy that has happened to his clan. The h is physically assaulted by people she works for. These two are not together until the very end but you will still feel a connection to them.
The H and some of his clan are on the run, but he tells everyone who he is. Thought he was inviting trouble and he was - lol.
Story filled with suspense, violence, amazing main and secondary characters, and twists that I didn't see coming ! We get HEA, clean story, no cheating and no cliffhanger. Per note at the end by author, this story is it. She's going back to her series which I highly recommend any of them.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to help you make a decision to purchase this story.
I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
The H and some of his clan are on the run, but he tells everyone who he is. Thought he was inviting trouble and he was - lol.
Story filled with suspense, violence, amazing main and secondary characters, and twists that I didn't see coming ! We get HEA, clean story, no cheating and no cliffhanger. Per note at the end by author, this story is it. She's going back to her series which I highly recommend any of them.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to help you make a decision to purchase this story.
I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
November 21, 2022
Escape to the Highlands by Keira Montclair
Symon MacKinnon’s life took a bad turn. They were invaded. Most of his family was murdered. And the worse part, it could be all his fault because he drank too much. His grandsire had a recipe for liquid gold that Symon enjoyed too much. And now, the intruders were after it. Considered it a treasure worth killing for.
Johanna Mor Murray was miserable. Two years ago, her parents had sold her to the Smalleys. Awful people that worked her constantly and were cruel to her as well. She had to escape when they planned to sell her to an evil man to earn more money. And thankfully, she had a knight ready to snatch her away.
This is a stand-alone book, so there won’t be more stories about the other characters. However, it has some evil villains and a surprising storyline.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Symon MacKinnon’s life took a bad turn. They were invaded. Most of his family was murdered. And the worse part, it could be all his fault because he drank too much. His grandsire had a recipe for liquid gold that Symon enjoyed too much. And now, the intruders were after it. Considered it a treasure worth killing for.
Johanna Mor Murray was miserable. Two years ago, her parents had sold her to the Smalleys. Awful people that worked her constantly and were cruel to her as well. She had to escape when they planned to sell her to an evil man to earn more money. And thankfully, she had a knight ready to snatch her away.
This is a stand-alone book, so there won’t be more stories about the other characters. However, it has some evil villains and a surprising storyline.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
November 9, 2022
I think I have read all of this author's books and every time I read a new one, I say, "it's the best one yet" and yes, I'm saying it again. I felt like I was living there with all the characters, as she writes with such a flair and makes me see things in my mind as if they were real. The story had so many things that drew me in; cruel man, forced marriage, revenge, greed, treason, and lies but wonderful things also happened with new beginnings, finding love, discovering unknown friends and meeting gracious neighbors. I highly recommend this clean, romantic, well-written book - it will leave you smiling and happy you read this book! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
December 7, 2022
Not my favorite.
Simon, the new chieftain of clan MacKinnon was forced to escape captivity when the Chisolm’s attacked their castle and killed the rest of his family except his sister Alicia. They headed north to the Highlands to seek shelter and safety from a friend of his father’s. There he met Johanna, a servant to an evil family and rescued her from her owner and a betrothal from his enemy, Malcolm Chisholm. Johanna soon learned the secrets of her past and began to feel happiness for the first time in years. They both needed to put the past behind them and focus on their future. This is a different book than I’m used to from this author nd I had a difficult time connecting. Not my favorite.
Simon, the new chieftain of clan MacKinnon was forced to escape captivity when the Chisolm’s attacked their castle and killed the rest of his family except his sister Alicia. They headed north to the Highlands to seek shelter and safety from a friend of his father’s. There he met Johanna, a servant to an evil family and rescued her from her owner and a betrothal from his enemy, Malcolm Chisholm. Johanna soon learned the secrets of her past and began to feel happiness for the first time in years. They both needed to put the past behind them and focus on their future. This is a different book than I’m used to from this author nd I had a difficult time connecting. Not my favorite.
February 4, 2023
Something a bit different
I have read nearly all your highlanders books. would like to see more. The Grants & Ramsay clan are my all time favorites. The story of Symon & Johanna is a good story both have suffered. Symon can't remember if he left the gates open which caused a raid at his home and caused the death of his patents and brothers. Johanna is sold to a family that treats her badly and throws her in the dungeon. Must read to find out how they came together. Would like to see how Finn turned out and is story. Finn was a smart lad, my favorite character. Good read!
I have read nearly all your highlanders books. would like to see more. The Grants & Ramsay clan are my all time favorites. The story of Symon & Johanna is a good story both have suffered. Symon can't remember if he left the gates open which caused a raid at his home and caused the death of his patents and brothers. Johanna is sold to a family that treats her badly and throws her in the dungeon. Must read to find out how they came together. Would like to see how Finn turned out and is story. Finn was a smart lad, my favorite character. Good read!
May 23, 2023
I didn’t realize this was only a 5 hour audiobook. That’s such a waste of money. I’m usually better about checking that.
I like books for the romance, the relationship part. But this book was more about the aftermath and rebuilding of their lives after the massacre of their clan. The relationship between the heroine and the Hero is practically none existent. That met have like 2 conversations and then they’re “in love.” It was super disappointing on that front.
The story, overall was good. But I bought it for the romance aspect and that just wasn’t there.
I like books for the romance, the relationship part. But this book was more about the aftermath and rebuilding of their lives after the massacre of their clan. The relationship between the heroine and the Hero is practically none existent. That met have like 2 conversations and then they’re “in love.” It was super disappointing on that front.
The story, overall was good. But I bought it for the romance aspect and that just wasn’t there.
November 10, 2022
Wonderful Wonderful Story!
I absolutely loved the characters and the storyline so much. Symon did a great job with the new clan and Johanna and he were a great couple. So happy she was Gilbert’s daughter. And to have their son grow up to be a part of his grandpapa’s life. I loved Alicia and Finn and the fact that their brother got his comeuppance was perfect! Back to my “Norseman Saga” Book #2. Always can expect to read a fantastic book by Keira!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
I absolutely loved the characters and the storyline so much. Symon did a great job with the new clan and Johanna and he were a great couple. So happy she was Gilbert’s daughter. And to have their son grow up to be a part of his grandpapa’s life. I loved Alicia and Finn and the fact that their brother got his comeuppance was perfect! Back to my “Norseman Saga” Book #2. Always can expect to read a fantastic book by Keira!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
May 5, 2025
Engaging story!
I'm long overdue writing reviews of Keira Montclair's books. I started reading them in 2024 and quickly became addicted. I became a fan of the Grants and Ramseys and devoured the many generational stories. Escape to the Highlands is another well written story that keeps you on edge wondering what will happen next? If you enjoy the romance of Scotland and the braw men who ruled it in the 13th century then you must read Escape to the Highlands.
I'm long overdue writing reviews of Keira Montclair's books. I started reading them in 2024 and quickly became addicted. I became a fan of the Grants and Ramseys and devoured the many generational stories. Escape to the Highlands is another well written story that keeps you on edge wondering what will happen next? If you enjoy the romance of Scotland and the braw men who ruled it in the 13th century then you must read Escape to the Highlands.
December 29, 2022
Enjoyable, pulls you in
I love all the characters in the strand alone book. I felt heartbreak, love, hope and anger right along with the characters. It was a great quick story to read. I would love to have a story about the sister. I would love to know what she went through and how she finds love.
I love all the characters in the strand alone book. I felt heartbreak, love, hope and anger right along with the characters. It was a great quick story to read. I would love to have a story about the sister. I would love to know what she went through and how she finds love.
January 5, 2023
Good story
Although it was a little slow at times, this was a good book. It is a great story about a lowland clan being captured and murdered, their castle and lands being stolen by another clan. The clan chief and his sister went to the highlands to start over. I really liked the way it ends.
Although it was a little slow at times, this was a good book. It is a great story about a lowland clan being captured and murdered, their castle and lands being stolen by another clan. The clan chief and his sister went to the highlands to start over. I really liked the way it ends.
June 12, 2023
Escape to the Highlands
I've read many of Keira Montclair's books and I've enjoyed them all. This book was totally delightful. It definitely deserves the 5 star rating. Keira is a master story teller. I look forward to reading more of her imaginative narratives and hope you all will too.
I've read many of Keira Montclair's books and I've enjoyed them all. This book was totally delightful. It definitely deserves the 5 star rating. Keira is a master story teller. I look forward to reading more of her imaginative narratives and hope you all will too.
November 20, 2022
Wonderful
I really enjoyed this stand alone book. So many stories involved and could not put it down, had to find how it nded before going to bed. Looking forward to more of Keira books.
I really enjoyed this stand alone book. So many stories involved and could not put it down, had to find how it nded before going to bed. Looking forward to more of Keira books.
November 28, 2022
I love this story!!!
I'm so sad this is a stand alone. However it is still a great read. I can not help but fall in love with these characters. I enjoyed following their adventures. Thank you!
I'm so sad this is a stand alone. However it is still a great read. I can not help but fall in love with these characters. I enjoyed following their adventures. Thank you!
January 15, 2023
very touching love story
I have read a lot of your stories but I enjoyed this one. Johanna had a rough life to start but when Symon found her and Gilbert realized it was his daughter all worked out.
I have read a lot of your stories but I enjoyed this one. Johanna had a rough life to start but when Symon found her and Gilbert realized it was his daughter all worked out.
January 23, 2023
Love Keira Montclair's books! Have read a couple of her series but loved this stand alone book as well. I highly recommend her writings.. Good character development, good story line and book held my interest throughout. Appreciate the lack of gratuitous sex.
February 15, 2023
wonderful book
Love this sweet book! So sorry you won’t write more about this growing clan. Would love to have read a story about Alicia, about Gilbert and Lady Ella, Finn, Liam and others.
Love this sweet book! So sorry you won’t write more about this growing clan. Would love to have read a story about Alicia, about Gilbert and Lady Ella, Finn, Liam and others.
January 5, 2024
Excellent Read
I thoroughly loved reading this book. I normally do not enjoy reading romances. However, the characters were alive, enchanting and believable. This story was well told and interesting.
I thoroughly loved reading this book. I normally do not enjoy reading romances. However, the characters were alive, enchanting and believable. This story was well told and interesting.
November 9, 2022
This was an excellent read. Didn't have anything to do with her other series. This was a standalone with excellent characters that I loved. Danger, new beginnings and revenge. HEA.
November 9, 2022
Wonderful story!
I know this was a break from the Grants, so I wasn't sure, but I loved the book! Sweet story of tragedy to triumph! Made for a great read!
I know this was a break from the Grants, so I wasn't sure, but I loved the book! Sweet story of tragedy to triumph! Made for a great read!
November 11, 2022
Another great book
What started out as a tragedy for both Symon and Johanna turned into a real love story and a start for a new beginning.
What started out as a tragedy for both Symon and Johanna turned into a real love story and a start for a new beginning.
November 13, 2022
Short stand-alone that author says she doesn't intend to extend. While it was OK, I didn't enjoy it as much as her other books that I've read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4; I won't be keeping this one.
November 17, 2022
Outstanding
Great as always. Great story line . loved the action and help from different clans. Will be a reread again soon. Book made me smile.
Great as always. Great story line . loved the action and help from different clans. Will be a reread again soon. Book made me smile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews