What do you think?
Rate this book
The Highland Lords #1
One Man's Love
She Swore to Hate Him...
He was her enemy, a British colonel in war torn Scotland. But as a youth, Alec Landers, Earl of Sherbourne, had spent his summers known only as Ian, running free on the Scottish Highlands—and falling in love with the tempting Leitis MacRae. With her fiery spirit and vibrant beauty, she is still the woman who holds his heart, but revealing his heritage now would condemn them both. Yet as the mysterious Raven, an outlaw who defies the English and protects the people, Alec could be Leitis's noble hero again—even as he risks a traitor's death.
But He Knew Her Heart Was His
Leitis MacRae thought the English could do nothing more to her clan, but that was before Colonel Alec Landers came to reside where the MacRaes once ruled. Now, to save the only family she has left, Leitis agrees to be a prisoner in her uncle's place, willing to face even an English colonel to spare his life. But Alec, with his soldier's strength and strange compassion, is an unwelcome surprise. Soon Leitis cannot help the traitorous feelings she has when he's near... nor the strange sensation that she's known him once before. And as danger and passion lead them to love, will their bond survive Alec's unmasking? Or will Leitis decide to score her beloved enemy?
He was her enemy, a British colonel in war torn Scotland. But as a youth, Alec Landers, Earl of Sherbourne, had spent his summers known only as Ian, running free on the Scottish Highlands—and falling in love with the tempting Leitis MacRae. With her fiery spirit and vibrant beauty, she is still the woman who holds his heart, but revealing his heritage now would condemn them both. Yet as the mysterious Raven, an outlaw who defies the English and protects the people, Alec could be Leitis's noble hero again—even as he risks a traitor's death.
But He Knew Her Heart Was His
Leitis MacRae thought the English could do nothing more to her clan, but that was before Colonel Alec Landers came to reside where the MacRaes once ruled. Now, to save the only family she has left, Leitis agrees to be a prisoner in her uncle's place, willing to face even an English colonel to spare his life. But Alec, with his soldier's strength and strange compassion, is an unwelcome surprise. Soon Leitis cannot help the traitorous feelings she has when he's near... nor the strange sensation that she's known him once before. And as danger and passion lead them to love, will their bond survive Alec's unmasking? Or will Leitis decide to score her beloved enemy?
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2001
58 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ranney
100 books947 followersI’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 2, 2018
This was another great story by Karen Ranney, who was one of my favorite finds of last year. Her prose is filled with much emotion, and I often felt, especially in the beginning, that I was was on the edge of weeping. The prologue takes place on the hero's eleventh birthday. He is half Scot (maternal) and half English. He is the heir to an earldom in England, but his mother's father is chief to the McRae clan. He and his mother visit Scotland for two months every year, which is where they are on his eleventh birthday. While in Scotland, his grandfather gives him a Scottish name, and the clan, including the heroine, do not know his given English name. He basically is leading a life of two identities, and this is an important aspect of him throughout the story. He had always loved his time in Scotland for the freedom and adventure it afforded him, and his birthday started out much in this manner, but it came to a screeching halt when his mother suffered a horrible fate. He blames the Scots and never visits Gilmuir and the McRaes again in his childhood.
The story picks up again in July 1746 after the Scottish rebellion was all but squashed. The Hero returns to Gilmuir on assignment as a colonel in the British army. Very few of the McRaes remain, and none recognize him. What unfolds is a beautiful tale of love and resilience and humanity. I don't really feel up to reviewing this whole story, so here's some quotes that reached out to me and I think are representative of the story.
The story picks up again in July 1746 after the Scottish rebellion was all but squashed. The Hero returns to Gilmuir on assignment as a colonel in the British army. Very few of the McRaes remain, and none recognize him. What unfolds is a beautiful tale of love and resilience and humanity. I don't really feel up to reviewing this whole story, so here's some quotes that reached out to me and I think are representative of the story.
January 7, 2018
3.5/5. Ranney's prose is beautiful as ever and the the beginning was great. She lost me somewhat halfway through with the improbable plot of the Alec masquerading as Scottish folk hero, the Raven and the fact that not only did the heroine not recognise the man behind the half mask, but she disturbingly enjoyed his Alec's kisses (albeit reluctantly) even after she had laid with his alter ego, Ian/Raven. I also did not like the way it ended. I felt, he ran away from his responsibilities to his English roots , his paternal heritage and his earldom, and in actual fact was a deserter from the English army. Not a dignified nor honorable way to resolve the conflict.
January 11, 2020
Mostly Scotland 1746, after Culloden. DNF @ 56%.
In the prologue-
Ian had an English dad (an earl) + Scottish beauty
mom. Yearly they would visit Ian's Scottish laird
grandpa. While visiting Scotland mom was raped
and murdered, presumably by the English. The son
now hated Scotland. Leitis + her 2 brothers
were the H's childhood friends.
Ian, now an English Colonel, AKA "the Butcher" took
over command of Fort William, near his late grandpa's
old castle. The h's uncle defied the English Army by
playing the bagpipes & was detained. He could be
hung as a traitor.
Long story short, the heroine + 3 others approached
the H about springing her uncle. (The heroine had
charged a woman with caring for her baby son). The
H swapped the h for her uncle.
Once Leitis was in Ian's custody she never spoke of
or thought of her baby son! (Before I stopped reading.)
The heroine and the author both forgot the boy!!!
How old was this boy?? He seemed a pesky detail to
the story. Not.
In the prologue-
Ian had an English dad (an earl) + Scottish beauty
mom. Yearly they would visit Ian's Scottish laird
grandpa. While visiting Scotland mom was raped
and murdered, presumably by the English. The son
now hated Scotland. Leitis + her 2 brothers
were the H's childhood friends.
Ian, now an English Colonel, AKA "the Butcher" took
over command of Fort William, near his late grandpa's
old castle. The h's uncle defied the English Army by
playing the bagpipes & was detained. He could be
hung as a traitor.
Long story short, the heroine + 3 others approached
the H about springing her uncle. (The heroine had
charged a woman with caring for her baby son). The
H swapped the h for her uncle.
Once Leitis was in Ian's custody she never spoke of
or thought of her baby son! (Before I stopped reading.)
The heroine and the author both forgot the boy!!!
How old was this boy?? He seemed a pesky detail to
the story. Not.
April 25, 2014
It was obvioius what was going to happen to his mom in the beginning.
Braveheart anyone? His mom dies. the little girl gives him a flower@the funeral.
It seemed like she wasn’t really heartbroken/concerned that her uncle was piping to his death.
‘puny’ and ‘fritter’ and ‘idiot’ are modern.
the butcher doesn’t fit him. at all. He didn’t seem to have that reputation at all.
WHY would the author have her character not be a virgin?! What could you possibly be thinking? I kept waiting to hear that she hadn’t actually had sex with someone, but oh no. this author sucks. Why have your book start off so sweet and then completely ruin it? you should put on the back of your book that your character has been with a man before, otherwise it’s misleading and like you tricked your readers. If I had known she’s been with someone before, I wouldn’t have read it. idl books like that.
&are we supposed to feel better knowing she didn’t love marcus? Because that just makes her look like a slut when she’s had sex with a guy she didn’t even love. During that time period, you were supposed to be a virgin. Why would she do that when she was expected to marry someone? I mean, she had some standing in the community. It wasn’t like she was a regular peasant girl who can do whatever she wants.
Did she not wonder how raven knew of marcus?
The names are weird-leitis and niall.
It was very sudedn how she thought raven might be ian.
How old are these ppl? The book doesn’t even say!
The ppl on the back of the cover don’t fit their roles at all. She doesn’t look Scottish at all &that dress sure aint Scottish. Its pretty, but its all wrong.
I love how she acted like she knew all along that he was ian, instead of just making a random guess a few minutes before. and when I say love, I mean hate.
I hate that her uncle’s rlly mean. It’s a lil sadsack &annoying.
He asks if you also find marcus fascinating. &u say it was disloyal to talk about him, cause he wasn’t there to defend himself. He doesn’t need to be there! Ian asked your opinion on marcus, you idiot!
Im annoyed that she never even mentioned ian, until all of a sudden when she makes that guess. I didn’t know she really liked him.
2mistakes in here-‘winding her arms around her neck.’ And ‘he places his hands on his arms, drew her closer.’
“it’s a strange experience, to be carried about like this in the dark. Makes me feel as if I’m floating in the air.” Please shut up.
“she felt like a supplicant, a neophyte, a virgin trapped in wonder&delight.” God save me from stupid comments. &use words we actually know. 1st off, who talks like that? 2nd, you as a virgin? Scoff!
Why would she be amused that he wants to know about marcus? &its annoying how she wont just tell him everything. Why are you being so annoyingly secretive?
She doesn’t feel guilty/trashy for sleeping with someone outside of marriage at all. Or disloyal to ian at all.
The author gave every indication that he was a virgin. Of course, I’d be mad if he was and she wasn’t.
“was it something English that you did to me?” omg. Shut up.
“if the world were perefect&kind, then we would be the 1st for each other. But we’re not.” Okay, hold up here, romeo. You could have held out for her. Its not like you didn’t have a choice in the matter. You had no idea that she wasn’t a virgin.
“offering succor &safety to those who would come with us.” There we go again with stupid comments.
‘her fingers unfastened his breeches, reached within them as if she’d done this before, as if she’d always been decadent.’ Decadent is so not the right word there.
The old woman putting her fingers on his lip was weird. &as if that wasn’t weird enough, an old woman actually kisses him.
Its so annoying that she can’t tell that ian is the butcher. &then basically realizes he is&doesn’t question him. who would keep silent?
The love isn’t exciting. Even the side story of Harrison wasn’t developed at all.
How is it that she’s able to leave the castle? You’d think Donald was the only one there. Its completely unrealistic.
So he isn’t a butcher at all. He was hauling Englishman on those carts. Hah!
She accepted him as ian &alec way too easily.
He’s pretending he’s dead. Ugh! I don’t like this.
‘she wanted a fire in a cozy cottage &to have him enter, slapping his arms against his chest&grinning, redfaced, at her.’ Uh…okay. Each to his own, I guess.
How depressing is this ending.
Idt she even mentioned that her brother’s were dead.
all we kept hearing about the scenery was the loch. I never got a sense of what things looked like.
All the touching/kissing is getting nauseating.
Its working out too well. Both Harrison/Donald are happy to leave their homelands. Um, could you make this any more fantastical?
Him picking up her uncle was ridiculous. &the fact that her uncle grinned and complimented him was STOOPID!
All of them not missing their homeland because it was about people, not places, was again, fantastical. You mean no one’s gunna miss their belongings, their homes, or homeland? Yeah, right! Can I get a BULLCRAP?
Seeing all those spirits was another thing that sent this book even further toward ridiculous.
The ending could have been a lot better/concluded.
I liked the title New Scotland. I hate that they had to move, but I like the fact that she put the truth into her book. Scots were actually run out of Scotland. &went to nova scotia. &its rlly emotional to read about.
the book wasn't horrible, but it wasn't good. the love wasn't exciting. I didn't really like the characters, especially the girl. I think the author ruined her book &the characters love by having her not be a virgin. I cant comprehend how you could start out your book and make it seem like they're destined for each other and give your book a sweet buildup knowing you were only going to pull a dive-bomb move with your book. way to go.
the book wasn't descriptive enough, and frankly there wasn't much to the story. there were only a few dif scenes in the entire book. the castle, the village, the secret passage.&a cave.
I was in the mood for a Scottish book, but this was just disappointing.
Braveheart anyone? His mom dies. the little girl gives him a flower@the funeral.
It seemed like she wasn’t really heartbroken/concerned that her uncle was piping to his death.
‘puny’ and ‘fritter’ and ‘idiot’ are modern.
the butcher doesn’t fit him. at all. He didn’t seem to have that reputation at all.
WHY would the author have her character not be a virgin?! What could you possibly be thinking? I kept waiting to hear that she hadn’t actually had sex with someone, but oh no. this author sucks. Why have your book start off so sweet and then completely ruin it? you should put on the back of your book that your character has been with a man before, otherwise it’s misleading and like you tricked your readers. If I had known she’s been with someone before, I wouldn’t have read it. idl books like that.
&are we supposed to feel better knowing she didn’t love marcus? Because that just makes her look like a slut when she’s had sex with a guy she didn’t even love. During that time period, you were supposed to be a virgin. Why would she do that when she was expected to marry someone? I mean, she had some standing in the community. It wasn’t like she was a regular peasant girl who can do whatever she wants.
Did she not wonder how raven knew of marcus?
The names are weird-leitis and niall.
It was very sudedn how she thought raven might be ian.
How old are these ppl? The book doesn’t even say!
The ppl on the back of the cover don’t fit their roles at all. She doesn’t look Scottish at all &that dress sure aint Scottish. Its pretty, but its all wrong.
I love how she acted like she knew all along that he was ian, instead of just making a random guess a few minutes before. and when I say love, I mean hate.
I hate that her uncle’s rlly mean. It’s a lil sadsack &annoying.
He asks if you also find marcus fascinating. &u say it was disloyal to talk about him, cause he wasn’t there to defend himself. He doesn’t need to be there! Ian asked your opinion on marcus, you idiot!
Im annoyed that she never even mentioned ian, until all of a sudden when she makes that guess. I didn’t know she really liked him.
2mistakes in here-‘winding her arms around her neck.’ And ‘he places his hands on his arms, drew her closer.’
“it’s a strange experience, to be carried about like this in the dark. Makes me feel as if I’m floating in the air.” Please shut up.
“she felt like a supplicant, a neophyte, a virgin trapped in wonder&delight.” God save me from stupid comments. &use words we actually know. 1st off, who talks like that? 2nd, you as a virgin? Scoff!
Why would she be amused that he wants to know about marcus? &its annoying how she wont just tell him everything. Why are you being so annoyingly secretive?
She doesn’t feel guilty/trashy for sleeping with someone outside of marriage at all. Or disloyal to ian at all.
The author gave every indication that he was a virgin. Of course, I’d be mad if he was and she wasn’t.
“was it something English that you did to me?” omg. Shut up.
“if the world were perefect&kind, then we would be the 1st for each other. But we’re not.” Okay, hold up here, romeo. You could have held out for her. Its not like you didn’t have a choice in the matter. You had no idea that she wasn’t a virgin.
“offering succor &safety to those who would come with us.” There we go again with stupid comments.
‘her fingers unfastened his breeches, reached within them as if she’d done this before, as if she’d always been decadent.’ Decadent is so not the right word there.
The old woman putting her fingers on his lip was weird. &as if that wasn’t weird enough, an old woman actually kisses him.
Its so annoying that she can’t tell that ian is the butcher. &then basically realizes he is&doesn’t question him. who would keep silent?
The love isn’t exciting. Even the side story of Harrison wasn’t developed at all.
How is it that she’s able to leave the castle? You’d think Donald was the only one there. Its completely unrealistic.
So he isn’t a butcher at all. He was hauling Englishman on those carts. Hah!
She accepted him as ian &alec way too easily.
He’s pretending he’s dead. Ugh! I don’t like this.
‘she wanted a fire in a cozy cottage &to have him enter, slapping his arms against his chest&grinning, redfaced, at her.’ Uh…okay. Each to his own, I guess.
How depressing is this ending.
Idt she even mentioned that her brother’s were dead.
all we kept hearing about the scenery was the loch. I never got a sense of what things looked like.
All the touching/kissing is getting nauseating.
Its working out too well. Both Harrison/Donald are happy to leave their homelands. Um, could you make this any more fantastical?
Him picking up her uncle was ridiculous. &the fact that her uncle grinned and complimented him was STOOPID!
All of them not missing their homeland because it was about people, not places, was again, fantastical. You mean no one’s gunna miss their belongings, their homes, or homeland? Yeah, right! Can I get a BULLCRAP?
Seeing all those spirits was another thing that sent this book even further toward ridiculous.
The ending could have been a lot better/concluded.
I liked the title New Scotland. I hate that they had to move, but I like the fact that she put the truth into her book. Scots were actually run out of Scotland. &went to nova scotia. &its rlly emotional to read about.
the book wasn't horrible, but it wasn't good. the love wasn't exciting. I didn't really like the characters, especially the girl. I think the author ruined her book &the characters love by having her not be a virgin. I cant comprehend how you could start out your book and make it seem like they're destined for each other and give your book a sweet buildup knowing you were only going to pull a dive-bomb move with your book. way to go.
the book wasn't descriptive enough, and frankly there wasn't much to the story. there were only a few dif scenes in the entire book. the castle, the village, the secret passage.&a cave.
I was in the mood for a Scottish book, but this was just disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2017
I liked it. I was wondering how it was going to end during this very tumultuous time for the Scots, and I thought the ending was satisfying and unique.
February 28, 2019
While the writing was excellent, the mis-characterization of history continually rubbed me the wrong way. Scotland did not lose to England. Individual battles, yes, but overall, Scotland did not lose. James VI and 1st reigned a long time as James VI in Scotland before he added the crown of England, becoming James 1st of England. That is what joined the two kingdoms into one. He was a bit of a faithless, elitest, wealthy noble, moving directly to England and sparing few thoughts for Scotland other than ways to subdue the unruly Highlands. Crofters were often shipped off to the Colonies and then America as part of the Highland Clearances and other emigration, which may have involved the Scottish landlord, potentially a current or former clan chief, shipping his own clan off elsewhere since sheep were more profitable and taxed less onerously than people. Typically the clan chief did not leave Scotland, since he was a landowner. The reason for the Jacobite Rebellion had to do with English Protestantism and Parliament's decision to only allow Protestant monarchs, resulting in the exile of the senior-most Stewarts, who otherwise would have reigned over both kingdoms. Many Scots, regardless of their religion, felt that Parliament did not have the right to do that, and that George, the first of the Hanoverian dynasty and a grandson of a Stewart, did not have the right to the throne.
January 25, 2010
This book began with a light-hearted childhood scene: while spending the summer in the Highlands with his mother, 11-year-old Ian steals a kiss from Leitis, who promptly slaps him, so you just know that these two are meant to be a couple. But then Ian's English mother is raped and killed by a rival Scots clan, and Ian's love of his Scots heritage turns to hate, and this story becomes much more than I was expecting.
Years later, Colonel Alec Landers returns to Gilmuir under orders from the Duke of Cumberland to grind that area of Scotland under the heels of the British occupation. Historically, Cumberland was called the Bloody Butcher, but in this novel the author gives that title to Col. Landers, even tho the reader soon learns that this reputation is a cover for his work as the Raven. Since it's been well over a decade, Leitis does not recognize the young Ian in this cold British soldier.
This was a well-told story of the hardships endured by the Scottish people as England wielded its power and might in its goal of eliminating the clans. The outcome was historically realistic, yet uplifting. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Years later, Colonel Alec Landers returns to Gilmuir under orders from the Duke of Cumberland to grind that area of Scotland under the heels of the British occupation. Historically, Cumberland was called the Bloody Butcher, but in this novel the author gives that title to Col. Landers, even tho the reader soon learns that this reputation is a cover for his work as the Raven. Since it's been well over a decade, Leitis does not recognize the young Ian in this cold British soldier.
This was a well-told story of the hardships endured by the Scottish people as England wielded its power and might in its goal of eliminating the clans. The outcome was historically realistic, yet uplifting. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
June 13, 2012
1746 Scotland
What a really good story. I loved how he was the Butcher and Ian at the same time. It was a wonderful love story with not alot of sex, but good plot. Ready to read the next one!
What a really good story. I loved how he was the Butcher and Ian at the same time. It was a wonderful love story with not alot of sex, but good plot. Ready to read the next one!
February 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book but it made me really hate the English. British Empire my ass.
April 16, 2020
It wasn't bad. I wouldn't say, "Don't read it," but it wouldn't be among the books I'd think of to recommend either. I will say it's different from some story lines I've read.
It felt like it had a lot of.. Judginess? "I hate all your countrymen because this person killed/wronged my so and so." Which wasn't... and isn't, a completely uncommon way of thinking. I just have a hard time relating to it, and therefore, it's hard for me to be invested in their emotions.
Not being able to recognize someone you've spent a decent amount of time with because they have a half mask on... is kind of unbelievable. Oh, sorry, not wanting to recognize that it's the same person... Still, she really frustrated me, and not just because of that.
Also, it can be difficult to get me to like a story line where the person is "in love" with "two people" and leads on one of them, while really intending to be with the other. I know they are they same person but still, that can feel a little gross to me. I just don't like people with that kind of mindset. I don't know. It's been a few weeks since I've read it, so that might have just been the impression I was left with rather than what was actually written.
I don't her uncle, I know we're not really supposed to like him but I don't care. I still don't like him and don't see why we needed to do a whole turnaround from the, "You being sacrificed for something I did, even after I was warned, means nothing to me," to being a grumpy, old, but still beloved, uncle. But I will admit some bias there, coming from some of the bull I've had to deal with from family. Oh, and let's not forget how his crap made the village suffer over and over again too, but he kept himself safely hidden, knowing that they would likely cover for him. Bleh.
I kind of agree with what another reviewer said, about the ending feeling like he ran away from his responsibilities. He left his stepmother to figure out how to deal with her son taking over his role. And he didn't even really care if she would be all right left with his superior, who is known to be cruel, when he ran away. Yeah, I think she said she could handle it but... It just felt like he didn't care about what was going to happen to her, at all.
Maybe I'll like it more after reading the rest of The Highland Lords set, or after re-reading, but right now, from what I remember, it was "Meh."
All of that said, characters don't need to be perfect, in fact, we relate better to them when they're not. This book just missed the mark for me. I still really like this author and I think this is the first book that I've read that I wouldn't give, at least, four stars.
It felt like it had a lot of.. Judginess? "I hate all your countrymen because this person killed/wronged my so and so." Which wasn't... and isn't, a completely uncommon way of thinking. I just have a hard time relating to it, and therefore, it's hard for me to be invested in their emotions.
Not being able to recognize someone you've spent a decent amount of time with because they have a half mask on... is kind of unbelievable. Oh, sorry, not wanting to recognize that it's the same person... Still, she really frustrated me, and not just because of that.
Also, it can be difficult to get me to like a story line where the person is "in love" with "two people" and leads on one of them, while really intending to be with the other. I know they are they same person but still, that can feel a little gross to me. I just don't like people with that kind of mindset. I don't know. It's been a few weeks since I've read it, so that might have just been the impression I was left with rather than what was actually written.
I don't her uncle, I know we're not really supposed to like him but I don't care. I still don't like him and don't see why we needed to do a whole turnaround from the, "You being sacrificed for something I did, even after I was warned, means nothing to me," to being a grumpy, old, but still beloved, uncle. But I will admit some bias there, coming from some of the bull I've had to deal with from family. Oh, and let's not forget how his crap made the village suffer over and over again too, but he kept himself safely hidden, knowing that they would likely cover for him. Bleh.
I kind of agree with what another reviewer said, about the ending feeling like he ran away from his responsibilities. He left his stepmother to figure out how to deal with her son taking over his role. And he didn't even really care if she would be all right left with his superior, who is known to be cruel, when he ran away. Yeah, I think she said she could handle it but... It just felt like he didn't care about what was going to happen to her, at all.
Maybe I'll like it more after reading the rest of The Highland Lords set, or after re-reading, but right now, from what I remember, it was "Meh."
All of that said, characters don't need to be perfect, in fact, we relate better to them when they're not. This book just missed the mark for me. I still really like this author and I think this is the first book that I've read that I wouldn't give, at least, four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
A Tale Of Two Men, both in One body....
Half English, half Scottish, Alec Landers grew up spending summers in Scotland with his mother’s family. He was known as Ian MacRae in Scotland, never using his father’s name. When his mother died at the supposed hands of a rival Clan, Alec repudiates his Scottish heritage and hates all things Scottish. He joins His Majesty’s Army, fights in the Battle of Culloden Moor and becomes known as The Butcher of Inverness, a Colonel of the 11th Regiment dispatched to Ft. William which is near the MacRae Castle.
There Alec are s reunited with Leitis MacRae, the sister of his childhood companions, Fergus and John who both died at Culloden.
Having witnessed the barbaric brutality of the Duke of Cumberland towards the Scottish people, Alec begins his own rebellion against the Crown in the guise of The Raven.
Swashbuckling adventures ensue, as does the rekindling of the love he had for Leitis, who only knows him as The Butcher.
The bittersweet poignancy with which the characters remember those they lost in War is what made this Highland novel so good. The memories of their Clan, the castle, their homeland. There is a depth to these characters that make them seem very real.
This is the se time I’ve read this book and I enjoyed it more this go round, maturity and life being what it is, in the intervening years since the first reading.
Half English, half Scottish, Alec Landers grew up spending summers in Scotland with his mother’s family. He was known as Ian MacRae in Scotland, never using his father’s name. When his mother died at the supposed hands of a rival Clan, Alec repudiates his Scottish heritage and hates all things Scottish. He joins His Majesty’s Army, fights in the Battle of Culloden Moor and becomes known as The Butcher of Inverness, a Colonel of the 11th Regiment dispatched to Ft. William which is near the MacRae Castle.
There Alec are s reunited with Leitis MacRae, the sister of his childhood companions, Fergus and John who both died at Culloden.
Having witnessed the barbaric brutality of the Duke of Cumberland towards the Scottish people, Alec begins his own rebellion against the Crown in the guise of The Raven.
Swashbuckling adventures ensue, as does the rekindling of the love he had for Leitis, who only knows him as The Butcher.
The bittersweet poignancy with which the characters remember those they lost in War is what made this Highland novel so good. The memories of their Clan, the castle, their homeland. There is a depth to these characters that make them seem very real.
This is the se time I’ve read this book and I enjoyed it more this go round, maturity and life being what it is, in the intervening years since the first reading.
August 1, 2019
I forgot how beautifully sad Karen Ranney’s books can be. This one is set in late 1747 in the Scottish Highlands, which all you history lovers know means a few months after the battle of Culloden and the end of the Scottish clan system. Our hero is an English colonel sent to oversee a newly constructed fort to subdue the Scots. Our heroine is a Scottish villager struggling to keep her fellow Scots from starving to death. When her uncle openly defies laws against piping, the colonel takes her hostage in exchange for the old man putting away the pipes.
But of course, our hero also has secrets, including his half-Scottish heritage.
This was an emotional read. I may have to pause for something lighter before continuing with the series. Also, a plea to authors everywhere: if you’re going to give your heroine a name like Leitis, could you please give readers a hint on pronunciation? I spent the whole book wondering how to say it, which was distracting. A google search did no good, because I got three different answers. I still don’t know! 🤷🏼♀️
But of course, our hero also has secrets, including his half-Scottish heritage.
This was an emotional read. I may have to pause for something lighter before continuing with the series. Also, a plea to authors everywhere: if you’re going to give your heroine a name like Leitis, could you please give readers a hint on pronunciation? I spent the whole book wondering how to say it, which was distracting. A google search did no good, because I got three different answers. I still don’t know! 🤷🏼♀️
May 4, 2020
This book follows the aftermath of Culloden, which ended the Highland way of life, so it’s not a light romantic read.
Leitis has lost all of her family except a stubborn old Uncle who places no value on her life, so she’s not Miss Sweetness & Light.
Alec is leading a double life as an English commander and a Scottish sympathizer, so he can’t be honest with Leitis.
It all makes for a complicated story, but I love Scottish historical fiction & romance.
Leitis has lost all of her family except a stubborn old Uncle who places no value on her life, so she’s not Miss Sweetness & Light.
Alec is leading a double life as an English commander and a Scottish sympathizer, so he can’t be honest with Leitis.
It all makes for a complicated story, but I love Scottish historical fiction & romance.
November 17, 2023
Awesome Read
Karen Ranney delivers again! An half English, half Scottish hero who discovered his mother murdered and assuming it was English became the "Butcher of Inverness". He finds his first love's uncle breaking English law and takes her as his prisoner. He puts on a mask and becomes " The Raven". A masked hero who helps the Scottish that is left in his grandfather's home. I recommend this book.
Karen Ranney delivers again! An half English, half Scottish hero who discovered his mother murdered and assuming it was English became the "Butcher of Inverness". He finds his first love's uncle breaking English law and takes her as his prisoner. He puts on a mask and becomes " The Raven". A masked hero who helps the Scottish that is left in his grandfather's home. I recommend this book.
not-finished
March 17, 2024I could not finish this book, yet I gave it a good try getting 56% through. It's just not my thing and I started to skim. I anticipate a lot of back and forth and then I assume when she "finds out" there's going to be high drama to get through this dilemma. I could be wrong, but I feel this is where the book is heading and I'm not interested. It started off so good too!
I mean - Rebel Raven with her as a sidekick . . just plain ole silly and out of character for him.
I mean - Rebel Raven with her as a sidekick . . just plain ole silly and out of character for him.
February 10, 2023
She Swore to Hate Him...
He was her enemy, a British colonel in war torn Scotland. But as a youth, Alec Landers, Earl of Sherbourne, had spent his summers known only as Ian, running free on the Scottish Highlands—and falling in love with the tempting Leitis MacRae. With her fiery spirit and vibrant beauty, she is still the woman who holds his heart, but revealing his heritage now would condemn them both. Yet as the mysterious Raven, an outlaw who defies the English and protects the people, Alec could be Leitis's noble hero again—even as he risks a traitor's death.
But He Knew Her Heart Was His
Leitis MacRae thought the English could do nothing more to her clan, but that was before Colonel Alec Landers came to reside where the MacRaes once ruled. Now, to save the only family she has left, Leitis agrees to be a prisoner in her uncle's place, willing to face even an English colonel to spare his life. But Alec, with his soldier's strength and strange compassion, is an unwelcome surprise. Soon Leitis cannot help the traitorous feelings she has when he's near... nor the strange sensation that she's known him once before. And as danger and passion lead them to love, will their bond survive Alec's unmasking? Or will Leitis decide to score her beloved enemy?
He was her enemy, a British colonel in war torn Scotland. But as a youth, Alec Landers, Earl of Sherbourne, had spent his summers known only as Ian, running free on the Scottish Highlands—and falling in love with the tempting Leitis MacRae. With her fiery spirit and vibrant beauty, she is still the woman who holds his heart, but revealing his heritage now would condemn them both. Yet as the mysterious Raven, an outlaw who defies the English and protects the people, Alec could be Leitis's noble hero again—even as he risks a traitor's death.
But He Knew Her Heart Was His
Leitis MacRae thought the English could do nothing more to her clan, but that was before Colonel Alec Landers came to reside where the MacRaes once ruled. Now, to save the only family she has left, Leitis agrees to be a prisoner in her uncle's place, willing to face even an English colonel to spare his life. But Alec, with his soldier's strength and strange compassion, is an unwelcome surprise. Soon Leitis cannot help the traitorous feelings she has when he's near... nor the strange sensation that she's known him once before. And as danger and passion lead them to love, will their bond survive Alec's unmasking? Or will Leitis decide to score her beloved enemy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
Didn’t really care for the ending. Going to Nova Scotia? They surely would have all died. But I think Ranney handled the dual identity bit well especially compared to Dark Warrior by Donna Fletcher which was epically stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2020
I like the way this series is starting. Very mysterious and romantic.
October 28, 2020
Good but somehow not great. I will still look for others in the series
did-not-read
December 1, 2020decided not to read
October 18, 2022
I liked it.
November 30, 2022
I’ve never wanted a book to end so badly. I will not be reading books 2-5.
Painstakingly BORING. Even the adventurous parts were just written with NO MOMENTUM.
Painstakingly BORING. Even the adventurous parts were just written with NO MOMENTUM.
March 15, 2024
It started off with much promise, but then became somewhat bland in its plot, in the story between the two main characters wishing the end would come as quickly as the ship leaving Scotland.
June 22, 2024
DNF at 50%.. depressing storyline. Too much secret identities.
September 8, 2025
Just okay - this book really dragged toward the end, and to be honest, I started skimming it
June 26, 2010
3 ½ stars.
Book 1 in the Highland Lords series.
I enjoyed this book…but… unfortunately Ms. Ranney takes great themes and then doesn’t use them to really further the romantic tension between the main characters. Leitis MacRae, our heroine, is Scottish, and a childhood friend of Ian MacRae (half Scot, half English). Ian and his mother visited Scotland to visit his grandfather every summer. One summer disaster strikes and Ian stops returning to Scotland. Fast-forward to several years later, July 1746 Scotland. Scotland is under the iron thumb of the English. Ian returns as a colonel of the 11th Regiment as Alec Landers (also known as the Butcher of Inverness). Alec could never forget his childhood friend Leitis. He finds her in the same village and takes her hostage (in return for Alec not taking her uncle prisoner for playing his bagpipes). There was so much potential for progressing the romance along with Leitis being held hostage by Alec. This great opportunity was missed and instead Ms. Ranney chose to introduce yet another “identity” to our hero. The Raven appears and with Leitis help, gives aid to the Scots. This is not a spoiler, as the author never has you doubt who the Raven actually is.
I was looking forward to a wonderful alpha hero in this story. Instead I ended up reading about a beta hero. The ending bumped my rating up a half a star as the ending was actually quite humorous. This is not to be mixed up, though, with the rest of the book as it is actually quite depressing as you see in what condition the Scots are living and when they had to be put through. I wanted to love Leitis and Ian/Alec, but to me they were just okay, nothing spectacular. I will be continuing on at some point with this five book series, but I really hope that it gets better.
Book 1 in the Highland Lords series.
I enjoyed this book…but… unfortunately Ms. Ranney takes great themes and then doesn’t use them to really further the romantic tension between the main characters. Leitis MacRae, our heroine, is Scottish, and a childhood friend of Ian MacRae (half Scot, half English). Ian and his mother visited Scotland to visit his grandfather every summer. One summer disaster strikes and Ian stops returning to Scotland. Fast-forward to several years later, July 1746 Scotland. Scotland is under the iron thumb of the English. Ian returns as a colonel of the 11th Regiment as Alec Landers (also known as the Butcher of Inverness). Alec could never forget his childhood friend Leitis. He finds her in the same village and takes her hostage (in return for Alec not taking her uncle prisoner for playing his bagpipes). There was so much potential for progressing the romance along with Leitis being held hostage by Alec. This great opportunity was missed and instead Ms. Ranney chose to introduce yet another “identity” to our hero. The Raven appears and with Leitis help, gives aid to the Scots. This is not a spoiler, as the author never has you doubt who the Raven actually is.
I was looking forward to a wonderful alpha hero in this story. Instead I ended up reading about a beta hero. The ending bumped my rating up a half a star as the ending was actually quite humorous. This is not to be mixed up, though, with the rest of the book as it is actually quite depressing as you see in what condition the Scots are living and when they had to be put through. I wanted to love Leitis and Ian/Alec, but to me they were just okay, nothing spectacular. I will be continuing on at some point with this five book series, but I really hope that it gets better.
January 17, 2014
In the years following Culloden, Colonel Alex Landers was given command of Fort William by the Duke of Cumberland and told to stamp out the Scottish insurgents once and for all. Unfortunately, Alex Landers is half Scots and is from Gilmuir, his childhood home, and the very one Alex is charged with subjugating! Not only that, but also, Leitis MacRae, his childhood friend and for whom he's carried a torch all these years, lives there and Leitis is nothing but beautiful, spunky and the embodiment of Scottish independence. When confronted with the resistance of the people of Gilmuir and the English garrison's commander's attempt to burn them out, Alex stops it, angering Sgt. Sedgewick and causing suspicion among the people. Little did they know Alex was really Ian MacRae, grandson of the last laird now here to rule over them! As Alex/Ian tried to help the people of Gilmuir, Leitis finds herself attracted to this person she doesn't recognize. Alex was in danger of being recognized by the English for his traitorous acts and in danger of being rebuffed by the Scots if his true identity is discovered. Meanwhile, both Alex and Leitis began a love affair that couldn't have a happy ending, especially once she finds out that he's the English colonel. As the English close in, what will happen?
This story draws you in and won't let you go! You feel the pain of the Scots, Alex's undecision, Sgt. Sedgewick's hatred and everything that Alex and Leitis faced as they finally found true love and leaving their beloved Gilmuir for the Americas. It's a story full of passion and torment. I loved it!
This story draws you in and won't let you go! You feel the pain of the Scots, Alex's undecision, Sgt. Sedgewick's hatred and everything that Alex and Leitis faced as they finally found true love and leaving their beloved Gilmuir for the Americas. It's a story full of passion and torment. I loved it!
December 29, 2007
One Man's Love - VG
Ranney, Karen - 1st in The Highland Lords series
Alec Landers spent his boyhood summers falling in love with Leitis McRae on the Scottish Highlands. The now-grown Earl of Sherbourne has returned to this troubled land a British colonel, and therefore a foe to the bewitching lass who still holds his heart. Agreeing to become an enemy colonel's prisoner in her uncle's stead, Leitis is confused by the traitorous passion she feels whenever her captor is near. But Alec dares not reveal to her who he was - or his dangerous secret identity as Raven, outlaw defender of the Scots - even if protecting his lady costs him her love.
Very good read. Want to get the rest of this series.
Ranney, Karen - 1st in The Highland Lords series
Alec Landers spent his boyhood summers falling in love with Leitis McRae on the Scottish Highlands. The now-grown Earl of Sherbourne has returned to this troubled land a British colonel, and therefore a foe to the bewitching lass who still holds his heart. Agreeing to become an enemy colonel's prisoner in her uncle's stead, Leitis is confused by the traitorous passion she feels whenever her captor is near. But Alec dares not reveal to her who he was - or his dangerous secret identity as Raven, outlaw defender of the Scots - even if protecting his lady costs him her love.
Very good read. Want to get the rest of this series.
June 24, 2011
A very enjoyable read. As children Leitis and her boyhood friend, Alec(also know as Ian) were very close. he was the grandson of the laird of the castle and she lived in the nearby village, but when his mother died, and it was rumored she was killed by Scots, he swore revenge on Scotland and returned to England. many years later, he is the Colonel at the newly built Ft. William near the ruins of his grandfather's castle. He and Leitis meet again, she does not know who he is but he knows her. An interesting relationship develops as they fall in love, and must fight danger and trechery in order to be together. recommended.
May 17, 2017
Very good story. I really enjoyed the sense of place and most of the characters. There was little conflict between the main characters in that the masking of the hero, pretending to be someone else, then ultimately the heroine found out who he really was didn't have that extra zing to it.
Also the seditious act by the hero had very small consequences which was rather surprising because the author did not explore them very much. I would have thought there would be more problems arising from this act that could be explored.
Also the seditious act by the hero had very small consequences which was rather surprising because the author did not explore them very much. I would have thought there would be more problems arising from this act that could be explored.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews