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The Highlanders #2
The Accidental Highland Hero
Lady Eilis Dunbarton's life undergoes a drastic change with the death of her cousin, Agnes. Now she's faced with the disagreeable prospect of marrying the man who was to be her cousin's husband. Not by a change of contract, though. Instead, by deceit-pretending to be her cousin. But if her husband-to-be discovers she's not really Agnes, her life is forfeit. So what choice does Eilis have but to flee? When Laird James MacNeill's clan rescues a half-drowned lass from the sea, there is speculation she is of the enemy clan, especially since she doesn't remember her own name. James is immediately enticed with the lady, but his focus must remain on finding the proper bride. For if he does not wed soon, he must give up his holdings to one of his younger brothers. Focus slips away with each day Eilis is close, and James finds himself contemplating the thought of taking her to wife without knowing her true identity. But how dangerous would the end result be? And what will happen if Eilis's husband-to-be comes looking for her only to find her in the arms of another man?
262 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2010
47 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Terry Spear
165 books1,628 followersLove, love, love romance, the paranormal, hunky Highlanders with their delicious brogue and hot kilts, so Terry Spear writes about those hunky Highlanders both in medieval times and as wolves in contemporary times. Jaguar shifters too! And young adult urban fantasy. And romantic suspense.
She grew up reading mystery, adventure, mythologies from around the world, ghost stories, the paranormal, fell in love with Dracula and Wolfman, and felt they needed loving too. Everyone should have someone to love. Which means her stories always have a HEA.
USA Today Bestseller residing in Central Texas from Sacramento, California who creates award-winning teddy bears too!
She grew up reading mystery, adventure, mythologies from around the world, ghost stories, the paranormal, fell in love with Dracula and Wolfman, and felt they needed loving too. Everyone should have someone to love. Which means her stories always have a HEA.
USA Today Bestseller residing in Central Texas from Sacramento, California who creates award-winning teddy bears too!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 7, 2019
A new author to this reader, Terry Spear has a sweet and delightful highland romance. I am reading this as part of a “medieval” selection in one of my book club. The characters are enticing and the plot grabs your attention. However, the narration by Maxine Lennon, a first also, was not as good as expected. The narration seemed a bit rushed/hurried and at times the accents were not done very well. It is distracting at times throughout her performance. Not a recommended narrator for this reader.
If you can tolerate the narration, the story is a very nice read.
3.5 – Stars.
If you can tolerate the narration, the story is a very nice read.
3.5 – Stars.
March 19, 2018
This historical romance had lots of fast paced action but most of it seemed to be caused by the heroine's poor choices. She was just a bit above TSTL in that woman had few alternatives in those times. I skimmed a lot. I'll stick with this author's wolf series. Lady Eilis is being force to marry an evil laird but she nearly drowns on her way there and is rescued by Laird James clan.
January 30, 2013
DNF. I'm not certain why, but I just could not get into the characters or plot in this story.
The hero is less than typical and somewhat bland. Same for the heroine who has selective amnesia. Since her mistery and identity were provided in the first chapter, her not remembering was just frustrating. Perhaps if I didn't already know the answers, I would have found the mystery interesting. Maybe not.
The plot is actually a bunch of smaller plots, tangled together. I din't think I could create a one line to describe what's going on in this book.
There's the Evil Clan Lord who is betrothed to a dead woman (he doesn't know she's dead) that the heroine is supposed to impersonate - until she was shipwrecked and lost her memory while on the way to the wedding.
There's the Evil Uncle who mistreats the heroine, threatens her brother's life and forces her to pretend to be her dead cousin. Then threatens his entire clan if they tell anyone of the deception.
There's the brothers of the hero who are held hostage by the Evil Clan Laird. The brothers escaped once only to be caught again. So the Hero abducts the Evil Clan Laird's bastard son to make a trade for his brothers even though the Evil Clan Laird doesn't recognize his bastard son. So the plan will most likely fail, the hero admits.
There's the women who arrive at the Hero's castle in hopes of becoming his bride and try to get rid of the competition.
There's the vile vixon whom the Hero proposed to and planned to marry. Everyone thinks the match will be made soon. But the Vile Vixon had already refused the proposal for some unknown reason. She supposed to show up for a visit so the Hero convinces the Heroine to pretend she's interested in him to make the Vile Vixon jealous. Yeah, I don't understand either. A man has too much pride to continue to persue a woman who rejected him -- if he doesn't love her. And the hero doesn't love the Vile Vixon. Besides, she's loose with her sexual favors. So why would a Laird who needs a blood heir consider a woman whose fidelity he cannot trust?
There are so many useless scenes, discussing stuff the reader already knows about. And the heroine is constantly trying to escape only to fail for one reason or another. Gets kind of old.
Yeah, and then comes the scene I've come to hate in romance novels - I can't marry him because I love him.
So I stopped reading cause in romance novels, I know the happy ending is guaranteed. If I can't connect with at least one of the characters on some level, I lose interest.
The hero is less than typical and somewhat bland. Same for the heroine who has selective amnesia. Since her mistery and identity were provided in the first chapter, her not remembering was just frustrating. Perhaps if I didn't already know the answers, I would have found the mystery interesting. Maybe not.
The plot is actually a bunch of smaller plots, tangled together. I din't think I could create a one line to describe what's going on in this book.
There's the Evil Clan Lord who is betrothed to a dead woman (he doesn't know she's dead) that the heroine is supposed to impersonate - until she was shipwrecked and lost her memory while on the way to the wedding.
There's the Evil Uncle who mistreats the heroine, threatens her brother's life and forces her to pretend to be her dead cousin. Then threatens his entire clan if they tell anyone of the deception.
There's the brothers of the hero who are held hostage by the Evil Clan Laird. The brothers escaped once only to be caught again. So the Hero abducts the Evil Clan Laird's bastard son to make a trade for his brothers even though the Evil Clan Laird doesn't recognize his bastard son. So the plan will most likely fail, the hero admits.
There's the women who arrive at the Hero's castle in hopes of becoming his bride and try to get rid of the competition.
There's the vile vixon whom the Hero proposed to and planned to marry. Everyone thinks the match will be made soon. But the Vile Vixon had already refused the proposal for some unknown reason. She supposed to show up for a visit so the Hero convinces the Heroine to pretend she's interested in him to make the Vile Vixon jealous. Yeah, I don't understand either. A man has too much pride to continue to persue a woman who rejected him -- if he doesn't love her. And the hero doesn't love the Vile Vixon. Besides, she's loose with her sexual favors. So why would a Laird who needs a blood heir consider a woman whose fidelity he cannot trust?
There are so many useless scenes, discussing stuff the reader already knows about. And the heroine is constantly trying to escape only to fail for one reason or another. Gets kind of old.
Yeah, and then comes the scene I've come to hate in romance novels - I can't marry him because I love him.
So I stopped reading cause in romance novels, I know the happy ending is guaranteed. If I can't connect with at least one of the characters on some level, I lose interest.
September 25, 2022
This was my second attempt to read a book from this author. I thought it had a good start, but after that the story was chaotic and jumped all over the place without moving the plot forward. With all of the escape attempts and Eilis’s memory loss, it felt repetitive - more like going in a messy circle than moving forward. I don’t think this author’s writing is for me.
December 24, 2020
James❤️Eilis
March 4, 2024
An enjoyable story.
November 6, 2024
This book kept me laughing and intrigued. I love Eilis and her ability to always be in the wrong place even if she had the right reason. Can't wait to continue with the series!
April 2, 2011
"Braw Highlanders and Brave Lassies in this cleverly mastered tale!"
Lady Eilis' cousin, Agnes is supposed to marry Laird Dunbarton, but she dies before the marriage can take place. Eilis' uncle wants the alliance at all costs and has a diabolical plan to make it happen. He forces Eilis to pretend she is Agnes and demands she live the lie for the rest of her life. If Dunbarton finds out he's been duped, Eilis' life will be forfeited. Eilis sets sail, but a terrible storm breaks, sinking the ship and leaving her the only survivor. A Highland Clan saves Eilis, but her memories are in shambles. She only knows her first name and that her family must not find her.
James MacNeill has been told to take a bride and provide an heir or he will forfeit his holding to one of his brothers. James sets his eyes on Catriona, but the lady is playing hard to get. However, winning the Lady Catriona's hand is the least of his problems. His men have rescued a half-drowned lass with no memory of who her clan is. She claims her name is Eilis. He suspects the lass is from the Dunbarton clan, an enemy of the MacNeill clan. He plans to return her, but his mother convinces him to ask Eilis to pretend to be interested in him. With this ruse, he hopes to make Catriona jealous and she'll finally commit to marrying him. Only the plan has one flaw, James finds Eilis far too interesting to ignore, but is she his enemy, siren or possible bride? One thing he does know, falling for Eilis is not part of the plan.
I simply loved this tale. Eilis and James' romance is endearing, the suspense well played out and the secondary characters are just as lovable. Eilis finds herself in situations that will make the reader chuckle and James is sure to make an impression of his own.
Ms. Spear has a plan and it's a cleverly mastered. She draws the reader into her stories with witty banter, romantic pursuit and cleverly woven suspense. Medieval Scotland comes alive in vivid detail with braw highlanders and brave lassies who win their hearts. Highly recommended!
Join the MacNeill clan again in Winning the Highlander's Heart. This is James' brother, Malcolm and Lady Anice's tale.
Reviewed for PNR Paranormal Romance
Lady Eilis' cousin, Agnes is supposed to marry Laird Dunbarton, but she dies before the marriage can take place. Eilis' uncle wants the alliance at all costs and has a diabolical plan to make it happen. He forces Eilis to pretend she is Agnes and demands she live the lie for the rest of her life. If Dunbarton finds out he's been duped, Eilis' life will be forfeited. Eilis sets sail, but a terrible storm breaks, sinking the ship and leaving her the only survivor. A Highland Clan saves Eilis, but her memories are in shambles. She only knows her first name and that her family must not find her.
James MacNeill has been told to take a bride and provide an heir or he will forfeit his holding to one of his brothers. James sets his eyes on Catriona, but the lady is playing hard to get. However, winning the Lady Catriona's hand is the least of his problems. His men have rescued a half-drowned lass with no memory of who her clan is. She claims her name is Eilis. He suspects the lass is from the Dunbarton clan, an enemy of the MacNeill clan. He plans to return her, but his mother convinces him to ask Eilis to pretend to be interested in him. With this ruse, he hopes to make Catriona jealous and she'll finally commit to marrying him. Only the plan has one flaw, James finds Eilis far too interesting to ignore, but is she his enemy, siren or possible bride? One thing he does know, falling for Eilis is not part of the plan.
I simply loved this tale. Eilis and James' romance is endearing, the suspense well played out and the secondary characters are just as lovable. Eilis finds herself in situations that will make the reader chuckle and James is sure to make an impression of his own.
Ms. Spear has a plan and it's a cleverly mastered. She draws the reader into her stories with witty banter, romantic pursuit and cleverly woven suspense. Medieval Scotland comes alive in vivid detail with braw highlanders and brave lassies who win their hearts. Highly recommended!
Join the MacNeill clan again in Winning the Highlander's Heart. This is James' brother, Malcolm and Lady Anice's tale.
Reviewed for PNR Paranormal Romance
September 28, 2013
Author Terry Spear's unique talents as a storyteller take the reader on a wonderfully romantic journey to twelfth century Britain in "The Accidental Highland Hero". Laird James MacNeill must make a suitably profitable marriage or forfeit the title to his land holdings to one of his younger brothers. Lady Eilis is being forced to impersonate her late cousin Agnes in order to marry Agnes' intended, keeping Eilis' family from losing the chance to settle a feud with a rival clan. Eilis' uncle sends her by ship to wed the much older Laird Dunbarton, keeping behind her younger brother, Ethan, to ensure that she will follow through with the deceit. The ship carrying her to her fate wrecks at sea, and she is rescued by the MacNeill clan, who are the sworn enemies of the Dunbartons. James MacNeill had been anticipating a visit from the comely widow, Catriona, whom he hoped to wed. Instead, he becomes host and guardian of a mystery woman plucked from the sea. When Catriona delays her visit, James' own mother comes up with the idea of a pretend attraction between James and Eilis, whose memory has been affected by her near-death experience along with the onset of fever. The idea is to hasten Catriona's acceptance of James proposal by making her jealous. The attraction between James and Eilis is quite real, and although her memory is returning in random pieces, James cannot shake the notion that they have met before. Could she be the same girl whose life he saved years before? While James has his hands full with the women in his life, there are far more serious matters concerning the ongoing feud with the Dunbartons. Eilis' numerous attempts to escape from the MacNeills are as worrisome to James as are the deep feelings transcending his desire for the mysterious beauty. With no idea of Eilis' real identity, how can they hope for a future together? Will James be able to bring an end to an ancient clan feud and marry the woman he cannot resist? If Eilis remembers her true place in this world, will James be able to be a part of that world? The teasing banter and sweetly sensual attraction between James and Eilis is very enjoyable, and you will root for this unlikely pair to make their match.
Review Copy Gratis Author
Review Copy Gratis Author
December 21, 2014
A GIFT FROM THE SEA (BUT KNOCKED ABOUT A BIT)
I was impressed, again, by Terry Spear's elegant use of humor to create a story that demands to be read. This book has a lot of action, trickery, deceit, and even flat-out evil, for the most part flowing like a lovely little stream in Scotland's whiskey world.
The heroine, Eilis, is an orphan, but niece to the clan chief. Evil character number one. In order to prevent the neighbor from invading (Evil character number two), he has promised his daughter in marriage to the older, uncouth, twice widower clan chief. By older here, I mean sixty-ish. The girl dies, and he decides to send her very similar cousin instead.
Luckily, a storm sinks the ship she was on. She is the sole survivor.
The hero, of course, is involved in her rescue. This is actually the second time he has fished her from the sea - he fell in love with her the first time. But she has a pretty bad knock on the head, and doesn't remember even her name.
The hero is, at that time, in charge of the castle and surrounding area, as his brothers, for the most part, are off to see the king. In addition, he has a need to be married within a short time, or he'll lose out to a different brother. ( He's not even sure that's bad!) The primary candidate remaining, Catriona, is due to arrive momentarily.
Unsure of his feelings about her, the hero decides that he should pretend to prefer his sea-maid. Just to see what the late to arrive lady does. She is sufficiently late that all sorts of good stuff happens before she arrives ( enter evil character number three).
Included are various flights from various castles, rescues of knights and fair ladies, and in the end, vanquishment of one evil, use of his own evilness to tame him for her uncle, and Catriona - well, she doesn't get any guys.
The book is sultry to hot. It is a relatively light read, but has a fair bit of violence.
I was impressed, again, by Terry Spear's elegant use of humor to create a story that demands to be read. This book has a lot of action, trickery, deceit, and even flat-out evil, for the most part flowing like a lovely little stream in Scotland's whiskey world.
The heroine, Eilis, is an orphan, but niece to the clan chief. Evil character number one. In order to prevent the neighbor from invading (Evil character number two), he has promised his daughter in marriage to the older, uncouth, twice widower clan chief. By older here, I mean sixty-ish. The girl dies, and he decides to send her very similar cousin instead.
Luckily, a storm sinks the ship she was on. She is the sole survivor.
The hero, of course, is involved in her rescue. This is actually the second time he has fished her from the sea - he fell in love with her the first time. But she has a pretty bad knock on the head, and doesn't remember even her name.
The hero is, at that time, in charge of the castle and surrounding area, as his brothers, for the most part, are off to see the king. In addition, he has a need to be married within a short time, or he'll lose out to a different brother. ( He's not even sure that's bad!) The primary candidate remaining, Catriona, is due to arrive momentarily.
Unsure of his feelings about her, the hero decides that he should pretend to prefer his sea-maid. Just to see what the late to arrive lady does. She is sufficiently late that all sorts of good stuff happens before she arrives ( enter evil character number three).
Included are various flights from various castles, rescues of knights and fair ladies, and in the end, vanquishment of one evil, use of his own evilness to tame him for her uncle, and Catriona - well, she doesn't get any guys.
The book is sultry to hot. It is a relatively light read, but has a fair bit of violence.
March 7, 2015
I loved this fun and romantic tale. Who does not love to read about sexy highlanders? Terry Spear shares her writing ability with us, on another adventure, in the highlands. Eilis , who is a lovely and kind lass, and the daughter of the laird, before he died in battle, and was forced to live with her cruel uncle, along with her young brother. Her uncle had planned to marry his daughter off to another clan, who borders his land, to stop the fighting. He is a course man, who is older, and is hated by his own people, and his soon to be bride. This does not matter to her father though, as he does not concern himself with anyone's wishes, but his own. The daughter in question dies of fever, before the wedding can take place, and her uncle decides to send his niece in her place. Eilis is forced to comply for the safety, of her own brother, and boards the ship to take her to her unwanted, and feared groom. Fate is with her, when a storm dooms the ship. James who is a Laird himself, also has need of a bride. Eilis has no memory after the storm sends her afloat, and is rescued by his men. The fun begins. James wants to protect her, and even is attracted to her, but she could belong to any clan, even an enemy. She is feisty, and is strong willed, and hard headed, and cares not that he is the Laird, of his clan. There are also brothers, and others who would love to claim the lass. There is lots of action, steamy romantic scenes, and mysteries abound, as well as love to be discovered. I thought it great fun, and very romantic. I loved the characters. James was kind, and very sexy, and in command, except around Eilis, who tries to escape his grasp. Great read, especially if you want to be taken away, to the highland mists, with sexy highlanders. This book is very easy to follow, and is in a series. It does explain who people are, so if you just want to read it, as a stand alone book, it is possible.
November 10, 2013
I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first book. I am now totally sold on anything that author Terry Spears writes! This book was a homerun for me in many ways.
Let’s start with the plot. Fast moving, something always was going on. There was never a dull moment or a slow one at that. I found myself having a difficult time putting this book down. I hated what Eilis was forced to do but in the end I liked how this story worked out for her.
I just fell in love with Eilis and James as a couple. They were each very interesting characters and together they work very well. I like the chemistry between them a lot.
Over all this is just a wonderful romance filled with adventure and suspense. This is book two in The Highlanders series and can definitely be read as a standalone. I think though once you get a taste of this series you will be like me and can’t wait to read the series in it’s entirely!
Let’s start with the plot. Fast moving, something always was going on. There was never a dull moment or a slow one at that. I found myself having a difficult time putting this book down. I hated what Eilis was forced to do but in the end I liked how this story worked out for her.
I just fell in love with Eilis and James as a couple. They were each very interesting characters and together they work very well. I like the chemistry between them a lot.
Over all this is just a wonderful romance filled with adventure and suspense. This is book two in The Highlanders series and can definitely be read as a standalone. I think though once you get a taste of this series you will be like me and can’t wait to read the series in it’s entirely!
November 21, 2010
I really wish I could give half stars because this one really deserves 4.5.
The Accidental Highland Hero was a fun and exciting story, full of excellent and amusing characters. Eilis' constant plotting had me both groaning and cheering her on. The author came highly reccommended to me and I'm glad I tried them out. I know you'll love Terry Spear as well!
The Accidental Highland Hero was a fun and exciting story, full of excellent and amusing characters. Eilis' constant plotting had me both groaning and cheering her on. The author came highly reccommended to me and I'm glad I tried them out. I know you'll love Terry Spear as well!
June 18, 2025
I liked this one better than the previous one. I still think there are too many situations that make the heroine into a damsel in distress. Some of them seem really manufactured. And honestly she is frequently too stupid to live, which makes her being a chess master kind of unbelievable.
September 9, 2016
With everything going on with Eilis I thought for sure she'd finally get away. I'm wondering just what will happen with the sons though, seems like they'll still have bad blood with James if Keary doesn't take over. Alright read all together though.
March 15, 2011
TS can write! It doesn't matter the genre, it is all descriptive and a full story from beginning to end. Add romance & it's all perfect! I couldn't get enough of her, so I had to get these too.
March 16, 2011
This was a fun, adventurous, emotional romance that I enjoyed a huge amount! I loved the characters and the plot Terry Spear created. I highly recommend it!
May 8, 2012
A nice romantic hot highlander read
October 1, 2013
Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews