Winning the Highlander's Heart

The Highlanders #1

by Terry Spear

Lady Anice vows to flee the amorous advances of King Henry I, and return to her home in the Highlands, where she hopes to find a laird to wed, when she learns her staff has vanished. Premonitions of imminent danger warn her of foul play and she is certain she is cursed when it comes to marriage.

The king orders the Highlander Laird Malcolm MacNeill, seeking an English bride, to provide the lass safe escort and learn what has become of her staff. Escorting her home safely proves a dangerous trial in and of itself and keeping his heart out of the matter, when the king wishes her wed to one of his loyal barons instead, complicates issues further. Losing his heart to the lass means Malcolm could very well lose his head.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Scotland, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Medieval

328 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2006

About the author

Love, 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!

Reviews

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of Terry Spears’ Paranormal Romance books and I love them. So when she asked if I would like to read her Historical Romance books I was very interested. HR is not my favorite genre to read but since Ms. Spears wrote them I knew I could take a chance and read them. I am so thrilled I did because these books are now some of my favorite ones that I have read this year. I mean it; they just rocked my reading world!

This book was like an epic tale full of romance and adventure. The plot was fast moving filled with twists. This is one of the few books I have read that I would love to see made into a movie.

One thing I loved about this story was the slight paranormal aspect to it. Lady Anice has the ability to have premonitions. I just think that is an interesting aspect to her character. Laird Malcolm MacNeill is also a wonderful character and the perfect man for Lady Anice. I like the way he treats her throughout the entire story.

I am so happy that I read ‘Winning the Highlander’s Heart’ and I completely look forward to reading the rest of the series. I may just become a fan of Historical Romance after all!

[LoveYourShelf (LAB☺) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 30%. Not much has happened to keep my interest. The best part was the beginning when she climbed out the window. Since then pretty much nothing has happened. And the characters are "meh". Lost interest.

[The Window Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the audio version

I was given this audio book about a handsome Scottish Laird looking for an English bride at the King’s court, but found a Scottish noble woman instead. This might not sound like much to you, but I was in heaven! This is my go-to genre! And then the first words out of the narrator’s mouth were softly accented… I was beside myself!

Maxine Lennon’s voice drew me in as she painted the picture with her voice of the English King’s court and a young girl climbing from the window to flee the unwanted advances of her cousin’s husband. This young Scottish girl, a noble, landed directly in the lap of a Scottish Laird as he sat atop his destrier. I found that for a great deal of the book, I was entranced with the sound of her voice. But after a couple of hours, the giddiness of so much authentic Scottish accents, not only in the character’s voices, but the faint lilt in the narration itself wore off. I started listening as a bonafide critic, not just a fangirl.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...

[Reanna Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the audio version of this book and absolutely loved it. The narrarator really brought the characters to life!

Lady Anice is a spirited young woman who often finds trouble but is used to protecting herself. When she learns something is amiss at her castle she is determined to find out the extent of what has happened and uncover the plot. When King Henry I appoints the MacNeill brothers to her court to help protect Lady Anice and learn the truth he has no idea what he started.

Laird Malcolm MacNeill finds Lady Anice to be exactly what he didn't know he wanted. While trying to protect her he finds himself wanting to be her protector for far more personal reasons. Without the blessing of the King this courtship seems to be doomed, and winning the ladies hearts proves to be more difficult than he origionally thought.

The chemistry and banter between Lady Anice and Laird MacNeill kept the story interesting, fight scenes and wondering if the King will approve kept me listening.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book filled with fun, suspense, sorrow, love and delight. It has a wonderful mix of a funny side as well as many more aspects which you will love from the beginning to the very last phrase. Wonderful book.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much unnecessary details and dialogues. Long winded and made me lose interest quickly. I would often skim through pages at a time.
Her storylines seem interesting enough though so I will try one more book.

[Ronna Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Terry Spears...She is a local Texas girl with the talent to capture her readers and hold them in for the read.

[♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3½ Stars

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

lame disjointed mess.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story with an engaging cast of caracters

[Brittany B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disjointed and all over the place. The story did not flow well at all. There was such a lack of setting that it often felt like the characters were just moving around in a void. The dialogue felt very juvenile (in spite of the romance and murder storylines) to the point that it seemed like children pretending to be adults.

In one scene told from the POV of Malcolm, the woman he loves is unconscious and on the brink of freezing to death, and his internal dialogue is describing her nipples. Really? That seems like the right time?

This 2006 release was the earliest book I could find from this author, so I’m sure her writing has improved in the last 16 years. I wasn’t a fan of this book, but I see she has written many more and I will try another.

[Brooke Drury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Anice is woman to be reckoned with. She starts her debut by climbing out of a tower window after her lady in waiting advised her not to into the arms of a Highlander. Throughout the whole book she does exactly what she wants and her mind is set. Anice and Malcom stubble upon a lot of trouble in the book. Every where they turn trouble seems to follow. I thought there could have been a little less of the road blocks and more to the story.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book by Terry Spear, but it definitely won't be the last.

A feisty Highland lass meets a strong brave Highland warrior and the fall for each other instantly. Bring on various Scottish Lairds and English Lords fighting for her hand in marriage, trials await them along the road to happiness. The book was filled with humour, lovingly warm characters and I will be carrying on with the series to see what happens next. Who doesn't love a Highlander?! ;)

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice listen. Anice and Malcolm were a wonderful couple with their attraction for each other and the reason they should not. When they gave in, the sparks sure flew. Surrounding them was a lot of intrigue and danger. It was quite a journey, and I enjoyed every minute. The narrator, Maxine Lennon, brought all those characters alive with the emotional ups and downs.

This is my unsolicited review.

[Tracy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

While I enjoyed the book it doesn’t seem like her typical book. I was expecting paranormal in the extreme. However, the lady in the book does see the future so maybe that is all the paranormal I should have expected.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio I’m not really used to audio books so took a while to get Into! But I really enjoyed it what’s not to love Hot Scottish highlanders,drama ,action and romance. Historic fiction is a big love of mine and this didn’t disappoint!

[Judy Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too bad a good story ruined with filth

Why can't you writers write a book that is not full of sexual junk? This is a book I would have enjoyed had I not had to flip through Page after page after page of Filth.

[Leanne Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book made me remember why i love the the scottish historical romance so much the lasses are fiesty and the men have a good sense of humour

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malcolm ❤️Anice

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not overly impressed with this book. None of the characters really grabbed me. A bit longwinded and repetitive in conversation, action and explanations which made it boring at times.

[Nancy Badger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story! A Scottish lady flees the amorous advances of an English King and wants to return to her home in the Highlands. Danger, missing staff, and an English lord wanting to marry her for her land, brings her to accept help from a Scottish Highlander who wants an English bride. What happens kept me turning the page! The brothers are characters in their own rights, but Malcolm and their growing romance is worth reading about to the end.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Winning the Highlander's Heart" is an entertaining romantic adventure from author Terry Spear. Set in Britain during the reign of Henry I, this tale of a spirited Scottish beauty and a brawny Highland laird will have great appeal for lovers of historical romance. Lady Anice, Countess of Brecken, is cousin to Matilda, wife of Henry I. A ward of his majesty, she is also the object of his amorous attentions. An attempt to flee Arundel Castle by climbing out a window finds Anice caught in the arms of the stalwart Highlander, Malcolm MacNeill, Earl of Pembrintin. While Malcolm is tempted by the charms of the lady whom he catches, after two mishaps with Scottish marital prospects he has sworn to find an English bride with a suitable fortune. The king may want to dally with Lady Anice, but he seeks to marry her off to a fortuitous Norman mate. Anice wants nothing more than to return to her home in Brecken Castle. Prone to premonitions, she has a feeling all is not well, and word reaches the king that the steward, chamberlain, and treasurer have all vanished under mysterious circumstances. King Henry appoints Laird MacNeill and his brothers to escort Lady Anice to Brecken Castle. The MacNeills will stand in stead for the missing men until the mystery is solved, and until the arrival of the Norman chosen by the king to marry Lady Anice. The spark of attraction that flared from the first meeting between Malcolm and Anice threatens to roar into life as they are forced into each other's company. The Highlander cannot resist teasing and tempting the lovely Scottish lady, and she finds him equally attractive and intriguing. Malcolm has sworn to the king to protect Lady Anice, but can he protect himself from the desires of his heart? Anice is intelligent and proud, but she is vulnerable to her feelings toward the compelling Highland laird. Can she trust her life and her emotions to a man who swore to wed a wealthy English bride? Terry Spear's writing is rich in historical detail and offers delightful romantic sparring between two very appealing characters.

Review Copy Gratis Author

[Maria Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winning the Highlander's Heart (The Highlanders)
Terry Spear Narrated By Maxine Lennon
Audio Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins File Size: 527 KB Print Length: 319 pages
Published: August 30, 2006
Lady Anice vows to flee the amorous advances of King Henry I and return to her home in the Highlands where she hopes to find a laird to wed. She soon discovers her staff has vanished. Premonitions of imminent danger warn her of foul play, and she is certain she is cursed when it comes to marriage.
The king orders the Highlander Laird Malcolm MacNeill, who is seeking an English bride, to provide the lass safe escort and learn what has become of her staff. Escorting her home safely proves a dangerous trial in and of itself and Malcolm has difficulty keeping his heart out of the matter. When the king wishes Lady Anice be wed to one of his loyal barons, the issue is further complicated. Losing his heart to the lass means Malcolm could very well lose his head.
It all starts with one book, doesn’t it? I am totally addicted to Terry Spear. I know I’m a little late with my addiction, but I’m often weary of Highlander stories because they all tend to be similar in nature and I often want to beat the heroine to bring her to her senses. Yet at the same time I LOVE Highlander stories….I mean men in Kilts…HELLO! Well, never judge a book by the maiden swooning in the arms of hulky hunky Highlander on the cover!
The story is made for highlander lovers, it’s the perfect for a nice bedtime cuddle with your Kindle or Nook and the audio is well done. I sat cuddled with my kindle in one hand, hot chocolate in the other while reading along with my MP3 player. Oh my, what a great experience, the contrary heroine fighting the restrictions of the time, the hero learning to love and understand how special she is because of her nature. The adventure on the road, in castles, the sword fights. I was in highlander heaven. Who’s weary of Highlander stories? NOT ME!!!
This is Book one of the Highlanders series and trust me you won’t stop with book one.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enchanting Highlander's Tale. Malcolm, and his brothers arrive in Henry's court seeking English brides. He is on his horse, in the courtyard, when a woman, on a rope literally falls into his lap. She is one of the queen's ladies in waiting, and not only that, but is also related to the queen. Anice is no shrinking violet, but a Scottish lass with her on keep, and quite handy with a bow. Malcolm, who is also Scottish, learns he must escort the beautiful, but fiery lady back home, and see what has happened, to her staff, in her absence, and become her steward. He is not thrilled over this task, but without completion, he nor his brothers may seek wives. The king also states, that he has chosen a Norman Lord, to marry the beauty. His brother's Dougald, and Angus are also given honorary places, in her keep, until they can be replaced. The road does not go smooth, to say the least, and soon a young lad of 10, named Kemp joins them. This book has it all,if you like adventure, lots of swordplay with well built, and sexy highlanders, and a love story between, two strong willed individuals, then this is your next read. It had a great story, and believable characters. The story flowed along, and was very romantic, as well as steamy. There was an on going struggle, to find the traitor's, in her keep, and to stay away from the Norman Lord. It ended well, which for me is always a plus. I liked her style of writing, and will be checking out her other books. It was fun, and an exciting adventure, with passion.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL FOR THE LOVE OF A LASS FROM SCOTLAND
This book started with a jump, then slowed for a fair while, and finally finished with a good laugh. In actuality, the humor is the main thing that was consistent throughout the book. Action ranged from lightning-fast to rather slow, with everything in between covered.
The King's ward (queen's cousin) has no wish to have a sexual relationship with her cousin's husband. He is determined to have her. So she jumps out the window, into the arms of a handsome highlander. And into his heart.
One thing leads to another, as they tend to do, and the pair end up traveling back to her home together, getting deeper and deeper into each other every step of the way.
Of course, there is a "bad guy" beyond the king, who also wants the lady. A large part of the book is dedicated to his attempts to take possession of her (quite literally - although she is a very confident, capable young woman, he is unable to realize she is more than a potential possession). That failure is eventually his undoing.
However, the hero is only slightly better in that regard, primarily because he is willing to acknowledge when she wins, and because, obviously, he loves her. In the end, the king even has to admit that the two make a good pair.
This is a sultry little book. Some of the humor is a bit spicy, there is some sex. All in all, well worth using for a laugh or two.

[TinyVenusAfterDark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Highlander romance and this one was a good one
However it wasn’t the best one I have ever read


I am giving it a 3.5**

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

What to say about Winning the Highlander's Heart? It's a mixed bag of goods. Not for someone who likes a lot of historical detail or accuracy. Much of the first half of the book is the hero and heroine thinking about the others' kisses, then, the kissing, then thinking about the kissing, then some more kissing... you get my drift. The plot is a little thin. It seems filled with little inaccuracies such as talking about the heroine wearing a veil, when she is disguised as a monk, she talks to "the laird in charge of the stables" (stable master?), in the forest,on the run from the evil baron, she spies some "creeping ladies tresses", and it took me a minute to figure out she must be talking about a plant-Creeping Ladies Tresses(?)(but why?). Sometimes, things just were confusing. When the evil baron shows up at the castle for dinner, the hero can't stop thinking about ending dinner early to ravish his wife. That might not be the best time to 'get busy'.
Despite all its flaws, it was somewhat entertaining but not a keeper. 3/5 stars.

[Marielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like that the female lead is fairly strong and keeps rescuing the guys. I don't understand why she keeps nearly dying of hypothermia. It's not even below freezing. I wouldn't think you would nearly die while sitting on a warm horse, wearing wool (which stays warm when wet unlike cotton) in a rain (not snow) storm. I'm not sure what language they are suppose to be speaking. The Normans would be speaking French while the others (I presume) would be speaking Old English, but this is unclear. You'd think there would be some sort of language barrier. I mean, Normans Lords wouldn't be wandering around speaking Old English, but I can't imagine Scottish terms would slip in while speaking French. Anyway, a mention somewhere about language in that time period would clear things up considerably for people like me with only a very basic idea of languages used in Britain in that time period.