I really enjoyed this book, instantly warmed to the characters, and was transported back in time. I definitely plan to read the rest of the series. Adrienne Basso writes wonderfully.

I really enjoyed Joan and Malcolm's story!

After surviving and leaving a horrible marriage, Joan is no longer the spoiled young woman she used to be. She just wants to live in peace with her son, but her soon to be step-mother doesn't want her around and makes life difficult for her. When Joan encounters her former husband, it doesn't go well. But lucky for her, Malcolm step in to rescue her. They soon find themselves married to eat other, when neither thought to marry again. Can this second marriage for each of them, lead to their HEA?

This was a great addition to the McKennas series! I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

Malcolm is a widower with a young daughter. When he is accused of ruining a young lady, he denies it and it must be decided among a council. Joan used to be a spoiled young woman until she married a horrible and abusive man. Now free of the marriage, she and her young son find themselves at Malcolm’s council hearing.
This was a great story. I loved both of these characters. They had both been through so much and were able to eventually be a loving family. My only problem is the idea of divorce during an era where there wasn’t such a thing as divorce. It didn’t really detract from the story and I know there had to be a justification for her to not be with her husband and not be married anymore, but it still bugged me. I highly recommend and I look forward to reading more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was such an entertaining book – with one big flaw.
Highland romance is the “larger than life” subgenre of romance, probably even more than paranormal books a lot of the time. It’s the one type of book that retains some of the stereotypical “bodice ripper” elements, but without the really terrible things that characterised stories of the 70s and 80s.
That is part of its appeal; the huge stakes, the danger, the big drama. People are always being attacked, hurt (in this case, the characters’ major injuries seem to disappear overnight, but anyway…), are at war, are the victim of men who want to rape them (okay, I could do without quite as much of that).
As this series is set in the 14th century, I do give the characters a bit of leeway when it comes to some of the more unsavoury elements of the stories.
Adrienne Basso writes really well. She is one of those authors who can really write; she keeps you turning the pages. If things aren’t all historically accurate, I’m fine with it. In this case, I can even overlook yet another historical romance set in Britain where autumn is called “the fall”.
There was adventure from start to finish that keeps you interested, as well as some more serious themes dealing with overcoming abuse.
However, I cannot overlook cruel stereotyping of “other woman” characters, in this case a woman who disappears halfway through the book and seemed to be there for no reason other than to make women look bad.
I have no idea why so many Highlander romances have one EEEVIL woman pitted against the heroine. It’s such an old bodice ripper trope, and we should be beyond that sort of misogynistic stereotyping by now. I’m tired of women in this subgenre always being angels or devils.
It would be better if the “evil” “other woman” occasionally had a decent motivation for her actions (how about political beliefs and loyalty to a different clan?), instead of her just being a spiteful monster?
In this book, the “other woman’s” voice is referred to as tittering and nasal and snide and using a syrupy tone – as well as possessing a natural shrillness that grated.
At one stage she is all of these just in the space of two pages:
Agnes said shrilly.
Agnes said in an irritating, nasal voice.
Agnes declared snidely.
Snickering Agnes.
And then she sends the heroine off to the stables for her former husband to beat and attempt to rape her.
The thing is, if this character had been eliminated entirely, it wouldn’t have ruined the book. The plot could have unfolded exactly the same way without her in it.

What was so silly is that a major theme of this book is the heroine redeeming herself after being unlikeable in the past! Celebrating "difficult" female characters on one hand, and demonising women on the other...
Aside from this, (and the endless use of ye and yer – I’m NOT a fan of alleged phonetic accents in writing!), this was an entertaining read.

Book: No Other Highlander by Adrienne Basso

Series: The McKennas, Book Two

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of Tartan Book Reviews, “Celtic Barb’s Book Review Blog” and Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Rating: Smoking Hot

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and Kilts

Scottish Highlands, 1334

Now The McKenna Clan is a family of warriors, one of the largest and fiercest clans in the Highlands. They are honorable faithful, and would cover and protect each other from danger, risk and jeopardy. You would not want to be an enemy to face them on the battlefield, as they would brutally rip you apart. If finding the right mate they are passionate, faithful, possessive, caring, gentle, kind and extremely energetic in bed!

The hero of this novel is Sir Malcolm McKenna, a widowed single father. The only lass he spoils these days is his young 5 year old daughter Lileas. He is the eldest son of Laird Brian McKenna. Malcolm could love deeply and passionately if only he could find the right woman. He wants an equal partner not a meek mouse or a child bride. As he needs an heir and no woman has opened his eyes or heart except for Lady Joan Armstrong Fraser. Of course he see’s her beauty as she is the most beautiful woman in Scotland! He wants more than that, she still seems so cold, spoiled and aloof! It isn't like they are strangers or acquaintances, as they have known each other since childhood. Back then her father spoiled her like a royal heir, he assumes nothing has changed, but he is gravely mistaken.

Yet this time he opens his blue eyes a bit longer and starts to understand her dislike and fear of men. He see’s she does indeed have love in her heart with her young son Callum, who she is protecting. Seeing she would make a wonderful mother for his daughter too, was just another lovely addition. Plus Joan steps up to protect him from a horrible slander on him as a libertine of ruining young virgins! This not only hurts Malcolm, but it darkens the reputation of the entire McKenna clan. Yet is Joan the woman for him? A woman that never wants to marry again and seems to fear men as well.

The heroine of this story, a woman who ended her marriage from Laird Archibald Fraser. As her husband abused her both mentally and physically. Plus she fears as her young son gets older, he will turn his violence on their innocent child and possibly kill her first. A child he has always ignored and acted like he does not exist his own heir! All his clan members treat her terribly, not with the respect or decency she deserves as the Laird's wife! It had been a living hell when she tells her father of her abuse she pretty much gets no help or protection from him. He finally relents and allows her in his home again as he changed after her mother died. All she wants is love and knows he just needs her help to run his large estate, but she wants a future for Callum. Until she meets the evil young Agnes the one who wants to marry her father and give him the male child he craves. The mean spirited and young Agnes only wants to marry him for all the wrong reasons! It is obvious she wants Joan and her sweet son out of their lives too.

Joan’s father was chosen as mediator between the two feuding clans The McKennas and The MacPhearson’s. Accusing Malcolm of a heinous crime of ruining Laird MacPhearson’s daughter Brienne. Macphearson has put a bounty on Malcolm’s head and planned to have to force a marriage but Malcolm tells them he is already married! To who? Plus the Laird MacPhearson’s daughter has her own confession to make. This will change everything!

Super fast paced riveting romantic adventure and a dog saves the day! It has all the elements Scottish historical romance readers love plus the mischievous children you can't help but love. A dog named Prince, which is the name of my first dog as a child, so this touched my heart too.

The setting was so realistic and breathtaking you can feel the water of the ice cold loch and smell the heather! The plotting was to perfection in my opinion! Plus the dialogue was absolutely brilliant. This was a spectacular book you just don't want to put down. As some parts make you laugh and some make you cry. This novel had me at the edge of my seat never knowing what to expect next! It was filled with suspense, adventure abuse, treachery, betrayal, hatred, mistrust, fear, revenge, heartbreak, abduction, slander, faith, trust, hope, joy, happiness, passion and love!

It was really so beautifully written. Bravo to Adrienne Basso as I absolutely and unequivocally loved “No Other Highlander!

It is definitely a book you don't want to miss! I highly recommend No Other Highlander by Adrienne Basso!

The McKennas Series by Adrienne Basso

1)The Highlander Who Loved Me
2) No Other Highlander


I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.


No Other Highlander (The McKennas): Adrienne Basso - Amazon.com

The reader is swept back to the Highlands with Malcolm and his little lass and the circumstances in which he is married to Joan. Thoroughly enjoyed the children and mischief along with the description of highland life in the 1300s. Definitely a page turner you will want to settle in and enjoy.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Very few men want a woman who is strong-willed, sharp-tongued, and speaks what is on her mind. I would hazard a guess that even today, a man would rather have a sweet, docile woman to do his bidding, not creating discord. Some would, however, take the challenge. Sir Malcolm, it seems, took the challenge and was rewarded greatly with a deeply felt love. The process of making that happen is what the story unfolds. A story of second chances; it is also a story of knowing what you want and finding the will to fight for it.

Lady Joan could not be further from a paradigm of a woman. She, an only child, had just about anything she wanted as a child, therefore terribly spoiled. She hides real feelings behind a hauteur quite off-putting and consequently she is shunned by both male and female. She is insecure. Having been wed, now divorced, to a monster of a man who beat her verbally and physically, she uses her abrasiveness to push people away. Her father wants to remarry and wants her out of his home. She fears another marriage like the one she had and has every reason to run from her situation. But where can she run?

Sir Malcolm is in a bit of a pickle. He may have impregnated a young girl when he was highly intoxicated during one of the festivals. Rather than fight with the woman’s clan, he is willing to do the honorable thing if he truly did have sex with the woman.

While trying to resolve the matter, he meets Lady Joan. This isn’t the first time he’s seen her, but this is the first time his interest is engaged. She’s a beauty with a sharp mind, but with a reputation of being cold—a fate no hot-blooded man wants. Lady Joan's character catches Malcolm's interest. He finds her to his liking, rough edges and all.

I enjoyed many scenes in this story. Author Adrienne Basso’s writing style, and steady pace building the story, is full of texture and dynamic dialogue. Her characters are well-developed. I feel the honor that permeates the MacKennas and the strength of the clan.

The children and dog played an adorable part in the story. Lileas, a five-year-old demon on wheels, and Malcolm’s daughter is terribly funny with her insistence she is a motherless child and should be pitied. Lady Jane has her work cut out for her. There is a saying, what goes around comes around. You’ll appreciate what I mean when you read the story.

We are introduced to Katherine, Malcolm’s sister who I’m sure will have her own story.

We see the love between Malcolm’s mother and father and understand why Malcolm wants such a marriage.

If you are a reader who loves your hero handsome, quick-witted, just, kind and honorable step right up and read this book. You’ll fall in love with both Malcolm and Lady Joan.

colm McKenna is a widowed husband raising a precocious daughter. To add to his already full plate, a bounty has been placed on his head for compromising a daughter of a rival clan. The claim is false but to clear it he has to meet with the heads of the other Highland families. There he meets up, once again, with Lady Joan Armstong Fraser who was cast aside by her abusive husband. She now lives with her young son and her Father (and not necessarily welcome by him).

Malcolm sees Joan needs rescuing and takes as chance that there is more to her than the cold heart she presents to the world. Joan is not inclined to trust, but Malcolm is determined to prove himself worthy.
This was better than the first in the series buy it did have a similar downfall; the hero is so well written and noble but the heroine fails to see or appreciate it until almost the end of the book. I wish their was more outer expression given by Joan as soon as she saw the exemplary quality traits Malcolm possessed. The epilogue helped but I still needed more earlier in the story.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Malcolm has been accused of seducing another Lairds daughter, leaving her pregnant. The Laird is insisting on a marriage or there will be war. The fact is, Malcolm was quite "into his cups" when this supposedly happened and doesn't remember anyone really standing out to him at that feast. His father, the Laird McKenna has asked Laird Armstrong, a neighbor to host both sides so the issue can be dealt with.

Joan Armstrong has returned to her father's home with her young son after leaving her cruel and abusive husband. Her father is not happy about her being there, after all, she does belong with her husband...even though the husband divorced her. Joan was spoiled and vain as she grew up so many didn't think highly of her. As the two clan Lairds prepare to meet, Joan also learns her father has invited her ex-husband and she fears for her son.

When Malcolm, his father and brother finally meet with the supposedly wronged woman and her father, he knows he didn't sleep with her. She is just too young and innocent and even drink wouldn't change his mind. The young woman doesn't know him either...but the man said his name was Malcolm McKenna.....

As Joan is witness to this, she goes and speaks with the young woman and gets the story...now the young woman is petrified to tell her father that Malcolm is not the man and Joan gets involved to help all.

Malcolm starts to see a different side of Joan in bits and pieces from the young woman he knew before and he is intrigued by her. She shows a hard shell on the outside but he sees beyond it. He also helps her when he ex-husband tries to accost her.

Joan finally convinces the young woman to be brave and tell her father the truth. After she does
the father still expects a marriage but Malcolm tells him it is impossible...because Joann has consented to be his wife! And so the story of Malcolm and Joan really begin...

I loved the characters of Malcolm and Joan. Malcolm was a widower with a precocious 5 year old who was spoiled rotten. Joan's son was about 2. Malcolm is a really good man who will one day be Laird. Joan does not trust men since her previous experience but she does have to admit she finds him attractive. She is a strong woman. They have the challenges of being newly married and blending a family and really getting to know one another.

I loved that Malcolm considered both of the kids "their" children and Joan had to really work and reason with him on how he let his daughter get away and not discipline her. It was a hard lesson fr father and daughter!

Her ex continues to be a problem and then there is also her search for the real father of the baby Malcolm was accused of fathering.

If you love a good Highlander story, then you will enjoy this one. It was a great read!

Scottish Highlands, 1334: The McKenna clan flourishes under a family of warriors, fierce and righteous, faithful to their own until the last. But to produce an heir, the widowed eldest son must risk his heart again . . .

Lady Joan Armstrong Fraser was once the indulged and pampered daughter of a laird. But marriage to a brute changed her. When he sets her aside, she has only her wits and her beauty to protect herself and her child from the chaos of her former home. She will have to find another husband—a man whose strength is more than a weapon against the weak. A man she can trust . . . if such a man even breathes.

Sir Malcolm McKenna has known Lady Joan since her childhood, a spoiled princess as dangerous as she is lovely. But when she steps forward to protect him against a false accusation, he discovers a character stronger than he guessed—and an attraction he yearns to explore . . .




Review:




The story was an attention grabber from the moment I picked it up to read.




Malcolm and Joan are seemingly opposites attracting, but there is a lot more to both of these characters. First, Joan may seem aloof but she has been protecting herself from heartache from a young age. Her father and clan basically want nothing to do with and then she is lucky to walk away from her first marriage alive, so she has a tough outer shell. Though she really wants to love and be loved. Malcolm, you would think from being the lairds oldest son would be a gruff and tuff warrior, well he is but like Joan he has a gooey center for those he loves. When Malcolm has to visit her home to prove his innocence in a paternity case, Malcolm gets a glimpse of the woman Joan really is and sets out to help her. His help is a marriage...lol They grow closer and more in love as they move back to Malcolm's home. And that is all I am giving away, read the book if you want more.




I really enjoyed the setting of this book and I thought the Author did a great job of immersing me into the time period. The characters were really great and I loved both of them. They were both smartly written and fierce. There was great action scenes as well as tender moments...and you cannot forget the sexy times were quite steamy. This was a new to me Author and I liked this book so much, I will definitely seek more of her work. Now this is the second book in the series but can totally be read as a stand alone title.




4Stars




*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

I loved this book !I've read a few of Adrienne Bassos books and I enjoy her writting style.This book about Malcolm,who has to produce an heir and Lady Joan who has left her abusive husband takes place in the 1300s Scotland.He is accused of fathering a child with a woman he doesn't know.He has known Lady Joan since childhood and thought she was spoiled but when she helps him prove his innocence his opinions start to change.Good flow to the story and had my interest til the end.

Publisher's Description:

Scottish Highlands, 1334: The McKenna clan flourishes under a family of warriors, fierce and righteous, faithful to their own until the last. But to produce an heir, the widowed eldest son must risk his heart again . . .

Lady Joan Armstrong Fraser was once the indulged and pampered daughter of a laird. But marriage to a brute changed her. When he sets her aside, she has only her wits and her beauty to protect herself and her child from the chaos of her former home. She will have to find another husband—a man whose strength is more than a weapon against the weak. A man she can trust . . . if such a man even breathes.

Sir Malcolm McKenna has known Lady Joan since her childhood, a spoiled princess as dangerous as she is lovely. But when she steps forward to protect him against a false accusation, he discovers a character stronger than he guessed—and an attraction he yearns to explore .

My Thoughts:

With so many titles to read and review in February it seems I left one of the best for last.
This was an excellently wrought title. She brought together elements that I usually prefer not to contemplate in a romance title and made them not just work, but become elements that could not possibly be left out.
I fell in love with the characters in this compassionate tale with sensitive content.
Adrienne Basso never disappoints. I found this title more to my liking than the last one I read by her although there is still the violence to women element that I usually prefer not to be present in a romance.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and character development. The sensual rating gets 3.75 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion or review of this title which I did on a voluntary basis.

Great Highland Romance, I really liked it. Malcom is the widowed eldest son and must find a new wife to produce an heir. When Joan who he knew as a pampered princess as a child protects him he sees her in a whole new light. The story is fast paced with lots of suspense and drama, I was hooked from beginning to end.

Love and treachery!

Lady Joan Armstrong Fraser and Sir Malcolm McKenna's story is one of building trust.
1334. Joan has fled her abusive marriage to Laird Archibald Fraser. With her small son she'd returned to her home at Armstrong Castle. She'd married Archibald 'with blind naïveté, unaware of his true character.'
Joan's place in her father's home is tenuous and she knows that should her father marry the Lady Agnes that place will be even more so.
Meanwhile Malcolm has been accused of fathering a child on the daughter of Laird of the MacPhearson. Indeed, 'the MacPhearson laird is not only claiming that his daughter was seduced, but that she was promised marriage.' Malcom is shocked. He has no recollection of any such encounter.
A meet between the McKenna and MacPhearson clans has been arranged at the Armstrong Castle to come to an agreement or make restitution without bloodshed.
Unknown to Joan, her father has for his own reasons included her former husband in the negotiations.
Danger and betrayal surrounds Joan. Malcom offers her a way out. Is she courageous enough to accept?
A delicate balance of fear and desire threads the relationship between Malcolm and Joan. Malcolm must build trust with this abused woman who fires his heart. Malcom proves to be a man worthy of the task in this highly charged highland romance. As he says to Joan, 'Fate has seen fit to give ye a second chance. Take it.' Can Joan take what's offered?
A worthy follow up to 'The Highlander Who Loved Me.'

A NetGalley ARC
(February 2017)

This was a most excellent book by one of my favorite authors. She writes highland romance like nobody's business. There was a lot to admire in reading this. The characters seemed real with thoughts and feelings of their own. It had me at first page and never let go.
Lady Joan Armstrong Fraser was a pampered woman who was abused by her husband. She has escaped with her son to her father's house but can find no hope there. She was only a pawn in her family and is resented by leaving her husband. She only wants to be there for her son and not grow up in that mess.
Sir Malcolm McKenna remembers the lass as a perfect princess who lived a fairy tale life. He thinks her dangerous and a real beauty who helps him during a confrontation with another clan. She helps him and he is grateful to a woman who won't back down from her convictions.
Malcolm sees through her disguise and feels something for her. He is a widower with a daughter who needs taming. He sees a woman who turns his crank and never lets go. They are perfect for each other and love blooms between the two. There is so much in this book that will keep you reading far into the night. I just wanted it to go on, but atlas, the end came and I'm glad I read it.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

You know an author has talent when they can take elements you usually prefer to avoid in your romantic read and somehow make it work. Ms. Basso did just that, my fellow Scottish romance book-loving friends, in No Other Highlander. Though not a deal breaker, I’m usually not a big fan of past marriage baggage, children from said union, and “Surprise! You’re a daddy!” scenarios. With Joan having escaped the abusive clutches of her now former husband, Malcolm a widow, and both of them having a child, I worried I was in for all that drama and more. Fortunately, it was cleverly interwoven in such a way it not only contributed to character development but also added to the plot.

With writing that flowed, I stayed completely engaged, as this alpha protective/good guy/next in line to be laird hero patiently waited until Joan was ready to trust and love him. Along the way, more than once they had each other backs, folks, and inevitably surrendered their hearts, as well.

If you have read “The Highlander Who Loved Me”, you are aware Malcolm was caught in the middle of a love triangle that did not end as he had hoped. This book opens with accusations he made a big misstep in judgement while trying to drown that sorrow with too much Scottish whiskey. Despite his dismay, he does try to do the right thing and fate rewards him by delivering him to Joan’s door.

In closing, I’ll just comment again that Ms. Basso did a verra good job of weaving this intricate plot together. Here’s to hoping you’ll feel the same and ultimately agree with me that no other highlander would do for this beautiful, sassy leading lady.

Title: No Other Highlander, Series: The McKennas, Author: Adrienne Basso, Pages: 368, 2/28/17, stand-alone, widowed alpha/patient/good guy protective hero, sassy heroine who got out of an abusive marriage, both have one child, VERY steamy scenes that do not hijack the storyline, HEA, no cheating, no love triangle, two attempted rape scenes, well-written.

The Highlander Who Love Me (Davina & James McKenna), Pages: 352, 12/29/15

No Other Highlander (Joan & Malcolm McKenna), Pages: 368, 2/28/17

(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, and Edelweiss.)

'No Other Highlander' by Adrienne Basso is book Two in "The McKennas" series. This is the story of Malcolm and Joan. I have read book One "The Highlander Who Loved Me" but I do feel this is a standalone book.
Joan has returned home with her son after being married to a abusive husband but she finds not sympathy or love with her father. Joan was a spoiled pampered young lady and most everyone thinks that is how she still is.. which Joan keeps up that image to protect herself. Malcolm is a widower with a daughter and does remember how Joan once was and still is. But when Malcolm finds himself being accused of something he is innocent of it is Joan that comes forward to help. This builds on them making new ground with each other and learning what the the other has went through.
Another enjoyable read by Ms. Basso! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

Malcolm, the heir to the McKenna clan and widower is accused of seducing and impregnating another clan’s young daughter and has agreed to meet with the clan on neutral ground to settle the matter. He can't be 100% certain he didn't sleep with the woman until he meets her in person. Malcolm knows he needs to new wife and a mother for his daughter, but he will not be forced into with a young woman he did not seduce. Lady Joan Armstrong Fraser was once the indulged and pampered daughter of the Armstrong laird is now the disgraced daughter of the laird. For Joan being married to the abusive Laird Fraser has changed her she now uses persona of a hateful shrew to hide and to keep herself and her son safe from another unwanted marriage. Malcom has known Lady Joan most of his life, but when Malcolm arrives he is struck anew by Joan's beauty and spirit. He acknowledges that she is extremely beautiful and a shrew as well as but he can’t help being drawn to her anyway. Joan realizes Malcom is not the father to Lady Brienne’s son and clears Malcolm’s name and to her surprise she ends up married to him! Malcolm offer her chance at a new life, one she is reluctant to except because will not she suffer through another brutal marriage. I was captivated by this story of Lady Joan who’s a strong willed woman who’s wounded to the core by her first husband abuse and brutality. Malcolm is a handsome muscled highlander with a heart of gold who sees beyond Joan’s persona, he sees the past the shrew to the loving mother and woman she can become if giving the chance. Malcolm and Joan have a rocky road to their HEA and it’s a great story!!!

I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC copy provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher

Malcolm McKenna is my new favorite highlander! It was easy to fall for Malcolm right away in this beautiful romance. The love he shows for his daughter is heart warming and a glimpse at what he has to offer for his future wife. Though initially appearing selfish and haughty, I immediately liked Lady Joan Armstrong. She clearly puts up a very thick wall to keep anyone from getting close to her. And who can blame her considering all that she has suffered at the hands of her ex-husband? However, she too shows that she is capable of far greater feeling then she lets on through the love she has for her son. Unfortunate circumstances throw Malcolm and Joan together and what starts out as an unwanted marriage for Joan turns into a loving union anyone would be jealous of. I really liked how realistic their story was. Malcolm shows over a long period of time that he is loyal and trustworthy, deserving a chance from Joan. He doesn't just say a few sweet things and instantly has Joan swooning over him. Their relationships starts out strained because of the distrust Joan has for all men. But over time, with patience and understanding, Malcolm shows Joan how much he really cares about her and how much he wants a their marriage to work out. Slowly but surely, the walls the Joan has carefully constructed begin to crumble and she starts to trust Malcolm and fall in love with him. The way their relationship slowly builds makes for swoon worthy tension between the two and sparks fly when Joan finally gives into her feelings for Malcolm. A beautiful second chance story that will leave you wanting more!!

**My review is live on Goodreads and I will post my review on Amazon the day the book is published.

No Other Highlander by Adrienne Basso
The McKennas #2

Great characters in a believable plot took me away to the Scottish Highlands of the early 1300’s. Malcolm McKenna was a wonderful book boyfriend – not perfect but oh so wonderful. Joan Armstrong was a woman of depth that needed a protector and found that and more in Malcolm. They had history that could have kept them apart – it didn’t. They had history that could have kept them from loving – but it didn’t. They faced trials that could have kept them apart – but they overcame them. This was a wonderful book that stood alone easily though it had a predecessor that told the story of Malcolm’s brother James and no doubt introduced the main characters of this book. I hope there will be more books in this series though I picked up online that the author might be heading to a different time period for her next book. This is the first book I have read by this author – I hope to find more of her books to read in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.

5 Stars