'The Rogue of Islay Isle' by Heather McCollum is Book Two in the "Highland Isles" series. This is the story of Cullen Duffie and Madeleine. I have read the previous book but this is easily a standalone book.
Cullen is the new chief of Clan MacDonald, after his Grandfather appoints him with the title before his death. Cullen's Uncle and his people are watching him to see if he is like his father. Cullen is trying to prove he isn't his father and doesn't have his bad ways. Yes, Cullen was free with the ladies and now that has stopped but the ladies are looking to be his wife now. Cullen has been trying to gain peace and allies with neighbor clans. Also there are issue with not keeping spies or breaking any laws that could land them in trouble.
But when Madeleine is found on the beach by Cullen, Cullen takes her to his home. Cullen's Uncle starts to question who she is and if his choices won't be hurting the Clan.
Madeleine had a rope around her neck which has left her badly bruised and unable to talk for a while. Also she has lost some of her memory. So when she does start to speak it is with a French accent which means she could be a spy.
This was another exciting book by Ms. McCollum!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Cullen Duffie is the new clan chief of the MacDonalds, if you read The Beast of Aros Castle, you may remember him as being Tor's friend and ally.

He's trying to keep his two Uncles appeased, as they challenge him on everything he does and also there is talk of a war between England and France.

Finding a lass on his shore all bruised and with a rope around her neck after a storm he takes her to the keep where she is nursed back to health, at first she can't speak and also can't remember anything but slowly it all comes back to her, and how she came to be on the ship and that she is the enemy but they are falling for each other but to make matters worse, the Kings men come looking for her.

Even though this is book 2, you don't have to read book 1 to enjoy it as it's completely a stand alone. I couldn't put this down I was captured from the start.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and I voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

The Rogue of Islay Isle, by Heather McCollum is a fascinating historical romance, which is set in the Scottish highlands in the 1500s.

As the new chief of the MacDonald Clan, Cullen Duffie is determined to properly lead his family and clan, yet his plans are altered when an unknown woman is found along the shoreline. Due to several injuries, Madeleine (also known as Rose) is unable to speak at first and also is suffering from amnesia. As her memory slowly returns, Madeleine remembers the horrors of her past and the danger she brings to her new clan, yet Cullen continues to proclaim his protection for her.

As the story continues, Cullen and Madeleine are forced to deal their attraction amidst danger from outside forces, as well as meddling relatives, his roguish history, her unknown past, and a not-so-secret stairway leading to main chamber at Dunyvaig Castle.

The Rogue of Islay Isle is geared towards those who enjoy reading humorous historical romances. Since it's the third book in the Highland Isles series, it's recommended to start with the first book, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

5+ Stars!! What a great book!! I enjoyed this story!! If I could, I'd give it MORE stars!(I loved it that much!) I was very entertained by this story-I couldn't put it down!! Now I want a Cullen Duffie of my very own! (I'll have to go travel the Highlands soon!! Ha!) I didn't read the first book in the series but the books in this series are all standalone & I had no trouble understanding this one! I loved how I kept getting surprises! Whatever I thought was coming was always wrong!!(when that happens, you know it's a great book!!) I love how strong Rose is! I can't stand when the heroine is weak!! Rose definitely was not weak!! I absolutely loved the ending too!! There wasn't a single part in this book that I didn't love-I enjoyed all of it! I have to read the first book now & I can't wait to read the future books too! I highly recommend this book-especially if you love historical Scottish romance!! You will not be disappointed!!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*

How far would you go to save the woman you love?

Being the chief of Clan MacDonald brings with it prestige and great responsibility. Cullen Duffie feels like he is balancing on the edge of a sword as he tries to shoulder the responsibility of leadership. Not only that but there is a silent threat of war between England and France. If there is even a whisper of Clan MacDonald swearing allegiance to the French cause, then King Henry will not be forgiving. The last thing Cullen wants is to be found harbouring a mysterious French woman who was washed up on the beach. But harbour her he must, for she is in desperate need of refuge and he can not, in good conscience, turn his back on her.

Oh, I did enjoy this book. The Rogue Of Islay is one of those books where you want to shut out the world, curl up under a blanket and just read! Heather McCollum transported me back to 16th Century Scotland, and for a while, I was more than happy to stay there!

Madeleine "Rose" came across as a very strong heroine, despite all the terrible abuse that she has had to endure. She tries desperately hard to piece together her memories, even though she fears what she might discover about herself when she remembers. I thought her character was beautifully drawn and very real in the telling.

Likewise, Cullen was drawn with great skill. He has to do right by his clan, but he also has to do right by the woman that he has rescued. Cullen is honourable and not one to be swayed by persuasive arguments. It would have been very easy for him to abandon Rose, but he would never do something like that. So despite great opposition from his uncles, he stays steadfast in his decisions. He has promised Rose his protection, and that is the end of the matter.

The romance between Rose and Cullen was tender at times, passionate at others. Their love story is wonderful to read about and, more importantly, convincing!

The plot really speeds up so much towards the end of the book that it was simply unputadownable.

If you are looking for your next Highland Romance, then look no further than The Rogue Of Islay by Heather McCollum. You won't be disappointed.

I Highly Recommend.

The Rogue of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum
Highland Isles #2

Cullen Duffie, the new “MacDonald” chieftain has women sneaking up his private stairs trying to convince him they are his best for wife but so far he hasn’t found one he wants to keep. His uncles feel passed over by their father and are sure they know better than he does. His father was a lovable scoundrel that he is trying to not live up to the reputation of. And, he has is a wise and good man who wants the best for his clan and believes that by avoiding controversy with the English or French that can be attained. He has friends in his cousins Broc and Errol and also the love of his mother.

One night as Cullen contemplates his future he sees a ship on a storm tossed sea. In the morning he finds a woman on the beach, a beautiful woman with rope burns around her neck and no memory of who she is or where she came from AND she is beautiful. Everyone seems to have an opinion about who she might be and what should be done with her – Cullen is not in agreement with most of those ideas.

As the newly dubbed “Rose” begins to heal and her memory begins to return things heat up in more ways than one. The question that looms seems to be whether or not there will be a happy ending for Rose and whatever that ending is…will it include Cullen?

I liked this book. I liked feisty Rose and caring Cullen. I liked Broc and Errol, Cullen’s cousins, and wouldn’t mind finding out more about them. I did not read book one in the series but from that cast of characters, who showed up for a bit of this book, I would like to hear more about Marie. And finally, the comment made by the author after the book finished – the one that lists the symptoms of a deadly disease – that had a positive impact, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Interesting book, well written, lovely H, unusual h. Intriguing story of a beautiful French lady, shipwrecked (?) on the isle is islay in Scotland with amnesia. I have no doubt there were girls raised as this one was, but would prefer not to read a story involving a mother raising her daughter to be offered to a man as a virgin, even if she escapes. Interesting twists and plot changes. Seems to be part of a series, but stands well alone.

A good read! Definitely a buy buy buy book! Wow this week has been fantastic for reviewing highlander series! In this particular one, I admit to thinking it had so much going for it. The masculine Laird, the stubborn heroine. Many layers of things happening and heart and passion and romance. Be in the middle of a clan and find you are the enemy. Or be the Laird falling in love with your enemy while trying to protect them. This book is romance, passion, love, and life. Catches the heart and the mind. I was caught up in the story and could not put it down until the end. Now wishing there was more! The writer obviously did a good job with this one. So buy and enjoy the read! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

Cullen’s career up until becoming laird seemed to be loving the lasses, and I’m not talking with his heart, folks. At least that is what is often implied here. It seemed all the clan’s lovely ladies were lining up outside his bedroom door hoping to audition for a chance to be considered for the role of the next Mrs. Laid of the castle.

With a deceased father that left behind a gambling and not so stellar legacy, Cullen already feels like he couldn’t do anything right. His overly critical, jealous uncles constantly have their eyes and ears on full alert, judging his every move, just waiting for him to make a mistake large enough to be ousted as head of the clan. But no trouble they could dish out comes close to the havoc and unexpected tenderness unleashed on his heart by a mysterious bonny lass that washes up on his shores.

Rose (aka Madeleine) is bearing bruises and barely breathing when Cullen comes across her. Neck rope burns and amnesia lead everyone to speculate whether she will ultimately be friend or foe. Upon regaining her voice, her first word leads many to fear the latter. Yeah, her accent definitely gives her away. When her past and the monsters she was running from come to claim her, Cullen must face down a formidable enemy to keep his “Helen of Troy” like lady love safe.

The writing flowed and kept me fully engaged. However, Rose’s bizarre circumstances and what was intended to be her future occupation did not quite set well with me. It just all felt rather disturbing. I personally wish it had been something different.

Having read and absolutely loved the first book, The Beast of Aros Castle, I was glad to see cameo appearances of that main couple. They did come across as mere bystanders though and didn’t overly factor into this storyline.

The next book’s details have not been released yet, so, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends, I don’t know what the author has in store for us next. I am looking forward to it, however. I do definitely enjoy this author’s writing style.

Title: The Rogue of Islay Isle, Series: Highland Isles (Book 2), Author: Heather McCullom, Pages: 238, stand-alone but part of a series, very graphic/steamy scenes, former manho hero, amnesia heroine who has a strange/abusive past, several references to hero’s womanizing past, jealous OW, no love triangle, no cheating, brings trouble to their door, disturbing threats of rape/abuse, HEA.

Book 1 - The Beast of Aros Castle, (Tor and Ava), Pages: 266, 2/20/17
Book 2 - The Rogue of Islay Isle, (Cullen and Madeleine), Pages: 238, 5/15/17

(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review which was distributed via NetGalley. No compensation was provided to me, nor do I have any affiliation with the author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes and Noble.)

This book was jam packed with mystery, action and romance...It was never a dull moment and i was totally hooked from the very first page till the last.. It was packed with characters who were complicated and at times annonying ( William and Farlan Macdonald) but it's what makes this book awesome..

The story: Cullen Duffie is one sexy looking Highland warrior and the new chief of the clan Macdonald. One stormy night, he spots a boat from his window battling the waves and when he goes down to the beach, he finds a woman washed ashore who happens to have rope burns around her neck . Then we have Rose, (named after the gown she was wearing the night she was found) who is trying to figure out who she is, where she came from, why she had a rope around her neck and why in heavens did she have a precious pearl necklace in the pocket of her gown.. The only thing she knew was she was french.. Both Cullen and Rose try to solve the mystery together and as such, start to develop feelings for each other and people are not happy with this development.. Uggh! There were times i wanted to bop Beatrice, her mother Agnes and Cullen's 2 uncles on their heads! So darn annoying!!! But i must admit, my favorite part of this book was the second to the last chapter- that's were all that swashbuckling action takes place.. Somehow while i was reading it, I just kept picturing Errol Flynn - weird i know!

This is the second book of Ms. Heather McCollum that I have read ( the first being Captured Heart) and so far so good.. She hasn't let me down yet and I look forward to reading more of her books..

ARC was provided by NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Ms Heather McCollum

Totally enjoyed the story. Good historical elements. Loved the plot.

Cullen and Rose were a delight to read. The twists in the story held this reader captive to the antics and challenges faced by the characters. The Rogue Of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum was just as enjoyable reading as the first book (The Beast Of Aros Castle) in the Highland Isles series was.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

This may be due to other books being less accurate, and so perhaps my view of accurate history is skewed, but I didn't feel like this book was very realistic. I felt that Rose (a.k.a. Madeleine) and her mannerisms should have shocked both Cullen and his family, but everyone seemed to take her strange nature in stride. I found it especially odd when it came out (even though it was really obvious before it was made official) that she is a trained courtesan, specifically raised by her mother to be the virgin gift to the King of France. No one is horrified, and she acts extremely odd for someone who is supposedly disturbed by her upbringing. She jumps right into bed with a guy and fondled herself, and for that time period, it's just weird to read about. It works for a contemporary, but it seems way too off for a historical romance. Just wasn't enjoyable, because I didn't find it believable. Personal preference too. I liked her better before she jumped into the guy's bed. After that I just didn't feel their attraction. It happened way too easily.

I received this book from net galley for an honest review. An enjoyable read that told the tale of Rose benign washed up on shore, with no memory and being unable to speak. When her memory does return, and her enemies close in, Cullen is by her side bravely supporting and protecting. Nice romance and adventure.

Laird Cullen finds a woman, battered, and washed up along his shore. He takes her in, knowing nothing about her, as she can't speak, or recall her past. Given the name of Rose, she begins to heal and her voice returns, along with the knowledge that she an enemy. By now feelings have developed between Rose and Cullen, and he refuses to send her away. Gradually though, Rose's memory returns and they realize just how dire her situation is, especially when King's men come looking for her.

This was a really good story. The plot was unique, and Heather McCollum's great writing skills made it difficult to put the book down. I didn't experience any slow parts, in fact, everything moved at a steady pace.

Cullen makes a great hero, and Rose a good heroine. She's bold and full of grit. The secondary characters are likeable, too. Overall, this is a satisfying read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review The Rogue of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the story of Cullen and Rose and how they came to love each other. The intrigue from when Rose washed ashore, after escaping a French ship, to when she escaped a second time was a good read. I enjoyed the story.

I read the first novel in this series and it was a good read. This next novel in the Highland Isles series did not disappoint and I enjoyed this book. The main characters are different, but there are a few characters from the first novel who make an appearance. It is a romance story, but it is different from the first novel. There is also action and the uncovering of secrets as well as some betrayal.
Cullen Duffie is a Highland warrior and can charm any woman. He has been chosen as the next chief of Clan MacDonald by his grandfather, which has upset his uncles. He is trying to handle his new responsibilities, but when he finds a woman on the shore, things change.
Madeleine Reland has lost her memory and cannot remember anything, not her name or her past. All she remembers is the fear and need to escape. Cullen calls her Rose since her throat is badly swollen and she cannot speak or recall her name, but she has good arm. Cullen was very angry about her wounds and promises his protection, which upsets a few people. There is an instant attraction between them which begins to blossom into deeper feelings.
When Rose finally speaks, they realize she is French, which causes problems since the English and French are enemies. Rose has particular skills and knowledge that she does not where it came from and causes her to think poorly of herself. There are those who believe Rose to be trouble and want to remove her from the Isle. However, Cullen is intrigued by Rose and wants her with him. Rose has never felt the way she does with another man besides Cullen.
As Rose's memories begin to return, she realizes the danger the clan is in due to her past and why she escaped as well as some degree of shame. She cannot go back to France but does not want to leave Cullen. Cullen will protect her even from his own clan. As they fall in love with each other, there are those who would betray them in order to accomplish their own desires and goals, which leads to unexpected consequences. As Rose's past becomes her present, will Cullen's love be enough to keep her safe from those who have devious intentions?