I've been reading Michele Sinclair books for a while now and with some authors, you get the same plot and types of characters, but with this author, each book and each character is unique in their own way. I highly recommend this book!

Elite McTiernay guardsman Hamish MacBrieve is looking for a clean start. But when his brother, laird of Foinaven Castle, leaves the family holdings dangerously unprotected, Hamish has no choice but to return and keep his clansmen safe. And when he does, he discovers that Foinaven’s painful memories have been replaced by the most distracting opportunity for passion. When Mairead MacMhathain learns that the eldest MacBrieve is returning home, she imagines he’ll bring salvation in the form of a powerful army. Instead, the hulking, powerful man she idolized as a girl arrives alone. But now instead of a little sister, Hamish sees her as the woman she has become. And under his heated gaze, despite the danger swirling around them, Mairead finds herself tempted, taunted, and tantalizingly seduced.
Overall this was a decent read. The book was a bit slow for me. The building of the relationship between both main characters was also a bit slow as Hamish had some serious trust issues to work through.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Positives: The storyline was interesting, and not only focused on the romance. The romance itself was good. It built slowly and wasn't rushed. Both the main characters were likeable and well developed, especially for a book of this genre.

Negative: The other characters were weak. There wasn't all that much to them. The villain had no motivations and no backstory there was no threat because he was mostly absent. The real problem was that this book is far too long and far too detailed. The characters and background were good but everything else was drawn out. This book should have ended three or four times, but every time the book came to a natural end the author dragged it out.

Amazing story and fantastic writing! I can't wait to read whatever this author writes next!

Not by name but by heart, Hamish MacBrieve belongs to the Clan McTiernay. Years ago, after his brother won over his betrothed and thus took his birthright, Hamish found this new home and never looked back until Foinaven Castle becomes unprotected and primed for a takeover. Hamish returns for a quick trip to assist his brother but when he arrives it is worse than he thought. As he prepares his defense he neglects to keep the wall up around his heart when he encounters his sister-in-law’s feisty younger sister, Mairead MacMhathain.

Mairead has her own troubles as she was directly threatened by the man looking to take over as laird. She hopes Hamish brings an army but is sorely disappointed that he only brought himself to save the clan. She realizes he may be enough but will her heart be destroyed if he keeps his commitment to leave Foinhaven once the threat is over?

The familial aspect to this story was a joy to read. The dynamics between the bothers and sisters was refreshingly honest. Strengths and weaknesses are in every relationship but finding the common bonds between one another can lead to a powerful combination. I did happen to side more with Hamish and Mairead. Their banter and outspoken nature was sincere, humorous and authentic. The only reason for the slightly lower rating was that the setup took a bit too long.

Highlander Happenings

I really enjoyed this. We have a feisty young highlander woman who takes the breath away from her silent stalwart brother-in-law, a man who vowed to never return to the place he'd once called home.
Hamish MacBrieve fled Foinaven Castle twelve years ago. He was now an elite guard with the McTiernay clan.
After years of pleas to return home from his brother Robert, Hamish has finally acquiesced.
The only problem is:
1) Hamish had once been head over heels in love with Mairead's sister Selah, who'd married Robert
2) Hamish has cleared out never to return and now only did so because his brother finally persuaded him of danger to the clan
3)Hamish was only stay ing to get the job done--his way
4) Hamish didn't want complications and falling in love with this breath taking young woman whom he use to teach to skip stones was not part of the plan!
And then there's the twist in the tail, what is troubling Mairead? And will Hamish ever trust her, for that matter will she ever trust him.
Talk about clash of wills and hearts. Minds even.
Great tale that keeps adding new surprises. Just sorry it took so long to read. Life kept interrupting! I'm now committed to reading the rest in the series!

A NetGalley ARC
(August 2017)

I really liked this highlander read. Maired and Hamish are great characters who tend to make too many assumptions about each other and well Hamish does have some trust issues. That won’t stop their chemistry from overheating. I found this read entertaining with plenty of drama and suspense.

Hamish MacBrieve left his home in the Scottish Highlands because his love, Selah MacMhathain pledged her love to his brother, Robert. Hamish has been gone for twelve years and is now returning because of a threat to his clan from an estranged clan warrior. Hamish returns and finds that in twelve years, the younger sister of Selah, Mairead, is now a voluptuous, intriguing beauty. The attraction between the two is real, the problem is that it takes forever to get to the apex of the story. I really enjoyed the plot. I felt like the story got bogged down by the constant "tit for tat" game by the two main characters. I managed to get to the end of the story but felt like it was dragged out and filled with nonessential prose. I did like the story and the characters, just wish it had been more to the point.

Never Kiss a Highlander by Michele Sinclair is now available from Zebra, an imprint of Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Book:
Never Kiss Highlander
By Michele Sinclair

Series: The McTiernays, Book #6

Reviewed By: Barb Massabrook (of) 1)Tartan Book Reviews - Administrator & Creator
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews - Administrator
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog - Blogger

Heat Rating: Hot

Overall Rating: 5 Stars


This is the story of Hamish MacBrieve and Mairead MacMathain.

This is a story of betrayal and heartbreak. As Hamish was to marry Selah MacMathain, he discovers she loves his younger brother.
Hamish was supposed to lead the clan and marry Selah MacMathain ten years ago. Yet he finds out Selah loves his younger brother Robert. As this is the woman who was suppose to be his bride. He gives the lairdship to his brother as well as the woman he thought he loved.

Ten years later: Hamish had been working as an elite guardsman of Clan McTiernay for the past decade. Again he's been betrayed and duped by another woman. Now over the years his brother Robert had tried to reconnect, sending messages to come back. Hamish has refused, now castle Foinaven is in danger and needs his help. The danger surrounds Selah’s younger sister Mairead.

Mairead had idolized Hamish as a little girl and thinks he will be her savior. Yet when he returns with only himself and no army it is sheer disappointment.

When Hamish returns after such a long absence - he doesn't even notice Selah. He only has eyes for her younger sister Mairead, who was only a child last time he saw her. Mairead is also quite smitten with the handsome Hamish. Can she break through his cold untrusting heart. Will he realize the danger she's in and lend a helping hand? Will he open his heart or has heartbreak and betrayal gotten the best of him?

This is a must read. In book six of The McTiernay series by Michele Sinclair . I highly recommend it as I have read the others always a sheer joy to read. You can read “Never Kiss A Highlander”as a stand alone book or in book order. I absolutely loved it!

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review through netgalley. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

Never Kiss a Highlander is book 6 of The McTiernays series and the first book I’ve read by this author. It appears to be an intriguing collection of stand-alone but definitely linked Highlander romances. Right off the bat, I did notice the author seems to take her sweet time spinning the tale. It just so happens I’m more of a get to the point, keep the plot riveting/flowing, and don’t overly linger or stray too far from the main couple romance, and certainly don’t be overly descriptive about nonessential things while doing so. I don’t mean to sound overly critical, because I liked the romantic storyline, but it felt overly drawn out at times. At 80%, I found myself waiting the villain to finally appear so the pace would pick up. If you relish a leisurely paced story, this likely won’t phase you a bit. There certainly was a lot of time for character development and for the couple to get to know one another.

Burned several times, Hamish, the hero, isn’t about to put his heart back into the line of fire. No, he’s sworn off love and though he isn’t the mason builder of the family, he has erected stone walls around his heart. He’ll be respectful and amicable to his one day future wife, but he doesn’t seem to think trust and love will be part of the arrangement. This is ironic since he wants Mairead, the leading lady, to trust him, but he doesn’t dish out trust readily himself.

At 50% into it, trust seems to be discussed more than love. Well into it, Hamish is still hammering on about it and is quick to jump to his feet, point the finger, and make accusations regarding Mairead’s intentions. At one point, I was truly done with him. If you like relationship angst, there is plenty here as they get close then push each other away.

Though I wanted to see them become a couple, there were times I wanted her to give up on him and walk away in search of a MacKay warrior hero to ride to her rescue. You see, it was mentioned that neighboring clan would fight to the death for what was theirs. I wanted Hamish to finally come to his senses and stop living in the land of denial.

Good news is a switch was flipped and after an accusation that got my blood boiling things started to finally look up for this hard headed couple. Hamish held out to the end though before he finally unleashed a heartfelt declaration of eternal love.

Robert, the younger brother and laird, and his wife, who were previously supposed to have married Hamish, came across as ostriches with their heads so deep in the sand I don’t know how they could breathe. It seemed all up to the main couple to save the day for the entire clan. To say they had a different strategy of running the castle/managing the clan would be an understatement.

Yes, I enjoyed this highlander romantic tale, but it did take me on a slower journey than I expected. Rating: 3.5 stars

Title: Never Kiss a Highlander, Series: The McTiernays (Book 6), Author: Michele Sinclair, Pages: 352, feisty heroine, afraid to love/distrustful of women/alpha good guy hero, a few very steamy scenes late in the book, once betrothed to sister, slow paced, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, push each other away, virgin heroine, experienced but been celibate awhile hero.

Book 1 - The Highlander’s Bride (Conor & Laurel), Pages: 318, 6/1/07
Book 2 - To Wed a Highlander (Makenna & Colin), Pages: 396, 1/1/08
Book 3 - Desiring the Highlander (Ellenor & Cole), Pages: 408, 1/1/09
Book 4 - Tempting the Highlander (Raelynd & Crevan), Pages: 343, 9/1/11
Book 5 - Seducing the Highlander (Meriel & Craig), Pages: 373, 1/1/13
Book 6 - Never Kiss a Highlander (Hamish & Mairead), Pages: 352, 7/25/17

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)

This was an exciting read for all those who enjoy highland romance. The author has written a lovely book with lots of unforgettable characters. Even though this one could be considered a continuation of previous books, it can be read as a stand alone.
I thought Hamish MacBrieve a handsome, well developed person who was his own man. Even though he left his clan years earlier because of family matters. Now Hamish has finally decided to return home to see his brother who is Laird. Even though his brother is younger, Hamish feels like once things are taken care of, he will return to his previous life.
Mairead is the sister in law of Hamish's brother the Laird. She is very talented in running the estate while being a help to her sister, sometimes she wants her own place. A previous suitor who has taken it on himself to make sure that Mairead will wed him or else. She is glad for Hamish being there, but he doesn't let his secrets out to her.
I felt she was a bit stubborn towards wanting to know everything on Hamish's mind. I didn't like her at first, but she did get a bit better towards the end. I believe that these two people really love each other, but they had to go though a lot of stuff to have a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Rating 3

Hamish was set to be leader of his clansman and marry Selah. But heartbreak has him fleeing, as the woman he was to marry loves his younger brother Robert. Hamish gives his leadership role to his younger brother as well as the woman he's to marry.

Twelve years Hamish is an elite guard for the McTiernay's. He feels like they are his family and finds purpose with them. During the years Robert has asked him to return but Hamish never did. But he is summons by his brother because there is dangers to the clan and Robert needs his help. Hamish had just been burned again by another woman who had tried to manipulate and use Hamish so he was more then ready for some time away and decides to return to his brother and clan. He was again reminded why he needed to guard his heart.

Maired, is Selah's younger sister. Maired is very much part of what is happening at Foinaven Castle and the danger that surrounds it. Maired was a young girl when Hamish left and she remembers him with fondness. But the two are in for a surprise. Hamish, doesn't notice Selah when he returns but Maired and what a beautiful, intelligent and strong woman she's become. Maired had hopes of a army returning with Hamish as that is what they will need to keep them safe. Maired is also taken aback by the man Hamish is now and the strong attraction she feels for him.

The story proceeds with miscommunication, mistrust and uncertainty of what will become of Foinaven and it's people. The premise of the story was good and strong but the delivery and relationship between the main characters was very frustrating. Yes, we need some conflict and mystery but I found it too be over the top and delivered poorly. Maired seemed childish at times and was unwilling to step forward with information. Hamish was indecisive at times and also could have communicated better with Maired as well as his brother.

The pacing was good, plot had promise. But I found the maturity and evolution of the relationship to be lacking and unsatisfactory.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This is the first book that I have read so I am intrigued by the McTiernays and will have to go to the first book in the series! Wow, poor Hamish keeps seeing the McTiernay brothers get the girl and he keeps losing out in his quest for love, and pretty much at this point decides that he isn't going to find a woman to love.

There were quite a few twists in the story that really kept me reading when I should have gone to bed! At first, I just wished that Hamish's brother, Robert had talked to him but then could understand that Hamish had to work through this and come to his own conclusions about his life and goals.

It was great to see when Hamish was looking at Mairead and thinking she was similar to the McTiernay's brides and how she would fit in with the family. I liked reading their story as they grew to love each other and yet did not want to see that fact!

This book was a mix of romance, drama, and lots of action! It was hard to put it down and really kept me involved in the story. I enjoy when there is a little more to a story than just a romance.

Loved the ending and how it all worked out, a secret was revealed that helped Hamish understand why he felt so different from his brother, and the wedding for Conan! That sounds like a book that I want to read - after hearing how he is so dismissive to women - what will his bride be like??

I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First of all I haven’t read the other books of this series (but I added them to my never ending TBR list afterwards) but I had no problem with the storyline. People from books before are mentioned but you don’t need to read them previously – everything seems logical.
After watching too much “Outlander” over the months I got more and more into Highlander novels (yes, Jamie!) and I really, really enjoyed reading this one because the storyline was extraordinary and witty. +
The female lead Mairead (I always misspell the name) isn’t the typical highland lass – she’s taller, more headstrong and all that especially compared to her sister, who years ago was engaged to the male lead Hamish – the late laird’s oldest son. Well, to cut it short, things didn’t work out the easy way and Hamish left, but he could ever forget the girl. Back in the day Mairead was only a kid of 8 years. He never wanted to come back but you can only ignore so many letters of your own brother that he packs his things and wants to move to his former clan for a short period to help his brother, the laird, to help him deal with some problems …

It’s a love story but it also a story of character development. Hamish is a typical Highlander – lots of muscles but with a soft side. You can really imagine him with his kilt in front of you. (yay!)

I've tried three times to read this book, and have finally given up at 40%. I just don't have any interest in any of the characters.i read the earlier books and they were ok, this is just dragging, uninteresting and monotonous. I'm sorry, I tried. The writing is well done, but the story is tedious.

'Never Kiss a Highlander' by Michele Sinclair is Book Six in "The McTiernays". This is the story of Hamish MacBrieve and Mairead MacMathain. I have read the other books in this series but feel you can make this a standalone book if you choose.
Hamish has been working with the Elite McTiernay guardsman after leaving his brother who is the laird of Foinaven Castle to start out on his. Hamish was hurt that the women he thought he loved married his brother. Now he has returned to help his brother and to be done with his family. Hamish plans are to get his brother settled and to never return. But when Hamish thought to find hurt from and old love he finds Mairead who is his brother sister in-law and his former loves younger sister. Mairead was a child when he left over 10 years ago..but now she is a strong beautiful women. But he knows Mairead loved her family and wouldn't leave and he feels he won't stay...so they try to fight their growing feelings...but love doesn't stop.
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Elite McTiernay guardsman Hamish MacBrieve left his clan 12 years ago, he stepped aside so his brother Robert could marry the woman he loved and become the Laird of their Clan when their father passed away. Now Robert has sent yet another messenger to call Hamish home, but this message he can’t ignore; he needs to return temporarily to help his brother and his Clan. Mairead MacMathain learns that the eldest MacBrieve is returning to his childhood home to help. She’s always had a crush on him and she hopes to convince him to a help Robert to get rid of his power-hungry guard, Ulrick, who threatens to topple Robert's rule. Hamish is too hard for a girl to resist he’s everything Mairead could dream of since she was a little girl. Now he returns and he’s nothing at all as she remember, yet the sparks fly when his heated gaze meets Mairead’s these two definitely have a sizzling chemistry between them. A captivating story to draw the reader in and keep your attention throughout. I voluntarily read this from EBook from Net Galley and this is my honest review and opinion.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Loved the story of Mairead and Hamish; it is well written and keeps your interest. Their love story is only one part of the story, along with danger and threats from an outside source. Hamish, a seasoned warrior is also a strategist who had many issues/dangers that need to be handled. I highly recommend this book.

The detail provided by Ms Sinclair is unsurpassable. The story "Never Kiss a Highlander" follows Hamish MacBrieve who has left his clan 12 years ago, after his younger brother, Robert married his intended. As a result, he has given up his lairdship of Foinaven Castle to his brother. After several failed relationships, Hamish has given up on romance and decides to return to his clan, after his brother asks for his help to remove the clan’s commander, Ulrick.
On his return, he sees Mairead who is Robert's sister-in-law and the sister of Selah, who was supposed to marry Hamish. Hamish discovers that Mairead wishes to marry as she fears Ulrick who has threatened her. On discovering that Hamish has not brought soldiers with him, she decides that she must uncover Hamish’s plans to remove Ulrick from the clan. The story heats up when Mairead and Hamish try to find out more about the other.
The relationship between Hamish and Mairead is interspersed with arguments and romance. Whilst I found Mairead at times difficult to get to know, she does mature and mellow through the story. I loved Hamish’s dialogue and his cheeky nature.

I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Twelve years ago Hamish left his home, his love and his birthright because it was clear the woman he loved was in love with his brother Robert. Hamish left and joined the McTiernay's elite guard and has refused to return home ever since.

Over the years his brother Robert has tried to get Hamish to return home and each time Hamish has refused. In an effort to finally cut ties with his brother, Hamish agrees to temporarily return and help his brother. Since the marriage of yet another McTiernay brother to yet another woman Hamish thought he could love, he is ready for a change of scenery. Helping his brother rid himself of his backstabbing commander Ulrick is just what he needs.

Maired is the younger sister of Selah, Robert's wife and Hamish's former betrothed. She is eager for Hamish's return and is shocked by the man who arrives....alone. Maired was expecting an army of McTiernay warriors and is dismayed that Hamish has arrived alone and has made it clear that he has no intention of involving the McTiernay's in this matter.

If Maired is shocked by Hamish, it is nothing compared to his reaction to her, she is no longer the little girl he remembered, but a fully grown beautiful, spirited woman and for the first time in months Hamish is interested, very interested. But since he has no desire to stay, he will just ignore his lust, at least that was the plan :)

As Maired and Hamish grow closer, the more the passion simmers between them and after a mind melting kiss - which of course they both agree will never be repeated, they begin to fall in love. It is apparent to the reader that these two are meant to be, but it takes them considerably longer to figure that out.

Hamish realizes that he loves Maired and he also realizes that contrary to what he thought, he has never actually been in love before. But he still refuses to act on his feelings because he doesn't plan on staying and he "knows" that Maired will not leave her family.

At times I wondered if these two would ever stop making assumptions about each other and finally talk, but the slow build up in their relationship really worked in this story. And when they finally marry, I was ecstatic! Even better, the story doesn't end there! The threat of Ulrick still has to be dealt with and Ms. Sinclair throws the reader a curve ball. I will admit, after the build up to the return of Ulrick, I thought it was kind of anticlimactic and I thought to myself - that's it, seriously? Well it wasn't! Ms. Sinclair still had a few surprises for her readers which include a visit from Conor and Laurel!

This book was well written, flowed at a really nice pace, had lots of twists and turns, sibling spats, multiple weddings, steamy love scenes, surprises galore, a soulmate type of love and a wonderful HEA.

This is the sixth book in the McTiernay's series, but I think it could be read as a stand alone title with no problem, although you would probably have a better understanding of Hamish if you at least read the prior book "Seducing the Highlander". I loved this book and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great Highlander story!