DNF @ 23%

With not much happening even 23% in, I quickly lost steam in reading this story. I know historical romances can some times feel slow, but unfortunately this one felt much slower than it should have been. The blurb was so intriguing and I was so excited to read a title that had to do with a hero having to kidnap the heroine, but there was very little excitement within the part that I read that I found myself distracted by my phone or the TV instead of the story keeping me inside it. The chemistry and lust-filled hatred for one another just wasn't as present as I expected for it to be considering their circumstances in coming together, and I think the loss of that expected feeling is what kept kicking me out. I'm sure others will absolutely love it, but after giving it a couple of chances I'm finding that it simply wasn't meant for me.

This book is everything I have come to expect from the excellent writing of Paula Quinn. It's fast, intense, heart-gripping, and it leaves you wanting...no...needing more. I will definitely want the next book. Loving these characters.

Paula Quinn has hit the jackpot with this book. I love all her books especially as they are all about the same family. They follow down through the generations.

Laird of the Black Isle is the seventh book in The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series by Paula Quinn. I think I have read some of the other books in this series, but not all of them. I think having read the series will help with some character information, each book can largely stand on their own and be enjoyed in their own right.

Lachlan MacKenzie has nothing left to lose since his wife and daughter were killed. But when a shadowy figure reveals his little girl might still be alive, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to find her, even abduct a lass from the MacGregor clan for an exchange. But the laird of the Black Isle won't let anything interfere with his mission, not even his beautiful, stubborn captive. All Mailie MacGregor wants is to return home to her family. And the Highland beast who captured her can go to the devil. Her plan: to thwart him at any cost and win her freedom. But she never expected to be so drawn to the fierce warrior and the desire in his eyes.

Laird of the Black Isle is a nice historical novel about redemption for someone that has faced war, done and seen horrible things, and faced terrible losses. Lachlan has nothing to lose, is willing to go against honor to kidnap an innocent woman for the slim hope of finding his daughter. Mallie is smart, kind, and independent with plenty of strong and honorable men in her family so she has high expectations. Despite being kidnapped, she softens towards Lachlan as she learns more about him, and he grows and softens as she forces him to face his losses and how his past has changed him. I enjoyed both characters, as well as the secondary characters that cropped up in the village and through Mallie's family. I like that there was no instant love, but rather a slow getting to know and understand each other. I also liked the extra dash of danger, but thought that could have come about a little sooner, I just kept expecting the man behind all the bad things in the story to pop around the corner at any moment, and I felt like it took forever for it to finally happen. I will admit that I was glad to get such a complete happy ending.

Laird of the Black Isle is a historical romance with a good dash of danger and plenty of sweetness. I liked the balance, and think that fans of the genre, and this author in particular, will enjoy the read.

Whenever I get a hankering for a beautifully written historical romance, I look no further than Paula Quinn. She just has a knack for creating these beautiful worlds with rich characters all against the picturesque Scottish highlands, I’m always, already mid swoon as soon as I crack (click?) it open. Book 7 is about Lachlin Mackenzie, a (scarred!! swoon level +1000) widower and father to a wife and daughter who were killed- or so he thought. He skulks about his castle, uninterested in life beyond providing for his clan and existing. However, suspicions that his beloved daughter yet lives are stoked when he receives word of a proposition by an unsavory lord, to kidnap a lass and deliver her to his clutches. Lachlin is skeptical and does not feel right about the task, but he is a desperate man and if kidnapping a woman he doesn’t know and delivering her to a man he doesn’t trust will get him closer to his child, he is willing to take up the dark deed. The dark and dangerous deed because who but a mad, desperate man would dare abduct a beloved daughter of the clan McGregor! Driven as he is, Lachlin forges ahead, set on his course- until he actually meets the young woman- and can’t take his eyes off her or convince himself that trading her life for that of his child is what he has to do. Needless to say, said lass, Allie MacGregor concurs and is just as determined to escape to the safety of her fierce family as Lachlin is to be reunited with his child. Adversaries, to cohorts and partners to lovers, Lachlin and Allie have a journey that is equal parts tantalizingly sexy (the tension! the tension!!) and exciting adventure. This was one of the most fun of McGregor novels to delve into. The plot tugged at your heart-strings, I loved watching Lachlin and Allie match wits, catch one another unawares and ultimately HEA so freaking hard! Laird of the Black Isle is a gem!

Lachlan MacKenzie has a tortured soul for the past 2 years ever since his wife and daughter were murdered. He tracked down the 13 men responsible and killed them all, but it gave him no peace. He returned to Black Isle and became pretty much a hermit while still helping out the tenants who depended on him. When word comes to him that the unsavory Sinclair knows where his daughter is, Lachlan has no choice but to agree to Sinclair's terms and kidnap Mailie MacGregor and deliver her to Sinclair in exchange for the information about his daughter. What Lachlan didn't count on is for falling for the feisty Mailie. Can he do the honorable thing and release Mailie or will he do anything to find out if his daughter is alive?

I absolutely loved this book. I could feel Lachlan's pain and why he has become a hermit, thinking he had nothing to live for. Mailie, a loving and tender soul, slowly with tenderness and kindness shows Lachlan he could have a different future. The interaction and the chemistry between these two were wonderful and totally believable. I wasn't sure how all the plot points would be resolved, but Ms. Quinn does a fantastic job of wrapping up the story while keeping the reader turning the pages until the last one. Definitely recommend this one for fans who love Scottish romances.

Everything about Lachlan and Mailie's story was so bittersweet and wonderful. She was sassy and just the thing he needed to break through his cloud of grief, and he was the perfect balance for her. The plot point about his daughter was just heart-breaking, and he was forced with some tough choices. Good read.

The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #7, I am Loving this series. Lachlan MacKenzie is such an anti-hero and the whole feel of the book is very Beauty and the Beast. Mailie MacGregor is very head strong and fierce but also kind hearted and very loyal. Lachlan doesn't think much of himself anymore, not since his wife and daughter were murdered. In seeking their justice and murdering the blackguards in the same manner they killed his wife and daughter Lachlan became severely burned. Afterward he stayed hidden on Black Isle secretly helping his tenants only really having contact with his old nanny. Mailie is ready to fall in love and get married but being constantly surrounded by her intimidating brothers and cousins it's hard to meet a guy who's worthy enough to stand up to her notorious family. Lach is told that his daughter is still alive but that only way to find out where she is is to kidnap Mailie MacGregor. Lach knows it's stupid but to have his little girl back he'd do anything; just to know she was alive gives him reason enough to risk his life.

Mailie makes it as difficult for him as possible and she's determined she'll get away until she finds out his story. She sees him through the eyes of the villagers who look up to him and a little boy who idolizes him. She sees him take in an orphaned brother and sister even though it hurts him. She sees that way her father's fiercely loyal dog easily follows him. She knows he is a man who can stand up to her brothers a man who is worthy of her love and affection. After losing his wife and seeking revenge in the manner that he did Lach never thought he would be worthy enough for another woman's love but for some reason Mailie does. Mailie makes him want things he hasn't wanted in a long time but there is still the fact that he still has to choose, give her up for his daughter or keep Mailie and never know if his daughter is still alive.

Overall, out of the ones I've read this is probably my new favorite. I loved the character, I loved the romance, I loved the storyline. Even the bad guy was appropriately evil. The dog and the kids added a bit of humor to a tense situation and Mailie once you've earned her loyalty you will never lose it, she is brave and beautiful and willing to go out on a limb for those she loves. The romance and the suspense it's all well written, it pulled me in and wouldn't let me go.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Trying a new way to review.

Rapid Review

-Takes place in the Highlands mainly at Lachlan’s home and where he is Laird

-Lachlan has locked his heart away after losing his wife and daughter. He takes care of his people from afar and hides in solitude. Feeling this is how he should live. Suddenly he is told enticed to do something against what he believes in so he may find his daughter. While holding Mailie, he falls in love and shows who he really is but also begins to become the man he was before losing it all. He is faced with a difficult choice and we swoon at what he does.

-Lachlan is a kind man but in pain. He doesn’t know how to let go. When we see him with Mailie, we see who he really is. He is gentle and gruff at first. As Mailie gets him to open up he becomes more sincere and less gruff. I love how she just bulldozes in and takes over which forces Lachlan to adjust and find his way to who he is and unlocking his heart.

-Mailie is strong, stubborn and just lovely. She shows her feisty side to Lachlan and slowly falls in love with the man. She sees his kindness even in the circumstances in which she ended up at Black Isle.

-Story is adventurous and bold. The romance is a slow build but we also see growth and tough choices. Characters are ones we love to see fall but those that are evil we loathe. The ending is one that warms the heart.

This is the first book that I’ve read in this series or, indeed by this author. I will definitely be looking to read more. The author has a top-quality talent for both her writing style and her writing content. The good-guy characters all have something loveable about them so the reader gets really invested in their journey. Plotting and characterizations are great. The romance is intriguing. Well-written for sure. Recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Lachlan MacKenzie is living in darkness -- his wife and daughter were murdered in the worst way, burned in their home while Lachlan was away. He's been spending the last two years avenging their death and working really hard to stay away from everyone.

When he's approached to kidnap Mailie MacGregor with the promise of his daughter still being alive, he does what he has to do -- he kidnaps the girl and takes him back to his home where he knows no one will dare turn him in or speak against him.

Mailie is full of fire and doesn't take too kindly to being kidnapped. At first she hates Lachlan and tries to escape. But he's not going to let that happen. As they spend more time together, Mailie ignites something Lachlan long thought dead inside of him. And Mailie also realizes that Lachlan isn't quite the dragon that everyone would like to believe he is. The first half of the book is really all about Mailie and Lachlan learning about each other and eventually falling in love. There's a couple of adorable orphans involved who help Mailie see exactly what she wants -- and that's Lachlan. I adored Lachlan's transformation from rude and unapproachable laird to where he ends up at the end of the book, full of life and hope for the future.

Unfortunately, the creep that wants Mailie and had a part in her kidnapping isn't about to just give her to Lachlan without a fight. Honestly, the last 40% of this book was amazing with plenty of action and lots of little twists that kept me interested until the very end.

Mailie's family is also looking for her and they rounded out the cast of secondary characters. I'm really looking forward to Adam's story as a result.

Overall, I liked this story but I did think that the first half of the book could have been paced a little faster and not been so repetitious. I struggled a bit with that, but the last half of the book made up for it with lots of action, interesting and sometimes nasty characters and a happily ever after that both Mailie and Lachlan deserved.

Laird of the Black Isle works well as a standalone. If you are in the mood for some Highland hotties, this might just work for you.

Lachlan Mackenzie is an elite Scottish warrior. When his wife and daughter are abducted and killed because of his politics he wreaks bloody vengeance and retires to his remote island home. Content to hide in the shadows of his castle, he lives a remote solitary existence until he's galvanized to hear that his daughter still lives. Will he sacrifice all remaining honor and kidnap Maile MacGregor in exchange for his daughter's whereabouts? Read on and find out...…….

Lachlan conducts his operation with military precision and separates Maile from her escort of brother and cousins and spirits her away to his highland home where she starts to get under his armor and wreak havoc on his life style. As he learns more about Maile, Lachlan is increasingly uncomfortable about turning her over to the notorious Sinclair. Unfortunately he's forced to weigh the fiery Maile and his growing feelings for her versus his helpless abandoned daughter whom he's promised to protect.
Maile has grown up on a steady diet of chivalric stories and dreams of a knight of her own. Unfortunately while she hasn't found anybody in her clan who interests her, Lachlan despite his role in her abduction seems to fit the bill perfectly. She turns Lachlan's life upside down bringing in two orphaned children of the clan into his castle home and forcing him to leave the darkness and emerge into the light and become the man he once was. Unfortunately time is not on either of their sides, at the first opportunity to escape she takes it and ends up with her clan who then come to wreak their brand of vengeance on Lachlan.
It's not till the end that we really get to interact with the slimy Sinclair. He definitely makes for a fitting villain but unfortunately given how little actual stage time he has I for one was left wondering what his beef with Lachlan truly is? Since Maile definitely never encouraged him what possessed him to go after Maile Macgregor so aggressively?
I have not read a book by Ms. Quinn for some time so it was great to catch up and read about the next generation and see Lachlan get conducted into the family. I will stay on the look out for some of the new books coming from the author later in the year.

What a fun read! The MacGregors are a fun bunch an Mailie MacGregor did not disappoint. Lachlan MacKenzie is a man who has lost all hope. Then a chance of the possibility of finding his daughter prompts him to do something that shames him. But for his daughter he will do anything. Mailie fights him with spunk and determination every step of the way. They were fun to read. The supporting characters were such a nice addition. My only qualm was I wanted to know more about the end.

Laird of the Black Isle is a masterfully told story that endears the main characters to the reader. Each of the main characters has their trials and tribulations that squeeze the heartstrings.

Lachlan MacKenzie has had his fair share of grief and wants nothing to do with the outside world because of it; until someone brings news that could change his dreary existence...if only he does something unthinkable in return. Mailie MacGregor becomes is captive, but, she doesn't find him intimidating and ventures out to set Lachlan's life upside down...and just maybe right side up in the end. 

I found heartwrenching sadness, injustice, cruelty, lust, love and finally justice in this novel. So many feelings swirling into a magnificent plot that I couldn't help to just love. Lachlan stole my heart with his reluctance to accept the love given, yet unable to stop it. And Mailie is a heroine to admire with her perseverance, good heart and boundless hope. Together, they made the perfect couple and I'm glad to have witnessed their story. 

I loved everything about this novel and hope to read more from Paula Quinn. I recommend to all romance readers!

Laird of the Black Isle is book 7 in The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series. I have read most of the books in this series and I have been loving what I have read.

I love Paula Quinn's writing and she always gets me hooked on the story and just like all previous books I have read by Paula I have just loved so much.

I loved the characters and I love that I never have issues imagining the characters and the setting.

If you are into Historical Romance that is an easy read then I do highly recommend this book. You don't have to read the previous books but I think you will want to because they are so darn good.

I give this 5 out of 5.

Lachlan McKenzie lives in isolation after his wife and daughter were killed while he was away. He finds out his daughter might still be alive and in exchange for information kidnaps Allie from the MacGregor clan. Will Lachlan find his daughter? Will the two come out alive? A great historical romance.

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

3 1/2 Stars.

Solid read. Lachlan was a very complex guy and I am on the same wavelength when it comes to my children...I would almost do anything. The MacGregors as always make me laugh and their protection of their sister fits right into their characters. The twist at the end was interesting.

Good read. Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

Paula Quinn’s story telling is always epic, passionate, romantic, and the dialogue with its hints of the Scottish dialect always makes for a great read. I love her characters and her plot lines, and this one is just like all of the rest in the MacGregor series, epic and entertaining. Lachlan has scars, but they reflect more of what is damaged on the inside more so then what is on the outside. He couldn’t protect his wife and daughter two years ago and after going on a rampage of vengeance, he secreted himself away in his castle in the Black Isle with no intention of ever leaving. However, a messenger arrives on his door and says that his daughter is alive and if he kidnaps a MacGregor lass, then he will be told who has his daughter. He doesn’t know whether to believe it or not but the chance that she is a live is a chance he has to take; so he kidnaps Mailie and brings her back to his home to await the arrival of the man who wants her. What he doesn’t expect is a strong-willed, spirited girl who fights him every step of the way and has a sharp tongue that won’t leave him in peace. Mailie sees only a monster until she begins to see beneath his exterior gruff and cantankerous demeanor. When she finds out what motivates his actions, she can’t help but want him to find his daughter, though she doubts Sinclair told the truth. As they await a response to his message that he has her, they get to know each other and she doesn’t let him be. She forces him into the light and forces him to love again. I loved every second. Loved the characters and the storyline. The conflict and antagonist where strong and well developed. Paula Quinn paints a magical adventure set in the highlands of Scotland with characters that jump off the page and a plot that stays with you even after you set the book down. Loved it.

Lachlan MacKenzie is a man with nothing to live for and nothing to lose, everything he loved was taken from him two years ago when his wife and daughter were murdered. Lachlan was a respected solider in the Queen's army and a skilled warrior, but when his family is burned alive, he walks away from his career and hunts down the men that killed them. He kills all the men that stole his love from him and has the scars and the black soul to prove it. When Rannald Sinclair, the Earl of Caithness sends his lackey Robert Graham to find him and ask him to kidnap Mailie - Sinclair says they are in love and her father is keeping them apart, and the price he is willing to pay is worth the risk. Robert Graham tells Lachlan that his beloved daughter Annabel did not die that day and that Sinclair knows where she is and will give Lachlan the information once he delivers Mailie to him. Lachlan is not sure he believes Sinclair's claim, but he cannot help but hope and agrees to his terms.

Mailie, the daughter of Tristian MacGregor and Isobel, is at a market day with her cousin and five of her kinsman, she wonders if she will ever find love like her parents and family have found, she has hope, but high almost impossible standards - she wants a knight like she has read about in stories and will settle for nothing less - certainly not Rannald Sinclair. When a distraction separates Mailie from her kin, Lachlan takes her. She doesn't go easily or quietly - much to Lachlan's dismay. He thinks he is helping her join her love, but even when he learns that is not the case, he still won't let her go. Mailie vows to escape and will be happy to see her kinsmen kill him - in fact, she will help them! She thinks he is a beast, he is scarred and brooding, he refuses to answer her questions and will not let her go, but even when she fights him, he never raises a hand to her. When they reach his island, her father's dog Ettarre finds them, but instead of attacking Lachlan, she lets him pick her up and lay her on Mailie's lap. They reach his castle and she tries to escape several times, but he always catches her.


Lachlan is attracted to Mailie, which surprises him, he has felt nothing for so long and has been alone with only his pain, that she turns his world upside down. Slowly they form a friendship of sorts, he tells her about his deal with Sinclair and she vows to help him. He slowly starts to come out of the darkness that he has secluded himself in for so long and when Mailie starts changing things and bringing two orphaned children into his home, he is unable to say No - They are forcing him to rejoin the living. Mailie comes to love her dragon, but fears what will happen if her family finds them before she can convince him to send her home. She also loves Will and Lily, the orphans that she has forced Lachlan to shelter. Slowly they break down Lachlan's walls and turn his castle back into a home. But Sinclair still wants her and her family is still looking for her - and she doesn't know how to stop the bloodshed that will surely ensue if her family finds her with him. He wants to let her go, but how can he turn his back on his daughter? And how can he live without this woman who has stolen his heart?

Mailie and Lachlan declare their love and vow to find a way to appease her father, find his daughter and live happily ever after - but when Mailie overhears that her family is near, she takes off to intervene without telling Lachlan and ends up almost dying. Lachlan and the children can't believe she left them and Lachlan's fragile heart breaks all over again - but instead of retreating back into the darkness, Will and Lily give him a reason to carry on and as angry as he is at her, he is grateful for the gift she gave him when she brought the children to his home.


Mailie awakes on Skye and insists on returning - especially when she learns her father left her kinsmen with orders to kill Lachlan. She returns just in time and sees her beast in full on protective mode - he is amazing! When he sees her, he begs her forgiveness for doubting her and it seems like a HEA is theirs for the taking. But Sinclair is not done with them yet and before they can grasp their HEA, they will have more battles to fight and more tears will be shed.


This is an absolutely beautiful story, and that is saying a lot from me, because I am not a fan of second love - but I felt the connection between Lachlan and Mailie and I had no doubt that Lachlan loved his first wife, but that Mailie is his soulmate. The story has a bit of everything, action, fighting, steamy love scenes, adorable children, a lot of emotion and a swoon worthy hero. This is the 7th book in the Highland Heirs series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title with no problems. I loved this story and would happily recommend this book!

Mailie is the kind of heroine I like – strong, feisty, undaunted, smart, complex, loving and can totally take care of herself. Add a flawed, wounded, scarred, braw, huge, yet caring and tender hero and you have an outstanding read! The prose is excellently written, the plot well thought out and presented and the characters are very relatable and likable. The children, Will and Lily, were delightful and you just wanted to hug them. Then there is Ruth – we all need a Ruth in our lives. The MacGregor clan are all just sigh-worthy and we do get to see a fair amount of Tristan, our heroine’s father, and Adam, future laird of Camlochlin, who is featured in the next book. Lest I forget, one of my favorite characters is, Ettarre, a devilish-looking hound with the most wonderful disposition.

I started out being sure that there was no way I was going to like Lachlan MacKenzie, Dragon Laird of Black Isle, Earl of Cromartie. His is a tragic tale of loss, suffering, and pain and when he was offered a deal with the devil, he agreed to inflict that same pain, suffering, and loss on another family. So, why would I ever decide to like him? Well, Ms. Quinn handles it wonderfully. She doesn’t white-wash what he did and doesn’t make it like it never happened – she makes it a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and love. He was always a sweet and wonderful man and when you hear his story, you will see why he shut himself away from the world with almost no human contact.

Mailie MacGregor is the much-loved daughter of Tristan and Isobel MacGregor. She is sweetness and light itself and always sees the best side of everyone and everything. She is also strong and smart and can usually take care of herself. As Mailie and her cousin Nichola are shopping in a village square they have no worries because they are surrounded by five MacGregor men who are twice the size of anyone else around. There is a distraction, one of the MacGregor’s has been accused of theft – everyone charges over to protest – and – in a flash – Mailie is gone without a trace.

Mailie does all she can to get away. She kicks him, screams at him, flings herself away – you name it – and it doesn’t even phase him. He puts her across his shoulders and takes off running – and he runs for what seems like forever. Then, he flings her over a horse and they are off again to a boat where he rows her for an interminable amount of time. He is huge, strong and inexhaustible! She has no idea where she is or how she will escape – but escape she will. She knows her kin will be looking for her and won’t ever give up until they find her, then Lord help the man who has kidnapped her because her kin will kill him without a question asked.

Within a day Mailie is taking over his castle and him. She bores into him with question after question and demand after demand. She is slowly but surely cracking the shell he has built around his heart and his life. She is relentless. She won’t let him shut her out – and the more she learns, the more she cares and the less she blames.

It is wonderful to watch these two find their way to their HEA. It takes a lot of work – on Mailie’s part especially – but it is absolutely wonderful to see. I just know you’ll love this book. There is also an excerpt from the next book, Highlander Ever After, in the back and now I can hardly wait for that one!

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”