A very original story. Lily Maxton created a wonderful story for Georgina and Malcolm, two fantastic characters. Ms. Maxton was able to bring an HEA to two characters of different circumstances. A very enjoyable story!

I received a copy of this book from Lily Maxton through a giveaway. This is my honest opinion of the book voluntarily given.

Georgina is a very headstrong, independent woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Society would be scandalized at her actions, making her all that more intriguing of a character. Georgina knows her secrets will catch up with her, hopefully without causing more heartache to her brother. Malcom is the leader of a small outlaw group. Carefully planning raids and reaping the benefits from it, Malcom never planned on losing his head when Georgina wanted to join his band of outlaws. Although Mal plans and leads the raids he gets the chance to become the man she believes him to be.

Georgina and Mal had an interesting start to their courtship, she boldly walks up and becomes his focus from the moment she speaks. The two have a relationship built on lies, each one knows something is off but still unable to deny the pull to be with one another. Even test after test the couple still finds their way back to each other and the relationship stronger than before. The cast of characters is made of unique individuals that make the story more realistic. Once the secrets spill and people are starting to figure things out, Mal gets a chance to help out the community. Watching him interact and become a better person willing to help others was so nice. I enjoyed reading Claiming the Highlander’s Heart, it put a spin on historical novels that kept the pages turning.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 4 in the Townsends series. Georgia has just been given bad news which you don't find out until almost the end of the book. On top of that, her mom's jewelry box was stolen by a gang of thieves so whats a girl to do but go find them and join in the gang. It was kind of ridiculous plan but it works and she fools them. I just wasn't in love with this. The two main characters meet and are kissing by the next day it seems like. Just didn't seem realistic.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via Entangled Publishing through NetGalley. Claiming the Highlander’s Heart is the fourth book in The Townsend series and this book was just amazing. I just fell in love with these characters and this amazing story. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

Georgina Townsend has never behaved like a "proper" lady. Her family accuses her of being impulsive, sometimes to the point of recklessness. And they must be right. Because when a band of Highland outlaws steals Georgina's late mother's music box, instead of letting the proper authorities take care of the matter, she disguises herself as a Highland lass and joins the group of outlaws to find the stolen item. She certainly doesn't plan on falling for their charming leader…
This was a really fun story. I really liked main characters. I really liked reading the adventure they had together. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Malcolm Stewart and his small band of thieves took Georgina Townsend's beloved music box, and she will do anything to get it back which includes joining their merry band of thieves. Who knew that it could lead to something more? Something even more precious than her beloved music box.

I really loved this story. It had the perfect blend of sass, humor, drama and emotion which made it such an entertaining and wonderful read. If you love Scottish romance you are going to love this book. Lily was a new author for me, and I am looking forward to reading more from her. I recommend this book!

I liked Claiming The Highlander's Heart. I would give it 4 stars. I would like to read the other from The Townsends series.

Honestly, this books premise is just too far fetched. A young lady from a good family runs off to join a band of outlaws? Well written, though not appropriate to the era. Truly nonsensical.

Claiming the Highlander's Heart by Lily Maxton was definitely different from your run-of-the-mill historical romances that we are used to that's for sure. Add in the chemistry, the world buildup, etc. and you have one entertaining read. I did have many moments of questioning myself with "are you kidding me" or "for real" as the things that were occurring were a bit out there and really not at all probable, however this didn't make the story any less likable. A fun way to spend an hour or two on a hot day!

An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

~~Reviewed by Bonnie~~

Georgina Townsend lives at Llynmore Castle, the home of her brother, Theo and his family. She arrives home to find that they’ve been robbed, and one of the items stolen was her music box, the only keepsake she has left of her mother. Apparently, Georgina has many connections because she’s able to find out who the thieves are, and where to find them. She concocts a story to explain her absence and sets off to infiltrate the gang of thieves and to retrieve her stolen treasure.

Malcolm Stewart went off to war, only to return to find he lost everything, including his family. In order to enact his revenge, and quite frankly, just to survive, he became the leader of a band of robbers who steal only from the wealthy. When they are approached by a mysterious lady who wants to join their group, they put her to the test, then readily accept her when she passes.

Surprisingly, Georgina fits right in with the group, and she and Malcolm grow especially close. She even nurses him through a severe injury, and he makes a gift to her of her very own music box. When the time comes that Georgina knows she has to return home, or her brother will realize her cover story was a sham, she sneaks away, taking a piece of Malcolm’s heart with her. Though he initially has no intention of making any attempt to find Georgina, he can’t resist tracking her down.

Ironically, Malcolm’s arrival in Georgina’s sphere coincides with the planned arrival date of the new school teacher, who seemingly has disappeared. Malcolm impersonates the school teacher while playing a bit of cat and mouse with Georgina, while he tries to ferret out the truth of what her game was. Though very wary of each other, the attraction Malcolm and Georgina feel only grows stronger.

Many of the scenarios in this story were kind of far-fetched, so I just had to suspend disbelief, and go along for the ride. It’s unlikely a proper lady would have enough connections to identify and locate a band of robbers and have the skills to join their group. Even more unlikely that they would welcome a stranger, especially a woman, into their gang without hesitation. Then you have to consider a how a lady could simply disappear from her family for an extended period without questions. In spite of these conundrums, I found that I was totally enjoying the story.

I loved seeing Malcolm fumble his way into being a successful teacher, and coming to realize that he may have a future that doesn’t have to include being a criminal. When we learn that Georgina has a couple of physical issues, one that would actually preclude what is usually considered a “normal” sex life, Malcolm’s reaction is totally swoon-worthy. This couple can definitely generate steam! CLAIMING THE HIGHLANDER’S HEART is an unusual and passionate read that pushes the boundaries of believability as far as the situations go, but definitely touches all the right emotional places.

I honestly need to stop choosing books based on the hope that it will be like Outlander, because once again the expectation for a book to meet Diana Gabaldon’s epic work was dashed with each chapter. I don’t think there’s going to be another like it any time soon. I’m sorry to report that Claiming The Highlander’s Heart was not for me. The book consistently felt like it was being told in a rush, and leaps between each scene were confusing and jarring. There were no beautiful detailed description of the rolling Scottish hills or any romantic poetry sprouted about the way a woman hair shimmered in the moonlight. It was just a rushed romance story, with awkward fumbling about the countryside.

Additionally, I also made the mistake of not realising that this was book FOUR in a series. When I chose it, nowhere did it mention that it was book four. I should have checked Goodreads before selecting it. As such, maybe the fact that I felt like I had no idea who the main protagonist was or what her beliefs and desire about life were is probably my own fault. Perhaps the first book is better? Perhaps the first book spent the time fleshing out the character of Georgina better?

Either way, this story was not for me, and not just because I don’t read a lot of historical romances. If anything, I’ve been in a historical romance mood of late – especially after watching The White Queen. I just didn’t feel like this book lived up to its description. The chemistry felt forced and awkward between Malcom and Georgina and I honestly didn’t care about the characters at all.

I rated this book two out of five, because some of the blame belongs to me in not realising it was the fourth book in a series, and because it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. I just didn’t connect with the book.

Oh, what a wonderful book! Thank goodness my boss was out of town and I had two days to read at work, because I did not want to put this one down. It's the fourth book in The Townsends series, but can totally stand alone. You won't be the least bit lost; you'll just want to go back and read the first three!

Georgina and Mal were wonderful characters. I loved they weren't perfect looking, but were attractive. They were both stubborn, and both had tragedies in their past that helped define them. But they were different enough to let the sparks fly. And fly they did! I swear there was some steam coming out of my e-reader. I absolutely adored their bickering, Georgina's sarcasm and Mal's hyperbole.

The secondary characters were also terrific. From Georgina's loving, funny and somewhat protective family to Mal's "brothers" to the schoolchildren, they were all people you would want to know. Though one does need to suspend disbelief at a couple of the plot points, you won't care. This is such a great story of love, loss, the hard times of the Scots because of the Clearances and family that you'll be totally immersed in this book. I'm a new fan of Lily Maxton.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Georgina and Malcolm are an unlikely pair in this opposites attract romance by Lily Maxton, part of her Townsends series (the first of which, The Rogue's Conquest was nominated for a 2018 RITA award from the Romance Writers of America for Historical Romance: Short!). When Georgina goes hunting for the thieves who stole the music box she treasures as a memory of her mother, she ends up joining their motley crue and developing feelings for Malcolm their leader. He is not quite the bad guy she thinks he'll be. Then when Malcolm ends up masquerading as a schoolteacher he not only takes to the job well, he also discovers that the woman who deceived him still has a hold on his heart.

The plot for this one is a bit far-fetched as far as historical romances go but it's a fun and entertaining story none-the-less. I enjoying seeing the Townsend family again and Georgina is delightful as a woman willing to do whatever it takes to get her property back. Malcolm is a returned soldier who blames Highland Lords for the loss of his family, making his feelings for Georgina inconvenient. It's a slow burn romance and there are some sexy scenes as the couple connect. They have to figure out how to keep Malcolm out of jail for his past deeds in a way that is plausible in order to get their happy ending. It's an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.

I received an ARC of the book via Netgalley for an honest review. This is the fourth book of the series and while it is better to have read the series, it can be read as a stand alone. The story revolves around Georgina Townsend and Mal Stewart. Mal is a Robin Hood type hero. He has suffered a horrible loss. Upon returning from war, he learns his family died of disease after being forced to relocate due to the Highland Clearance. His anger leads him to direct a group that steals she from those responsible for the clearance. Georgina has her music box stolen which devastated her. Giving a false name, she infiltrates the thieves and joins up with them in order to get back her beloved music box. Mal falls hard for Georgina and she cares for him, but leaves him after he is injured. He is hurt and so is she by her actions. They eventually meet up and he realizes she isn't who she said she was. There is a lot of misunderstanding and frustration on both parts. This is a fast paced story with intriguing characters. Both have their flaws and seem more real than other regency book characters. This is a quick read that will leave you worried that the happy ever after will not come.

„What a pair we are, though... a thief and a liar. They really should write a ballad about us. Do you think it would end well?“

A thief and an aristocrat. Georgina is not some princess in distress. She is a strong woman who takes charge in her hands. Malcolm is not some sweet prince on a white horse. He is an outlaw Highlander... with a romantic side. Two people from different social statuses meet and a spark lights between them.

The story is funny, intriguing and at the end hot as hell. I rarely like any female characters in books... but Georgina was not some banal girl. She was interesting, tough and very caring. A heroine of the book! 5 stars, because sometimes men need to be rescued by ladies. :D

First time reading Lily Maxton, but won't be my last. I loved this story. Georgina is a wonderful woman. Handed a huge disappointment in life, she is trying to cope. After losing everything, Mal is floundering in the Highlands. I won't spoil the story, but please read this. You will be filled with such joy!

I have found some interesting authors lately and Lily is one of them. This storyline is interesting and exciting, I couldn't put it down, I loved everything about this, it was funny, it was heart warming and the characters were very likeable.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

*3.5 stars*

I'm very into the Townsends series by the talented Lily Maxton, and though Claiming The Highlander's Heart isn't my favorite in the series, it was a strong book that really veers from the expected norms of historical romance, and actually romance in general.

To start, I wish I didn't have to completely suspend belief for the beginning part of the story... but I did. To accept that a band of thieves would take a random woman and trust her with their stories of thievery (yeah, I know they tested her, but that is AFTER they admitted to being thieves!) pushed my boundaries of what I could accept. I found it extremely hard to believe that a woman related to royalty, even if she grew up more modestly, could adapt and thrive in a rough living environment so easily. I also didn't quite see the intensity of emotions between the two MCs, and wasn't feeling the love that early on in the story. However, once the second half of the book started, my enjoyment level really started to pick up.

I'm not going to spoil details of Georgina's medical condition, but it was actually central to my enjoyment of the book. I have to discuss it all in spoilers, but be warned that I have A LOT to say about it!

(view spoiler)

The ending of the book wrapped up really strongly, and that, coupled with the details in my spoiler, bumped this book up to 3.5 stars, edging near 4 stars. Recommended for fans of Lily Maxton and for those who want a strong female MC and an atypical historical romance.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Georgina Townsend is furious when she finds someone has stolen her music box. There is only one thing to do, go and get it back. Our brave and independent heroine is part of a loving family, but has a health problem that is causing her heartache.
Malcolm Stewart is a soldier who came home to find his whole family wiped out by the highland clearance. All these aristocrats forcing out families to make way for sheep have to pay for what they have done.
Our hero is a thief who is trying to make things better for his little band of misfits.
A lovely, witty highland adventure with wonderful characters. It is part of a series, but easily read alone.
Good fun.

A definite twist and a different storyline that kept my interest. Almost reckless at times, Georgina Townsend is not your typical heroine. When a group of Highland outlaws steals her treasured music box that was her late mother's, she sets out on an intriguing journey. Disguising herself as a Highland lass ahe wiggles her way into joining the group so she can get back her precious possession. Of course she does not count on Malcolm Steward, the handsome leader of the group, becoming so enticing. A take on the Robin Hood tale, the story weaves through some interesting times and growing emotions between the two. Will Malcolm find out who she really is or will Georgina tell him? Read to find out what happens with these two seemingly mismatched couple and know you will smile at the end.