Sir James Drummond, foster son to the Murray clan, has lost everything, his home, his wife and his child. Three years ago his wife was found burned to death and her cousin Sir Donnell MacKay cried murder, had James declared an outlaw and took over Dunncraig Castle and has told everyone that Margaret (Meggie) is actually his daughter, not James'. But after 3 years on the run, James is ready to return, clear his name and oust Donnell.

Annora MacKay is Donnell's poor, unwanted, illegitimate cousin and was brought to Dunncraig to care for Meggie. Donnell and his friend Egan are brutal men, they rule by fear and have beaten Annora and Meggie numerous times - Annora stays for only one reason, Meggie. She is not sure she believes Donnell is the child's father and is sure he gained the castle by underhanded means. When Donnell hires a woodworker to work at the castle, Annora finds herself drawn to him - James has gain entry to the castle by posing as Rolf the woodworker. He gains Annora's attention because she has a gift, she is an empath and his rage makes her curious, but for some reason, she doesn't fear him.

Rolf is frustrated at his lack of progress and by his ill-timed attraction to Annora, a woman that Egan clearly views as his - much to Annora's disgust. When they both have the same idea to search Donnell's ledger room - they share a kiss and are almost caught by Donnell and Egan. She tells herself to stay away from Rolf, lest she end up like her mother. Later she learns Donnell's plan for Meggie and is more determined than ever to learn Donnell's secrets.

James' attention of Annora has not gone unnoticed and he is warned away by Donnell, but when he comes upon Egan trying to rape her, he intervenes. Things between them escalate and when she overhears Donnell and Egan making plans for Egan to marry her - she runs to Rolf and learns that he is not who she thought he was - he is Sir James! He explains why he has returned and she offers to help him - he does not seem put off by her gift and believes her when she says, she doesn't think his wife Mary was dead when he was outlawed, but is sure she is dead now. He kisses her and things became heated, James claims her as his mate and will do whatever is necessary to keep her.


They try to find out what happened to Mary, but Donnell has covered his tracks well. But the discovery of Mary's journals and the arrival of Sir Symon Innes & Sir Tormand Murray really get the investigation moving. They need more proof, but are running out of time - when Egan again tries to rape Annora, James beats him and is ready to throw away his dream of redemption to save the woman he loves and his child. They run, but are caught, James is take prisoner and Annora is brutally beaten - it seems all is lost, but Annora is not willing to let the man she loves die and forces herself to get help. Will it be enough to save James? Will there be a HEA? Will he still want her once his name is restored?

This is a well written, fast paced book, with a lot of steamy love scenes, a lot of violence (there are triggers for both physical abuse and rape - if these are sensitive issues for you, be warned), action, mystery, really nasty bad guys, great secondary characters and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I liked this story, but it is on the violent side and the formal address is not quite right, but all in all, not a bad read. In fact, I read this book when it first came out in 2014, I don't think I ever wrote a review, but I would be hard pressed to say if there was anything different in this re-released edition other than the cover (which in my opinion is WAY BETTER). This is book 15 in the Murray series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title and it quietly sets up the next two books in the series.

*I am volunarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

I’ve said it before and I will say it again: I will never get tired of Hannah Howell’s Murray books. I just absolutely love them. I know the basic structure of her books around this clan are pretty much the same but that’s part of the charm! There is always this amazing level of comfort and contentment that I feel when I pick up one of Howell’s books (about the Murray’s anyway, I haven’t branched out too far past them to be honest).

I didn’t realize when I first requested this book that this is a rerelease and I was actually thrilled to discover that I had already read and loved James and Annora’s story. How many times do you accidentally get to reread a book you haven’t read in years? It was like reading it again for the first time but with flashes of “Hey, I remember this part” and I still loved it as much as I did years ago!

What I love most about Howell’s Murray series is that we get that protective, stubborn, manly Highlander who is actually super sweet, loyal and a huge family man (you’d have to be in order to be a part of their clan!) and mix him with a pig-headed, sweet and grossly underestimated woman who can always put him in his place and make him lose control at the same time. I’m a little crazy for that trope and haven’t gotten tired of it, no matter how many times I’ve read it; James and Annora did not disappoint in the slightest.

Another big win for Highland Wolf is that we get to follow James Drummond’s story and learn about his adult life. Now, if you don’t follow the books, James is the adopted son of Eric and Bethia (Highland Promise) and we originally meet him as an infant. That’s really a win for the whole series because we don’t just get one generation; we get to keep going down the line and maybe someday we will get to hear all about Meggie’s story and get to meet these amazing characters again.

I know I’m going on more about the series as a whole rather than Highland Wolf itself, but I honestly haven’t read a Hannah Howell book that I didn’t love and this is my favorite Highland romance series. I would like to point out that you don’t necessarily have to read the previous books before reading this one. It is the 15th book in the series so I get that hesitation but I do highly recommend it. All the books are easy and quick to read and although you aren’t missing out on important details by jumping right in at this stage, you are missing some great family history and stories that should be read. It really is worth it, even if you go in out of order.

Final thoughts? I gave Highland Wolf a 5 star review when I first read it years ago and I enjoyed it just as much now, maybe even more. Packed full of action, secrets, betrayal and romance it is a must read for anyone who loves an excellent Highland read. I look forward to more amazing books about the clan I love so much and I’m starting to think a series reread might even be in order!

*TW: Sexual assault and violence against women*

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this amazing blast from the past and to provide my honest opinion.

This is a re-release of the 15th book in the Murray Family series. I've read quite a few books in the series and this one was enjoyable as well. Can't really go wrong with Hannah Howell historical romance!

Highland Wolf by Hannah Howell was an enjoyable historical romance taking place in Scotland. It had so many elements to the story that not only included romance, but also intrigue and twists and turns. It has a bit of brutality that was common in the time frame that the story takes place which some may find disturbing but needed in this story. This book was a reprint from 2008, but I had not read it before so it was new to me. This story was so well written and held my attention through the entire book.

A former clan lord James, who was labelled as a traitor has been on the run for three years after a cruel man steals everything from him. James has returned to his former clan under disguise to try to find evidence to prove his innocence and take back his title. He meets Annora and they work together to resolve the issue and get move forward. Although their romance is full of problems, they have intense chemistry together and fall in love solving the mystery.

I love reading this author as she never disappoints me with her well written stories. I recommend this story.

Superb historical by Ms. Howell. She never fails to deliver a winning historical romance. HIghland Wolf is one of the best. Good storyline.

I realize this book has been out for 10 years but I’m assuming it’s being updated, since it’s been put on NG. I’ve never read this series before but after finishing this, I need to start from the beginning now.

Having not read the series, I was concerned with feeling like I would miss out on things but I didn’t. I was able to dive right in and become immersed in this highland world.

I loved the romance and the sense of family weaved throughout this book. I was a bit fearful at a few scenes but thankfully all turned out well.

Oh my what a great read. I’m never let down by this author. A man label a traitor must prove he is innocent. To read claim his clan and his child from the evil man that put him that is at the center of all this. Can he do it but for he’s found out . Will an unlikely Ali be able to help.

This book was ok definitely not my favorite from this author, and it is also part of along series. So James has left his keep and people after being wrongly accused of killing his wife, so not only does he leave his riches but he leaves his daughter in the hands of the wicked. That is my problem because it took him 3 years, 3 years to come out of hiding and fight for what is his. Then when he is back and still hiding but this time in plain sight since he supposedly has a disguise and all is to be believed that no one can tell. Then he meets and falls in love with Annora who is the one taking care of his daughter, I had no problem that that was happening because they both needed some love, my problem was that he tended to forget why he was there in the first place..Eventually it did pick up, because it did lag a little but ended pretty good.

This was a great historical romance! It is set in Scotland and the characters are very likable and you are really routing for them to have a happily ever after!!!

Highland Wolf is a laird who has had everything taken from him and in the worst way. James’ wife dies in a fire of which he is accused of setting. Accused of killing her. He ran for his life staying away for three years. Disguised, he finds a way back into his home to try to find a way to prove his innocence. His deceased wife’s cousin, Donnell, has been granted James’ home, his child and his lands.

Another cousin of Donnell and James’ wife, Annora, was brought to the castle to care for James’ daughter, Meggie. She truly loves little Meggie, protecting her from cruel Donnell. The two of them, Annora and Meggie, are guarded constantly and not allowed to speak to any one inside the keep or in the village without it being reported back to Donnell and his cruel first, Egan.

James spends his time in the castle looking for some proof that Donnell was the murderer, not James. He and Annora become close as they can without getting caught. She is, also, looking for how her cousin became the owner of Dunncraig. Annora senses there is something evil about her cousin having ownership of the castle.

This is quite an intriguing story as it unfolds with James looking for the proof and Annora protecting Meggie. Annora is beat by Donnell and Egan. James causes himself trouble as he tries to protect Annora. There is a bit of mystery as to how all of the ‘takeover’ took place so easily. Highland Wolf is another genuine Hannah Howell Scottish romance.

I would rate this book a solid 4 stars! I have been following Hannah Howell for many years now…she has been one of my top 10 favorite authors! I have loved all her books but mostly about the Murrays and the Werlockes. . The book on the whole is very good. The story had a good storyline …the characters were believeable …and I liked the added harsh reality that life likes to throw in.

That being said ...this book has been re-printed ...the original date this was published in October 2008 according to Goodread, so as good as the read was, the story line was familiar, I just couldn't remember the ending!

I would like to thank Ms Howell, the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

I enjoyed this story a lot. It never had a boring moment. The author did a good job in keeping this reader entertained.
Highland Wolf tells the story of James Drummond and Annora McKay. James is an outcast due to being accused of murdering his wife. Annora is the cousin of the man who took Jame's place as laird. She is brought in to take care of Jame's daughter. When he gains entrance to his home under false pretenses James and Annora meet and an instant attraction begins. They were very devoted to each other. Jame's even states that she is the mate that he was waiting/looking for. This is my favorite part of the book when he says this to Annora.
This story depicts violence against women and children, but those who committed such violent acts are punished at the end.
Highland Wolf is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone book.

Thank you NetGalley and Zebra books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You can't go wrong with Howell books. Great characters, interesting storyline and overall an enjoyable read

Book: Highland Wolf
By Hannah Howell

Reissue Release Date: October 30, 2018

Series: Murray Family series. Book #15

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts



Scotland, 1477

The former Laird of Dunncraig, James Drummond, is the foster son of Eric and Bethia Murray. He was also fostered by The Murray’s. James has been in hiding in the Highland remote mountains for the past three years. As he was wrongly accused of murdering his wife three years ago and labeled an outlaw. If James hadn't gone into hiding his punishment would of been death with these false accusations. He leaves his young daughter with Sir Donnell MacKay, who was the villain and creator of these blatant lies! All because he wants James life as Laird, power, wealth and holdings. James Drummond now has decided to come back in disguise and take back what he was robbed of! He just needs the proof to prove his innocence and get his life, daughter, clan and home back!

Sir Donnell wants to marry his cousin Annora MacKay, who cares for James daughter Meggie. Though Donnell tells Annora she is his child she doesn’t believe him . They are complete opposites she is good, righteous, kind and honest where he is a devious, lying, murdering, villain. Sir Donnell MacKay has murdered Mary, James wife, Annoras brother and anyone loyal to James. Annora tries to make sure she isn’t noticed to keep Meggie and herself safe. As she sees Sir Donnell for the threat and horrible man he is.

Once she meets James the attraction and chemistry is sizzling. She sees him for the braw, honorable, protective, warm hearted, caring man he is. Yet can James trust a MacKay? His enemies cousin? Will Donnell be able to recognize James and put the final nail in his coffin? Will James and Annora be able to stay together or will their relationship fall apart?

Will this story end in tragedy or a happy ending? I highly recommend readers to find out.


This is a reissue, the fifteenth book in the Murray family series. A definite shelf keeper that readers will want to revisit and read again. A fast moving riveting, romantic, action filled, suspenseful, adventure, that I absolutely loved. It has so many twists, turns, including ups and downs, that readers will be holding to the edge of their seats! I was holding my breath with anticipation, not knowing what could possibly happen next!

A definite book Howell fans won’t want to miss. I cannot recommend it enough! A wonderful autumn read.

Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Wolf-Murrays-Book-15-ebook/dp/B00JSA6BB0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

I received this book from Zebra *Kensington* publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

This book frustrated me from the very beginning, mostly because I've read the story of James' foster parents Eric & Bethia Murray. James is Bethia's nephew and she rescued him after her too-trusting sister & her husband were murdered. Then Bethia & Eric went to considerable lengths to reclaim & hold Dunncraig for James & vowed to raise him to be less openly trusting & easy to fool than his parents had been, to ensure he wouldn't fall to the same fate. Then this book opens & James has done the exact same thing as his parents: lost his child & his home & rather than gather his powerful family & their allies & take it back like the Murrays had done before, he runs away and hides for 3 years. So, clearly I was frustrated to no end within the 1st few chapters, despite the rather feeble explanations for why James went into hiding rather than fighting back immediately. He completely failed his men & his people, then after 3 years of hiding (where was his family in all of this?) he decides he's had enough & will infiltrate the castle to clear his name & reclaim what's his. There he meets Annora, who has been caring for his daughter and who is the cousin of his enemy. The story lags a bit in the middle while James is distracted from his original purpose by his growing love for Annora. In the last ten or so chapters I finally got into this book and didn't want to put it down. Overall, I was pleased with the ending & will continue to read this author/series and I recommend this one.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!

I'm a big fan of Highland books and stories especially ones where somebody's been wronged and they're seeking revenge. I think that revenge was really needed in this case because the poor leading man had really been screwed over. The leading lady was sweet and understanding but also strong and fierce which is what i expect from the females in the Highland books. It ends well. It's not a cliffhanger so that makes it even higher in my regard.

A great highland HEA book with two memorable leads. I enjoyed all the historical background and the descriptions the author provided. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I have only read a few in the series and it does nothing to distract from the story. I received a free copy for my honest review.

Love that Murray family! This book is about a man accused of a crime he did not commit, and loses everything, and the rough road to gain it all back. A great read, and good news the Murrays keep on coming!

James has been hiding for 3 years, trying to think of a way to get his property and daughter back from his wife's evil cousin. Being accused of her death, and labeled an outlaw, he has to be careful. Getting into the castle, and pretending to be a wood carver, he gets to know Annora, who is the nursemaid to his little 5 year old daughter Meggie. Overall I liked the book. and wanted to see through to the end. At times though, the brogue was hard to read, the accent was thick, and the different creepy guys got old after awhile. Skimmed at times since I have trouble reading about rapes or abuse of women, but fit with the characters. Would recommend this book and author.

The waiting was the worse. We knew what was going to happen, but the timing was just never right it seems. Then Bam! Even though Annora is not a Lady born, she sure does have the act down. So it is no surprise that James is drawn to her.