Cain Sinclair and his three brothers were raised by their father as the four horsemen of the biblical prophecy. After taking the Sutherland Chief Arabella as a prisoner, Cain knows she is his, but the choices he gives her are not really choices at all. Not willing to go along with her fate, Ella makes several attempts to escape. Many secrets keep her from willing to commit to Cain even though her heart wants to. McCollum writes an exciting adventure of a woman torn between loyalties and feuding clans. Definitely not a boring book. Great start to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is the first book in a new series by Heather McCollum who is also a new author to me. The story was well written and I love the way it begins. Cain and Ella have known each other since they were children. Now as adults a war has began between two clans and Cain has become Laird. He knows that by taking Ella has his bride he can bring peace and balance between the clans. The true battle takes place between Cain and Ella though. As they battle for their own futures (each has very different ideas and plans) do they begin to find desire and love.

I drool when seeing a man in a kilt which this one was no exception. Since I was already conquered I went on to see what he goes for in this escape to the Highlands. Cain and Ella give you a bantering of two personalities thanks to his so called plan. That was the way then so you get to see whom beats whom in this battle. This also has a bit of spice with a secret that spices this tale. Twists will twist us up a time or two with a good romp through the Highland.

Cain plans to marry Ella, the female chief of his clan’s greatest enemy. He captures her and brings her to his castle but she isn’t very will to marry him. Sparks fly between them in the bedroom and no where else but what will happen when Cain learns the secret Ella is hiding? Fast-paced highlander read with great characters and lots of steam. The story has plenty of drama and is very entertaining. I really liked it.

Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum is book One in the Sons of Sinclair Series. This is the story of Arabella 'Ella' Sutherland and Cain Sinclair.
The Sinclair and Sutherland clans are enemies and in one of the battles it killed his father. Cain has taken on the ideal to end the feud by marring Arabella, the Chieftain of the Sutherland Clain. Arabella is a fighter, protector and Chieftain of her clan. Arabella and her Clain had been under a dark ruler and she has no plans for them to return to such a condition. What she has heard of the Sinclair brothers are that they are 'horseman' and are evil people. So Arabella isn't going down easy when she is taken by Cain. Cain didn't realize how hard it would be to convenience Arabella to marry him. Cain goes through different attempts to 'woo' her but everything seems to fail. The more times she spends with Cain the more she starts to doubt his dark reputation which really was something his father build up about him and his brothers. Nothing goes easy for these two but I enjoyed reading their story and hope to read more from this author soon.

As I started to read Highland Conquest, I transported, not just to Scotland but back to some of the earliest romances I read back in my teens. I immediately liked that about Highland Conquest.

George Sinclair raised his four sons to believe they were the four horsemen of the apocalypse. They are fighters through and through. In an opening battle with the rival Sutherland clan, George Sinclair is killed and the oldest son Cain goes after the warrior who gave the order -- and it's the beautiful daughter and chief of the Sutherland clan, Arabella. She's no match for Cain, and he captures her with the intent to bring the two families together in marriage to achieve the peace he sees in the future.

Cain really isn't like his father off the battle field, and he's committed to uniting the families without further bloodshed. But Ella isn't quite on the same page with him, so he must woo her to achieve his goals. And if that kiss Cain gave her as he chased her is any indication, it doesn't take long for Arabella to see the merits of his plan.

There is a few obstacles to the plan though, like a huge secret that could have long lasting consequences for Cain and his brothers quest to become the most powerful clan in Scotland. There's also another clan that wants the Sutherland lands and daughter.

I really enjoyed this story. There's good chemistry between Cain and Ella, and it was easy to root for them to vanquish their considerable enemies. I loved Ella -- she was strong and determined and a good match for Cain. There's also some interesting dynamics with Cain's three brothers that has me hooked on this series, so I'm eager for more.

Overall, a very satisfying and enjoyable historical tale that kept my interest to the final pages.

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.

A little bit steamy “Taming of the Shrew” and a lot wonderful!
This is the first book by Heather McCollum that I have read. I usually can tell from the blurb if I will like the book and in this one, I found that I loved it. This is an historical romance taking place among warring clans: The Sinclairs, The Sutherlands and The Mackays of Scotland around 1589. On the battlefield between the Sinclairs and the Sutherlands, a young woman has brought all her force to bear in order to kill the Clan Chief George Sinclair, thus transferring the crown to his eldest son, Cain. He realizes that this young woman is the new Clan Chief of the Sutherlands, Arabella. Cain met her at the Beltane Festival many years before and was struck by her innocent beauty at 16yo. Now, 10 years later she is a powerful and beautiful woman. Would marrying her bring about a truce? And, what’s with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? (This part is scary cool.)
This was a unique story albeit an enemies-to-lovers trope. Well-written, fast-paced and scintillating novel. Some plot devices are predictable but just as the reader thinks that they have it figured out, BAM, plot twist. Both Cain and Ella have had overbearing fathers who filled their minds with horrors of the other clans’ terrible behavior, leaving them unsure of trusting the other. There are secrets, angst and a beautiful ending. The end of chapter 25 was so poignant that I want it to be a movie;-) or the scene where Chief Sinclair is dying and telling his sons goodbye. And, chapter 15! OMG. McCollum has also included a short history and translation of some of the Scot-Gaelic and Old English words used. That was very helpful.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled/NetGalley and it comes highly recommended for readers who enjoy steamy historical novels with a real plot. Can’t wait for the next book about Joshua.

Cain Sinclair and his brothers have been brought up to terrorize the clans that their father wanted to conquer. They are all exceptional Warriors. Each one has his own cavalry and a reputation as one of the four horsemen sent by God. It's Cain's task to lead them to victory. The latest battle will see some major changes to Clan Sinclair and their enemies.
Ella Sutherland has lead her clan since the death of her father. She is no ordinary woman of her time, she's an excellent horsewoman and Archer. Her archers will have a huge impact in this battle.
Our main protagonists in this, the first book in the series are both strong and brave. Our heroine also has a big secret that means life and death for her and someone else. Both sides in the battle are known for their love of horses. Those horses are highly trained.
A very fast paced and action packed highlander romance, with fabulous characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved it.

By Heather McCollum

Series: Sons of Sinclair, Book #1

Release Date: April 28th (today)

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3) Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews 4)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: 🔥

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts


“We can die in battle with honor, but no horseman from God would die of taint.”

Northern Scotland
June, 1589

War has been going on between Clan’s Sinclair and Sutherland since the broken and brutal marriage of Chieftain Alec Sutherland and Laird George Sinclair’s sister Merida. As Alec Sutherland was abusive to her and divorced her. After the Sinclair’s mother died, raising their children, Chieftain, George Sinclair, was eccentric and possibly a bit bipolar, naming all his sons from the book of revelations, known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. George was very disappointed as his fourth child was a female, Hannah, which he had always ignored. As his fifth child, a fourth son was his fourth horseman. So his set of four horsemen was complete.

Now Sutherland chieftain Ella, was captured for ordering all her archers to aim and kill Laird George Sinclair, the four horsemen’s father. She had no guilt, as they had killed hundreds if not thousands of her men during these clan attacks on her land! Cain Sinclair, God of Conquest, was determined to get retribution claiming she was his! So after Ella Sutherland was taken into custody, she was surprised she was not taken to their dungeon, but another bedroom. Now she was even more disturbed getting delicious food, clean clothing and Cain was trying to woo her! Her first gift was an adorable ball of fur, in an adorable kitten she named Boo. This definitely surprised her, but was even more shocked that he wanted to marry Ella Sutherland.

As if there two enemy clans had not tried this already and it failed miserably. Plus her father was also killed by the Sinclair’s previously in these clan battles. As they had been going on for an extremely long time. Yet Alec Sutherland was no prince, he treated his horses better than people. A very horrid and black hearted man who tried to force his own daughter to marry the abusive Laird, Hew MacKay, who was a total snake. She broke that forced betrothal right after his death. She had to break the contract to pay him off with a lot of their live stock and silks, but it was definitely worth it.

Ella liked being the leader and the person in charge of her clan, plus she had a secret that no one was aware of. She is brave, clever and beautiful, this female Chieftain, but convincing her to marry was no easy task.

Will Ella marry Cain for his quest for peace. As the marriage between their two strong clans would bring peace and balance to them and possibly all of Northern Scotland. Tradesmen will learn and trade from each other and the land will become fertile and settled. This will force their Clan MacKay neighbor to back down, knowing they were united forcing no more attacks on outlying farms as they will outnumber and crush them. Yet will it be enough without love in this potent mixture? Read and find out

The Sons of Sinclair:

Cain - God of conquest

Joshua- God of war

Gideon- God of equality/ balance

Bàs- God of death


Ms McCollum does it again penning another riveting story from start to finish. She is a favorite author of mine as I think this will be the fourth series of hers I am reading. I have given each 5 star reviews and Highland Conquest will be no different. It is very easy to get swept into her stories. I thought picking the story through the biblical stories of The Four Horsemen, in the Book of Revelations was absolutely both brilliant and exhilarating! I intend to read each book in the series as that is the way I always roll. Like potato chips one is never enough! I can’t wait for the next one in the “Sons of Sinclair” series!

This is another book historical romance readers will love. It includes all the elements readers all love. A book you can’t bare to put down. Another riveting, fast-paced, page-turning masterpiece. The setting was awe-inspiring, the multi dimensional characters just blew me away, breathtaking dialogue and the plotting was absolutely brilliant. I also loved the four legged creatures in this novel too. I loved all the eye popping surprises in this story too

I highly recommend this beautiful book as I can’t recommend it enough. An absolute masterpiece!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Entangled Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Book Links:
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https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-conquest-heather-mccollum/1131253892


https://books.google.com/books/about/Highland_Conquest.html?id=ly_MDwAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description


https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/highland-conquest-3


https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-conquest/id1496622532

Cain Sinclair’s father just died in battle against the Sutherland warriors and he’s now Laird. His thirst for revenge is strong, but his desire to protect his clan is stronger. Arabella aka Ella Sutherland remembers Cain from the festival years ago when he looked at her disgust and walked away breaking her young heart. Cain has is work cut out for him to convince Ella to marry him, and join their clans, to enjoy peace for the first time in thirty years between the Sinclair’s and Sutherland’s. I love this enemy to lovers’ story of strong characters who have chemistry, instant attraction with passions flares between them. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.

Cain Sinclair the eldest of four brothers becomes his clan’s leader after his father is killed in a battle with the neighbouring Sutherland clan. Cain decides that in order to finally bring peace between the clan, he will wed Arabella Sutherland. Ella may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing to marry Cain & whilst he holds her prisoner she tries her hardest to escape even using her sheets to climb from her window.
This is the first in a new series, I love it when characters / families appear across series we’ve met Shaw Sinclair 7th Earl of Caithness & now get to meet his grandparents. Cain & his brothers have fierce some reputations, Cain’s being conquest, he's the strong, stern leader who always wins but appearances can be deceptive & I loved how his softer side was revealed as he came to like, respect & love Ella. Ella is determined, strong & passionate & has been keeping a secret for over a decade. Their attraction was electric but each fought it but gradually their hostility changed, especially after playing chess! A very well written page turning read that drew me in from the start & didn't let go until the final page. Strong characters & a fast paced story made this a very enjoyable read & I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Wow! Fabulous Highlander adventure and romance!

Let me start by just saying this book has EVERYTHING you could want. A fascinating family history, feuding clans, a hate-to-lovers romance, kidnapped bride, and - thanks to the historical setting - the harsh yet well-deserved dispatching of the truly evil villains.

There is no rom-com meet-cute here, as our main characters meet on the battlefield and proceed with a courtship that is more like a tense winner-take-all game of chess. The stakes are as high as can be as the rage battles on several fronts. Secrets, betrayals, passion, justice, this book covers it all on a nail-biting adventure that kept me glued to the next page until I was cheering at the victorious HEA.

This is the best Highlander book I've read in recent memory, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a virtual trip to 16th century Scotland. I can't wait to read more in this amazing series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Will they be able to overcome a feud of many years to ally their two clans ...

It seems I am reading more and more highland set stories and I visiting time period outside my usual regency/Victorian area.

Mrs Heather McCollum is a new-author to me, and I confess I judged a bit a book by its cover, and this one is not one which made me stop by to read the blurb, but anyway, I read it when this book was listed on Netgalley, and I found the plot intriguing. And even if I took time to find a day to read it, I am glad I didn’t let pass this one.

“Conquest is about taking. Love is all about giving.”

Ella is no frail woman, she knows her weakness but also her strength, and it is her secret oath that leads her, in its she draws her force.
Still the more she gets to know Cain, the more she fails to see in him the monster she was thought him to be. Sure he can be ruthless but also in his own way, he has shown her he cared and was able of attention. But can she trust him with her secret, when she swore on her mother’s death bed to protect it with her life.
Cain was raising by a driven man, a man with the crazed idea he had sired the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Win and conquer have always been his motto, so when he captures the woman behind his father’s demise, she is his, his to decide her fate. And while he decides to woo her, he struggles to find the right line between his duty as a chief and his new feelings for this strong lass.

While the first part of the story was fun and enjoyable as I watched them trading quips and bards, Ella leading Cain to a merry chase. Even if it was entertaining, I longed for a bit more, hopefully more actions took part in the second half of the book.
As a first in a series, this book sets the place, the many characters with Cain and his siblings as each will get its own story. It is a mix of funny scenes, others more sweet or angsty, with actions, betrayal and hurt.
I enjoyed my foray in Mrs Heather McCollum’s world and will happily follow all the Sinclair’s siblings.
4.5 stars.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

When Cain Sinclair’s father is killed in battle by Arabella “Ella” Sutherland, Cain decides that the only way to end the decades old feud is to marry Ella and merge the clans. Too bad Ella is not on board with that plan.
Cain is the eldest of the four Sinclair brothers who were raised by their father as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” – a clever tactic on their father’s part to instill fear in their enemies and a strategy the brothers fully embrace. Cain captures Ella and gives her a choice, marry him or die – she chooses death – well that is not what Cain expected and decides that doesn’t work for him – instead he set out to change her mind and woo her – which is quite entertaining!

Ella not only a warrior, she is also lovely, smart and devoted to her people. But Ella was raised by a monster and wants nothing more than to protect her people – she is sure Cain is a monster too and will not subject her people to that kind of ruler again – but slowly she sees that Cain is not really the “horseman” that rumor and reputation have made him out to be and she finds herself falling for him – but Ella has made promises and has secrets that could make any hope of HEA an impossibility.

This was a well written and entertaining story. It is filled with action, secrets, some laugh out loud moments, a great cast of secondary characters, steamyish love scenes and finally a hard-won HEA. I did feel like the first half of the book dragged a bit, but it did pick up in the second half and I appreciated the glossary of Scots-Gaelic/Old English words at the beginning of the book for reference. I enjoyed this book and would be happy to recommend it. It is the first in a new series this book and am really looking forward to each of the brother’s stories.

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

Highland Conquest
Sons of Sinclair #1
Heather McCollum
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cain Sinclair always has a plan. He has decided that to bring peace to his clan, he will wed the young female chief of one of their greatest enemies. There's only one problem, capturing and forcing her back to Sinclair castle does not exactly make her want to say yes. Ella Sutherland may be, clever, smart, and beautiful, but she certainly is not willing.

Now every attempt so far to woo her has gone wrong and not exactly produced the result he was hoping for. So he gives her gifts. The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chest that he knows he will win and he still loses in many ways. For some reason the only time the two seem to see eye to eye is when they are in bed. She has so much passion in her, if only she will hand it all over willingly. She seems to want the only thing that he can't seem to give her. Her freedom.

But she's harboring a big secret and when Cain finds out he'll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who has totally captured his heart.

Heather McCollum starts this new series off with a bang. There is never a dull moment in this book. I adored and hung off of every word. You never knew what Ella or Cain would do next. These two main characters were made for eachother. She was as brave as he was and did not back down from any fight. These two characters fought for what they believed in and in the end found eachother. The other brothers were incredible as well and heaven only knows what they will get up too. Ella and Cain will rule side by side and I'm sure they will do it well.
Ms. McCullum I always enjoy your books however to me this was one of your best.

I loved this story about Highlander's and their lives. They enjoy fighting, loving and family. Cain Sinclair, the fifth Earl of Caithness and chief of the Sinclair Clan, had lost his father who was a brute of a man. He knew his four sons were the four horsemen of God sent to kill their enemies. Cain who the oldest is the chief while Joshua is next and is the horseman of war, the third son is the horseman of Justice. The fourth son is the horseman of death.
Arabella (Ella) Sutherland is the chief. Her father died and she was the only one that could take over the clan. She tried very hard to protect the lands from Sinclairs. She was taken by Cain Sinclair to marry him and combine both clans. But she wanted to die rather than marry him. He would not give her that choice. So she sat at Girnigoe Castle a prisoner.
This is an interesting look at the four horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelations. Seeing how it can be used to scare clans into surrendering. The characters are engaging and battle-hardened. The plot is well thought out, interesting and entertaining. The twists and turns will surprise you. It is action-packed and is just an excellent tale.
I believe you will like as much as I have.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This new series by Heather McCollum could not have started off with more of a bang. From the get go, Ella, the sassy Sutherland chieftain, proved she’s got amazing game. Whether leading the charge on the battlefield or warring using words with her sworn enemy, the Sinclairs, she’s not one to give up and surrender easily. Certainly not without putting up a fight. She’s all about protecting her clan, no matter the cost to herself. Even in captivity, she’ll fight and claw to break free. Of course, there is one thing she’s was sure to lose in the process..her heart. Cain, the hero, slowly but surely stole it.

It’s not surprising Cain Sinclair has a Greek god like body/persona. I’ll just leave it at that, folks. You will have to read this book to find out why/how that applies here. In fact, his three younger brothers also have that same gig going on for them, as well. Just a twist here and there differently. Yeah, that was a little out there, but I rolled with it. It was rather original.

Oh, I am so looking forward to seeing them all brought to their manly knees one by one by the love of their very own special leading lady. Gideon, Joshua, and Das...You're up next! I simply can’t wait for more sequels in this series.

Title: Highland Conquest, Series: Sons of Sinclair (Book 1), Author: Heather McCollum, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, clan chieftain heroine, clan chieftain hero, enemies to in love, romance safe for me, some violence, hiding a secret, evil villain, both determined/strong willed.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)

Complicated yet sexy Highland romp. It is not everyday your father and Laird is killed in battle, by a woman no less. Ella Sutherland is not just a woman but Laird of the Sutherland clan, now captive of her enemies, The Four Horsemen. Cain knows the way to end this war with less bloodshed is marrying Ella, she would rather die. As Cain attempts to woo Ella her anger starts to fizzle into something. Sexy path to their HEA including sexy brothers, wild celebrations, and chess.

This is my fair and honest review, in my own words and given voluntarily, for this ARC. What a great story and so well written!! I can't wait to read more if this is indicative of her work!!

This is a fantastic romance novel that's chock-full of the best tropes. We've got enemy to lovers, highland warriors, Scottish clans warring, secrets between lovers, and tortured childhoods. McCollum manages to use some of the oldest tricks in the book and still make an original, emotionally charged story. The whole idea of the four brothers being raised to represent the Four Horsemen certainly added a juicy twist that played out in ways that I seriously enjoyed and can't wait to explore more in future volumes of the series.
Both Cain and Ella are characters you can empathize with. Cain is the typical Alpha male who just needs the right woman to show him what love is and Ella is just feisty enough to do it. Plus, I fell in love with the entire Sinclair clan. Every brother has a personality that's restricted by the Horseman their father pushed on them, but we get hints of their true selves and I can't wait to explore them more.
McCollum had me rooting for this couple from the very beginning and I loved how their romance played out on the way to the always dependable Happily Ever After they so deserve. If it weren't obvious already from previous comments, I'm definitely excited to follow along with more stories of the Sons of Sinclair.

Massive thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the chance to read it!

Mandatory note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.