Joshua Sinclair known as The Horseman of War was once the fiercest and most notorious warrior of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland. But now there’s nothing and no one that can make him take up arms again. He travels to Orkney & trains Robert Stuart’s men how to defend the castle if attacked. However he’s disillusioned & leaves to travel home for Samhain. When Kára Flett, leader of some local inhabitants, throws together a risky and outrageous plan to bring him to her side. Threats of violence bounce right off him. Offers of gold seem to entice him even less. Desperate enough to use the pleas of the village children to sway him, she’s shocked when he’s completely unmoved. There’s only one tactic left for her: seduction. Her hasty proposition falls completely by the wayside, though, as she and the Highlander come together in a carnal inferno.
This is the second book in the series & is very easily read on its own. Talk about action packed! It starts at a canter & very soon is galloping to the conclusion, the pages just flew by. I loved the chemistry between Joshua & Kara which was intense & electric. The author does a wonderful job of painting a picture not only of how Kara’s people had to live & the hardships they endured, but of the cruelty a power mad harsh despot could inflict. The characters have depth & you either love them or loath them. In places it's not a comfortable read but it's an engrossing one & I can't wait for the rest of the series. I’m so glad I started this early in the day as no way could I put it down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Joshua Sinclair is the Horseman of War. As a mercenary for hire, he’s been on Orkney Island working for Lord Robert Stuart, training his men. But now it’s time to leave, and it’s none too soon for Joshua, who despises Lord Robert and his sons. When leaving the island to head home for Samhain, he’s waylaid by the lovely Kára, leader of her own clan on the island. There he witnesses first-hand the horrible repercussions of the Stuart family rule on Orkney and reluctantly agrees to help.

Although it is the second in the series, Highland Warrior is a standalone romance featuring two strong-minded warriors. Overall, I enjoyed the tale. The romance is as it should be between two warriors: fierce and passionate. They share a strong mutual attraction and longing to protect. They have a mutual respect that allows them to act as partners, growing in friendship and love.

Kára is a strong leader; she protects her people, gives them a voice, but knows when it is time to retreat. She balances the needs of all with her own desires for revenge. I like that she is “modern” and well-respected among her people, even those who may not agree with her actions.

I liked the internal conflict and struggles of Joshua… the War God who wants peace. He is driven with the need to protect and get away to live. I appreciated his realistic outlook on the chances of the islanders getting out from under the tyranny of Lord Robert. This struggle moves the story forward, but also the quandary of what to do creates tension. The way out is a little outrageous but fun and exciting.

In the end, Highland Warrior is an exciting and engaging romance about overcoming obstacles and finding the best course of action for the larger group over the individual.

My Rating: B Liked It -- Recommend

I loved the idea of these books, however, the author's writing style and the way she incorporates the Revelation and horsemen of the apocalypse thing in here is so cringey and embarrassing to read. Throughout the whole book, the characters feel just like that, a character. Not once did I feel like they are a real person with unique personalities and all. While reading this book, I felt like I was watching a very poorly made theater play where the actors aren't even actors and were just tasked to fill in the role because no one wants to be there. I tried really, really hard to love this book and to at least like the storyline, but the writing style of the author is so cringey and not for me.

Thank you @entangled_publishing @netgalley for my review copy!

Spoiler alert... I loved this one! If you’re even a little bit of a historical romance fan, you have to get your hands on a copy of this book!

This is the second book in the Sons of Sinclair series and follows Joshua the second brother, the Horseman of War. I read the first book and really enjoyed it, but this one was my favorite.

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the chemistry between Joshua and Kara and the story pulled me in from the very first scene. I was laughing out loud at some of the lines and the sex scenes were spicy. 🔥

I need the next book in my life! I can’t wait to read about Gideon!

Highland Warrior is out 4/27!

My Review ......

Kara needs a champion, someone to teach the men of her clan to fight, and the clan needs a protector.
Seizing her chance, she attempts to seduce and woo Joshua to her cause!!

Joshua has had enough of fighting, he wants a quiet life now, he needs to atone for the many things he’s done in the name of war!

This is the second book in the Sins of Sinclair Series. I’ve not read the first one and i don’t think you miss anything.
The scenes with the rolling hills and the smell of the heather, are so well written you can imagine yourself there.
Nothing is superfluous, there isn’t anything there that doesn’t need to be there.
Strong characters, a great cast of supporting characters too.
I like Joshua, he’s no nonsense attitude had me smiling and agreeing with him. Kara on the other hand! She came across as a little immature! Not wanting to listen to anyone and their thoughts!

Joshua has to pick a side. His eyes are opened to the way the people are being used and exploited! He can train and protect this new clan, or he can walk away....
And when people he thought were friends turn against him, it has Joshua looking at the bigger picture!
Having been married before Kara never expected to meet and fall for anyone else, a widow and a parent, she has more than enough on her plate, oh and avoiding the advances of an unwanted suitor. She thought she would utilise Joshua’s skills, but spending time with him, she sees more than just a warrior.

So can Joshua train the men he now calls clansmen? Can he forgive the way he was tricked into helping? And how much longer will he be able to stay away from the woman who’s captured his heart?

I love the mixture of history and romance in these books. I like the fact the women that the author writes about aren’t weak and mild, they have a mind (and a mouth) and aren’t afraid to use it.

I’m still not sure how I liked the way the end of the book finished!
But it’s still a really good read, and I’d happily recommend the book, and grab the next one. Another really well written from an author I’ve got on my “automatic to buy” list.


🦋
I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.

A very unusual story. Joshua Sinclair, like one of the four horsemen of the scriptures, is the Horseman of War, he is on Orkney training Lord Robert Stuart's men in the fighting. There are people on Orkney but Stuart takes everything from them. He needs horses, why would the peasants need them. His troops need food he takes from the peasants. They do something he does not like, he tortures them, cuts off body parts, they are cruel to the inhabitants of Orkney. Then he meets a woman,
Kara Flett, her people believe they came from Norway. He meets her in the tavern and she has him chase her because she has someplace for him and his horse to stay till he can book passage to the mainland.
A lot is going on and the action keeps going. The people are hungry, there are about one hundred with Stuart. Joshua keeps thinking about the past and the people he failed or hurt. Kara wants Gier, her son safe, to be a kid. Her husband had been killed by a Stuart about nine years ago. She is also next in line to lead her people and she does not want the heartache or responsibilities. It was an exciting read and worth every minute I spent reading this excellent novel. I can hardly wait for the next one.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing and voluntarily reviewed it.

After the death of his wife in childbirth, George Sinclair lost his mind to grief and believed that end of days were upon them, in his grief he declared his sons the Horsemen of the Apocalypse and raised them to fulfill their callings. This story is of his second-born son, Joshua, dubbed the Horseman of War.

After his elder brother married, Joshua left Girnigoe Castle in Scotland in search of war and in doing so, lost his desire to battle. He ended up on the Orkney Islands training the Earl of Orkney’s men to defend themselves from the local inhabitants, who resented Scotland’s acquisition of their lands. It wasn’t until after he began training that he realized Robert Stuart, the Earl of Orkney and his sons are cruel tyrants and after a few months, Joshua decides to leave and return to his family. But with close familial ties to King James, the earl is a powerful man and Joshua must withdraw carefully, making sure the earl doesn’t take offense and turn the King against the Sinclair clan. He makes his goodbyes and sets out to find passage back to Caithness. He makes his way to a village and enters a tavern, hoping to find a ship sailing out and lodging for the night, but what he finds is trouble – in the form of a beautiful woman.

When Kara Flett learns that the “Horseman of War” is the man in the tavern, she forms a plan to seduce him into helping her people fight against the earl. Since her uncle, King Erik was taken by Robert, her people have looked to her to lead them, but she knows the only way to defeat the earl is to have her people led by a true warrior and hopes that Joshua Sinclair will help them. After a dust-up with some locals trying to steal his horse, Kara takes Joshua back to her “den” to tend his wounds and they spend the night making love. The next morning, she asks him to lead her people against the earl – Joshua feels betrayed and used and refuses – mainly because he cannot risk the earl’s wrath against his family – as the illegitimate son of the previous king, the earl is the King James’ uncle and fighting against him could see his family ruined. But Kara doesn’t give up and asks him to meet her people. After seeing the conditions that they are forced to live in, Joshua offers them refuge with his family and agrees to train her men to defend themselves.

After consideration, many of the islanders agree to move to the mainland and join the Sinclair clan, including Kara. But after a run-in with Robert’s son Henry and the return of her uncle, everything changes and when her son is taken, she refuses to leave without saving him. Joshua knows he must save her son and he also knows that doing so will endanger his family – so he does the unthinkable and cuts ties with his clan to save Kara’s son. But things go from bad to worse and Joshua’s sacrifice may not be enough to save Kara from the earl’s ultimate wrath.

This was a well-written, fast-paced, amazing read and of all the books I have read by this author, this one might be my favorite. This book is a non-stop adventure from the first page to the last, it is filled with action, steamy love scenes, truly evil villains, amazing secondary characters, nail-biting fight scenes, shocking twists and turns, and an ending that is sure to bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face! I loved this book, it was very intense, and to be completely honest, it is a bit more graphic and steamier than most of the books I have read by this author – that is not a complaint – more of a heads up to readers that might be sensitive to that sort of thing. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone title and I highly recommend it!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words. for this ARC. A small clan on the Orkneys, one of the four horsemen brothers, a Stewart overlord....Who will prevail? Well written story that I am sure you will enjoy.

Kara Flett, chief of her people, is trying to fight a losing battle against the Stuart family, who are trying to drive them off of their land in Orkney. But when Kara meets Joshua, the Horseman of War, she knows she needs him to help train her people to fight.

This book is full of action and romance. It was the first I have read by Heather McCollum and I enjoyed it. I was very invested in the main characters, but I found that I didn’t enjoy the way the dialogue was written. Overall though, this was a great story.

Another wonderful and compelling read by Heather McCollum. She really has a way to make my mouth water and my thoughts start to wander.

The Story follows Joshua Sinclair, a war monger whos life of death has not only brought him notoriety but a craving for peace. When Kara Flett recognizes Sinclair in her small clans tavern, she would do anything to convince him to them in their fight against a tyrannical lord who is attempting to lay claim to the island.

The story had a wonderful pace that kept me interested throughout the whole book. I loved the tension between Sinclair and Kara. Hard headed Scottish through and through, but deep down, an unconditional love that is growing with every passing moment.

Heather McCollum never disappoints. Can't wait to see what the Sinclair's have instore for me next.

My review will be live on my blog Book Confessions on 4-16-21.

3. When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”
4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill one another. To him was given a large sword.

Joshua Sinclair has lived his life embracing and being one of the biblical Four Horsemen since his mother’s death pushed his father into a grief induced belief that his four sons were the Apocalyptic Four Horsemen from The Book of Revelations. Joshua was deemed The Horsemen of War and was raised to live and breathe all things war. After a disagreement with his older brother Cain, at the end of Book 1 Highland Conquest Joshua sets out on his own for some soul searching or hell raising-whichever he finds first.

His travels bring him to The Orkney Isles where he spends some time training Robert Stuart’s warriors in the Art of War. When he is ready to leave and head back to Caithness where The Sinclair clan resides he stops in a small tavern seeking a warm bed, warm food, and a shelter for his horse, fuil. He doesn’t anticipate meeting the dróttning—chief/queen of the small clan who have been tormented by Robert Stuart, and he surely doesn’t anticipate that he will end up in one of the most important battles of his life. Thank goodness The Horseman of War is always ready to fight and knows when to battle physically, mentally, or both - he may now learn the hardest part of war, when to surrender or retreat.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters and the situations they find themselves in range from humorous to sensual. Joshua is perfectly matched with his dróttning - two fierce warriors who go into every situation like it may be their last. The passion and chemistry between these two was pretty hot and it was nice to not have a fair maiden as the female MC. This book is part of a series, and I guess you could get away with reading it without book one, but I recommend reading the series in order.

Now, I have to patiently wait for the next book in the series....I do really enjoy this authors writing and have read most of her books.

5 Stars for this Highland Warrior—I mean any man from 1589 who can help deliver a baby, deserves 5 stars!!!

Book: Highland Warrior by Heather McCollum

Series: Sons of Sinclair, Book 2

Publisher: Entangled

Release Date: April 27, 2021

Overall Rating: 5/5 stars


True history: Robert Stuart/ Stewart is the 1st Earl of Orkney and Lord of Zetland was a recognised illegitimate son of James V, King of Scotland, and his mistress Eupheme Elphinstone.

Orkney Isle, Scotland
1589

The hero: Joshua Sinclair, was the second male born in his family and also known as the horseman of war. He had been trained by his father to put war before anything else, this was due his father grieving his mother’s loss. Now his father was dead and his brother is the clan chief: Joshua previously had been upset by the way his brother is leading their clan as the new chieftain, as Cain ( Book #1) he is bringing peace and solitude to the land instead of planning battles and war to rule all of Scotland. In this you see Joshua’s immaturity and bloodlust for warfare seeing how he only desires power and felt the Sinclair clan was powerful and strong enough to rule all of Scotland! Yet his brother the new Chief is seeing other peaceful alternatives and saving lives.

Unhappy Joshua leaves his clan to become a mercenary, training men for gold in other clans. His current assignment is in the Isle of Orkney, training Robert Stuart’s men to defend themselves and turning into warriors. Also since this was a noble clan Joshua had to be very careful or he could end up having his own head lopped off- due to Robert Stuart’s royal connections. As he is Uncle to King of Scotland King James VI and I.

Now Joshus was starting to see things from his eldest brother’s view especially after a young boy from a recent battle is killed. As his side supposedly won which was giving Joshua a bad taste for war! In addition, he had enough of working for this oppressing Earl, including training side by side with an enemy from his previous battle. This mercenary was nicknamed “the Brute” by the local islanders, but his real name is John Dishington, who never felt any remorse-no matter if it was a man or a child who was killed. It was definitely time for Joshua to leave this life and return to his family at Girnigoe Castle, at the mainland of Scotland.

The. heroine: Kára Flett daughter of murdered Norse King, who is young widow with a nine year old son, Geir. Tára’s son actually tries to steal Joshua’s warhorse, Fuil who loves turnips. She also knew Joshua Sinclair (Horseman of War) was the leader training Robert Stuart’s warriors to butcher her people, as if they hadn’t already done enough against them already!This includes taking their King! So luck comes calling as he comes to their deserted village tavern on his way home. As he wants to be home on the mainland of Scotland in Caithness, at Girnigoe Castle, for Samhain to honor loved ones who had died this year. Joshua wanted to honor his deceased father’s spirit for this occasion. So Kára comes up with an idea to seduce him and get her with a child. It was a way to connect him to her clan, as they are desperate as they recently took King Eric into custody not even knowing if he was dead or alive! Now she must convince him to stay and train her people so they can defend themselves. Robert Stuart and his warriors have destroyed Kára’s clan by starving them by stealing their food, livestock especially their horses and abducting their women. Now they are in ‘hiding and need someone to train them desperately! The problem is Robert has noble family connections which could bring war right to Clan Sinclair’s door. His clan could lose their castle, property and cherished horses. As this would be considered treason!

Joshua is immediately attracted to Kára and finds her very enthusiastic in bed, well she was actually the best bed partner he’s ever had and thinks she’s ruined him for other women. Yet he sees through her manipulation and he does not like being deceived and feels that is it exactly. He is disappointed feeling she is using him like so many other women. Until he realizes it is desperation as he did not realize how Robert Stuart has been mistreating and abusing her people not allowing them to hunt, forcing free labor on his grounds, abducting women, even their healer and stealing their livestock. The treatment of the islanders is horrible so he does show them self defense and makes an offer instead of fighting. Unfortunately that is what they really want for to lead them in this fight. Will he stay or leave? Has a women who never wants to wed captured his heart? Plus Kára as many in her clan wanted her to marry Torben who only wants her for her title. She feels nothing for him plus her heart has been closed since her husband died. Now she is very attracted to Joshua Sinclair besides knowing how to operate her body he seems to answer her mind too. So will she get him to stay or will he catch the next ship to Caithness? Will Kára’s heart be broken when he leaves? Has a warrior Queen finally captured the heart of the Horseman of War? What lengths these two will go to realize love really does conquer all!

This book totally captured my heart-a magnificent read from start to finish. I can’t recommend it enough. One of my favorite reads of 2021. Heather McCollum is one of my go to authors. I have read every book this author has written, but I must say I think “Highland Warrior” is my absolute favorite! Plus the lengths Joshua and Kára go through to save her people and try to find a better life is definitely mind blowing! This includes my favorite style of reading true history with a fictional romance and Robert Stuart, first Earl of Orkney was a real person in history who was an illegitimate son of King James V and had nine legitimate children, including many illegitimate children from mistresses, plus he treated the island people horribly. He definitely was a monster, so not the best role model for his children. So a big BRAVO to author, Heather McCollum for writing an incredible book that really touched this readers heart. Mòran taing which means many thanks in Scottish Gaelic.

This book is definitely one to put on the shelf keeper and to read again. It’s has all the elements that historical readers love from weaving true historical facts with an extraordinary fictional romance. Each chapter starts with a quote from ancient military strategist Sun Tzu. It was filled with a breathtaking setting and dialogue including superb characters but I think it was the plotting that gripped me the most. The plotting I felt was so inventive yet astonishing never knowing when the next bomb was going to explode or where. To me it was what made this book so much fun to read plus the chemistry between Joshua and Kára was off the charts! A book I definitely recommend and one readers do not want to miss!

I can’t wait and look forward for book #3 Gideon Sinclair ‘s story who is the Horseman of Justice.

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.

Pre-Order Links


https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Warrior-Sons-Sinclair-Book-ebook/dp/B087ZY1XPX

https://books.google.com/books/about/Highland_Warrior.html?id=1RLhDwAAQBAJ

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-warrior-heather-mccollum/1136846415

https://entangledpublishing.com/books/highland-warrior

https://www.kobo.com/us/es/ebook/highland-warrior-14

https://www.booktopia.com.au/highland-warrior-heather-mccollum/ebook/9781682815922.html

https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-warrior/id1511536458

This was a most exciting book to read by one of my favorite authors. Ms McCollum writes highland romance like nobody's business. She pulls the reader in at first chapter and never lets go. Even though this is second in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Love those bare legged Scots with muscles to die for. Oh, Joshua Sinclair makes my heart beat. Wow! What a man.
Of course, the hero is Joshua who by far is known throughout Scotland as one of the revered fighter of the Sinclair Clan. Now he has decided to put down his weapons and go back to his family. Since his brother Is Laird and wants peace to reign, Joshua finally agrees.
On the way home, he stops by a pub and almost has his horse stolen. He is met by a beautiful woman who is sorry about the mix up. Kára Flett is the daughter of a fallen Norse chief and wants Joshua to help her defeat an enemy. Kara will try anything to get his help, even seducing the brow man to help in training the people to fight.
As they become closer to each other, fate decides to intervene and love is the key for a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

4.5 Stars! I loved this story! This is book 2 in the ‘Sons of Sinclair’ series. I didn’t get to read book 1, yet, but book 2 can be read as a standalone. Kara and Joshua, the main characters, were both fierce warriors that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. The first ‘sexy times’ they had was funny, if a bit soon but still entertaining & sexy! I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this, especially if you love big, brawny Scottish historical romance with a HEA ending!
I love how the author tells a lot of true history in her books. Every book I’ve read by this author has been outstanding! You can also get an extended epilogue of the wedding and wedding night by signing up for her newsletter emails.
My ancestors came from the Orkney Islands and I may also be related to the tyrant of the story, the Earl of Orkney! Sorry, he sounds like he was a real sick phucker! Ha!
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley & I voluntarily left this review.*

Heather McCollum has done it again! This is truly a must read!!In this second book in the Sons of Sinclair series, we meet The Horseman of War, Joshua Sinclair. Tired of his life as a mercenary, Joshua has decided to lay down his arms and return home to his clan in northern Scotland. Kara Flett, leader of her clan,, has had enough of her people being terrorized by the very man Joshua has worked for. In her desperation to save her people and their way of life she concocts an outrageous plan to kidnap Joshua and sway him to her cause. Together the two forge ahead to take on the evil plaguing them.

Joshua and Kara are the ultimate couple in this medieval romance.
Joshua is an awesome warrior and Kara is a warrior queen.
This is a story that is both humorous and poignant.
Heather McCollum is an excellent author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
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I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Sons of Sinclair series. This was actually a pretty good read. I wasn’t in love with the first one but this was actually a fairly good read.

Joshua Sinclair has spent his life at war, becoming famous and revered throughout Scotland for his skill and ferocity. A recent battle whose victory came at too high a price has soured his desire for warring and left him uncharacteristically craving peace.

When Kára Flett, chief of her small clan of Orkney natives, recognizes Joshua in her village’s pub, she resorts to outrageous methods in an effort to convince him to aid her clan against the tyrannical lord who now claims rule over the isle, the very lord whose men Joshua has been training. When all her efforts fail, she attempts to seduce Joshua into staying to help.

Kára and Joshua come together like fire and ice, but his friends turn enemies and he finds his loyalties shifting as his eyes are opened to the true way of things on the isle. As their feelings deepen, Joshua and Kára must determine if there is any way they can be together and keep her people safe against impossible odds.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat much of the time. Joshua was likeable and easy to root for, especially as he grew and developed as a man with his own notions of right beyond just following the path his father wanted for him. Kára was harder to warm up to, especially when she was blindly stubborn for much of the book and unwilling to listen to Joshua’s sensible suggestions until it was nearly too late. I didn’t really care for her manipulation of Joshua without really trying to talk to him first, but he was a good man and she showed growth as a character as well when she began to think more clearly. I did like these two as a couple; though their HEA wasn’t quite what I was expecting/hoping for, it was still very satisfying and original. Joshua harkens back to the traditional strong, alpha Highland warrior and I almost always love reading them. This was an entertaining, action-packed story and I look forward to the next series installment.

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5 Stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I’m not going to lie- I’m absolutely obsessed with this series rn. I went through a whole “highlander romance” phase back in October of last year and i dont know <b>how</b> I missed this author/series. I’m <i>enamored</i>, guys.

The idea that these 4 brothers are raised to believe theyre the 4 Horsemen of the apocalypse mixed with a Highlander flair is everything I didnt know I needed. The raw burning beauty and possessiveness of our MC is absolutely everything I look for not only in a romance but in a highlander romance. I had to go back and read book 1 as soon as I read book 2 (I didnt feel like that messed anything up for me, having read them out of order. I didnt even realize when I read book 2 that I had missed a first book). And I’m so freaking glad to know that theres 2 more brothers I get to read about.

I wasn’t bored for a single moment while reading this book. In fact, I could barely put it down (hence why I’m sitting at work absolutely exhausted right now lol). Theres action, beautiful romance and an amazing story. I loved both the mc’s and thought they were extremely well written. Both of them were super strong and ferocious in their own way and they just simply clicked together. I loved the idea of a Highlander and a Viking princess together, as well.

Overall, this book was a 4.5/5 stars for me... and I can’t wait to read the following books!

I loved the romance in this book. I like a lot of action and a fast paced story always works for me. This book, however had a lot going on with side plots and stories. So much so that it took away from the reading experience and how much I sank into the romance. I liked the world and love a good highlander romance, but pacing and too much going on were struggles for me.