Highland Beast by Amy Jarecki is book three in her The King’s Outlaws series. Though part of a series, this novel reads as a standalone.

Highland Beast is an entertaining read with vibrant dialogue and characters. The plot is interesting, though paced a little slowly for me. I enjoyed the story but deducted for the pace. 3 out of 5 stars.

My thanks to Oliver Heber Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

This is the 3rd book in the King's Outlaw series. I am a fan of the writing of Amy Jarecki. I found this book wo be a well-written book that featured Arthur and Rhona. I am a fan of the friends-to-lover trope, especially if the author does not make the reader wade through a will they/won't they period that takes too long. I found the main characters were likeable and interesting.

I am happy that they were able to reunite. Amy Jarecki did a wonderful job keeping the story exciting with descriptive and exciting battles. She also did a wonderful job developing entertaining dialogue. This story truly back up the idea that the course of true love never runs smooth. I would recommend this book to a variety of readers.

I was provided an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

It’s no secret I love stories written by Amy Jarecki. She has the ability to weave true historical events and people with romance, and she always does this in a way that makes you feel like you are visiting the past. The setting, imagery, emotion, and conflict are so magnificently written that as a reader one can’t help but become swept away.

Some History: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
This story features Sir Arthur Campbell, knight of Robert the Bruce, and historical highlander who was prominent in the Scottish Wars of Independence. The time is August 5th, 1308 The Battle of the Pass of Brander has just been won and It was a victory for King Robert the Bruce over the MacDougalls of Argyll, the Lord of Lorn’s territory, who was also kinsmen of John Comyn, also known as the Red Comyn, who had been murdered by Bruce and his adherents at Dumfries in 1306. In addition, to this tension, King Robert the Bruce, claims Dunstaffnage castle — Lord of Lorn and Clan MacDougal’s stronghold — and he appoints Sir Arthur Campbell as his vassal and constable to rule over Clan MacDougall.


🖌The set up of having a Campbell in charge of a MacDougall clan made for the perfect background of a slight enemies to lovers, scorned love, and second chances romance. Unlike many of this authors stories this book did not feature a battle as part of the plot, although it does begin at the end of the Pass of Brander battle & there is reference to a significant battle occurring simultaneously as this story, neither are a feature of the story. Instead this story focuses on romance and the rekindling of a previously lost love.

I enjoyed this story, and once again found myself wishing the book was longer 😉 it was great seeing the duality of Arthur the warrior/constable and Arthur the man in love with his lass. 😍

Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I recommend this story for those who love medieval romance during the reign of Robert the Bruce.

If you enjoy this authors stories I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Rise of a Legend, In the Kingdom's Name, The Time Traveler's Christmas — These books are AMAZING and feature William Wallace 🏴

It took me a while to get interested in this book
The story was ok.
I was actually very frustrated with Rhona. Its like she couldn't see that she (and her grandmother) were the only ones really opposed to Arthur.

I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

I have always had a love for Highland romances. There’s something different about a Highland romance. It’s the combination of sexy heroes, strong heroines, and the beautiful Highland setting. And each novel is unique. I doubt any two Highland romance novels are the same. When I saw Highland Beast on NetGalley, I had to request it. Thankfully, the request was approved. Thank you to the publishers and the author, Amy Jarecki, for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rhona MacDougall has always been loyal to her granduncle and clan. But when Dunstaffnage Castle is attacked, who should she come face to face with other than Sir Arthur Campbell. They were lovers once but since Arthur went over to Robert the Bruce, everything has changed. Rhona is unwilling to submit to Arthur’s rule. Her goal is to thwart him at every turn. Once her actions come to light, Arthur is sure of what he needs to do. If only Rhona will cooperate.
I highly enjoyed reading this book and I completed it in two days. It is not the type of book where the hero and heroine meet and immediately reconcile. No no, love and trust must be earned again. In the beginning, the author will have you hating Arthur. But as you read further, you will find yourself rooting for him and hoping that he will get the woman he loves. I liked Rhona at the start but by the end of the book I had some mixed feelings towards her. I think Rhona is one of the most stubborn heroines I have ever read. But at the end, she realizes where she was wrong and acknowledges that she may not have acted maturely.
This story is full of angst, passion, and bravery. It is an emotional roller-coaster of a read. I highly recommend this book if you love Highland romances with strong heroes and heroines. All five hearts (stars) for this book!

“‘Kissing you makes me forget who I am. What I’ve done. When I kiss ye, I am the only man in the world and you the only woman.’ Arthur brushed his lips across hers. ‘I never want to stop.’”

In Highland Beast by Amy Jarecki, when Sir Arthur Campbell assumes lairdship of Dunstaffnage Castle for Robert the Bruce, he quickly learns there is someone in his midst that is out to sabotage the take over. When he discovers it is Rhona, the woman he loves, and that the village admires as healer, he is forced to make a quick decision in how to handle the situation in a way that he can live with.

This book was enjoyable. Rhona and Arthur were both likable enough. They had a past that ended in a big misunderstanding so there was immediate tension between them. Sometimes the story did drag a bit and the romance was pretty cheesy, but I would say this is a good one for a nice light read if it interests you. I give it 3 stars.

Review has been posted to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads. It will also ben posted to my instagram book review account.

A very good book written during Robert the Bruce's time. Rhona the great niece of Lord of Lorn is left to look after her clan as her uncle runs to England. She's the healer for the whole clan. Sir Arthur Campbell who is her love who she thought left her and broke her heart when they were young is appointed by Robert the Bruce to be in command of her clan and the castle. Sir Arthur is glad to have another chance with Rhona but can't figure out why she is against him and isn't glad to see him

7 years ago, Rhona waited for Arthur at a chapel after his promise of love and marriage. But as sometimes happen, family expectations get the best of one. Now they meet again after the Lord of Lorne has been defeated and his Dunstaffnage Castle has passed on to the Scottish Crown held by Robert Bruce. The newly appointed authority in the castle is no other than Sir Arthur Campbell, whom Rhona (grandniece of Lord of Lorne) has hated since he left her alone and waiting for him.
After that episode, Rhona went on to marry a man chosen by her greatuncle and became a widow after just one year. She decided to take the healing arts and become a healer to the town. Now with Arthur in town, she can't forget her love for him but also can't forget her loyalty to her Lord and English King. She will defy Arthur at every turn and make his welcome and stay a little hard, that is until she takes matters into her own hands and betrays him.
It's a slow burn, second chance, and enemies to lovers trope that is filled with angst, action, and promises.

This is Book 3 in Amy Jarecki's King's Outlaw series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, it's part of a very good series.
This story is a 2nd chance for love romance. It's about Rhona, our heroine and Arthur, our hero.
Rhona and Arthur were teenage sweethearts. When Arthur is suddenly shipped off to be trained as a knight, he sends Rhona a letter and asks her to wait for him. The letter is never delivered. Rhona thinks he just abandoned her. She goes on to marry the man her uncle arranges for her.
Arthur is devastated when he hears of her marriage and throws himself into his training.
It is now 7 years later. Arthur is on of the Bruce's right hand men. After they take Dunstaffnage castle, Arthur is appointed to run it for the Btuce. The first person Arthur sees is Rhona. Rhona, now a widow, is there to stand up for the people of the castle and she wants nothing to do with Arthur. But as soon as he sees her he knows his love for her never died.
This is a very beautiful love story of two people separated and brought together again by fate. I thought it very sweet.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After having enjoyed Highland Raider, I was very happy to see another book of the kings outlaw's series of Amy. And although you can read the stories as standalone perfectly, it is even better to read the whole series. Because the war is still on and Rhona finds herself right in the middle of it, when Dunstaffnage castle is under attack and her uncle flees for his life. Rhona, being the only relative of the MacDougall clan left (besides her gran), has no option but to surrender to Robert the Bruce Great is her surprise, when a new constable is assigned to the keep : Sir Arthur Campbell. Rhona's former crush from a neighborly clan. But he left her broken hearted six years ago, without a word. So, Rhona is not going to meekly surrender her castle or her heart to Arthur.

A wonderful tale, full of banter, miss­conception, lies and deceit, But also with loyalties, family ties and second chances.

Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Highland Beast is book #3 in The King's Outlaw series. You can read it as a stand-alone story though, as it was my case
Rhona MacDougall isn't happy to surrender her greatuncle's keep and lands to Arthur Campbell, one of Robert the Bruce's knights. Not only is her family against Bruce's campaign, but she can't trust Arthur either, since he left her years ago without even saying goodbye. Facing all of this, Rhona decides to play some pranks on Arthur and his soldiers.
Arthur only wants to settle down in one of the places conquered by the Bruces
Bruce and build a haven with his only love, Rhona. But the lass seems determined to avoid him al all costs. To make matters worse, the pranks may jeopardize his position as the new laird of the keep, when the rebels who had attacked him are released from his prison.
I enjoyed this book very much, although I believe the "Highland Beast" is Rhona, and not Arthur, since the poor knight suffered a lot under Rhona's heels.

Rhona, the heroine, thought she had run out of luck when her laird and some of her clansmen had to flee their keep and country to keep their necks. Strong and brave, this verra bonny, sassy, widow healer was asked to stand her ground long enough to complete a simple but important task. Little did she know the battle of her life was about to start. Coming face to face with the true love of her life, who seemingly betrayed her seven long years ago, was just the beginning of conflicted feelings and loyalties soon to be tested.

Sir Arthur Campbell couldn't believe his eyes when they roamed over Rhona's angelic face and long fairie blonde hair. She was a vision to behold. As these two fated to meet again lovebirds danced around each other, his resolve only strengthened to win her heart and over to his side.

As usual, this author fully entrenched me into the turmoil and conflict of this war torn era. The writing flowed seamlessly and kept me fully engaged. But, oh, how I wanted to throw Rhona's grandma from the proverbial train, folks! Though things got a tad bit tricky at times, they didn't actually turn as bad as I had thought they likely would. Rhona didn't always show the best judgement, but she sure had the courage to do what she felt was right when it counted the most. 

Just know I'm always ready and willing to travel deep into the highlands with each new release of this and other highlander series written by the talented Amy Jarecki. 

Title: Highland Beast, Series: The King's Outlaws (Book 3), Author: Amy Jarecki, Pages: 216, pub date: 6/29/21, stand-alone but part of a series, alpha good guy constable knight,  ex girlfriend/lover healer heroine, widow heroine, 7 year separation, very graphic steamy scenes in second half.

Book 1 - Highland Warlord
Book 2 - Highland Raider
Book 3 - Highland Beast

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated or reviewed in any form for this review.)

I have been reading books by Amy Jarecki for a while now and I been loving her books. I am happy to say that I loved this one as well. It's so addicting and very well written.

I do recommend this one.

This is another strong story centered during Robert The Bruce's war with England for Scottish independence. It's set at Dunstaffnage Castle at the time the elderly Chief of Clan MacDougal has left and taken refuge in London turning over his castle to Robert The Bruce to be managed by Sir Arthur Campbell. Sir Arthur grew up as it's neighbor and his first love was Rhona MacDougall the clan chief's grandniece. This is their story of second chance and testing of clan and heart loyalties. It was very carefully crafted to finally bring these two star crossed lovers together.

The Campbells and MacDougalls have long been feuding. When Arthur's Da, the clan chief discovered his 2nd son was romancing the rival's clan Rhona he sent his son off to foster at another clan quickly with no notice. Arthur was heartbroken and left a letter for Rhona with his elder brother to deliver. It was never delivered and Rhona thought Arthur had abandoned her. Years pass, Rhona is married and widowed and Arthur is knighted by Robert the Bruce. Now he's back hoping to maybe rekindle something with Rhona. Rhona is hurt and fiercely loyal to her clan who's allegiance is to England's King. She has become a healer under her Grandmother's training and lives with her in the castle's village. Grandma Mary is the Chief's sister therefore totally loyal to the clan. She and Rhona find little ways to cause Arthur no end of problems to the smooth running of the castle: closing the bathhouse damper, adding vinegar to the ale, intercepting letters from the Bruce. When Rhona finds a way to help prisoners escape the dungeon because they weren't informed of the peaceful turnover of the castle things get intense. Along the way these two once lovers find they still have powerful feelings towards each other. I loved watching how Amy brought them together in harmony as they were so perfect together as a team.

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

This Was Just an ok book for me. And I do not know why? It had all the components. It had a good lovestory, hunky male Main characters, a strong female Main characters. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Highlands of Scotland 1308

"His Grace, Robert the Bruce has laid claim to this fortress for the Kingdom of Scotland. We require audience with the Lord of Lorn forthwith." She could not believe it was him! The one she had never hoped to see again. Who had walked away from her all those years ago, when they had been in love! Now he was to be constable over her castle?

He had known he would see her, but had not been prepared for how beautiful and self assured she was after all these years. Even though she had married after him being away two years, he had not stopped dreaming of her. It appeared now she was widowed.

Swoon. Robert the Bruce, A handsome knight and a beautiful, yet bitter lost love. It really does not get much better. Woven with history and strong characters as Amy always pens, this story brings us along as our heroine tries to undermine her lost love at every step and who knows what the outcome will be! Not to be missed, another fabulous addition to this series!

A complex and dangerous second-chance romance

Rhona and Arthur's teenage romance was shattered by his father's manipulations, and now - seven years later - Arthur has been assigned to take command of the castle and Rhona's clan, now under the authority of Robert the Bruce. Now a fearsome knight, Arthur has never forgotten Rhona and is hoping there's still enough of a spark left to rekindle their fiery passion.

I really loved the tension and suspense that the hidden agenda storyline created. Arthur wants to trust Rhona, while she is trying to sort out her loyalties at the same time she's trying to protect her heart. Once she realizes the truth about their history, and considers her own feelings, it's clear that her prior actions have made their future together impossible.

Arthur's solution to the dilemma wasn't a huge surprise, but I really loved how the author let them take their time working towards the inevitable reconciliation. There was a lot of betrayal to unpack, trust to be earned, and forgiveness to be sought.

This was a captivating story and I couldn't put it down. I was instantly transported to the Highlands in 1308, and I loved every exquisitely realistic detail. I love historical romances that are true to the actual history, and it's clear the author has done a lot of research. This is a terrific story, one I highly recommend for anyone who loves historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Book: Highland Beast
By Amy Jarecki

Series: The King’s Outlaws, Book #3

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars/Saltire Flags

Scottish Highlands, 1308
The Lord of Lorn, grand niece and clan’s healer RhonaMacDougall is broken hearted her Great Uncle Alexander has to escape. Especially since he is elderly and not the hail and healthy leader he once was. He definitely should not be traipsing around the country in or out the country, although he hasn’t shared where exactly he was going. This was to keep Rhona safe and she was also a very bad liar, however if he didn’t escape the clutches of King Robert the Bruce and his men he would be sent to the gallows and most likely executed.

The MacDougall clan had sided with the English thinking their cousin Lord John Comyn III (The Red) of Badenoch whose grandsire John Balliol had been King 1292-1296 would be the next Scottish King. As he had the royal lineage except that cousin is in a cold grave stabbed to death by Robert the Bruce himself, before the altar at the church of the Greyfriars at Dumfries. Of course The MacDougall’s do not realize how Comyn had double crossed Robert and tried to murder him as he was only defending himself! The MacDougall’s have been enemies of the Scottish King and his knights, when all they want is peace and serenity.

What is even worse, Sir Arthur Campbell had lead the attack at Dunstaffnage and was honored the castle, surrounding land and constable and is the man now in charge of Rhona’s people and taking her Gran Uncle’s place. This is the man she previously loved, who once deserted and shattered her heart seven years ago! A former love who once owned her heart! Rhona became a healer after her husband of an arranged marriage was killed in a hunting accident. She herself had a left shoe with a platform of two inches to equalize her shorter leg. She feels this former love is now her enemy and has decided to do a few harmless tricks to put Arthur and Robert the Bruce’s men in their place.

Arthur was thrilled to receive this gift from King Robert the Bruce, mainly because it is where his one true love, Rhona MacDougall resides. He never stopped loving Rhona MacDougall and was even happier that she is no longer married and a widow, so he is determined to win her heart again! Except she sends him mixed messages every time he gets close to her! On top of that someone had put vinegar in the wine, made sure Robert the Bruce’s men only got cold baths and released prisoners who had viscously attacked Arthur and his men. So Arthur is devastated when he finds out his one true love is the culprit and by law he should be burning her at the stake, hanging her or torturing her, but he can’t look weak either. So what choice does this man have to end the life of the woman who owns his heart? How does he punish the woman who betrayed him and made him look like a fool, but he also loves. Can he end her life or is there another solution where he can still hold his head high to the people of Dunstaffnage? Will Rhona and her clan ever side with their new King Robert the Bruce without committing treason?

Amy Jarecki writes her third book in “The King’s Outlaws” series. This is a wonderful riveting story that I just couldn’t put down! It’s a second chance romance which are always so much fun to read! Again, it centers around Robert the Bruce’s warriors and the women that claim their hearts. On top of that it was an enemy clan who had sided with the English King! Plus this couple had a past romance that ended abruptly due to miscommunication. I love that the heroine is handicapped, but she does not let that slow her down in the least! Yet the hero has to make the hardest decision of his life after finding out the treachery committed by the woman he loves. Yet he feels like a broken man and ultimately deceived by the woman that owns his heart. A book they will grip historical romance readers, holds on and never lets you go, laced with deception, heartache, forgiveness and love. Plus my favorite ingredients in a story weaved with true Scottish history and a beautiful fictional romance. A book readers definitely don’t want to miss. You can read this as a stand-alone book or in book series order.

The King’s Outlaws series by Amy Jarecki
Highland Warlord
Highland Raider
Highland Beast

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Oliver-Heber publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Booksprout and Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.





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This tale was quite a wee adventure! Rhona is a healer whose loyalty is questionable. Arthur is the new constable of the castle, appointed by the Bruce. But they have a history that Rhona has never forgiven...

Ms. Jarecki weaves a grest tale and takes us to a Scotland at war. It's so well done!