Member Reviews
A fun cute read in the time of Vikings, this was an enjoyable read, and although I have not read the other books in this series, I didn’t feel as if I missed much. Cait and Gideon’s romance was not quite believable but when I read I can often suspend belief, especially if I am enjoying the storyline. Cait is a widow, who has started taking in children who have been orphaned but is having trouble trying enough to feed those children. She steals from Gideon who is one of the Four Brothers Sinclair who rule the land, but then with a guilty conscience tries to return the coins and is caught by Gideon. A fun quick read.
Gideon Sinclair, also known as the Horseman of Justice, meets a woman that not only challenges his rigid heart, but also his sense of right and wrong in Highland Justice, the third book in the Sons of Sinclair series.
Widowws Cait takes care of the village orphans and when circumstances allow her to relieve Gideon of his money for the children's sake, she also steals his ring by mistake. Only when she goes to return it, Gideon discovers her. Everything about Cait has him rethinking what he would typically do in this situation. I really liked this part where Gideon has to get over his right-or-wrong attitude. These two get some heat on too.
There aren't many big surprises in this story, it's a romantic period piece that is an easy read. Much of this is predictable, but entertaining at the same time. I've enjoyed all the book in this series from that perspective.
Although not having read the previous two in this series, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love the concept the author has created by bringing the Four Horsemen of Revelations to medieval Scotland. It's so unique and brings such a great touch to the world and the characterizations.
Firstly, the author did such a great job at (re)introducing the characters and their backstories without it becoming overwhelming or creating an info-dump. As someone unfamiliar with the world, it didn't take me very long to catch on for which I was grateful. The hints of the previous events in the series also make me want to go back and read from the beginning. I loved that I was able to immerse in the world so quickly without it becoming a drag.
I loved the characterization! Gideon's struggle with how he was raised and the ideology ingrained in him from his mad father was so interesting to read about. I loved the way he started to open up and see the world from a different perspective because of Cait. Cait's fierceness and determination was such a refreshing part of the book and I loved all of the scenes we were given of her with her children in the Orphan's Home. The romance lacked a bit of chemistry for me but I was overall satisfied with it.
Lastly, the pacing was slow at parts but I immensely enjoyed the ending, especially with all of the twists and treason that occurred. I also really liked how clear and easy it was to picture the battle/fight scenes that appear in the book.
Overall, this book delivered the medieval Scottish Highland romance I was looking for. I love its unique features and the way it's clear that the entire series is intricately woven together while each book still maintains its standalone readability. I can definitely see myself going back to read the previous two and I will be keeping an eye out for the next (and I assume final) book in this series featuring the Horsemen of Death.
The Horseman of Justice learns that not everything is black and white in Highland Justice. Gideon Sinclair was raised to believe things are right or wrong – no in between. He believes in law, order, and has no room for messiness. Cait Mackay knows nothing but messiness and complications; her life is lived in shades of grey. When the two cross paths there’s bound to be an explosion.
Gideon is a good man at his core, but his role in life was so drilled into him by his father that he has a hard time seeing the whole picture. As the new chief of Clan Mackay, he’s doing what he thinks is right to bring peace and wellbeing to his people but it’s clear from the start he’s missing some things. Cait opens his eyes to the messy reality of the world they live in. The survivor of an abusive marriage who now takes in orphans, Cait will do whatever it takes to see her children survive and thrive. She’s strong, smart, and determined – an easy heroine to like. I enjoyed watching her get past Gideon’s walls and to make him question what he’s always known. Gideon, in turn, is someone Cait can rely on. She’s self-sufficient but it’s wonderful that he can be there for her as an equal partner. The two of them just fit and watching them fall for each other was lovely.
Both Gideon and Cait are tested with the arrival of King James. Plots are afoot and both get mixed up in ways that could get them killed. How things work out I’ll leave readers to discover for themselves but suffice it to say that author Heather McCollum gives our protagonists a completely satisfying happily ever after. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Highland Justice. Cait and Gideon are both more than others think of them and it was a delight to see them realize it. I am very much looking forward to seeing what McCollum has in store for the youngest Sinclair, Bàs.
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, fast-paced and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
As the new chief of Clan Mackay, Gideon Sinclair knows the importance of maintaining order at any cost, after all he is The Horseman of Justice. But from the moment he meets Cait Mackay all of Gideon’s careful objectivity is well and thoroughly compromised. Cait knows that kissing the brawny Highlander is a dangerous game. It was bad enough she picked his pocket to feed the children in her care.
Gideon is the third Sinclair brother to find love & another well written page turner. I loved Gideon who saw things only in black or white until he met Cait who turned his world upside down. I also loved Cait who would do anything for her 'family'. I found this story built & built until I couldn’t put it down & finally at 3am I finished it. I loved how distrust turned to trust, there was no denying the chemistry between Gideon & Cait & their passion was so hot, she certainly wasn’t an ice maiden, their first bedroom scene ended with a crash!! I can't wait for Bas' story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
"... there before me was a black horse! It's rider holding a pair of scales in his hand." Revelations 6-5.
Gideon Sinclair was raised by his father as the Horseman of Justice. As the new Chief of Clan Mackay, he strives to keep the peace by using a swift sword for punishment. To him, justice is black and white from the lessons taught by his father, derived from books. Cait Mackay's home is the Orphans' Home. Cheated out of the new clan chief's promise for sources of food, she steals from Gideon, but gets caught when she tries to return it. Gideon comes face to face with a dilemma to save Cait's life. As Cait says, "the good things in life are messy." One man's struggle to give out justice with a compassionate heart and a woman who teaches him about love. Violence and humor.
4 1/2*STARS*
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Poignant, witty, clever historical romance; standalone but better read as a series
Third book in the “Sons of Sinclair” series which has fascinated me from the first book where we learn in his grief over his wife’s death, George Sinclair, patriarch of the Sinclair clan, begins to think of his four sons as the four Horsemen of the Book of Revelations: Cain is The Horseman of Conquest; Joshua of War; Bàs of Death and in our story of Gideon, The Horseman of Justice.
From the inception of his father’s rather bizarre behavior, Gideon has been groomed to read, study and learn all there is about meting out justice without favor or sway. Will Gideon who has always seen life in good and evil, right and wrong, be swayed by a petticoat? I highly recommend reading books one and two. You will see the transformation of Cain and Joshua when they meet their significant other as well as further explain why some things are happening.
By default, Cait Mackay runs an orphanage of sorts with several children and teens who have found their way to her hut and heart. She’s just a young thing herself but has been widowed and basically happy in her situation until she has tingles when meeting Gideon in the snow. He averts a near tragedy and they notice a bond they share. Will they let that bond grow? She is a strong woman in her own right. Will Gideon change that? What does Alistair have to do with any of this?
Hilarious in parts, poignant in others, this book comes highly recommended if you enjoy historical romance with just the right amount of sizzle. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled and NetGalley. I CANNOT wait for the book about The Horseman of Death, Bàs Sinclair.
***Just a note: I see where the author has changed Cait Mackay (as named in the ARC) to Christina MacKay in Goodreads since receiving my ARC.
The Horseman of Justice has a softer side! Cait and Gideon's love grows as she works off her stealing punishment.
What I really liked about this book that I got really hooked on it when King James came and all sorts of drama unfolded. The book really morphed from a romance into a suspense type book which was well appreciated. I has not read the previous books, but that didn't seem to matter since all of the characters really grew on me and plenty of details were given. I always love witty and brave characters (especially the female characters).
Of course the romantic scenes were plenty steamy and did not take away from the overall plot. This book was nicely balanced. The only thing I wished were a little different would have been getting to Cait's punishment a bit faster, the first few chapters were a bit on the slow side.
The next book will be interesting, the Horseman of Death finding love. Maybe Bas develops a softer side too!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Book three in the Son's of Sinclair series follows Gideon Sinclair, the Horseman of Justice. From the time he was a young boy Gideon was taught by his father to judge the fate of others. Because of this he sees everything in black and white, good or evil and doesn't know how to enjoy life. Now he's leading the Mackay people and most are terrified of his imposing nature.
Cait Mackay is a young widow and caretaker of village orphans. When she and Gideon meet during and emergency involving one the children in her care. Gideon is enchanted with the high spirited Cait and wants her to help him become more likable in the eyes of the Mackay people.
I like that this book shows more lighthearted times with the Sinclair family than the first two books. It was nice seeing the family enjoying festivities. The steam level in the book was also great. Overall I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one in the series. I've been very interested in learning more about Bas, the youngest Sinclair and am curious about what kind of Lady will win his heart!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Highland Justice is the third book in the 'Sons of Sinclair' series and it's about Gideon Sinclair, the "Horseman of Justice."
As usual, Heather McCollum's writing hooked me from beginning to end.
The whole series focuses on how each of the brothers breaks out from their father's mold and find their own path of duty and happiness. Throw in steam, and you have an exciting read. At first, Gideon is extremely rigid in his beliefs, but all that gets called into question when he meets Christina. His journey of self-discovery is probably the best I've read in the series, and it was so fulfilling reading his arc.
This book deals with a lot more court politics than other historical romances. But McCollum's writing seamlessly connects it all together in Gideon's and Christina's sizzling love story. Can't wait for the next book in the series. Bas has been such an intriguing character from Book 1 and we will finally get his book next!!!
This continues the wonderful series about the Sinclair brothers known as the four horsemen. Gideon is the horseman of justice and the most diplomatic of all the brothers. The author starts each chapter by sharing an interesting excerpt from a historical legal text which is how Gideon got all his wisdom. Cait is a widow who is raising orphans in the village. During these perilous times and with treachery afoot, Cait manages to slip under Gideon’s armor. The story explores love and forgiveness. It also shows that people are not destined to be any one thing because that is what they are told. Gideon and Cait find the light in each other and build a big and unique family from the experience.
The Sons of Sinclair series is getting better by the book. I didn't like Gideon in the first two books because he always seemed too uptight to be likable, but McCollum manages to make the fact that he's uptight the thing that you like about him.
It's a story of two very different people realizing that they're perfect for each other precisely because they're so different. Cait is a lot more carefree and willing to see the world in shades of gray when it means being able to provide for those she cares about. It makes putting her up against black-or-white Gideon feel like more of a challenge for them both because they have to be willing to accept that there are times when different views make for better results.
The plot is full of romance, action, intrigue, and characters that breathe in the page and make you care about everything that's going on with them. A great addition to a series that I've enjoyed from the very beginning, and I do not have words to express just how excited I am that this might mean we'll finally be getting Bas' book. I need it now!
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for the exciting romance read!
This was a lovely historical romance between a man who is always right and likes justice and a woman who bends a rule or two even if it means stealing from the man of Juatice himself.
Christina is a widow who dedicated her life to orphaned children. In one encounter she meets handsome Gideon and in desperation steals from him. When guilty conscience knocks, she decides to return the stolen money to her owner by sneaking into his room. At that moment she gets caught by Gideon and he punishes her by helping him decorate the castle. He is not usually so easy on the punishing but something about her made his walls come down.
Anyway, the story is very steamy but it also has lots of drama. I’d say that it intrigued me enough but I didn’t like how he felt he’s above all and how he’s the one to punish people because his dad called him Horseman of Justice. This was not a formal title, Gideon just took it as one and decided he was the one who will punish people for his crimes. It didn’t feel right for him to have so much power and this is the one thing I disliked about Gideon.
I love the Sons of Sinclair series! Heather McCollum just gets better with each book. Yes, each is a stand-alone, but I have so enjoyed reading them in succession.
Highland Justice has Gideon continuing as the Horseman of Justice. He returns to Varrich Castle as the Chief with a mess around him as he tries to determine what has been happening in his absence. Along the way he meets Cait and her orphans. They turn his life and rules upside down as Gideon learns more about himself and the people he is to rule.
I love the way Heather incorporates Biblical prophecy, the Scottish people, customs and history in this entertaining look at clan life. Truly looking forward to how romance tilts Bas’, Horseman of Death, life on its axis!
Will they find a common path when they each stand at one opposite edge of the road …
I read so many books every year I often have to check when a new one in a series I follows comes out. But every books I have read so far by the author I remember, that in itself proves they all deserve a medal and are worth the read.
So now it is Gideon’s tale, the uncompromising Horseman of Justice, a man who sees like as wrong or right, black and white. He is investigator, attorney, judge and jury to every case presented to him. And while he believes he is fair in his every rendered verdict, there is no in-between or shades of grey for him, he sees in term of guilty, not guilty.
But life is on a mission to teach him quite a lesson of tolerance and acceptance that behind many people’s deeds and errors they are circumstances they would have avoided if they had any other choice.
Cait knows perfectly the wrong of her actions but it is the difference between life and death, she chooses survival. Still when she realizes the man she has stolen from is the renowned Horseman of Judgment, she knows she can not keep her bounty, else she will her recomposed family will suffer. But getting caught, she did not expect.
So the wrath of the man of laws and rules she will face as she dared cross his path, but she won’t go down quietly.
I loved them together, Gideon is one to sentence everyone’s act certain he has all the answers when he lacks the knowledge that led people to the extreme of their actions. He condemns without mercy. Cait will show him not all wrongs are done with evil in mind, most are the result of the need to live one more day. But Cait too will learn from their proximity, to trust outside her close knitted family, to accept she alone can not feed, care for, save, protect her kin.
This is not the action packed story of the previous books, it is more on the slow burn side as while the chemistry between is instantaneous, Gideon has to gain her confidence and trust, he learns to add more shades to his colors scale, to assess all and every facts before making a decision and Cait must have faith in him to do the right thing for her even when she knows it goes against how he has been wired.
5 stars for this wonderful tale of love, trust and resilience.
Bàs’ story is now the next to come, one I have anticipate since the first book in this series. It will be quite a ride.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Trying to find balance between justice and love
Gideon is the most dedicated of the four Sinclair sons, fully dedicated to their roles as the Four Horsemen from the Bible as drilled into them by their now-deceased father. He has had to find his own self-worth through his application of justice, yet when he meets the desperate yet beloved Cait Mackay, he starts to question just who he is and who he has to be.
Cait's life has been anything but just, yet she's become a compassionate, caring leader who runs a small orphanage and will do quite literally anything to provide for her young charges. She demonstrates that wisdom, patience, and mercy are essential to true justice, and she challenges him to do the right thing, regardless of what the rules say.
I loved their slow, sensuous love story, and I actually laughed out loud at the events that relegated the king to the second-best quarters in the castle! I adored the inclusion of historical figures, including King James, and the author's inclusion of quotes from various laws throughout history was elucidating and provided great context for the dilemmas that Gideon faced. I loved the emphasis on learning and the value of books, and welcomed the timely commentary on today's politics.
This is a tremendously satisfying continuation of the Sons of Sinclair series, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Maybe 4.5 stars
Gideon Sinclair, the third son of George Sinclair and known as the Horseman of Justice is returning to Varrich Castle when he comes upon a woman twirling in the falling snow. He approaches and she tries to cover up what she is doing, but when one of her children screams for help – they both follow the sound and Gideon saves a much younger woman from drowning. He insists on taking her home.
Widow Cait Gunn Mckay is terrified that her sister Willa might take ill and die, so much so that she decides to steal some coin from their rescuer, but soon realizes that she stole his ring as well – a ring proclaiming him to be the Horseman of Justice. Worried that he will discover the theft and come for her – leaving her adopted children defenseless. She uses her skills to enter his rooms to return the ill-gotten goods and is caught. But a bone-melting kiss enables her to escape out his window. But Gideon is on to the Orphan’s home matron. He catches her and is ready to pass judgment – but to his shock, the villagers rally around her and make Gideon begin to rethink not only her punishment but his calling.
He is merciful with her and they form a friendship, which quickly becomes more and has Gideon wondering if things are not as black and white as he always assumed. HEA begins to look like a possibility, but when the king arrives and whispers of treason abound, Gideon will have to choose between the woman he has come to love and the king he has sworn to serve.
This third book in the series is an adventure, filled with memorable characters, steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, cameos from the other “Horsemen”, lots of villains, a heroine with a unique talent and a big heart, a hero who learns the real meaning of justice, lots of action and a few laughs to keep the book from being too intense. I did think the book started slow and was a little repetitious with the “Horsemen” references, but once Gideon and Cait meet, things get interesting and the pace picks up. This is the third book in the series and could be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the series in order. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I am happy to recommend this title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
This is the third book in the Sons of Sinclair series. This is the story of Gideon.
Gideon and his brothers have been seemed the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". Gideon is the Horseman of Justice
There is no black and white in Gideon's mind. Either your guilty or you're not. There is no grey area and no extenuating circumstances. He is very rigid andby the book.
Along comes Cait. She is the opposite of Gideon. She is a free spirit with an open, kind heart.
The attraction between them is instant. The testing of them is instant. Cait steals some gold coins from Gideon to get medicine for her sister. But she feels bad and trys to return them and gets caught returning them. This is the first of many times that Gideon must decide whether a situation with Cait is as balck and white as it seems.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a lot of action and romance. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Highland Justice is Book 3 in the Sons of Sinclair series. It is a series, but can be read as a standalone
I enjoyed the character arc of the hero Gideon Sinclair. We see him gradually transforming from being a rigid rule-follower to letting his heart rule him. Christina, The heroine is a sweet and strong young widow who is very likeable as a character.
The conflict comes when Gideon has to bend his strong sense of justice when Christina is accused of sealing and much more.
This is an enjoyable story full of hunky highlanders, sweet heroines, precocious children, and spirited animals.