thanks to entangled publishing for providing me this ARC through netgalley!

This was the first book i’ve ready by Heather McCollum but it’s the third in her Sons of Sinclair series. Even though i haven’t read the others in this series, i did not feel lost or confused. all key characters were introduced and it felt like a stand alone.

I rated a 3.5 - the story was solid. we follow the third sinclair brother through his process of unlearning what he believed his whole life about his purpose and how he had to be- things engrained by his father and his want for his fathers approval. he meets and falls in love with cait- a woman traumatized by a forced marriage, now widowed and caring for the villages orphans. they fall in love. pretty cut and dry. the spice scenes were 2/5- there but not many; short and fairly tame.

*spoiler*

there were interesting overtones when it came to the assassination plot on the king. because this is a historic story, there are references to religion and historic laws/texts that started to weave the potential for deeper plot points, but since that isn’t the point of this story, they were wrapped up quickly.

This is the third book in the Sons of Sinclair series, but each can be read as a standalone. I read and loved Joshua's story in the second book and I was really excited for Gideon's story! I'm happy to say I was not disappointed!

As the Horseman of Justice, Gideon follows the letter of the law at all times. He doles out punishments and sentences based on what he feels is just and fair, based on both experience and copious amounts of time reading books. Cait, on the other hand, doesn't see the world in black and white. She understands the reality of all the grey areas that life holds and is unafraid to do what is necessary for those she loves regardless of how morally grey her actions may be.

I absolutely loved these two together. They complemented each other perfectly, both teaching the other something of value and importance. Gideon's view of the world becomes more flexible, and Cait begins to see herself as someone worthy of love.

There are a few arcs in the story that bring some tension and excitement, but overall it's a happy story. I like this author's writing style, and the little unique elements she adds to her stories to keep a reader turning the pages. I am quite looking forward to Bas's story - I have a feeling it may become my favorite of the series!

“The world is not so orderly…people and lives are messy with emotions and reasons not everyone knows….”

Being raised as one of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, Gideon Sinclair has been known and feared for being the harbinger of justice…no one was above the law, and Gideon stood before those accused as both their judge and if need be, executioner. So, when he stumbles upon a thief in his bedchamber, he’s ill prepared for the kiss he’s given by the lass and even more surprised to discover she’s non-other than Cait MacKay, the same beauty he had met in the woods. As Gideon works towards rebuilding the trust between the Sinclair and MacKay Clans, he's continuously drawn to Cait and her strength, compassion and beauty. But when she’s accused by one of King James’ men of treason, can Gideon let go of his years of training being the Horseman of Justice, or will his heart tip the scales…

Heather McCollum has become my one click must read for highland romance and adventure! With her the Sons of Sinclair series, I totally keep adding highland hotties to my book boyfriend list! Loved and highly recommend!




**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

This is the third book in one of my favorite series and is my favorite historical romance. McCollum does it again by taking me back in time to the time of the Highlanders. Every new addition to the Sons of Sinclair series gets better and better.

Gideon was a character that I wasn't a fan of in the other books. He was very against love and this one really redeemed him. Highland Justice showed that Gideon isn't just this asshole that was trying to keep his brothers in line with their father's goal. Cait was a fresh of breath air from Gideon. She was just so different and then also was someone that was willing to do anything for the children she cared for. Her adoption of all the children shares that she loves them so much that she would do anything for them, which is proven later on in the book.

I overall really enjoyed Highland Justice. It wasn´t my favorite in the series because I can not name a favorite out of the three. I can´t wait to read the next Son of Sinclair.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for letting me this amazing book.

I enjoyed this book.

The story was alright but the mix between modern and period speech kind of threw me off. I also would have preferred to have more Scottish accented words and more Galic phrases to emphasize that we’re in Scotland.

Overall, I enjoyed where the story took me and that is where my rating comes from.

I think this is my first by this author (sorry - right now I have a muddy memory) and I loved it.

The laws included at the start of each chapter awed me. I re-read them again and again after finishing the book. Well researched book with an intriguing story line.

Gideon and Cait were strong characters and their chemistry was very good.

4.5 stars for a very good read.


Note:
Received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Though its the 3rd book in series, I could it read as a standalone. However, it would be good to read the previous books to relate better to the characters.

Gideon Sinclair, is know as the horseman of justice for the Sinclair clan. His clan recently has conquered the MacKays. He's on the way to become clan leader and make them part of his clan. On the way to the seat her runs in to Christina MacKay. Christina runs a home for orphans for the Mackay clan. her younger sister also lives with her. when her sister accidently falls in the river Gideon saves her. he takes her to where the orphan home is.
'Christina fearing that her sister will need more help pumps into him on the way out grabbing three coins and a ring that is precious to him. He realized it later on that night Christina tries to cli,mb up to return everything she took from him. When he realizes Christina is the one in his room and is the theif he has to judge her. I love this book I just reviewed Highland Justice by Heather McCollum. #HighlandJustice #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Book: Highland Justice
By Heather McCollum
Series: Sons of Sinclair, Book #3
Publisher: Entangled
Page Length: 330
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

The Sons of Sinclair saga continues with the third installment of the Sons of Sinclair.

This story centers around the third Sinclair son, or what the deceased Sinclair Laird George would call his sons, the Horsemen of war. After his wife died in childbirth, with his fourth son, he was filled with grief and became a bit eccentric and insane. He renamed all his sons from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

They are figures in the Christian religion, first appearing in the Old Testament's prophetic Book of Zechariah and in the Book of Ezekiel, where they are named as punishments from God, and later in the New Testament's final book, Revelation, an apocalypse written by John of Patmos. Gideon Sinclair is the God of God of equality/ balance why he had a set of scales in his bedchamber. Also know as the Horsemen of Justice.

Now The Sons of Sinclair saga continues with the third installment of the Sons of Sinclair…

Scotland, 1590
Gideon Sinclair saw things as black and white, it was right or it was wrong, it was good or it was evil. There were no in betweens or grey areas or undecided. Now that they had overtaken the battling MacKays he was trying to merge them with Clan Sinclair. He could pass judgement without mercy and that was until he met Cait MacKay. A woman he first meets by saving her drowning younger sister. How does she replay him? By stealing his new gold ring he had just gifted all his siblings for Hogmanay and taking
three shillings which he had caught and must punish the woman he desires for her crimes.

Cait MacKay was a widow and was forced into an unhappy marriage when she was only fifteen summers . Now with an older woman Cait runs an orphans home. Yet they are starving and cold because she refused the MacKay Clan’s Steward’s advances so he wasn’t giving them the food and supplies Gideon had ordered. Yet Cait will do anything to save and protect her children.


Gideon Sinclair did not want the MacKay clan to view him as a monster. Yet he did believe people should be punished for crimes and dishonesty. Soon this woman who dances in the snow, does aerial flying in the trees, making Gideon turns his head like no other. She cares for mistreated forgotten orphans and cares for them like a mother. As she had never been able to conceive which her dead husband reminded her on a daily basis. Yet she would kill, steal or die for her orphaned children.

Cait starts to see this Highlander of Justice in a different light as he tries to help her and her family. Excepts in the middle of the Hogmanay celebration king James visits and someone want to set up someone she cares deeply for as a scapegoat for a treasonous attack! Will Gideon be able to save Cait and those she loves by turning away from his convictions and belief’s. Read and find out!

Another phenomenal story by my go to author Heather McCollum. Another breathtaking story that totally swept me away! I loved so many things in the awe-inspiring magnificent read! It is filled with the brutal reality of children losing parents at such a young age. In this time period and this situation many children would end up on the streets. Luckily this wonderful inspiring heroine with a big warm golden heart found and saved these neglected orphans. Plus she would do anything to protect them even if it meant surrendering herself and putting her life on the line. As for Gideon who had been trained at a young age you are either good or bad. Yet once this woman who had been sold into an unwanted marriage at such a young age opened his heart. Gideon began to understand that maybe there are other possibilities and grey areas. After all we are all only human and sometimes decisions are made under extenuating circumstances.

Yes I absolutely loved this story and it a riveting fast paced, action packed romantic adventure filled with espionage, treason, murder, arrests, imprisonment, betrayal, robbery, honesty, trust, caring, passion love and so much more. I loved this book so much from start to finish and can’t wait to read Bás story next! This is definitely a story not to be missed that I highly recommend!

You can read as a stand alone book but I highly recommend to read every book in this series. I think readers will get a better understanding of the characters and the Sinclair brothers relationship and kinship to each other. Plus their relationship to their sister Hannah too. This book was absolutely phenomenal!

Sons of Sinclair Series
1)Highland Conquest
2)Highland Warrior
3)Highland 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.

Buy Links:

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https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-justice/id1567913645

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?_bbid=44764181&_bbreg=us&_bbtype=blog&id=b9IuEAAAQBAJ

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Gideon Sinclair is the third son of the dead Laird of the Sinclair clan. His father claimed he was the Horseman of Justice, from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His oldest brother, Cain, was the Horseman of Conquest. Joshua was the Horseman of War and the youngest man, Bas, was the Horseman of Death. Their father was a very cruel man and he treated Gideon like he was disappointed in him. They had just conquered the MacKay clan and were trying to join the two clans together, but Gideon was having some trouble.

Cait MacKay had an Orphan's home for children who lost their parents. She and Rhona took care of her sister and three other children. Cait was a widow married to a not-so-nice man. She knew how to use her knives and she was an acrobat. She was also the kindest person. This was a Romantic, fun, and steamy story. I loved the way the Mackay's defended Cait when she was caught doing something she shouldn't. The sweet way they looked at each other and the difficulty trusting him. The tale was easy to read and kept you engaged in the story. The characters were great and interacted well. It was a vibrant book.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

ARC received for review

DNF

It was boring and slow, and I wasn't interested. I don't want to read any more.

Thank you Net Galley and publisher for the ARC, Highland Justice by Heather McCollum. I have read many highlander books in my time and this book has everything you could ask for! I absolutely loved it. Great hero and heroine and fascinating enemies!. Highly recommend. This one is part of a series and is #3 but can be easily read as a Standalone.

I always like a HR set in Scotland. However I am not too much of a fan of insta-love ones.

Also, ok that if I read historical romance I am also probably a bit of dreamer, but the horsemen of the apocalypse is a bit too far stretched for my tastes. The hero is way too self-righteous and slightly on the delusional side of things a times.
But, despite the insta-love I liked the chemistry between the protagonists.

A great historical fiction romance set in the Scottish hills. Little action, lies, loyalty , and of course romance.
Cait has not had an easy life, and now she is running an orphan house on the edge of the castle, trying to manage to feed and care for these abandoned kids she calls her own.
Gideon Sinclair, the new laird, is trying to connect with his people, show him that he is more than just the Horseman of Justice he was brought up to be. But how can he change his reputation while still holding onto the respect of the people?
When the two meet, things start to fall into place for Gideon. He realizes he may have put his trust in the wrong person, and to regain the loyalty of the clan he will have to right his wrongs. But one thing he cannot give up is Cait.
When King James arrives unannounced, it is soon obvious that there is a plot to overthrow him, and all the blame is being placed on one of Cait's orphans. Can Gideon let go of his beliefs long enough to rescue Jack and win over Cait once and for all?
Great story, flows easily and reads quickly.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Gideon Sinclair, The Horseman of Justice, is fair, precise, fastidious, and likes order and obedience. Cait Mackay is kind, stubborn, bold, and thrives on disorder and chaos. Two opposites attract as they battle wills and slowly convince each other they are not the enemy. However, there is treason afoot that threatens Cait and Gideon’s budding relationship when King James of Scotland comes to visit and one of Cait’s orphan children is falsely accused of thievery. It seems that someone is testing the loyalty of the Sinclair brothers for the King, but with Gideon’s excellent sleuthing skills and brilliant deductive reasoning he will find the evildoers… hopefully, before Cait decides to take matters into her own hands.

The Sinclair brothers were dubbed the Four Horsemen by their grieving and angry father. Cain is the Horseman of Conquest, Joshua is the Horseman of War, Gideon is the Horseman of Justice, and Bas is the Horseman of Death. They were trained by their father to be feared by their people, but they are not what they seem. It’s the women in their lives that know the men behind the masks. This is Gideon’s story and his heart will be stolen along with his coins and his ring, by a fearless widow and advocate for orphans who challenges Gideon’s every move.

Cait and Gideon surprise each other at every turn as they stand by their word and learn to trust. The constant challenging and verbal sparring is fun and enlightening, the passion is sensual, and their fight to better the world with justice and decency is admirable. Cait is fearless when she owns up to her transgressions and confronts the formidable Gideon head-on. Gideon treats Cait as an equal by being amenable to her needs and even amending laws for her. Gideon’s awkwardness of trying to set the Mackay Clan at ease by organizing an end-of-year festival is hilarious. His dry wit and menacing facial expressions as well as his commanding tone get him in trouble more than not and Cait’s annoying award/penalty point system keeps him on his toes. Cait’s surprising agility of scurrying down ropes and welding knives is refreshing and a big turn-on for the big chief. The little “thief” coaxes her way into his heart and the kind “tyrant” woos her with his unrefined charm and mindful clemency. He breaks the rules for her. It appears another horseman has met his match.

Cait’s orphan children are adorable and her friends are loyal as they testify to her good character and best intentions. Gideon’s brothers Cain and Joshua are happily married to strong women and Bas is questioning his purpose in life as much as Gideon. I can’t wait for Bas’s story.

The ancient laws added at the beginning of each chapter are a clever look at how justice was served throughout the ages as Gideon deals with his conscience and mediates punishment after listening to Cait’s logical arguments for fairness and equity.

I recommend this book to people who love historical romances set in Scotland, enjoy strong, independent lasses that can verbally challenge the biggest and most formidable warriors, delight in humorous and sensual trists, and thrive on intrigue and surprising twists and turns.

Book 3 in the Sons of Sinclair series can be read alone, but I suggest you read all of the books to learn what makes all of The Horseman tick.

Thank you to Ms. McCollum for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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

Highland Justice commenced with quotes from the book of Revelation. Not your typical start for a historical romance set in Scotland, but most definitely an intriguing way to pull me into the story. Two stories precede this instalment which I had not read. My compliments to the author providing the backstory interestingly, avoiding a long, drawn-out account filling endless pages of the novel.

This story was a romance between Gideon the Horseman of Justice. As you can imagine, when we first meet Gideon, there is right and wrong and nothing in between. He starts the story by reminding his brothers of their roles as the four horsemen intent on ruling Scotland. Only the two older brothers have found love and family and perhaps have found a purpose aside from power. Gideon has a new holding and a clan who are not thrilled with their new laird. Along comes Cait with her baggage. An unpleasant marriage to a cold man who convinced her she was barren and frigid. So guess what, readers? I think Gideon will put that false belief to bed most effectively.

The story was great fun when Gideon began to grasp the concept of grey areas in the law and justice, ably assisted by the gorgeous acrobatic Cait.

What I enjoyed about this story the most was the era's politics. The story is set in the years leading up to Queen Elizabeth's 1 approaching death and the fact that King James of Scotland expects to be named the successor to the throne. King James fears the four brothers, their land, and their power and arrives during Hogmanay festivities hosted by Gideon to win over his new clan and demystify the horseman of Justice. And James comes wanting to be Gideon's first footer for the new year. Manipulative courtiers surround James, all plotting to achieve power. It was such an intriguing read. Each chapter started with a quote from common law, Scottish law, English law. These laws certainly clarify how little power women had against accusations, assaults, and living an independent life.

I also congratulate the author for holding back on attempts at Scottish linguistics. I'm not too fond of books awash in Ochs, ken, lassies, etc.

This is not a fast read, but it's an intensely romantic and absorbing story. My only complaint was that the author relied on narrative sometimes, and reading became laborious. However, most of the story is a cracking fascinating read.

Thank you, Entangled Publishing for offering me this advanced reader copy.

DNF at 54%

Both of my previous reads from this author were 4 or 4.5 stars, so it pains me to DNF this one. It just isn’t working for me, though.

Not a ton in particular wrong with it. Just not holding my attention. I’ve been trying for about six weeks but can’t seem to make any progress.

The “four horseman” thing is interesting, but ended up being a bit forced/convoluted for my taste.

The use of “jack” as the primary penis euphemism basically ruined the sex scene for me. A little thing, but pulled me right out of it.

I don’t care about the drama with the King at all, and it seems like the plot is pivoting toward that for the second half.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and left this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Not everyone is what they seem in this heartwarming story about discovering what lengths we will go to for the ones we love.

Cait is a widow who has opened her home to orphaned children after her horrible husband dies. One thing leads to another, due to dire circumstances, and Cait is left with little choice but to pick pocket some coins off of Gideon when she first meets him. This less than flattering encounter puts Cait in the crosshairs of a very brutal warrior.

Gideon is a man who sought out the approval of his father from the time he was a boy, and grew to be a man who perpetuated his father's notions through his brutal tactics. When Gideon meets Cait, he is swept into turmoil about something other than clans, battles, and ruling with an iron fist. She softens his edges and brings a consciousness to his actions that were overshadowed by a belligerent father.

The steam level was on par and I have to add a disclaimer that a bedpost may have been harmed in the making of this romance!

Gideon and Cait were on fire for one another. It was delightful to watch their growing attachment and Gideon’s evolution from the “Horseman of Justice” to just a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was a man that did not know-until he found Cait-that he needed an intelligent and kind woman to help him find his way back to the honorable man he was at his very core.

I highly enjoyed these two main characters. They were hurt by the words and expectations of others, and found their way out of the lies they were told in order to grow in trust and love with one another. This can read as a stand-alone, but for me it took about a quarter of the way in to get a feel for who was who and the political dynamics of the Sinclair’s and the MacKay clan. I look forward to reading more by Heather McCollum and I highly recommend this book!

I voluntarily read and review an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It has been a long while since I read a historical romance novel set in Scotland. 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 by Heather McCollum took me back to one of my favorite types of romance reads, the first kind I actually ever read.

Gideon and Cait’s love story is part of the Sons of Sinclair series that follows the four Sinclair brothers. I read this as a standalone, never having read the first two books and enjoyed it immensely. Would I have preferred to read all the books in order? Yes, but only because I really enjoyed this book and the characters from the earlier books present in this story.

Gideon and Cait are polar opposites and I was very much interested in both of them. He’s an incredibly strong and opinionated man who is in control of everything. His world is very monochromatic. Cait is a blast of energy and life. Her exuberance knows no bounds and she is strong despite the hand life dealt her. They meet and everything changes for the both of them. She brings out the best in him and he gives her love and stability. They are perfect together.

I enjoyed reading 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 and am giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Who doesn’t love a Scottish romance ,especially with a alpha males and a strong women. Caitlin has had a hard life and she has vowed to never marry and take care of the orphans in her village like her own. She has kept her vow until Gideon came along. Gideon has been taught to be judge and jury. Laws and rules are in place to keep order and he is the ultimate issuer of judgement.

I loved the dynamic between Cait and Gideon. I was invested in there happiness and their love working out. They definitely had a lot against them

I wasn't z big fan of the horseman element however understand the importance with regards to Gideon past and development..

An awesome romance. I would be interested in reading the other brothers.

I was drawn into this vividly detailed story and found it wonderfully enjoyable. I really like historical romance and this one absolutely didn’t disappoint.

This was my first novel by Ms. McCollum; it definitely won’t be my last.

When I originally began this story, I was clueless as to the fact that it’s part of a series (it’s book 3 of Sons of Sinclair). Once I discovered my mistake, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book at all. This worked easily as a stand-alone, but I am planning on reading the previous titles as well, given my enjoyment of this.