It’s been three years since Magnus Mackenzie visited Dunbeath Castle to visit the Sinclairs, with whom he fostered, and his older half-sister, Siusan, who is their lady. He’s just narrowly managed to avoid a marriage that would have made him miserable and needs some time away from his role within his own clan to get over that trauma. He’s certainly not expecting his reaction when the beautiful woman he encounters outside the gates turns out to be Lady Saoirse Sinclair all grown up.

Saoirse had a fondness for Magnus when she was younger, enjoying his kindness and jovial nature. But the man who has just arrived for a visit stirs totally new feelings in her now that she’s older. Her family remain skeptical because of the age difference between them, causing them to be less than supportive of the couple’s growing feelings for one another. But when Magnus’ life is threatened by an illness Saoirse can’t identify, she calls on all her skills as a healer to save the man she loves and ensure they have a chance at the future they’ve planned.

I loved this book so much! It is rare for me lately, mostly since I’m always behind on arcs, to not want to put a book down simply because I’m enjoying the story, but that was very much the case here. I needed to know what happened next and didn’t want to stop reading. Magnus and Saoirse were perfect together and I loved that the conflict of the story was not between them but derived from other characters and circumstances. These two fought so hard to be together and it was impossible not to root for them. I found Saoirse’s introvert tendencies to be extremely relatable, as well as her inner backbone. She handled situations much the way I tend to, and I think that also helped draw me into the story and made me even more invested. Saoirse is what an independent heroine should be. She could clearly hold her own and take care of herself when necessary, but she also had no problems leaning on her husband when she needed him. She didn’t hesitate to stand up for herself and her relationship when her parents doubted their true feelings because of the age gap between them, and she was defensive of her man as well. Magnus’ backstory was so emotional and so well-handled, and I think so needed because this sort of thing just doesn’t get much attention (I won’t say more for fear of spoilers). These two seemed to have a true partnership, even if their relationship was forged relatively quickly, and I loved seeing them working together as a real team and presenting a united front to overcome all the challenges they faced. This is the sort of romance I most enjoy reading. It had plenty of steam, some suspense to keep my attention, main characters I loved, a supporting cast/family that was equally endearing, and an ending that gave me the warm fuzzies of satisfaction. In short, all the elements that are typically catnip for me. I can’t wait for the next story in this series now.

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

This is a wonderful book for those of us who love being in love. It’s the love that has been sitting there smoldering over a number of years between two people. I really enjoyed how the story ofMagnus and Saoirse was told. I did get a little lost in the family relations and the all to similar names, but that didn’t take away from the thrill of the book. I really got into the book with my imagination and my thrill of becoming engaged with the book. The adventure, the mystery, the joy and the romance was splendid. I was entertained for many hours. The writer did a spectacular job with this love story.

The Review
Saoirse Sinclair grew up surrounded by the enormous Sinclair Clan. She is the eldest daughter of Alex Sinclair and is very shy and reserved. She keeps to herself as the healer for the clan. Magnus Mackenzie had the opposite upbringing, so when his sister married into the Sinclair family, he and his brother, Seamus, became foster kids to the clan as well. They spent their formative years with the clan and actually spent a lot of time looking after Saoirse and the younger children.

When Magnus comes to visit the Sinclair clan after six years and barely escaping a betrothal to a horrible woman, he is immediately taken back by Saoirse’s beauty and personality now that she is more woman than child. However, her family has a big problem with their change in relationship and the almost 15 year age difference. They sneak about seeing each other and try to show their families that they are serious about their feelings.

The real adventure begins when Magnus suddenly becomes sick and Saoirse must figure out what is wrong and take care of him. When it turns out to be poison, the clan must unravel the puzzle of who could be trying to kill Magnus!

Another great story from Celeste Barclay. Her stories read so smoothly, the romances so believable, and the adventures very exciting! I’ve yet to read a book of hers that I don’t just devour! And, bonus points, because I am ALWAYS sad when the story concludes!

I have yet to read the original Sinclair series, so I’m excited to dive in to those soon!

Tropes
Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scotland, Gamma Hero, Highland Warrior Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Knife-Wielding Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Bath/Shower Steam, Age Gap Romance, Forbidden Romance, Friends to Lovers, Abduction/Kidnapped, Mystery Romance, Nursed Back to Health, Suspene/Danger/Murder

This is the third novel of the intriguing and delightful The Clan Sinclair series. Like the others, this book captivated me and I was immediately pulled into the story, keeping me immersed and engaged till the end. After escaping a doomed betrothal, Magnus travels back to the clan he fostered with for a visit. Saoirse, the little girl he remembers from his earlier days with the clan, is no longer little and has grown into a beautiful young woman. Speaking of young, there is quite an age gap between the two, but that doesn't stop the feelings they are developing for each other. Magnus loses his heart to Saoirse, but he may lose more than that when her disapproving family try to discourage their union. The plot thickens when the effect of his escaped betrothal follows him to his clan home. The storyline had me glued till the end, anxious to find out how the story ends.
This was an entertaining and well-written story with strong characters. The chemistry between the characters was great, and I enjoyed following their story.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Celeste Barclay has written another great story with characters that are easy to relate too and a plot that kept me entertained from beginning to end! Clan Sinclair is back in all its glory, a family full of stubborn yet sexy highland men - some things these guys get up to had me shaking my head. I have enjoyed this series and recommend the books when you are looking for a light, low angst, sexy romance.

Overall rating 3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts, opinions, and statements are my own and bias free. I am not being paid for the review🦄

Highland Jewel by Celeste Barclay is the third book of the Clan Sinclair Legacy. Magnus Mackenzie is eager to return to Dunbeath Castle to see his half-sister Siùsan after nearly three years. He is completely unprepared for running into Saoirse Sinclair, who has done quite a bit of growing up. Saoirse and Magnus find themselves feeling for each other in a way they never have before. Saoirse’s family doesn’t agree with their relationship because of the age gap.

There was definitely a lot going on in this book. The main plot was the relationship between Magnus and Saoirse, which I enjoyed the most. There was clan drama and opposition. I liked how determined Saoirse was to help Magnus recover, and how determined they were to prove their love was real.

The third book in the Clan Sinclair Legacy series. Magnus Mackenzie and Saoirse Sinclair an older man younger woman highland story. It is well written with a very good storyline, the story flowed smoothly across the pages. There is suspense, drama, danger, villains of both genders, and an enduring love. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I liked the romance and the overall plot in this book! The romance between Magnus and Saoirse was definitely steamy like many of the other Sinclairs.

The plot lines were well done in this book from the tension due to the age gap between Magnus and Saoirse, the illness/mystery, and brave battle. The women in this series are also always brave and come into their own.

The part I struggled a bit with was the crazy number of characters and trying to keep track of how everyone was related. I think that if I hadn't read previous books I really would have struggled. There is a family tree in the front of the book, but constantly referring to it would have distracted me too much.

I am liking this series so far and am curious what characters will have their own book next.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Magnus Mackenzie hasn’t been to Dunbeath Castle in nearly three years. Eager to see the clan he fostered with and to visit with his half-sister, Siùsan, he welcomes a trip to visit the Sinclairs. Barely escaping a doomed betrothal, Magnus intends to put the near disaster behind him. He’s unprepared for the beautiful woman he meets just beyond the castle gates. Saoirse Sinclair is not the lass he remembers. Saoirse was fond of Magnus when she was a child but the man who arrives to stay with her family stirs feelings in her that he never has before. Saoirse’s family is less than supportive as the couple draws closer. But when an inexplicable illness threatens to steal Magnus from her, Saoirse is determined to use her healing skills to protect the man she loves and the future they plan together.
Whilst this is the third book in the series it’s very easily read on its own. I love that the author has created her own Highland world, which is a delightful mix of fact & fiction. The characters have depth & you either love them or hate them. I loved both Magnus & Saoirse who fell hard & fast for each other but their road to a HEA wasn’t easy with opposition, strange illnesses, betrayal but it did make for an engrossing read, which often had me on the edge of my seat – I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Another amazing Sinclair story!

Celeste Barclay is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for medieval Highlander romances. The characters are vibrantly portrayed, the tension is palpable, and the action is intense. Filled with themes of duty, honor, and justice, these stories are thoroughly captivating and left me with such a huge book hangover. The author's valuable preface highlights the incredible attention to detail as well as the meticulous research.

Saoirse is 22 when Magnus, now 35, returns to visit his sister, who is her aunt by marriage. It's been three years since Magnus was there, and in that time Saoirse has really come into her own as the clan's healer. She and Magnus quickly realize that despite having known each other for more than two decades, there is now an attraction between them that cannot be denied.

At first, it appears that the age gap is going to be the main conflict, and I loved how the characters got to the root of her parents' opposition in such a loving and respectful way. But all is not smooth sailing after that, because there's a bit of unpleasantness that Magnus recently left behind that has followed him. Someone is trying to kill him, and I loved how the author teased out this mystery and involved all the neighboring clans - allies and foes and even some who were both.

The romance is charming and so very satisfying. Magnus is every woman's dream - possessive, protective, honorable, and valiant. He truly treasured everything about her, and it was very romantic to see how they took care of each other.

Saoirse wasn't completely shy anymore, either. I loved watching her stand up to anyone and everyone who stood against her and Magnus. She has just enough of her mother's spirit to get the job done, and I adored her for it.

These two get the sweetest of HEAs, and I absolutely loved the many-years-later epilogue. I had such a hard time coming back to 2022 when I finished this book. I'm keeping all these books on my To Reread shelf so I can go back there as often as I wish. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

WOW, this is a fantastic story that only Barclay could write. I love how she writes in such detail that you can actually visualize the story as it proceeds in front of you. This is an action packed story dealing with an unexpected love, clan betrayal of the worse kind and revenge. It also shows how different clans are intertwined by marriages so that when danger is nearby they rally together and fight as one. The H/h, Magnus and Saoirse, are two strong individuals who know what and who they want and work until they get their desired outcome. The danger is real but figuring out who and why presents its own set of problems. This is an exciting story because there is so much happening that it keeps your attention and interest until the very end. I would highly recommend this as a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

I was happy and grateful to receive an advance copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Celeste Barclay is a consistently good storyteller. I was introduced to her writing with the first book in the preceding series The Clan Sinclair at the beginning of the year. I immediately flew through the entire series and rated them all 4 starts. I also read the prior Legacy books in this next generation series. Although I have remained consistent with my 4 star ratings, I think this series is even better than the first. Each story is very unique, and I recommend them all if you like your HR on the erotic side. However, this can definitely be read as a standalone.

For any who have read the prior series, this was a story about Siùsan's half brother Magnus Mackenzie and Saoirse Sinclair, daughter of Alexander Sinclair and Brighde Kerr. He was about a dozen years older than she and about a dozen years younger than her parents. The age gap didn't bother me at all, nor did the fact that Saoirse looked up to Magnus in a familial way when she was a child and had no romantic interest in anyone. When the story began, they hadn't seen each other in about 6 years.

The reintroduction as adults immediately sparks attraction in both sides, but they took it slow and got to know each other better as friends. Saoirse was a lovely introverted character who was the healer of the village. She enjoyed figuring out the puzzles of sickness to help care for her patients. She was passive and did not speak up for herself. Magnus was her perfect partner. Like all of Barclays heroes, he was almost perfect - strong, handsome, passionate, protective, honorable - but most importantly, he gave Saoirse a boldness she didn't have without him. These two really got to know each other and appreciated so many qualities other than the physical. He had been celibate for about three years.

There was no lack of the spicy scenes expected from this author. There were also villains and adventure above and beyond the challenges of convincing her parents to approve of the marriage. The story was entertaining, and I look forward to reading the next one.

Intense exciting storyline with crazy good plot twists and ton of steam. Emotional gripping story that I couldn’t put down.

Highland Jewel is the third book in The Clan Sinclair Legacy, a historical romance series with dynamic characters and wonderful romances. The story follows Saoirse and Magnus as they reconnect and fall in love. What will they do when their age differences, their family, or the outside forces threaten to keep them apart?

Saoirse and Magnus are the protagonists in this story, and they are both layered and compelling characters. Saoirse is a healer for the clan, and Magnus is returning after several years away. I enjoyed their romance. They have a lovely connection and deep respect for each other, and I like how they see each other in a new light. Magnus and Saoirse are drawn to each other, and their devotion and chemistry are fantastic.

I didn’t really understand why the clan was so against this pairing. They’ve known Magnus for most of his life and already treat him like family, so their lack of support seems unfounded. Other obstacles stand in their way, including a threat on Magnus’s life, which makes him very ill. Magnus and Saoirse prove stronger than the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart as she works to save him, and they show the clan just how much they care for each other.

The story has a ton of characters and a lot of explanations of who they are, how they’re related and connected, and more. It does overwhelm the story at times, and I was a little confused since I didn’t read the books in the original series. That being said, many of the secondary characters are well-developed and interesting, and I like that the story delved into their feelings, relationships, and more. For those who did read the series, it will be nice to see how the couples and clan have grown and changed as years have passed.

There’s a bit of intrigue as well, and Magnus seems to be the target of some unusual threats. It’s interesting to see Magnus, Saoirse, and the rest of the clan try to figure out why Magnus is in danger and who is behind the deadly threats.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Saoirse has been content with her life but as soon as she sees Magnus for the first time in years she knew he life was going to be changed. Magnus was in her home when she was a little girl and she always loved having him around to play with. She never thought that seeing him as an adult would affect her in such a way but it sure has made her notice him. Magnus spots Saorise in a field and instantly knows she is his. Saoirse’s family is pushing against them being together all because they don’t want to loose their baby girl. While Magnus is sneaking around with Saoirse he starts to be sick and Saoirse being a healer is determined to save him and figure out what is going on. Will they be able to determine who is trying to kill Magus and sway her family to let her marry him? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. Once I learned there were others before this one I had to read them. This one can be read as a standalone. I love any book that has do with highlanders and romance. This book had me from the first page and I could not stop reading until the end. I highly recommend this book. It’s a great read and you can imagine yourself in Scotland back in that time.

The age gap between the hero and heroine didn't bother me at all, after all in that era it wasn't unusual for a young girl to marry a much older man. That's why it kind of surprised me that in this story it was such a problem for the hero, with only a dozen years between them. I can also understand why some readers, especially if they haven't read any of the other books, would find all the clans mentioned overwhelming. To me, it was like visiting old friends:)

Saoirse and Magnus have known each other forever, in fact he used to offer protection to her and the other bairns when she was a child. Now she's a grown woman and when Magnus comes to visit after being away for a few years, it's to find his attraction to her is fast becoming a huge problem. In the midst of this, someone is out to harm him and the quest is on to find out who!!

Celeste Barclay knows how to weave a riveting story and this one is no exception. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I look forward to each installment in this series and find it remarkable that the author is able to produce each story so quickly. The stories in this series are each fresh unlike the previous series, which became redundant. This story involves a hero and heroine who have known each other for most of their lives--no instalove here and discover their feelings for each other. They do not live in easy times and have to deal with clan politics and power struggles. And they must face the obstacles that threaten them.

Don't let the age gap and sketchy familial ties put you off. This was a great read! I love seeing the characters from the other series. I only wish that the author mentioned the family ties/backstories of the other couples less. At one point, the heroine says something about it being able to keep up with all of them, and I was like yes, girl!
While a little description helps new readers, there was too much, and could be overwhelming. Having read the other characters' stories, I still found myself confused. It bogged down and otherwise engaging story.

Oof, I really wanted to like this book. I've read a few other Celeste Barclay novels and have had varying emotions when it came to them, but this one was definitely at the lower end of the spectrum. From the jump, the summary even made clear that this is an age gap romance, which... great. Normally, those are really interesting, but this one has the unfortunate quirk of consistently having character repeat that Magnus "isn't technically her uncle" which routinely takes you out of the story because any sort of clarification needed on that point just feels gross, and then reminding the reader that Magnus and Saoirse have known each other her whole life and he has watched her grow up... again, gross.

The actual age gap itself doesn't really factor in, he's thirteen years older than her, and the book involves ancient Scotland, so it's hardly like that would be an age gap to raise eyebrows, especially since Saoirse is twenty-three and he's thirty-five. In that era, it wouldn't be much to take note of. But the entire situation around the age gap is what really doesn't work.

On top of this, the characters just seem to fall in love instantly and there's little attention paid to the trauma that Magnus is recovering from or their changing feelings for each other. If more time had been spent developing their relationship and dynamic with each other this might have made the book work better, instead of having the characters run off on a battle that seems like a bit of an afterthought. Honestly, by the end there are just so many different clans involved and everyone is related to each other that the motivation behind all of it feels a little confused.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing like a great Highland Romance book, and this one did not disappoint at all. The story had it all - mystery, action, family, and of course romance.
If you have followed the other books in the series, this is Saoirse and Magnus' story, but this can absolutely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. There was a time or two all the names of the clansmen got a bit confusing, but did not hamper the plot at all. I truly enjoyed the story from cover to cover. Looking forward to another.
I received an advance copy of this. book in exchange for my honest review.