Forbidden Love - Sexy and Steamy! Definitely, read this during a rainy day because it's going to fog that window up! Great book, I read it in one day, and honestly many swooning moments.

I just reviewed The Highlander's Enchantress by Violetta Rand. #TheHighlandersEnchantress #NetGalley
[https://www.netgalley.com/member/book/289444/review]

Kali Bane is punished by her cruel father for refusing to marry an aging Englishman. As punishment he sends her to the McKay clan in the Highlands claiming she is a witch. The equally cruel laird of the McKay banishes her to a tower to live and she is only allowed on the grounds at night. Adam McKay, the laird’s son and heir is instantly smitten by the feisty red head.

This is a shorter novel (200 pages) and a quick read. I enjoyed the banter between Adam and Kali which starts as soon as the two meet. They have the commonality of harsh and overbearing fathers. Kali is also wonderfully protecting of her sisters, the homeless children who live outside the tower and even her maid. I enjoyed the basic story but thought things could have been fleshed out more. Most historical romances I read are set in 1800’s England so I was curious about life in early 1600’s Scotland. But there is no details of living day to day or life in the clan or castle. Mention was made that people in the keep didn’t trust her as an outsider but she never encounters that in the story. The ending was exciting but happens quickly. And no mention of what happens to Adam’s mad father.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

The Highlander’s Enchantress is marvelous Scottish romance novel.

Kali Bane is the eldest of the Bane sisters. After refusing to marry for transaction, her father sends her off to the Highlands to be taught a lesson. Distraught that she’ll be away from her sisters, Kali is thrusted in the land of the Clan MacKay. Her kindness and boldness endears the children and women and she catches the eye of Adam MacKay, the eldest son.

Clan MacKay is similarly ruled by a brute of a man. Both Kali and Adam have that in common. They also want to make their people’s lives better and find true happiness.
I loved Kali’s character. How she has such compassion.

There is definitely some spice since it is a romance novel but not super spicy!

I would say the pace of this story is like a snapshot in these character’s lives. The focus is definitely on the main couple and their trials against a common foe, their fathers. Very quick pace. The character development of other characters are very one-dimension.

Overall a good read.

If her cruel and domineering father were to be believed, Kali Bane is the worst of women. Defiant. Independent. Were it not for her beloved younger sisters, she would have sought her freedom long ago. When she refuses to wed an old, wine-soaked English lord, her father bans her to the McKay clan in the Highlands, warning them that she’s a witch.

There is no welcome at the McKay castle—only an aging laird prone to fits of temper who believes that Kali is, in fact, a witch. A sorceress. Here she is little more than a hostage, kept from sight from almost all but Adam McKay, the laird’s son, whose hypnotic green eyes make her long for something forbidden. It’s almost enough to make her abandon all thoughts of escape.

Kali is the only one who can protect her sisters from their father’s greedy machinations. But the longer she remains imprisoned in the McKay tower, the more Kali and Adam realize there are other forces at play. They’re both pieces in a silent, terrible game that could destroy everyone they’ve ever loved…including each other.

The only problem with this book was how fast it ended.
I loved every second of it. The pacing, chemistry, storyline, all were awesome.
The setting and the side characters complemented the romance without overshadowing it, which I liked.
Kali and Adam were such a great couple, I loved how their romance progresses, and how each of their personalities was written.
I also appreciated the spice level, it was 🌶️/5, which made the spotlight centered on the romance itself, and not just the physical attraction.
One of the best reads this year.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

The Highlander Enchantress was a quick read. It was enjoyable, but I was expecting more in terms of the plot and depth of the characters.

The Highlander’s Enchantress is the first book in The House of Bane historical romance series. It follows Kali, a young woman who is banished to the McKay clan for refusing to marry the man her abusive and ruthless father chose for her. Kali is determined to return home to protect her younger sisters from her father’s wrath, but the longer she remains on McKay lands, the more she falls for the people who live there, especially Adam, the future laird and eldest son of the current laird.

Adam and Kali know they have no future together, but they can’t help their feelings for each other. She is imprisoned in the McKay castle, and he is forbidden from spending time with her. However, the more they get to know each other, the harder it is to deny their connection.

Adam and Kali are both interesting and well-developed protagonists, and I enjoyed their love story. They have terrific banter and chemistry from their very first meeting, which I loved even more when I learned of their shared past when they were children.

Kali is strong and opinionated and stubborn, and even though she has suffered tremendously throughout her life, she still remained positive and selfless. I thought she was really brave, though I didn’t always understand her actions, especially when she put her life in danger for no reason. Adam is a swoon-worthy hero who loves that Kali is so outspoken and fiery. She keeps him on his toes, and she challenges him, which is exactly what he wants in a partner. She complements the strong and honorable leader well, and they both share similar feelings about life, love, and family.

Unfortunately for Adam and the rest of the McKay clan, Adam’s father, who shows signs of ineptitude and madness, is in control and shows no signs of naming Adam as laird. Adam and Kali’s fathers are both reprehensible men, and I so hoped they would both lose their influence and control. Abusive and heartless, they both value power and control over people. Luckily, Kali and Adam have the support of others to see them through.

Secondary characters like Raini, Heather, and the orphaned children are wonderful, and I love the found family they and Kali create. They are all outsiders who have been treated wrong, and the fact that they find safety, security, and joy with each other is heart-warming, especially considering how difficult, indifferent, and cruel some of their surroundings can be. It was interesting to learn more about Raini and her history in the clan, and I loved seeing Heather and the children use their skill and intellect to thwart the machinations of the antagonists.

My one complaint is there is a lot of violence against women, especially Kali. Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse are all referenced, and there is on-page physical and verbal abuse. I tend to steer away from books with an abundance of abuse, and I did find several scenes difficult to read for this reason. It’s definitely not a light read, and I would suggest checking out the content warnings before starting the book, as there are parts that could trigger some readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Who doesn't love a charming but opinionated fiery redheaded lass and a strong-willed son of a laird in a forbidden romance. Lovers of outlander will enjoy this quick read. There is some smut 1 star spice that mostly fade to black. It is a slow burn romance.

The Highlander's Enchantress was a fun and quick read. I gave it three stars because I wish it had a bit more. The characters were fun. I felt the story should have slowed down towards the end so the story didn't feel rushed. If you are looking for a book that doesn't focus on the day-to-day interactions and the details of the character's day, then this book is a great choice!

Kali had a rough life with her abusive, spiteful father, but when she was told to marry a vile Englishman, she had had enough! As punishment for her disobedience, her father sent to be a prisoner with a clan in Northern Scotland. Kali is a beauty and Adam saw that the moment her met her to escort her to his keep. But he didn’t plan on loving her beautiful soul and her kindness to others. As they get to know each other, Kali let’s down her guard against men and Adam realizes he can’t stay away from her.

This was a cute story, a little slow at parts, but it was an entertaining read. There were only two mildly steamy scenes, so more chaste than I prefer.

This was a good highlander romance with a strong conflict and satisfying resolution. Adam is just gone for Kali the minute he meets her, which I always appreciate.

There were a few things I'd have liked some more clarity on. There were multiple references to the women in the keep/village being ready to scratch Kali's eyes out just for being an outsider who had Adam's attention. But we never saw this antipathy firsthand. Then at the close, the clan was quite pleased to have her as Lady McKay, without really any scenes with said women to explain the change in sentiment. I also wondered about Adam's father who seemingly went quietly after being challenged as laird when he saw that the soldiers supported Adam. With his madness as a prominent theme in the book, I felt like his character needed a bit more resolution.

Raini and the orphans were delightful, as was Kali's maid Heather. The found family aspect in this book was lovely. Overall, I really enjoyed this read.

Another brilliant story from this author. I loved this book, the plot, the characters, everything about it was perfect.