#BookReview #newbookrelease #entangledpublishing #historicalbookreviews #Scottishhighlands #BookBirthday
Book:A Highland Rogue To Ruin
Author:E. Elizabeth Watson
Publisher: Entangled
Release Date: August 21, 2023
ASIN: B0CBHB6BST
Book Length: 288 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags

Lughnasadh is a feast for the start of the Harvest season on August 1st. It has music, food, drink, games, trading, storytelling, horse riding, athletic contests, and (trial marriages) handfasting. It is observed by the Irish, Scottish and Pagans.

Scottish Highlands, 1547
In this story it centers around Tormund MacLeod and Brighde MacDonald and their forbidden love for each other. It also is not the first time a MacLeod and a MacDonald have crossed enemy lines where they fall deeply and madly in love with each other. As most know these two clans have been enemies for over a century! However Tormund’s brother Owen and Brighde’s sister Marjorie who had previously been married are now both dead! Family members of both clans are blaming each other and both Marjorie’s brother James ( Jamie) and Tormund want to destroy each other!

On top of that Jamie is an overprotective brother and has not allowed his beautiful sister out of the castle until the Lughnasadh feast because it is a masked festival. Lady Brighde MacDonald has been living a cloistered life since their sister’s tragedy, but Brighde is paying the price and is furious how her brother rejects every suitor that comes her way as she is sick and tired over her brother’s over protective ways. Finally she convinces her (warden) brother to allow her out of (her cell) the castle and attend the Lughnasadh; it is a masked event and no one will see her beautiful face. Now she is feeling very rebellious needing to have a little freedom and perhaps a little romance! Plus it could very well be the last time she might have this opportunity of freedom, so she plans to enjoy it to the fullest degree!

On this special night a masked woman and masked man meet not realizing they are enemies as they are masked members of Clans MacDonald and a MacLeod. What they don’t realize is he is the Demon of the Seas, Laird Tormund MacLeod and she is the sister of the Laird James MacDonald. Except neither realizes it and they are like a moth to a flame but will one of them get burned? The attraction can not be helped and one thing leads another as Lady Brighde has decided this is the night she wants to be rebellious and be with a man for the very first time as she might never get the chance again. Except will their night of passion might start war as the man she had just been with is the man who wants to kill her brother! Have they both just started a clan war?

Tormund and James are filled with so much hate and grief they don’t see the big picture and are wrong about what they assume happened to their loved ones. Will they ever stop and smell the roses and discover the truth about these murders? Shall their prejudices, stubbornness, and pride ruin any type of alliance between these two powerful clans? Can Tormund’s love for Brighde save them both or will the end result end in tragedy like Romeo and Juliet or like their siblings? Can this revenge and murder be avoided and truce be accomplished? Read and find out in this phenomenal read!

This is a fictional love story between Tormund MacLeod (Demon of the Seas) and Brighde MacDonald by E. Elizabeth Watson. Some might compare this story to Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. .The difference is part of this story is very true in Scottish history, as the feud between Clans MacLeod and MacDonald lasted over a century! It was for a host of different reasons, but known as one of the bloodiest in the history of Scotland’s clan wars.

I love when authors weave true history with an awe-inspiring fictional love story. Watson just blew me away with this incredible story that is absolutely riveting. It is definitely a story not to be missed. I look forward to Ms. Watson’s next Scottish historical novel, as I found this book to be absolutely mesmerizing, a true Highland masterpiece!

Disclaimer:I received this advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily,

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Highland Rogue to Ruin was a well-paced, enjoyable read. It took me a little longer than usual to get into it, which I think was due in part to just how much Scots was used. I would occasionally look up words to make sure I had them right in the context, which took me out of the story.

I appreciated that there was a good deal of conflict in addition to the romance. While I don't love insta-love, I think Tormund and Brighde's love story developed authentically and ultimately became something worth fighting for.

Its been quite awhile since I've read a Highland Romance and this book was a good choice for dipping my toes back in. The characters did have a insta love type reaction to each other which is not my favorite but the chemistry between them made it work really well for the time period. The story was well written adding in all the secrets, lies, and twists along the way. All together this was a fast paced well written story and I enjoyed my time while reading this book.

A Highland Rogue to Ruin was such a fun read!

It follows Tormund and Brighde, who are from warring families after a tragedy involving their respective brother and sister, but when they meet at an gathering for all the clans, they begin to fall for each other. I loved Brighde a lot, she was very strong and intelligent without seeming like she had everything together. For years, she had been sheltered by her brother and that leads to her feeling cloistered and naive to the way of things, but this doesn't stop her from seizing the opportunity to gain some freedom.

The pace of the book really moves quickly and the romance works really well. You immediately get what the two of them see in each other and how they fall for each other so quickly. The ending gets a little muddled in all the who did what and why and where, but that didn't really bother me too much in the grand scheme of everything.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a story. Twists and turns aplenty.

The author hooked me within a few chapters and kept me absolutely hooked throughout. Twists and turns, I almost had worked out but threw me off last minute. A great effort.

A Highland Rogue to Ruin focuses on a war between rival clans in Scotland. All previous attempts to secure peace has failed and Brighde's sister Marjorie ended up dead because she failed to provide her(rival) husband with an heir.

So when Brighde meets a masked stranger at the first night of the festival, she forms a strong and undeniable connection. That all falls apart when she realises this person is her sworn enemy.

A Highland Rogue to Ruin was such a fascinating and original historical romance. Highlander romance is my favorite subgenre and I've read my fair share of kilted cutiepies. This book offered a unique perspective and such a tender dynamic between the main couple. Although the sporran was tossed to the wayside within the first 10% of the book, they still maintained their sweet chemistry throughout the entirety of the novel. They moved a little too fast for my prissy grandma nature, but it served a purpose. My favorite part of their relationship was they met wearing masks at a Highlander festival. She was dressed as an angel and he as a demon. They continued to call each other by their costumes throughout the book. I love endearments, off page and off, and it always warms ma wee heart when a book utilizes something special to both the characters.

A Highland Rogue to Ruin was one of the most creative and unique books I read all month. It didn't feel derivative and it stood out from the crowd. Tormund had Celtic tattoos and came from France. Brighde was skilled on horseback and seemed genuinely kind. This book was rather long and I wished it was significantly shorter, but the couple's relationship kept me determined to finish. Like I said earlier, I think the couple moved way too fast at the beginning, but it was a narrative choice that paid off. I would have preferred them to at least know each other's names before they knew each other biblically, but that's just me being a sensitive sponge.

A Highland Rogue to Ruin was a wonderful adventure and I love it when new authors surprise me. I thought E. Elizabeth Watson did a spectacular job in crafting such an immersive story. I hope to read more from her catalog, especially if they feature heroes as dreamy as Tormund. This Highlander Rogue may have had a ruined reputation, but the Demon of the Seas had a soft gooey center completely dedicated to his darling angel.

Highland enemies!

Well trodden trope of Highlander lairds and their chosen ladies. A tale of betrayal, love, revenge and truth in the highlands of 1547, deftly told.
Lady Brighe MacDonald, sister to James “the Devil” MacDonald, is tired of not having any freedom outside of her brother’s keep. Her opportunity comes during the celebration of the Lughnasadh Harvest Festival, a time when the clans gather for trade, games and festivities.
What Brighe doesn’t realize is that she’s catapulting herself right into the pathway of her brother’s mortal enemy, Tormund MacLeod.
Tormund is focusing on vengeance for his brother’s death. He comes to realize who Brighe is, but it’s too late, she’s slain his heart—he’s her captive.
What will happen, how can they overcome their clans’ attitudes to their love, to have it become acknowledged.
A nicely revealed romance with plenty of drama.

An Entangled Pub. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

I loved E. Elizabeth Watson’s new historical romance A Highland Rogue to Ruin! A highland Romeo and Juliet, this is a love story between Tormund and Brighde. Tormund’s brother was married to Brighde’s sister. Now both brother and sister are dead, and Tormund seeks revenge for his brother, who was killed by Brighde’s brother. Brighde and Tormund didn’t know each other’s identity when they shared a passionate night together, and both know their tryst could exacerbate a war that already seems an eventuality. Can Brighde convince the men to lay down their swords and call a truce for the sake of love?

Brighde is a wonderful protagonist. Sheltered for much of her life, she longs for freedom and is so excited to attend and participate in the Lughnasadh festival. Of course, this is where she meets Tormund, her brother’s enemy, and falls in love with him. I thought her character was intelligent and perceptive, and I love that she’s the one who becomes a peacekeeper that keeps the men in her life in line. She’s stronger and more resilient than many give her credit for, though I think Tormund saw what a gem she was from the minute he first met her.

Known as a vicious and villainous warrior, Tormund is so much more than that, though not many know it. I love that Brighde looks past his reputation and sees the romantic and kind man underneath. There’s a line in the story that says Tormund didn’t hide behind a mask. “He’d worn who he was on his face, and it was everyone around him who hadn’t looked deeply enough to see the clue he had given away for free.” This sums up Tormund’s situation so perfectly. Those close to him see the loyal, strong, and protective leader, but others judge him based on reputation alone, and he never tries to correct them, even when it’s to his detriment. There are some interesting messages here about prejudice, holding onto grudges, pride, and seeing things from different perspectives.

My favorite part of the story is the love story. (No surprise there! lol) Brighde and Tormund are wonderful together, and I adored their swoon-worthy romance. There is so much chemistry between them, and their feelings are so strong that it’s hard not to root for the couple. I love all the little ways Tormund showed he cared and how he really listened to her and respected her opinions and desires. I always love seeing a fierce warrior brought to his knees by the woman he loves!

The secondary characters are compelling too, as is the festival setting. There’s an air of tension amidst the joviality of the festival since Tormund and Brighde’s brother are both there. Plus, Tormund and his men are planning to kill Brighde’s brother as vengeance for the death of Tormund’s brother. There’s an interesting juxtaposition there, which is further highlighted when it appears there may be a traitor in their midst. Between fun festival times, there are many serious situations at play., and it kept me completely engrossed until the very end.

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

Okay, so 1. It’s written in third person. I’m not a fan of this, but after some time I was able to get over it. 2. Forbidden love. Falling for the enemy. WE LOVE THIS 3. Some mystery behind what Marjorie said on her deathbed. Leading to so much! 4. It’s taking place in the mid 1500s in Scotland, so the here’s a taste of how they speak in the book ““He was going to win. Ye owe him yer gratitude.”” That also took me a few chapters to get used to. I will admit this is my first Highlander book, so I was a bit nervous. But overall I really like it!

Was given the opportunity to read the ARC through NetGalley. Thank you!

Lady Brighde MacDonald is an independent, sheltered woman who craves just a little bit of freedom before she returns to the gilded cage of her brother's protective home. She is excited to go to the village dance and compete in the races (without her brother's knowledge). Of course, she meets the handsome and spicy Tormund MacLeod, known as the "Demon of the seas" who is on his own quest during the festivities. Pledging revenge against Lady Brighde's brother, James, Tormund is thrown for a wild loop when he meets the enchanting lady who bests him at horses and owes him a kiss for the loss of a game of chess. But James will not have them together, not after already losing their sister to Tormund's brother.

This was a delightful escape into the world of the Highlands with romance, suspense and a few surprises along the way.E. Elizabeth Watson does an excellent job of world building and character development. in " A Highland Rogue to Ruin", and I definitely recommend picking it up and diving right in!

I have read hundreds of Scottish historical romance novels and I must say that this want ranks high on my list. The feelings of sorrow, pain and happiness are so vivid. Bridhge fights for what she thinks will finally bring peace. To emu d has mixed feelings but is ready to open up and fall in love. The history behind the clan wars and the way to peace felt so real. There was some very unexpected surprises and not for the good that I will not spoil but it fits into the story very well. Can’t wait to read the next one. Well done!

A Highland Rogue to Ruin by E.Elizabeth Watson is such an amazing read. The book got me hooked up from chapter 1. The book got a plenty of hot and spicy scenes, a little of angst and suspense, a surprising plot twist, a heart breaking moments and a beautiful happy ending. The book make me cried a bucket.

I love Brighde, she is such a strong female character. Even though, she spent her night in the enemy arms, she doesn't treat Tormund as a enemy. However, she tried to understand every Tormund's actions from his perspective. Brighde tried her best to bring the peace between Tormund and her brother.

This book are well written story with an interesting storyline. I'll definitely be reading more from E.Elizabeth Watson which is my favorite author and I'm looking forward to read the next story, Reaper.

I've read books written by E. Elizabeth Watson before and I'm never disappointed. Though, I have to say, A Highland Rogue to Ruin, is my favorite so far. The chemistry between Tormund and Brighde is sizzling. If you enjoy a story about enemies to lovers with a bit of mystery sprinkled within, this is it. I couldn't put it down and was sad when I finished reading it. I read an ARC and chose to leave a review.

An enemies to lovers historical romance that will make you swoon. Tormund McLeod is a man with vengeance on his mind. He is a Clan Chief and a fierce warrior. Brighde is a fierce young lady. She is protected and cosseted by her brother. These two have a great meet cute that sets off sparks. Readers will be drawn into the plot as they turn the pages and get to know the wonderful characters. The story is very interesting and the author does a wonderful job of keeping the interest. Readers will love finding out who the bad guys are and watching the couple fall in love.

I flew through this book in just a few hours. It's fast-paced and had really well-written characters that jumped off the page. While I did think our couple did fall for each other very fast, I really enjoyed their chemistry and their relationship. I loved uncovering all of the secrets and lies along with Tormund and Brighed and seeing them go from instant chemistry to falling in love.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a really good read. I enjoyed it a great deal. the story was well done and I loved the romance. I will have to look for more from this author.

This book was perfectly written! I could not put it down until I had finished it. This story is filled with so much love, lies, worries, and secrets. You will absolutely fall in love with the two main characters who have everything stacked against them being together. Will love prevail? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tormund and Brighde's families have been sworn enemies since the ill-fated marriage of their siblings. When they see each other again after many years, they forget that they are supposed to hate each other and forge a connection. This story was instalust but delightful. You'll enjoy their relationship as well as getting a status update on a couple from earlier in the series. Can't wait for the next book from E. Elizabeth Watson.

This is the lovestory of warrior Tormund and MacLeod and Brighde MacDonald, the sister of his enemy. There is a feud between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds but the reason behind it is heartbreaking. Tormund’s brother was married to Brighde’s sister and both have died, each clan chief blaming the other one for the death of their sibling, both lairds overcome with grief and anger towards the other. Tormund wants vengeance, he wants to kill James MacDonald, Brighde’s brother.
So you might expect this story to be straight forward regarding the storyline and although you might guess the plot highlights, so much effort is put in the character development that this book keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. The blossoming love between Tormund and Brighde is so beautifully written and so realistic, you cannot help love them both. Tormund is fierce, a bold and strong warrior but deep down a good man, an intellectual and not somebody who wants to wield his sword. Brighde sees through his touch demeanor and has no fear of calling his bluff.

<i>In hindsight, he hadn’t really hidden behind his mask. He’d worn who he was on his face, and it was everyone around him who hadn’t looked deeply enough to see the clue he’d given away for free.</i>

She is also fierce and not afraid to take action. I liked that they gave true chemistry and that their lovestory developed gradually. And I liked all the little details that weave a beautiful story. For example, Tormund and James are on opposite sides but they are actually quite alike:

<i>James MacDonald had been reared on injustices, beaten and marginalized by a spiteful stepmother, and had turned into an unyielding man, not so different from himself. Their hardships weren’t the same, but they’d still been hard. James had always had something to prove while Tormund’d always had something to hide, but they’d both learned how to protect their reasons ruthlessly. </i>

When two clans are feuding and both have good men as leaders, you know that a third party must behind the nefarious wrongdoings, no surprise there. But I liked that it was a bit of a struggle to get both the MacLeods and the MacDonald clans on the same side. It wasn’t rushed, nor dragged on endlessly. You understand the doubt and the mistrust but I liked how both lairds tried to see reason (with the help of Brighde) and made an effort to overcome the serious issues they had.
Overall a very good read with well developed characters and storyline. There is bloodshed which I don’t like, but there were no graphic violent scenes that you might read in similar books. So I’m happy those were left out.
This book kept me hooked until the very end.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a well written story which is action packed, emotionally charged, and with trust, humor, witty banter and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.