Heather never fails to deliver. This is a fast-paced page turner. The mix between the clan drama, love issues and the growing romance left me flipping the pages as fast as I could. The plot is easy enough to follow without getting lost and wondering what is happening. The clan lives aren't that complex leading to an easy-to-follow story but having that action littered within the context of the main plotline.
Would highly recommend this to anyone wanting an easy-to-follow plotline with strong romantic pulls.

Drostan Macquarie is a man doing his utmost to avoid a curse set upon his family many years ago-a curse that dooms the clan if a child is born out of wedlock. Amelia MacLeod is set upon avenging her brother's death at the hands of the Macquaire clan, in order to gain the respect and autonomy she requires to save herself from the machinations of her older brother. When the two meet, sparks fly, but both are put into a precarious position and will have to make the ultimate decision: stand by their convictions or throw all caution to the wind.

"The Highlander's Secret Avenger" was a fast-paced read with a large cast of characters. If you have read prior books in this series then you will probably enjoy seeing familiar faces. Although I have not read the previous books and was not familiar with ancillary characters, McCollum made it clear who was who, and I did not feel lost.

The pacing of the plot is extremely fast and a lot happens in a short amount of time. I found this to be a pro and con of the book. I will start with the latter. The story moves at such a remarkable speed within a very short time period and that left the romance element in the dust. There was no emotional development between the characters. It was survival, lust, and a new admiration that seemed to fuel the attraction. As for the pro, I would categorize this story as a meet cute with a lot of danger and high drama that is both entertaining, albeit tinged with a lining of disbelief. But, this made for a fun story that was easy to move through, even if not all of the motivations made absolute sense.

I have enjoyed McCollum's work before, and I look forward to reading more books by her in the future. While this story did not resonate with me on the grand scale, I still found it an entertaining romp through historical Scotland.

I read and reviewed a DRC of this book thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.

Drostan Macquarie, the fierce battle-hardened Highlander, was still a young lad when his father first warned him of the ancient curse on the Macquarie clan. Should any of our kin sire a bastard, the entire clan will be cursed to die out.

This was a short book but it sure packed a lot of action in. We have ladies on the run, a grumpy brute who always seems to be rescuing someone, multiple opportunities to see what’s under their kilts, pirates and there’s even a witches curse thrown in.

Drostan was a great character and I really want to see what his cabin looks like in real life, because it sounds amazing. I would also like to visit these little islands, please. I love their funny words and always end up reading with an accent that I’m sure I couldn’t do in real life.

CN for those with pet hair allergies, you will be getting phantom symptoms from some of this book :)

Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

I devoured this book from beginning to end. The little bit of action it has is the perfect complement to the sweet story of two people who thought they'd never find love finding it in each other.
Drostan Macquarie vowed to live his life alone after growing up hearing of the curse upon his kin, but all thoughts of the curse leave his mind when he rescues the beautiful Lia from some very bad men. Amelia 'Lia' MacLeod ran away from home with a half-formed plan to avenge her brother's death at the hands of the Macquaries, only they're nothing like the savages she'd heard they were and she can't keep the one brother that keeps rescuing her out of her heart.
Heather McCollum is one of the best at creating conflicted characters and giving them some drama without it getting too dark or taking away from the romance. Both Lia and Drostan have dark things in their past, but it's obvious once they meet that it's all going to work out. You also know that Lia is in danger, but there's no doubt that Drostan will do anything to save her. It's all perfectly balanced.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Entangled: Scandalous for the most excellent romantic read!

I am a huge fan of Heather McCollum, with anything highlander she write getting bumped to the top of my reading list. I enjoyed the banter and adventure throughout the book between Drostan and Amelia, along with the character growth you get from Amelia as she discovers that her world she as grown up in is not all that is seems. I am always up for a cinnamon roll type character and Drostan is more of the hard shell with the big heart and fair ways of thinking kind of character. This is another win in the series.

Amelia (or Lisa's she wants to be known) sets out for Wolf Isle in search of revenge. But is that really what she's looking for? Or is it escape?
Drostan Macquarie is one of 5 brothers who live on Wolfe Isle and are cursed. His 3 older brothers are now married and very happy in their marriage. He goes never to marry. If he doesn't fall in love , the curse cannot have any effect on him. .
But everything changes when he comes to the rescue of one small kitten named Sia and her owner named Lia.
You can fell the chemistry between the two main characters right from the start. The storyline takes many unexpected turns which keeps you engaged in the story.
I enjoyed this book. I give it 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

"The Highlander's Secret Avenger" by Heather McCollum is an enchanting historical romance filled with adventure, humor, and heart. Drostan Macquarie and Amelia "Lia" MacLeod's love story will keep you entertained until the very end.

Drostan and Lia are a perfect match for each other. Lia was the shining star in this story, taking center stage with her wanton behavior. Their love story was magical to see unfold.

You won't want to miss Drostan and Lia's story!

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Nola and Entangled Publishing for the free eARC. I'm leaving my honest opinion.

This was a shorter fun book that I binge read in one day. I have gone through a couple of highlander obsession phases throughout my romance book journey, and I think I'm headed back into another all things Scottish phase.

Drostan and Lia are a delicious couple that go from enemies to lovers as in she came to kill the Macquarie's and things aren't quite what she thinks they are.

I appreciated the nods to the accents that the Scottish have and also more accurate descriptions to clothing than previous generations of romance books. There are cute interactions with a cat, characters from the previous 3 books about Drostan's brothers (which admittedly I have not read, but will definitely put them on the TBR). I am interested in what happens with one of the side characters as I imagine that they will play a part in the 5th brother's book.

4 out of 5 stars, and 2 out of 5 for the spice level.

What a great historical romance this series is proving to be,
With mystery, mischief, drama and a curse, you'll see.
This time it features someone on the run
And lots of rescues needing to be done!

The Macquarie brothers of Wolf Isle know they're cursed
If any sire a child out of wedlock their clan will suffer the worst.
It is said that should this happen, their clan will die out
Drostan Macquarie is determined not to bring this about!

Amelia MacLeod is out for revenge and to escape her past
A chance meeting with Drostan makes it seem possible at last.
However, all the things she's been told about his family
Seems strangely wrong as far as she can see.

Secrets, surprises, romance and desire,
Will these been his clan's downfall into the mire?
A quest for revenge, a need to escape, an attraction so strong
Will she change the path she's going along?

With rescues, allergies, mystery and family drama, too,
This is a brilliant read I highly recommend to you.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

The Macquarie brothers are back, this time we get to learn more about Drostan Macquarie. Drostan is large, handsome, brawny, honorable, and not opposed to rescuing kittens from high places.

The Macquarie brothers have carried the burden of the Wolf Isle curse for many years, but slowly they’ve been bringing the Willow Tree back to life by finding true love. Drostan has always felt he’d be the one to bring the family down, so he’s taken the necessary steps to prevent a child out of wedlock with potions. Can the curse been fooled by trickery after he rescues a young women who be stills his heart?

Amelia MacLeod escaped her brothers tyrant rule to prove she’s worthy of respect, and finds herself on Wolfe Isle. The Macquarie Clan is her families biggest enemy, and if she single-handedly defeats them her brothers will treat her fairly. Only the Macquarie brothers are not the monsters they’ve been portrayed.

Sparks fly, and these two can’t help themselves! Only her deceit could cost her the man she’s fallen in love.

This installment was absolutely perfect, leaving me wanting more. I am anxious for the final book featuring Eagan.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy.

This book was exactly what I was looking for when I signed up for the arc! The story kept getting better and better as you kept reading, and I did not expect the twists and turns and the secrets that the characters were keeping! I really loved the connection between the two characters and how that showed through in the spicier scenes too! I can’t wait to read more about this family and their trials in curses and love!

In The Highlander's Secret Avenger by Heather McCollum, the enchanting historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands, Drostan Macquarie, burdened by an ancient curse on his clan, finds his resolve to live alone shaken when he encounters Amelia MacLeod, a woman seeking refuge from her past and vengeance against his clan.

As their enemies-to-lovers romance unfolds, McCollum deftly navigates the complexities of their emotions, incorporating the curse's lore and the vibrant secondary characters, like Drostan's wards, to add depth to the story.

While some repetitive elements of the author's style are present, the emotionally charged love scenes and the non-standard setting contribute to the novel's unique charm. Balancing intrigue, passion, and a touch of the paranormal, this book is a satisfying addition to both McCollum's series and the historical romance genre.

Will Drostan succumb to the curse or will he find love and marriage? I like the bit of witchcraft inserted into this story since the curse drives some of the plot.

Amelia "Lia" runs away from her home and thinks she is going to attempt to avenger her evil brother's death against their clan rival. After meeting Drostan, she realizes that they are more kind and caring than she realized. She hides her identity, but are her secrets too much to hold onto love?

This book definitely moves from a typical romance and conflicts with that to more of an action type plot. This transition really kept me reading since the added suspense was there. The Drostan and Lia chemistry is on point and both characters are brave and bold.

I can't wait for Eagan to get his own story next. Maybe more down the curse and witch lane, perhaps?

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

Adventure, subterfuge, a curse, a braw highlander and the lady who may just tame him. What more can you ask for?

Droston, one of the Wolf brothers has determined to keep to himself. At least that will keep the curse at bay, maybe. But one kiss just might change that!!

A fun journey to a happy ever after that will just make you sigh as you turn the last page!

The Highlander's Secret Avenger by Heather McCollum is the fourth installment of the Brothers of Wolf Isle series. This captivating novel is brimming with secrets and an abundance of intrigue. Set against the backdrop of an enemies-to-lovers romance, it promises to thrill readers and keep them on the edge of their seats as our two main characters navigate a treacherous path filled with trials and danger.

This was an entertaining read that moved along at a steady pace. Amelia MacLeod is determined to avenge her brother’s death and Drostan Macquarie is her quarry. This story centres around the curse that affects Wolf Island where the Macquarie clan is based. I liked the way that brothers all looked out for each other. Drostan has a caring nature and has to perform several rescues. Amelia and Drostan have an attraction to each other but will Amelia carry out her mission and how will Drostan feel if he finds out about it. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lots of action, sweet love story. It was a fast read. I really liked the main characters, they were well developed. I think it would help to read previous books just to understand the side characters, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the story. There is some mentions of bad stuff in the past, so check out trigger warnings.

The Highlander’s Secret Avenger. This starts out very well with all characters bringing humor to this story based on so much love for family. The lead characters Lia and Drostan kept me entertained with the passion that grows with the two hour by hour. The story of both families and their history gave the story its context to the book. I would have like to read more interactions with Drostan and his wards. Pip is the cutest one for me. That would have added more humor. Sia was a great add, but the reactions Lia had with Sia had me questioning is there a real connection between the two that gives a balanced connection between the two. The romance I found was sweet. The love scenes good too. The story was enjoyable. Until next time readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Drostan Macquarie was still a young lad when his father first warned him of the ancient curse on the Macquarie clan. Should any of our kin sire an illegitimate child, the entire clan will be cursed to die out. Drostan vowed then to live his life alone, far from the reach of the curse. But on the eve of Beltane, a sizzling kiss with a mysterious lass ignites Drostan’s blood. Amelia MacLeod is on the run, desperate to escape her past, and an abusive family. But Wolf Isle isn’t just a place to hide, it may be her only hope of redemption if she can doom her clan’s enemy, the Macquaries. Only, she imagined her enemy would be a hideous brute, not a big, brawny, and kind-hearted Highlander like Drostan.
This is the fourth book in the series & it could easily be read on it own. However there are the threads of the curse & the willow tree & also the villain Jandeau who keeps rearing his head. I loved this enemies to lovers story & loved both Drostan & Lia. He’s the brawny but caring warrior & she's the young woman who's spent a lifetime of abuse from her horrid brothers. As Lia comes to know Drostan & the rest of his family she realises who the villains really are but her brother sees her as a pawn so there’s no way he's going to let her escape. A very well written fast paced book with sizzling chemistry, treachery & a love that is put to the test. I thoroughly enjoyed their very rocky journey to a HEA
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The Highlander's Secret Avenger
Brothers of Wolf Isle #4
Heather McCollum
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highlander Droston Macquarie, was just a young lad when his father first told him about the curse on his clan. It is said that if any of their kin sire a bastard, the entire clan will be cursed and die out. From then on Droston vowed to live his life alone, far from the reach of the curse. But on the eve of Beltane, a very passionate kiss with a mysterious lass ignights Droston's blood like no other woman ever has.

Amelia McLeod is running from her past in an abusive family. But Wolf Isle is not just a place to hide, it may be her only hope. If she can doom her clan's enemy, the Macquaries. She had imagined her enemy would be an awful person, not a big brawny, and kind hearted Highlander like Droston.

Now Amelia seems to have discovered a way to destroy the Macquarie clan for good, that is, if she can bring herself to get close and become part of the clan. All she has to do is seduce Droston, and bring about the Macquarie curse. The only thing is, she didn't account for the far reaching consequences of her own dark past, or her traitorous heart for falling hard for the one man she hoped to destroy.

Wow once again Heather McCollum has literly blown my mind. This is one amazing book. I really enjoyed the story. It had a great plot and kept me busy reading for as long as I could. Droston was amazing just like his other brothers. Amelia was totally made for Droston. They got along really well and there was alot of heat. I mean it doesn’t get hotter or better then this. This author seems to get better with every book she writes. You never knew what was coming next and when it did it floored you. Ms. McCollum's books are filled with historical tidbits and of course I could almost hear the Scottish accent in my head while I was reading. All in all I would definitely recommend this book to historical romance lovers everywhere. When Ms. McCollum sits down to write you know it is going to be fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book about the last brother.