Member Reviews
Highland Surrender is very well written and descriptive. I learned a lot about Scottish holidays and history.
Hannah is the lead character and she has 4 overly protective older brothers. She is finding her own strengths and must rely on herself when she is abducted by hunky Norwegian Eric. Eric is tasked to find the Four Horsmen's weakness in order to save his sister. He finds that weakness in a spitfire who is not afraid to bite and push all of his buttons.
I got part of the way through the book before I realized that it wasn't the first in the series. I continued reading, and although it referenced events that were covered in other books, I had no problems following the story and enjoying the book. I would definitely call it a standalone. I have added the other Son's of Sinclair books to my library and can't wait to read more by Heather McCollum.
"From the moment her four brothers took control of their clan, Hannah Sinclair has learned to stand tall and defend herself. So when a big, brawny, and admittedly handsome warrior tries to abduct her, she isn’t about to give in. And the more he tries, the more she’s determined to make it as hard as possible...and enjoy it all the while.Now Norway’s greatest warrior has a Highland hellcat on his hands, and Odin help him, he can’t resist her. But with the brutal Sinclair brothers coming after them, Erik is out of options. War is inevitable. And when a man is forced to choose between duty and passion, only one will win…"
This is a good romance. Hannah and Erik make a good couple.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Having now finished the Sons of Sinclair series, I can safely say that I loved each and every one in their own distinct ways.
Highland Surrender features Hannah Sinclair's story, the only sister of the family, who only wants to have a child of her own, but along the way gets caught up in international conflict when she's taken by the head of the Norseman, Erik. I loved Hannah and Erik's dynamic, and especially Hannah's character. For most of the books, she's taken a bit of a backseat in favor of the brothers but she finally steps into the spotlight and shows she's just as formidable as her brothers. Erik is also no slouch, proving he might be the only man in these books who could play the brothers at their own game.
The series wraps up really well and has left me really sad that these characters have all found their endings. I wish there could be ten more books so that I wouldn't have to let them all go, but every ending perfectly satisfies.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Entangled Publishing, LLC, for this book.
Am so sad to have this series come to an end. Have enjoyed ever on of these books. Did not think the author could top the last one, but wow this one was so good!
Hannah Sinclair is a powerful woman and knows exactly what she and she wants Erik Halverson. Little does she know he is not who she thinks he is and has been sent to kidnap her. A wonderful enemies to lovers story!! I loved the banter, the hot romance. The story of Hannah was my favorite.
Am sad for this series to end, but excited to see what Heather McCollum has for us next!!
Highly recommend. Five stars.
Heather McCollum's "Sons of Sinclair" series ends with "Highland Surrender," the fifth and final book. The novel follows Hannah Sinclair, sister to the Four Horsemen and a woman with no prospects for marriage at age 29. When handsome tradesman Erik Halverson visits, Hannah plans to seduce him. However, little does she know that Erik is a fierce leader in his own right, and his visit to the Sinclair Clan is to find their weakness and exploit it to control the fierce Sinclair Horsemen.
"Highland Surrender" is a tale of two people struggling to find happiness in their lives, both hesitant to open up, but together find the courage to surrender their hearts.
Erik and Hannah's journey is filled with challenges. Erik's commitment to his country, men, and family often clashes with his desire for Hannah. At times, I found myself admiring Erik, while at other times, I wanted to throw something at him! Hannah struggled to reconcile her feelings for Erik with his deception and betrayal. She refused to give in to Erik easily, and I was relieved to see her demand better for herself! The secondary characters add depth and humor to the story, especially Bàs and Joshua Sinclair, who are both lovable and entertaining. The little girls, Trix and Libby, were also a delight and played a significant role in Erik and Hannah's story. It was heartwarming to see how the Sinclairs came together to support one another.
Heather McCollum's storytelling is simply superb! "Highland Surrender" is a must-read for historical romance fans who love a hard-won happily ever after. The novel's true conflict will tug at your heartstrings, and the satisfying epilogue will leave you feeling fulfilled.
Tropes: captive romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, emotional scars, first-time heroine
Thank you, NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, for providing an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another great read in the Sons of Sinclair series.
The sister of the Four Horsemen, Hannah, finally gets her well deserved story. All of her brothers found their significant others, and while she’s happy for them, she’s left feeling alone. She wants a child and a man to love. She ends up taking it into her own hands when a supposed trader visits her clan.
Her plan backfired and she found herself kidnapped, the Queen believes she can control the Four Horseman, but they’ve absolutely met her match. Hannah is a spitfire and not to be underestimated.
There is so much angst in this enemies to lovers as Hannah’s walls melt away. The connection is an inferno. I love reading novels based in a universe due to seeing favorite characters pop up from time to time. Her leadership, shiny backbone role is refreshing and I feel like authors struggle with that.
Overall, a fantastic read that I probably like more than the previous novel. I love Hannah and I feel like it was a lovely conclusion to this series. This amusing novel has a solid storyline and is sure to leave you satisfied.
I’ve really enjoyed the Sons of Sinclair series, and I was so happy to see Hannah get her own story. Hannah is the sister of the fearsome Four Horseman, warriors who were the MMCs in the first four books of the series. Hannah loves her brothers and is so happy each has found love, but something is missing in her life. Surrounded by family but still feeling alone, Hannah wants a child of her own, and with no marital prospects in sight, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
When solver trader Erik Halverson arrives at her clan, Hannah decides to seduce him, but she is instead kidnapped, as Erik is not a trader but a warrior sent on a mission by the Dowager Queen. By holding Hannah, the Dowager Queen believes she can keep the Four Horseman under control. But the Dowager queen has severely underestimated Hannah and her family, and Erik has met his match.
The chemistry between Hannah and Erik is fiery, and their love story is filled with angst, danger, and sexual tension. At first, Hannah is furious when she realizes Erik and his men have kidnapped her. But when they encounter a storm, and they have to make repairs to their ship, Hannah learns a lot about Erik’s motivations and the impossible situation he is in. It definitely makes her more sympathetic to him, and she understands him more. They are such a great match! Both feel alone, both have suffered trauma in the past, and both are loyal and family-oriented. There is nothing these two won’t do for the ones they love.
I also loved that the main characters from the first four books had dominant roles in this story. There is so much love between the brothers and Hannah, and the way that they, their spouses, their children, Hannah, and many other members of the clan have grown so close is so lovely, especially after knowing of the trauma they experienced when they were younger. I also really love how the story highlights the strong bond between Hannah and Bas. They are such supportive and loving siblings, and they share a special connection. And when the family is all together, the teasing and banter are spot on, and seeing these fearsome warriors joking around and loving their family is so heart-warming.
I also love that the women take leadership roles throughout the story. The wives of The Four Horseman are fierce, especially when it comes to protecting their family. They go into total mama bear mode, and it is a delight to see. There are also two young stowaways that completely stole my (and many of the characters) heart. Libby and Trix are a delight, and though they have the best of intentions, they cause so much trouble. lol
Like the other books in the series, I inhaled Highland Surrender. It’s a fun, exciting, and romantic love story and a great conclusion to the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
A stubborn Sinclair! Hannah’s story.
It’s 1536 and Hannah Sinclair, the Sinclair Brothers beloved sister is approaching thirty and her future as a mother looks bleak. She longs for a husband and family but there’s no one who tempts her. Hannah decides that this might be the time to take what she wants. After all a husband is no necessity for a child. Her sister-in-laws agree to help her. (That chat was rather comic!)
Erik Halverson is a Norseman, blackmailed by Queen Sophie of Denmark-Norway to kidnap Hannah in order to have a hold over the Sinclairs. She’s worried about their power being set against her daughter Anne, wife to King James of England. She holds Erik’s sister as her bargaining chip.
Hannah chooses Erik which leads to some close calls as she tries to seduce him, and of course leads to her eventual kidnapping.
Well, that does call the Four Horseman of the Acopolypse to ride, but not in the way Queen Sophie had envisaged.
The women surrounding Hannah are strong and compassionate. I love the actions of the younger girls Trix and Libby.
A solid, sprightly and often amusing read with a fair amount tension surrounding the tale.
An Entangled invite ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The sister of the infamous Sinclair Horsemen finally steps out of the shadows in Highland Surrender. I’ve been oh-so-hopeful that Heather McCollum would give Hannah Sinclair a chance to shine and she definitely does in this book.
Hannah is happy for her brothers and their wives and loves her nieces and nephews, but she’s lonely in the crowd. She wants a baby of her own but none of the men of her clan tempt her – not even the ones who may not be frightened of her legendary brothers. Enter silver trader Erik Halverson. The brawny Norseman is awfully fearsome for a supposed trader but Hannah isn’t going to let that stop her. She sets out to seduce him…only to find herself kidnapped.
Erik has been sent on a mission by Dowager Queen Sophie: he’s to kidnap Hannah and thus keep the Sinclair Horsemen under Sophie’s control. He doesn’t expect a strong and stubborn lass to fight back and knock him off his feet. Erik isn’t a bad person and his reason for doing Sophie’s bidding is understandable. He’s caught between a rock and a hard place and is trying to justify to himself why he’s doing something he knows is wrong.
The attraction between Erik and Hannah burns bright and hot and I liked how they went toe-to-toe with each other. Hannah has learned alongside each of her brothers and is just as brave and true as any of them. She’s Erik’s equal in every way and teaches him a thing or two along the way. If political machinations weren’t in their path, I imagine it would be mostly smooth sailing for this love story. But villains, politics, threats, and fears all make the road to happily ever after a rocky one for Hannah and Erik.
Highland Surrender is the fifth book in McCollum’s Sons of Sinclair series but you can jump in here if you haven’t read the others. There is a large supporting cast including Hannah’s brothers, sisters-in-law, a couple of mischievous children, and Erik’s brothers-in-arms who all have roles to play in the story. To her credit, McCollum never lets the supporting characters overshadow the main ones; not an easy feat with so many strong personalities. I liked all the different relationships and how each one shined and impacted the story.
Highland Surrender has passion, family drama, political intrigue, and romance. It’s an engaging story and a fitting end to the Sons of Sinclair series.
Erik Halverson, the leader of the lethal Wolf Warriors of Norway and three of his best men travel from Norway to carry out a mission for the Dowager Queen Sophie of Denmark-Norway. Queen Sophie is the mother of Scotland’s Queen Anne, and she believes that the Sinclair “Horsemen” are too powerful and will try to take the crown from King James and her daughter. She kidnaps Erik’s only living relative, his younger sister Iselin, and holds her at court with threats of marrying her to her chancellor until Erik abducts the Sinclairs’ sister, Hannah. She thinks that by taking Hannah, she will gain control of the Sinclair’s, thus saving her daughter. Erik is not happy with this plan, but he will do anything to save his sister. He travels to Girnigoe Castle and is relieved to learn none of the Sinclair brothers are in residence, he hopes to find and take Hannah before they return, but his hopes are dashed when he is unable to to learn which woman is Hannah and the youngest brother, Bas returns earlier than expected. But not one to give up, he figures out who she is, and when she seems bent on seduction, he uses that in his favor to steal her away. But things go downhill from there when stowaways in the form of Cait and Gideon’s daughters, Libby and Trix, a storm, traitors, and the burning attraction he feels for Hannah. How can he turn her over to Sophie, yet how can he not?
Hannah Sinclair wants a child, she is almost 30 and has no prospects for marriage, thanks to her overprotective brothers. So when she meets Erik, who is posing as a trader, she decides that he is perfect for her needs, since he will be gone by the time she learns if she is pregnant and her brothers will have no way to find and kill him. Unsure of how to seduce a man, she turns to her sisters-in-law, who are more than happy to instruct her. Things get a bit complicated when Bas returns early, but not even that is going to deter her, she lures Erik to the stables, and just as things start to heat up, he turns the tables on her and steals her away to his ship. At first, she is furious and bent on making him pay, but when they are blown off course and have to land in the Isles to make repairs, she learns the truth and knows that there is no way this doesn’t end in war. She knows her brothers will never back down and Erik makes it clear that he won’t either, so it is up to Hannah to find a way to save them all. But can she save her heart from breaking?
This was the final installment of the series and what an ending it is! I thought this was a great story, I loved Erik and Hannah, they had great chemistry, they have both suffered loss, and they both have a deep love for their families. They are perfect for each other, but the lies, secrets, and circumstances all mean that happily ever after is all but impossible. This book is filled with deadly highlanders, equally deadly Norse warriors, fearsome wives, mischievous little girls, laugh-out-loud moments, fan-yourself moments, nail-biting moments, and a heaping helping of heartache before our lovers find their HEA. This was a fantastic end to a wonderful series and definitely a must-read title. This book could be read as a standalone title, but I strongly recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
This is my first book from the Sons of Sinclair series. I really enjoyed it. The books are a series, but can also be read as standalone. I love Highland romance books. They tend to be so much fun! I'm looking forward to picking up another in the series soon.
Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Erik has the found the woman that excites him. She is anything but quiet and docile. The more time he spends with her, the more he likes her. I enjoyed the chemistry between them. I cant wait to read her next book.
I really loved Highland Surrender! Heather McCollum has yet again delivered a wonderful historical romance full of adventure, danger, suspense and deception . The story of Hannah and Erik immediately pulls you in and from their first meeting until the very last page. It's a story filled with remarkable emotions, unforgettable characters that are well thought out and each and everyone comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale, a strong plot brimming with tension building twist and turns, family unity and sizzling passion. With characters from other series
brings this read together perfectly and will keep you in the edge of your seat.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Sons of Sinclair series and I was super happy to see that their sister, Hannah, was also getting her own story. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop, the story captivated me fully. I've always said that Heather McCollum is one of my favourite authors and she's just proven why again.
When does being protected by your 4 brothers become TOO much? Hannah has finally had enough and at nearly 30 years of age, she's determined to find out what she's been missing in the love department and desperately wants a child of her own. When she meets Erik, she decides he's the one but doesn't find out until it's too late that he's not who she thought he was! I really loved Erik's character as well.
Hannah and Erik's story is filled with action, humour, romance, politics and intrigue and I really enjoyed how the author has done her homework where the history is concerned. It was fun to see Hannah's four brothers and their wives be part of this story as well. I must also mention Trix and Libby....oh my goodness, these two little girls were an absolute riot!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Reading the book the story I found that the book does have some entertainment. Most of these moments you will read when the family and friends interact. The plot is a simple one, therefore my interpretation about the book is the love match between Hannah and Erik. I don’t see how the two can have one with the many brothers that she has. Not including the wolf. Erik with how handsome and smart as he is knows how to get around these minor obstacles. But it’s the biggest of obstacle that he had to come to his charms and that is sweet Hannah. The romance is a most heated affair among the beautiful land of Scotland. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Time to surrender your heart!
What's a girl to do when her brothers are four of the most fearsome protectors ever to walk this earth? Hannah is near desperate to escape from her brothers' overbearing care and is willing to take nearly any risk necessary to pursue the Viking trader who is visiting the Sinclair castle.
Erik may look like a traveling trader, but he and his men have a secret mission, one that is laser-focused on the Sinclair daughter. Once Erik meets Hannah, his mission is both easier to accomplish and so much harder to complete.
I loved getting to know Hannah, her forthright confidence, and her fearless determination to take her destiny into her own hands. Erik is more than the hero she needs, even when it appears he's just the opposite. The unspoken connection between these two was palpable, especially when they're on opposite sides of the field of battle. The intricate plot beautifully knits together a fascinating story of royal intrigue, political allies, betrayal and the profound evidence of when trusting becomes inevitable.
The only thing that didn't quite sit right with me was the part of their HEA where Erik, after having been a high-ranking leader of men, is reduced to living with his wife's family, which is already filled with a surplus of warrior leaders, with seemingly no position left available for him to make use of his legendary skills. Not once throughout the book, even toward the peacemaking end, did Erik give even a hint of the impression that he'd be willing to be subject to the authority of one of Hannah's brothers. So the romance has a very solid HEA, but I wonder what their future looks like in the long run.
Still, the writing is absolutely perfect, instantly captivating, completely engulfing my heart and imagination. If you've read any of the early Sinclair books, you can't miss this one. If you haven't read them yet, you owe it to yourself to start at the beginning and treat yourself to one of the best Highlander series ever written. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I had only read Bas' book (and loved it!) so I really wasn't sure, it could go either way. Y'all, I got sucked IN by this book, I could not put it down and tore through it in just a few days. Be advised there are a LOT of characters here to try to keep track of (4 brothers, each with a spouse and kids), but it absolutely could be read as a stand-alone.
This book was startlingly funny, I was not expecting as many laugh-out-loud moments as there were. The plot was perfectly bananas, just what I love in a romance novel. There is something new happening on almost literally every page, it's just one adventure to the next. The tension between these two was great and this is very much a) flirting/sexual tension to b) whoops turns out we're enemies to c) lovers with benefits to d) undying love, while also being achingly romantic. I laughed, I awed, I cried, I fanned myself. The scene where the other wives are explaining sex to Hannah using their tantric book and then interrogating Erik was SO fun! And the two little girls are total scene stealers in the best way and so cute scolding these hulking Vikings. Ach, I loved it. The twists and turns with Hannah continuously trying to get knocked up had me ROLLING.
These two are down bad for each other and the emotions just built out beautifully. Erik is my ideal hero: strong, tortured, stoic and swearing to never feel love again. Hannah is such a great heroine: she's 29 (gasp) and hellbent on getting a bairn sans husband. A sister of the 4 Horsemen warriors, she's practically a Viking herself and is quite a badass.
There is a lot of political intrigue going on, and I actually learned some things about Norway/Denmark/Scotland that I didn't know, so that was a plus! If lots of war talk and war strategizing puts you to sleep, just be advised there is a solid chunk of it in this book, but there is so much humor I really didn't get bored.
After reading this, I quickly got obsessed with Joshua so I'm going backwards to read his book because he is a standout funny character in this book.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Warriors, Trickery, A Truly Gripping Love Story:
Some authors just have that certain knack in their writing that grabs your attention at the first page of a story and does not let go until the very end. This was one of those stories for me.
The entire cast of characters are so thrilling to get to know and follow all of them through this lovely love story that is filled with so many complex situations, betrayals, passionate desires, negotiations, plans, along with some laugh out loud hilarious conversations.
The rugged warrior Erik is a dashing honorable head of the Wolf Warriors that you can't help but like even though he is basically a villain.
Hanna is a feisty lass who captured the story for me. She is past her prime and has wants for herself and is determined to get it anyway she can. She plans, she's deadly with a bow, she snorts, she's brave and is filled with love for her family.
I truly enjoyed this thrilling intense story that kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire book.
Special mention that gave me much delight while reading were the little girls Trix and Libby. They do play a big part in the story.
I also enjoyed the sighting of Beos the wolf that lurks by.
Mature Advisory:
Highland Surrender
Sons of Sinclair #5
Heather McCollum
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Norse warrior Erik Halverson knows that he has no choice but to follow the orders of the royal house of Denmark. He is one of the most elite fighters they have, and now him and his men must sail to Scotland, find the enemies' weakness, and then abduct her. The only mistake is that they have no idea that Hannah will not go without a fight.
Hannah Sinclair has learned to stand tall and defend herself. Her brothers are the four horsemen and you don’t mess with any of them. So when a big and handsome warrior tries to abduct her after pretending to be mere traders, she is ready to fight and make it as hard as possible while enjoying herself as well.
Now we have Norway's greatest warrior battling a Highland hellcat, that he just cant resist.
Then when war seems inevitable with the Sinclair brothers at the helm he will be forced to chose between duty and passion, and we all know only one will reign supreme.
Oh my goodness what a book. Heather McCollum is absolutely fabulous. This author is on fire. I loved Bas' story, but this might just have stolen my heart. I had so much fun reading this story and I'm actually sad to be done. I hope the author decides to write a story for Cait's girls because they are so animated and endearing. Hannah is a character I've loved from the beginning, but Erik well he is totally amazing. Put these two together and you have the ultimate power couple. Take my word you need to read this book. Ms. McCollum must have a little wand hidden because this is another magic story that you will adore as I did.
Just loved it.....5 stars for me...
It would not do anything much if I say that was a nice conclusion to the series...I absolutely loved the characters whether the strong fearless female character or the big adorable loving hero...
I devour every page of it....
Thanks for this ARC netgalley and ofcourse publisher...
And please do write more of these kinds of book...Heather...