Member Reviews
This is not a slow build story, but one that starts off with fire. Sara has come to marry Jamie to settle the feud between the clans, except her father has plans to make her a widow. She doesn't know this and has no desire to be a part of it. Too bad his clan doesn't believe it. The action continues with her becoming a prisoner there and then Jamie being poisoned so that Rory has to take over as clan chief. There are many secrets and betrayals that are discovered that test the boundary between the growing attraction of Sara and Rory.. Sara's brother Kenan is trying to prevent war, but he is not trusted by his father nor does Kenan trust his father. Kenan and Rory mistrust their families after they were left in England to rot in prison so all the deceit at home makes trusting anyone difficult. Add to the problems, the fairy flag guarded by Rory's sister is stolen and Sara is blamed. Treachery is all around and knowing who to trust is not as simple as it seems. An intense romantic suspense that will keep you reading to find out what happens next.
Another fabulous story from author Heather McCollum. Sara and Rory were a great pairing and their insta chemistry was a stand out.
The character growth and interactions were page-turners and the twists and turns in the story were riveting.
Another great read to get lost in and one that can be revisited in years to come.
Review copy received from the Publisher via Netgalley
Sara is to be married to the Laird of a rival clan. Her father doesn't tell her about his plan to kill the entire clan on her wedding day. She saves the rival clan members but they don't believe that she knew nothing of her father's plans and there's the question of is she truly married or not after what went down.
She and the Laird's brother, Rory, have an instant attraction but he doesn't trust her at all. His lack of trust for her even after she's earned it is frustrating, but I flew through this story and overall enjoyed it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the background of the guys and how they formed a bond. The mystery of the fairy flag was a fun touch. I loved the background stories of all of the women. I will definitely be reading more books by this author set in this location so that I can get more of the backgrounds of all of the characters.
I had to take a few days to calm myself down before I could review this, because I was so frustrated and angry with the hero of this story. The book started off in a great way - I was thinking that it would be a minimum of four stars, maybe even five! The heroine was so relatable and strong and empowering, and the hero was both strong and gentle in a way that made me instantly like him. There was angst, but it was tempered with humorous moments, and the sexual chemistry between the leads was through the roof! While I did feel like the FMC seemed a little too quick to become intimate with the MMC, I got it - he's a hottie who is supposed to be your enemy and there's only one bed. What is a girl to do in a situation like that? Get laid, of course.
But then our hero had to be an absolute...see, I can't swear or I'll probably get flagged on one of the various platforms this will be posted too. Suffice to say, he was the worst. He was weak. He was a sub in alpha clothes, and we were, as readers, completely snowed. You see, our hero has a history of a woman from our FMC's clan who lied to him, seduced him, and she was ultimately killed for being a traitor. So naturally, every woman from that entire clan is exactly the same and can't be trusted. BUT we are led to believe that he is starting to trust our FMC and realizing she is different...until his trust is tested and he fails. Grade F. I can't give you a zero so I give you a one.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
Until almost the very last page of the book, my dude doesn't trust. He doubts everything she says, while at the same time trying to convince himself and her that he does trust her. Eventually, he becomes convinced that she has stolen this symbolic flag, and he decides to send her away for her own safety, with a bag of money and no goodbye. Like some gothic hero, he watches her from a tower as she rides away. Now here is where I get really, really angry.
She goes back to her clan and finds out another spy had actually stolen the flag. She is horrified, and long story short, she steals the flag back. Now the MMC, is in his infinite wisdom, has meanwhile decided he loves her too much to let her go. And keep in mind, he still thinks she is a lying thief, but the heart wants what it wants, I guess? Anyway, so he goes to rescue her, and her father tells him that she did steal the flag but has now stolen it back and run off. The MMC thinks to himself that she's been a traitor to them both, further convinced now that her father has told him that she stole the flag. Eventually the MMC and FMC reunite, and the hero has to do a big grovel scene. And during his lame apology, he's all "I never believed your father. I knew in that moment my faith for you was too strong." NOT BLOODY LIKELY, ROMEO. In fact, I went back and re-read the scene, and he fully believed her father. So in his grovel, he LIED.
And don't get me started on how the MMC's brother threatens her with r*pe, and when the hero finds out, he also learns his brother was poisoned (possibly by the FMC), and instead of beating him to within an inch of his life, the hero sorta just...lets it slide? Barely gets mad at his brother at all, because the dude is on death's door and has been through enough, I guess.
My blood pressure is rising again just writing this. It's no wonder I spiraled into a book slump after this read.
This was an amazing story that starts off with four men captured and held captive. These four men are all enemies but together they creat a bond and friendship that can never be broken. Rory was one of those men and now that he is free and back home he is determined make the best of his life and try to better his clan in the process. What he didn’t expect was to see an amazing beautiful woman look at him from above. This woman, Sara, is like no other and has truly affected him from the first moment they met. Things start to happen and hatred becomes a force that can hardly be redirected. Will Rory be able to save his clan and his future all the while trying to save a person who has stolen a part of him forever? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Umm, yes please!! This was soo good! Plot was entertaining and kept thing’s moving along nicely. A little spice here and there was nice too. All in all, a great book.
I always enjoy reading about the historical Highlands. I couldn't get into Rory and Sara and I struggled to finish this book. Something seems disjointed and his continuous mistrust of Sara didn't make me want to finish to see if they had an HEA. Started out promising, but soon fizzled. I received this ARC from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I have really enjoyed this author’s books so was excited to receive an ARC of her latest release. Unfortunately, I was not really invested in the relationship between Rory and Sara. Rory’s continued distrust dampened any belief in a romantic connection. I did enjoy Sara’s fervor and ingenuity. While there was chemistry and steam, I did not feel any other connection between them because of Rory’s suspicions.
The Highlander's Wild Flame is part mystery and part romance, and it's filled with historical tidbits that will delight readers who enjoy Scottish lore and history.
Rory MacLeod isn't looking to fall in love when he meets Sara by chance on the beach. In fact, he's sworn off love completely, but he cannot help being drawn to her.
Sara Macdonald has come to meet and marry her husband. When she sees Rory on the beach, she secretly hopes that he is her betrothed. She has no idea he's actually her fiancé's brother.
When her wedding to Jamie MacLeod ends in tragedy, Sara is without options. She cannot go home to her father, who would kill her for her interference, and she fears going with Rory who is sure to kill her in retribution for her father's treason. When Rory takes Sara home as his prisoner, she's drawn into a plot that threatens her life and drawn to a man that threatens her heart.
This book is a well executed slow burn romance perfect for fans of Scottish heros, fiesty, respurceful heroines, and just a bit of on page explicit sexual content.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing a digital ARC of this book for me to review.
This was an absolutely wild ride from start to finish.
The book starts with a brotherhood being formed between four men from rival Scottish clans, who come together to help each other escape captivity in England. A year later, they have all returned to their respective homes but they're each changed by the experience. The member of the brotherhood that this book focuses on is Rory MacLeod, who is the second son of a powerful Scottish clan. He meets a woman, Sara, on the beach and is instantly captivated by her, but he soon learns that not only is she a member of his clan's biggest rival, but she is also set to marry his older brother, Jamie. From there, the book goes on to have plenty of twists and family secrets, including a Fairy Flag, Icarus-like wings, and secret twins. To say I could anticipate any of these twists would be an absolute lie.
I really enjoyed Rory and Sara's love story. Instead of a constant will they won't they, it's very clear from the get go that these two are a little obsessed with each other, and for good reason. They're both great. Everything that is thrown in their path is an obstacle in their way, but what never wavers is how much they care for each other and want to trust in what they've found together. If I could change anything about the book, I'd want to meet the other members of the brotherhood and see them a bit more. In this one, you're really only introduced to Kenan, Sara's brother and the focus of the next book, and while I'm excited to read his story, I want to know more about the other two members of the brotherhood.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Heather McCollum's "The Highlander's Wild Flame" promises a gripping tale of rivalry, romance, and high-stakes strategy set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. However, the execution leaves much to be desired, making it a challenging read for those seeking a deep connection with the plot and characters.
The story of 'The Highlander's Wild Flame' is built around a daring strategy to establish peace between two rival clans, a premise that initially holds great promise. However, as the narrative unfolds, the potential of this intricate blend of political intrigue and passionate romance fails to materialize, leaving the plot feeling scattered and in need of more depth to fully engage the reader.
Regrettably, the characters, who are the heart of any compelling romance, do not live up to their potential. Despite their intriguing backgrounds and the promise of intense chemistry, the protagonists appear flat and one-dimensional. Their motivations often lack clarity, and their emotional journeys feel hurried and underdeveloped. This lack of character depth makes investing in their fates or the overall outcome of their quest for peace challenging.
Furthermore, the interactions between the characters lack the spark and authenticity that readers might expect from a seasoned romance author like McCollum. The dialogue often feels forced, and the romantic tension, which should be a highlight, is unbalanced, failing to evoke the desired emotional response.
While McCollum's descriptive prowess in painting the rugged beauty of the Highlands is commendable, the setting alone cannot carry the weight of the story. Though well-researched, there needs to be more than the historical elements to compensate for the lack of engaging character development and plot coherence.
In summary, "The Highlander's Wild Flame" struggles to deliver on its intriguing premise. The unfocused plot and lack
One thing I love about McCollum’s stories is she does not hold back on anything. Just because her stories are in the 16th and 17th centuries doesn’t mean her characters are prim and proper. Quite the opposite actually.
The Highlander’s Wild Flame is the perfect title because it describes our female lead aptly. Strong, proud, and seemingly fearless, she is the perfect balance and perfect match for Rory, even if she is off-limits.
Rory is a natural leader, kind, and on fire for Sara. McCollum does not hold back with the fire and passion these two feel for each other. Together they must navigate a clan war that is growing harder to stop everyday. Amazing descriptions that make you feel like you are on the front line watching!
The secondary characters are impactful with the intrigue, twists, and turns leaving us on edge. You don’t know who to trust and where the story will lead. This story is exciting, steamy, and one you will not forget! Definitely one you will need to read again!
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Rory has just returned home after being gone for a year. When his brother is marrying a woman from a neighboring clan, the wedding does not go as planned. I enjoyed the chemistry between Rory and Sara.
A huge thank you to Entangled Publishing (Amara) & Heather McCollum for the copy of this eARC. It was truly a pleasure to read. This book will release on July 23rd.
Seraphina “Sara” MacDonald is betrothed to her enemy. Although it's not what she imagined for herself, she will gladly withstand life with the MacLeods if it means peace between their opposing clans. Until she realizes that it was all part of a nefarious plan, and her father is trying to vanquish his greatest adversaries once and for all. Sara will have to prove her innocence to keep herself alive.
Rory MacLeod shouldn’t be so captivated by Sara. Especially now that she’s at the center of a dastardly plot. The MacDonalds cannot be trusted, and that means Sara too. Even if she did risk her own life to save him.
Heather McCollum is a new to me author, but an instant favorite. I was captivated by her writing. She’s bringing the heat to historical romance. The tension between the two main characters was palpable. I was sweating my way through every chapter and loved the progression of their relationship.
This book was action packed and pulled me in right away. Particularly when Sara is thrown between a pointless rivalry. There were so many twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. So many people want Sara dead, and I was at the edge of my seat wondering how she would survive. I really enjoyed watching what a strong woman she was. She’s not afraid to throw punches and I LOVED every minute of it.
The humor was top tier! With so many great side characters I was in stitches. I cannot wait to find out more about the Brotherhood. This was such an exciting start the series and the next book sounds like it’s going to be a riot! I cannot wait for the new release.
Thank you to Entangled for this arc. I have always loved Highlander and Scottish historical romance books so of course I liked this one. This has all the things I love about Highlander books. A string-willed fmc, clan rivalry, danger, travelers spice, and romance. The banter between the main characters was so good, especially in the beginning when they didn't like each other. It reminded me a bit of Maya Banks historical romance with the clan history and non-trusting mmc that has had his heart previously broken. I loved how fast-paced and well-written this was and recommend for lovers of fast-paced highland romance.
I started this one this morning, with the intent to just get a quick sneak peek into the narrative before setting it to the side to continue my other reads. Instead, I could not put this one down the second I started. Spent the entire day reading and obsessing over it. Absolutely and thoroughly loved this one so much.
Wow.
I just love it when a book sneaks up on you and takes you for a ride you won't be forgetting any time soon.
Sara was the best heroine! So sincere, kind, strong-willed, and so filled with resolve. She never backed down from her convictions, even when others tried to enshroud her in doubt. She stayed true to her word and actions. I love her strength and determination-- and her warm, caring heart.
Rory was a wonderful hero-- albeit one who needed to sense knocked into him a few times, but hey, he gave us some terrific angst when doubt did creep into him mind about Sara. And regardless of doubt, something I loooved was seeing how protective and loving he always was towards Sara.
Then we have romance-- oh the sweet, glorious romance. It had the makings of everything great! Sweetness, spiciness, angsty-ness, and triumph. The journey to this romance was both memorable and worthwhile.
I only have two very minor nitpicks. One was I was not wholly satisfied with how the love confession played out; and secondly, I'm not a very big fan of epilogues that spend more time on setting up the next story rather than allowing me one last look at the romance within this story.
Just minor nitpicks that did not veer me away from course whatsoever. Because this was a heck of a ride! I loved every single bit of it.
Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
This is my first ever highlander romance book and I am hooked! The Highlander's Wild Flame features a sweet and strong female main character, and a mysterious, intimidating but kind, "I'll never marry" main male character. Sara and Rory have a spark from the moment they meet. This spark is never damped, even though she is his brother's betrothed. When the marriage falls through they try to deny their feelings for one another but are unsuccessful. They end up sheltering from a storm and taking advantage of the classic one bed trope. Their romance is forbidden as they are from warring clans. The book ends with a happily ever after that is well deserved by both. I will certainly be reading more books by Heather McCollum.
*I did received this book in exchange for my honest review.*
This is a story about a guy that was betrayed by a woman and doesn’t want to repeat the mistake. I enjoyed this story. I really liked the heroine And how she didn’t give up. I wish the hero had more faith in her... But he had trust issues.. There was plenty of Steam and mystery.
I received an arc of this book. Comments are my own
What a ride! Lots of things happening, great main characters, emotional love story. Really made me want to keep turning pages. I love when everything comes together at the end, the payoff was really satisfying.