Captured Heart (Highland Hearts, #1) by Heather McCollum


Captured Heart (Highland Hearts, #1)
Title : Captured Heart (Highland Hearts, #1)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 400
Publication : First published September 1, 2012

Fleeing with only her bow, horse, enormous pet wolf, and the cryptic clues hidden in her mother’s medicine journal, healer Meg Boswell gallops north towards freedom, running from the man who falsely accused her mother of witchcraft. Cursed with magical healing abilities, Meg knows that if she’s captured, she will die like her mother—atop a blazing witch’s pyre.

Winter winds rip across the Highlands, pressing Chief Caden Macbain forward in his desperate plan to save his clan. He’s not above using an innocent woman to bargain for peace if it keeps his clan from starving. But Meg isn’t who Caden thinks she is, and when she kills a man to save the clan, he must choose between duty and her life. For although he captured her to force a peace, Meg's strength and courage have captured Caden's heart.


Captured Heart (Highland Hearts, #1) Reviews


  • Lover of Romance

    This review was originally posted on
    Addicted To Romance

    Captured Heart is the second book in the series, or technically the first book....but there is a book before this book that is a #0.5??....so yeah I will call this book two in the series. I have been ITCHING to read this author and I finally grabbed up this one since I found it on the audible romance package, and WOW what a great book. I was swept up in the story so quickly and the narrator was awesomesauce peeps. Like, I want to look at all the books she has narrated and listen to them all because she was so wonderful. She has such a beautiful voice, does great tones for various characters, and loved the Scottish drawl she incorporated and she really makes the characters come alive here.

    Captured Heart is a story that begins Meg Boswell fleeing her home in England. Her life is in terrible danger. Her father, a Englishman, killed her mother claiming her to be "a witch" and burned her at the stake. Her mother was a gentle and kind woman, and was a healer. But when she receives word that her father is coming for her to make sure she is free of any evil spirits, she knows that really means "torture and death" and that what he really wants is the information she knows. That he is a traitor to King Henry VIII, and her mother had proof and the proof is in a secret hiding place in the Highlands. But she has family, an aunt, her mothers sister, Rachel, who is married to the clan chief Munroe.

    While on her journey up north, she runs into a skirmish between the Scots and the English, and saves the life of a highland warrior, and soon learns that he is the chief of the clan Macbain. Meg has healing abilities and offers to help with his injured men if they will provide an escort up to her aunt's home. But Meg doesn't realize that this highlanderwith whom she is drawn to....has other purposes for her. Caden is the chief and after a horrible raid of all of their cattle and their fields burned and with winter upon them....his people will not survive the winter. His plan was to kidnap Alec Munroe's beloved niece, in exchange for the return of their supplies and the chance for peace between their feuding clans. But there is a problem...Caden is falling in love with this lovely lass who is stealing the hearts of his people...himself included. But there is a plot, a brutal englishman, wants Meg and not for any good reason and he might have to choose between his clan and the woman he has fallen in love with.

    This is such a lovely book and I loved it so much. I think I have found a new author to love and adore because I was so drawn into this story. And of course we have one of my favorite themes in highlander romances....a highland laird and a healer for a heroine. I really love this set up though. Because there is a kidnapping trope here....however the heroine for most of the book has NO clue she has actually been kidnapped. Its apparently a very unconventional kidnapping. But Caden doesn't want Meg to know the truth, because he knows that she is learning to love his clan and the life they have. But when he marries her to protect her from her English father, other truths are revealed about Meg's true parentage, about the legacy her mother left behind including a healing magic, and connecting with her Aunt Rachel who shares the same gift.

    There is a plot that is full of suspense and action which really keeps you on edge throughout the story and we see some betrayal from trusted allies. I really enjoyed the way that this author handled this aspect of the story. It didn't detract from the romance, it ended up enchancing the story in such a lovely way.

    The romance that develops between Caden and Meg is slow and sweet. They both have some great chemistry, but nothing really happens until their marriage of convenience, and by this time there is a great affection between them. There is a strong level of trust and friendship between them, and I did like seeing their relationship deepen as they face off some conflicts. I will say the "clan feud" added a fun element. I got a kick out of Alec Monroe though, he is such a typical highland chief, full or pride and stubborness. But seeing how his wife, Rachel, and their son deceive him to bring about peace between the clans is brilliant. And for my readers....Alec Monroe and Rachel, are the pair in book one of the series so I am excited to see more of them soon.

    From beginning  to end this story thrilled me and definitely kept me on my toes and I never wanted this book to end. This author crafts so beautifully written characters they you could see yourself being best friends with them in real life and it was really hard to let them go. The ending was PERFECT....one of the best endings I have read in a while. And yes there was some tissues involved because the emotional level was so right on. Highly Recommend to any readers that love a sexy highlander romance that curls your toes and tugs at your heartstrings....A TASTY DELIGHT!!





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  • Missy

    It was okay. A bit slow in some parts.

  • Cheesecake

    .
    Well if you are interested in this one, don't listen to the audiobook. The reader, Michelle Ford, was pretty awful. She could do a passable Scottish brogue when she put effort into it. But she can't do men's voices at all.
    They actually sounded more girlish than the girls'. Often the reading would be too slow in the dialogue, making the characters sound dimwitted. (which the actual writing didn't help).

    Anyways, this read like a crayola crayon version of a Julie Garwood HR.
    Meg is on the run from her diabolical father (whom she hasn't actually met) who seeks to prove her a witch. The irony is that he doesn't know she actually is one.
    On her path north to find her aunt in the Highlands she runs into Caden and his highland warriors, neatly falling straight into his hands.
    His clan, the McBains have been at war with the Munroes for a century over some stupidity.

    At first I thought there was going to be more interesting intrigue but Meg's special snowflake status put paid to that. Everything is overcome simply by her wonderful self. She is beautiful, young, speaks Gaelic, has healing powers, has a pet wolf, can shoot arrows better than the men, and everyone wants to be her friend after just a few minutes in her presence. I don't mind special snowflake heroines but she just wasn't interesting outside of that. There was more information on Caden's history and what made him who he is than there was for her. Everything was glossed over.

    There's a disgusting villain who keeps turning up. It's predictable and the writing lacks wit and tends towards repetition.
    So I confess, I skimmed a fair bit towards the end, just to get it over with.

    Safety is OK

  • Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️


    3.5 stars!

    I want a pet wolf too!!

  • -S♡

    ★4 Stars! Captured Heart...

  • Kari

    Captured Heart is a Scottish romance with bits of paranormal and a lot of action.

    The heroine, Meg Boswell, is fleeing England from the man who wrongly accused her mother of witchcraft and had her burned at a witch’s pyre. She rides to Scotland seeking to reach her aunt’s home in Scotland, accompanied by her pet wolf, her mother’s healing journal, and her bow & arrow. On the way there, she meets a group of highlanders battling English soldiers. During the scuffle, she saves the life of a man – Chief Caden Macbain.

    Caden was on his way to England to kidnap Meg. She must be used as pawn to negotiate piece with a neighbouring clan chief, who happens to be Meg’s uncle. Meg unknowingly falls right into his hands and together they journey to Scotland. Meg believes she’s a guest being escorted to her uncle’s keep, and Caden is torn about lying to his lovely prisoner.

    Meg is a powerful healer who also has to solve a mystery. Hidden in her mother’s journal are clues to finding some documents that could prove the treachery of the man who hunts her. With the help of her many new friends, Meg sets out to investigate the puzzle while Caden seeks to bring peace to his people.

    The romance between them develops slowly and sweetly. Meg learns to trust in her magical abilities when Caden demonstrates his acceptance and unconditional love. Caden discovers that sometimes love must take precedence over feuds and responsibilities.

    What sets this book apart from other highlander romances is the constant action, with twists and events unfolding nonstop. Throughout the story, clan alliances are formed, a jealous adversary appears, and wicked villains spring from behind the bushes. The pacing is well-executed, the storyline flows, and all conflicts are flawlessly resolved at the end.

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  • Jonetta

    I love a good Scottish Highlander story and this one didn’t disappoint. Meg Boswell is on the run because her father is on his way home to have her “examined” to see if she’s a witch. Meg’s a healer with some added magical abilities and she doesn’t want to meet the same fate as her mother. She’s headed for Scotland to find and stay with her aunt, her mother’s sister, but as she nears the border, Meg comes upon a skirmish between some Highlanders and English soldiers. She unwittingly saves the Macbain clan chief and enlists his help to get her to her final destination. What she doesn’t know is Chief Caden Macbain was on his way to kidnap her as ransom for a peace accord with her aunt’s clan.

    Meg’s kept in the dark about the true motives of the Macbain clan and even though everyone is aware she’s clueless about the situation, there’s lots of animosity about her being a “guest” at the keep. Caden is attracted to the beautiful Meg and does his best to keep her at arm’s length but she shares the same feelings. Though they try to resist each other it was inevitable that they gave up fighting their feelings.

    There’s so much conflict in this story that I couldn’t stand to be away from it for very long. Caden’s subterfuge, Meg’s untrained magical powers, jealous lovers, feuding clans and others with their own agendas distinguished this book from being just another Highlander tale. The attention to period detail also helped transport me to that era and lose myself in the story. I was also charmed by Caden and Meg’s romance, really liking her honesty and courage and Caden’s strength and leadership.

    As if the story in itself wasn’t interesting enough, there were a number of twists and surprises to keep me off balance. The climax was incredibly exciting, drawn out and tense, with lots of uncertainty about how some things would ultimately be resolved. I am excited that this is a series and I’ll be one of the first in line to read the next book. It is very well written and the story telling sets it apart. This one is special and if you like medieval period romances, you should have this on your shelf.

    (I received an ARC from NetGalley)

  • Aisha

    I don't like this book. I don't like Caden. This is one of Heather McCollum's lesser books.
    Caden lies to her for so long. He is like, I will tell her tomorrow, and postpones it until Meg finds out through Caden's sister, not him. She is betrayed, but forgives him too fast and willingly. I do like Meg, but I did not like that she forgave him so easily.
    I don't like Caden. He disrespected Meg's uncle Alec, Meg's uncle and laird of MacInnes. He forced the peace, was not respectful at all.
    THis book had a beautiful ending. Too bad the rest of the book was not as good.

  • Mei

    A solid highlander romance.

    I liked Caden and Meg. They're endearing characters.
    The romance was good and the action too.

    The reason for 4 stars is that I had a feeling that I had already read this story somewhere... It was very similar to other highlander romance stories...

  • Jess the Romanceaholic

    Really enjoyable -- it's been a long time since I've read a Scottish kidnapping romance, but this book reminded me why I love that trope so much.

    Full review to follow, but for now, 4.5/5

  • Esther Soto

    Just what I needed. Loved it! ❤

  • Tamye Whitener

    Outstanding Listen!

    This book has it all, love, loyalty, betrayal, and intrigue. With engaging characters, you will cheer or jeer. All topped off with some sexy scenes and a bit of romance.

    I totally enjoyed this story and look forward to reading/listening to more by this author.

  • Sandra

    Meg Boswell is riding her horse towards the Scottish border with only her bow and arrows and her pet wolf Nickum as protection. She's running from her father whom she hasn't seen in years, not since he accused her mother of witchcraft and had her burned at the stake.

    Meg knows she is different, and she also knows that the only reason her father is now writing to her is so she too can be tested for witchcraft. Her mother's sister is married to the Laird of Clan Munro in Scotland so that's where Meg is headed, when she runs into Caden McBain and his men who have just fought off an attack by the English. Offering to help heal the men, Meg makes a deal with Caden for his protection and safety to get to her aunt's keep.

    Caden has a goal himself - to capture the beloved niece of Laird Munro and demand peace (and the return of his cattle) as ransom. When Meg fortuitously falls into his hands, he decides to keep the nature of his mission secret and treats her as a guest at this keep.

    With kindness and selflessness, Meg manages to win over the people at the keep, including Caden himself. A plot against Henry VIII also plays a huge role in this book, and a tangled web of lies and secrets is slowly unraveled.

    As with most Highland romances, Meg and Caden fall desperately in love, and the UST between them leaps off the pages from the get-go. Caden is hot, hot, hot, and his desire for Meg burns fiercely. And yet, it isn't only carnal lust that drives him - no, the English beauty completely captures his heart. The author does a fine job in describing both Meg's and Caden's emotions toward the other, and gives Meg sufficient backbone and inner strength to never come across as just another damsel in distress.

    The supernatural element is very well done, and the reactions to Meg's gift are historically sound. The writing style is not overly flowery, but well within the genre's expectations, and the author does a very good job of staying with the language of the time period. There is also plenty of action and bits of humor, and the supporting cast is fabulously crafted to give the book depth. The build up to the climax keeps you on the edge of your seat, and when all secrets are finally laid open, you breathe a sigh of relief and rejoice with the couple's happy ending.

    I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.

  • Debra Taylor

    Every now & again I stumble across a story that is simply a joy to read. Captured Hearts was one of those rare stories.
    Meg is fleeing to Scotland to escape charges of witchcraft. She is running from the same man who had her mother put to the fire for witchcraft. Sadly that man is Meg's own father. Hmm.... well, maybe.
    She crosses paths with Caden who has come to England on a secret mission. Driven by duty to his clan Caden has sworn to end the feud that threatens to annihalate his people. He intends to use Meg as a means to ending that feud. Without her knowledge ,of course. However, Meg has secrets of her own. Once the truth of her hèaling gift is known will she be persecuted as a witch ? Or find acceptance within clan McBain? Meg's accuser follows her to Scotland to exact his fiery retributation against her just as he did her mother. Will Caden surrender the lass of his heart to save his clan?
    I really enjoyed this book. So much that the ending came way too soon for me. I found myself wishing the story could go on & on. The characters were written with a depth of emotion that is equal to none. The love story between Caden & Meg came across as genuine & true. And oh so sweet. The riveting story line had this reader navigating a myriad of twists & turns as long held secrets were revealed. As danger awaited around every corner new alliances were made while old feuds were settled. Never a dull moment as new enemies kept popping out of the woodwork. Heady stuff, indeed!
    Such a delightful story to read. Heather McCollum is definitely an author to watch. The absolute pleasure of reading Captured Hearts has made this author an auto buy for this devoted reader. No mean feat since I happen to follow some of the best authors available today.
    I'm so glad to recommend Captured Hearts to all romance readers. Especially those of us die-hard fans of the Scottish historical. A keeper for me !!!

    ARC received courtesy of Netgalley.

  • MoodyJess

    Kind of loved this!!!

  • Alexandria

    Part way through reading this book I was ready for it to end. It increasing became a slow and painful torture; like a cavity that keeps getting worse.

    I thought the fictional quality of this historical read would make it more interesting, but was sadly mistaken. After so long it just became too typical and predictable. I let out a sigh of relief when it was finally over. 2 stars.

  • Carolyn

    This was my first book written by Heather McCollum. I would definitely purchase another book by this author!

  • Carole Burant

    I absolutely adored Meg and Caden's story!! It's stories like this that keep my love of historical romances strong, with wonderful characters, exciting plots and Scotland as the backdrop. I feel like I've just been on quite the adventure where danger lurked in every corner.

    Meg has a gift of healing but she fears others will consider her a witch. In a time when people considered even a healer as being a witch and burned at the stake, the danger was very real. She has a pet wolf and I loved the bond between them. She's also on the run, trying to get to her aunt and uncle in Scotland.

    Caden will do anything to save his clan from starvation, even kidnap the niece of his enemy neighbour who has stolen his cattle and burned down the grain fields. When he comes upon Meg during a skirmish and finds out she's the enemy's niece he's been looking for, that's when the lies start and secrets are kept. What he didn't expect was to start having feelings for the lass!!

    A story that is filled with everything you would want in a historical romance! Heather McCollum is a "must buy" author for me, her stories are always so exciting and one can tell the research that goes into each and every one of her books. Definitely recommend!

  • Coco.V

    🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/26/2020)! 🎁

  • C.W.

    Pretty cute with several silly cheeky bits throughout - intentional or not. Caught myself smiling at times. Having read some fairly heavy reads leading up to this, I was in need of some lighthearted reading. This book fit the role well. The talented Timothy Campbell’s narration was perfection. However, the overall story was just ok.’

  • Shauni

    Finding new authors to share with you all is one of the joys of Tea and Book. As you know, Tea and Book was set up for just this reason, to share exciting reads from new authors. I know there are always authors to be discovered but it is such a high when we find on that is jut amazing. I was thrilled when Netgalley sent me Captured Heart. I was prepared to like it on the premise alone.. Sexy Highlanders, Magic, A Damsel in Distress, A mysterious secret and oh yeah did I mention Sexy Highlanders? As we too often discover sometimes the actual story does not quite live up to it's hype.. So it is especially exciting to find a book that does.. *grins* I know had you worried for a second didn't I. Heather McCollum begins her second series (Highland Heart Series) with Captured Heart a wonderful story..

    Megan Boswell is running for her life. Escaping a father who had her mother killed as a witch. For most of her life she was raised by her aunt and uncle, loved and cared for but suddenly her father has plans for her.. Megan knows that those plans at best would make her his pawn forever and and worst would end her life so armed with her bow, her horse and her best friend (a wolf she raised from a pup) she runs to the highlands to throw herself on the mercy of an aunt she has never met. Scared and alone she is unwittingly drawn into a battle, unable to let a man die she chooses sides and finds herself forever entwined with the clan McBain.

    Caden McBain, a child of feud. This man watched his family die to a century long feud over a woman. One no one alive had ever met but was willing to continue the blood feud over. As a child he swore he would find peace and finally there is a way. All he has to do is capture the beloved niece of the Laird of Clan Munro and demand peace as her ransom.. When she falls into his lap and asks him for escort to her uncle it seems a miracle has occurred. Oh silly man.. How can he expect a woman who freely gives her healing powers to men she does not know to accept that she is merely a pawn?

    Megan and Caden have an interesting row to hoe.. Trying to stop a feud with the Munros, Caden finds that there are others out to destroy him and that maybe the Munros are not the Villains they have been portrayed to be. Stiff necked, prideful Highlanders sure, but evil incarnate not quite. As the McBain "guest" Megan manages to win over an entire clan with her selflessness and willingness to care for those around her. She slowly learns that the gifts she has been given are not evil and can heal those around her. So gradually she learns how to use her gift.

    Of course there is so much more to this story, there is the plot against Henry VIII that Megan unknowingly has the power to stop. Learning of her mother's secret past as well as dealing with the evil within the man she calls father. For a girl who has spent a lifetime in seclusion never really belonging anywhere, suddenly everyone wants to claim her.. and Caden *sigh* he is top of the list.

    What a great story and I am so glad that I was offered this story from Netgalley. This has been one of my greatest surprises.. I seriously suggest you all check out this amazing new author.. I know I am on my way to get her other series The Dragonfly Chronicles.. I am that excited about her.

    Shauni

    This review is based on the ARC of Savage hunger provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released Today

    For more reviews by Shauni check out
    Tea and Book and

    Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

  • Lynsey is Reading

    A sweet Scottish Romance with just a hint of paranormal.

    This is the story of Caden MacBain, chief of clan MacBain, and Meg Boswell, niece to the MacBain's fiercest enemy, the Munro's. It's just barely a Historical-Paranormal, although really the paranormal aspect was very small and limited to only one main character. I found it to be a really sweet and sexy story and I will definitely be reading more from this new (to me) author.

    It was also quite a quick read; I probably could have happily read it in one sitting if real life hadn't gotten in the way, as it was instantly engaging and very readable.

    I think my favourite character had to be Caden. He was a most unusual highland Laird; so invested in his people's well-being, making daily rounds to each family in the village to make sure they had everything they needed. He was just a really nice guy, despite some of his shady decisions made in hopes of saving his clan from starvation. I had no trouble forgiving him his transgression at all. He seemed pretty selfless to me. And as well as being an all round decent guy, he also sounded particularly delicious with his low-slung kilt and rippling muscles and narrow hips and..... Och, aye.

    Meg was a very likeable heroine as well. Tough and more than capable of taking care of herself, either with her words or with her bow, or failing both of those things, her pet wolf.

    I liked the way the pair met in such unusual circumstances, and I enjoyed reading about Caden's instant attraction that he tried to keep to himself, knowing that once Meg found out what was really going on, she would hate him. I also liked the fact that the clan members were all (well, mostly all) kind and honourable men. Especially sweet young Donald. Bless him.

    And I definitely appreciated that the dialogue was written very straightforwardly. There wasn't really any attempt to portray the Scottish dialect with strange spellings or dropped letters, other than exchanging 'you' for 'ye', and 'your' for 'yer'. That was about it. This makes it so much easier to read. No more stumbling and tripping my way through people's speeches. I know what a Scot sounds like without any visual assistance thanks very much. A few little changes such as these are more than sufficient, if you ask me.

    There were a couple of parts of the plot that were a little obvious, and of course, many of the plot devices used—clan feuds, kidnapped daughters, marriage alliances, etc.—have all been done before numerous times. But I thought the addition of the witchy healing powers and the clues left within the notebook were an interesting twist and made the story stand out as unique.

    All together, a quick, fun, sweet and sexy read. Recommended to all fans of Scottish/Highlander Romances.

    4 Stars ★★★★
    ARC provided for an honest review.

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  • Tina "IRead2Escape"

    Captured Heart by Heather McCollum is a wonderful addition to the many Highlander books that I love. In this particular sub genre you can either go for gold or be really cheesy. This book is definitely gold.

    Running for her life Meg Boswell has to get to her aunt in the Northern Highlands. Her mother was burnt as a witch and Meg has every reason to believe that she is about to suffer the same fate. She can only hope that she will make it there safely and will be welcomed as she’s never met her mom’s only sister. Thinking about what will happen to her if she doesn't make it Meg finds herself right in the middle of a battle. Making a quick decision she shoots an English soldier with her bow, saving a Highland warriors life.

    Chief Caden Macbain can not believe how close he came to meeting his demise at the hand of an English soldier only to be saved by a beautiful lass that just happened to be alone in the middle of the forest. His luck was even better when he found out that she was Meg Boswell, the niece of his hated enemy. His plans to abduct Meg and hold her for ransom, to force peace between the two clans, just got a lot easier.

    Finding that the Highland warriors were heading back to their home, which just happened to border her Aunt’s land, she asked to travel with them in return for her healing skills. Caden jumped at the chance thinking if she felt that she was a welcomed guest, rather than a captive, things would go a lot smoother.

    What follows is a series of exciting scenarios. First, she has to find a way to ingratiate herself with the Macbain clan and its elders. The way she charms them and their reactions to her is so much fun. Then, you have the attraction the couple just can not ignore, even though Caden tries to fight it. Throw in a century old feud, age old superstitions, a little magic, an evil father and espionage and you have quite the ride.

    I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a strong Highlander and a hot, sexy love story.

    Thank you to NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.

    You can find this review and others at
    http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and
    http://tinar1121.blogspot.com.

  • TheGeekyBlogger

    Read for Review (NetGalley)
    Overall Rating: 4.50
    Story Rating: 4.50
    Character Rating: 4.50

    First Thought when finished: Captured Heart was a fantastic historical romance that made me swoon several times. I think all historicals should make you do that at least once :)

    Quick Thoughts: Captured Heart is probably my 2nd favorite historical read this year. It contained all the elements I love: strong man, stronger woman, great setting, evil villain, swoon-worthy moments, strong family, and a touch of magic. The story was well paced and the characters were really well done. I fell in love immediately with all of the McBains and loved how they treated Meg (with the exception of a few). Caden was made of pure hotness and he was the kind of man you would want to have on your side. Caden and Meg together were just sizzling hot and their romance made me smile.

    Final Thought: Captured Heart swept me away and made me smile!

  • Elle

    4.5 - 5

  • Blondie

    I liked the narrator and want to read more in the series if there are no more narrated in the series

  • Natalie

    Again, I like this authors writing style and voice, but she falls to easily into predictable narratives. The beginning was weak, the middle was strong, the ending was “eh.”

  • Laura

    What is it About:
    Meg escapes England as her murderous father finally comes for her. He had her mother killed for witchcraft and wants to do the same to her. As she flees, she runs into a battle and helps a Scottish warrior. The warrior is heading to the area in Scotland that she wishes to go to so she tags along.
    Caden is the Chief of his own Highland Clan. He went to England for his own mission and ended up with Meg falling into his lap. He plans to use Meg to forge peace between his clan and another but he failed to realise how strong a person Meg is.

    What I Liked and Didn't:
    I'd say that the good of this book outweighs the bad, and I'll try to show that but the negatives are always the easiest ones to remember. I really like Meg, I tend to enjoy characters that use medicinal herbs to heal. I find it fascinating, you know as long as it's true. I admire her strength and take-charge attitude. However, she sometimes comes across as stupid and naive; when it comes to choosing a traitor, the options were pretty obvious but she didn't see it coming. I also would have preferred her to be a bit more bad-ass, sure she had strength but when it mentions that she's a wicked shot with a bow, I thought she'd be a bit more of a warrior-type. Caden had the olden type mentality when it comes to men in power (obviously, it's a historical romance) but it wasn't done in an unattractive way that may have been more historically correct. He was sweet when it came to Meg, which I appreciated but he also came off as a bit naive. He failed to see that he was being played even after it became obvious and it seemed stupid that he thought kidnapping one woman would be the solution to the fact that his people are going to end up starving.
    Plot-wise, it was a combination of simple and complex. The simple include obvious traitors and a solution to the fact that Meg's father was a dick that tied everything up into a neat little bow. But I did appreciate the complex areas. I liked the political aspects and historical details (although I can't help but question their validity). Meg did have a moment of bad-ass-ness when it came to the end but then ended up crying even after all the horrible stuff Roland did.

    Final Thoughts:
    I think that this was a good first dip with getting back into historical romances. It had a certain level of fantasy that made it a smooth transition into this genre.
    Would I recommend it? Sure, it was an interesting read.
    Will I be carrying on the series? I'd be interested in the female pirate character but I'd prefer the setting to be the Highlands rather than the English Court but I might still give it a shot.