| Title | : | Highland Conquest (Sons of Sinclair, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1640637478 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781640637474 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published April 28, 2020 |
Every attempt Cain makes to woo her seems to backfire on him. A gift? The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chess? Even when he wins, he loses. It seems the only time the two ever see eye to eye is when they’re heating up Cain’s bed. Still, the only thing Ella truly wants is the one thing he cannot offer her: freedom.
But when Cain discovers she’s been harboring a secret—one that could threaten both clans’ very existence—he’ll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who’s captured his heart.
Highland Conquest (Sons of Sinclair, #1) Reviews
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This is a little bit long, a little bit convoluted, but still enjoyable.
How can you not swoon for a muscular Scottish barbarian who woos his woman by gifting her with baby animals?
I’ve read a lot of 15th century Scottish historical romance recently, I guess that’s just been my March mood, and this one stood out ahead of all of them.
For once the heroine wasn’t a Mary Sue, delicate English flower, but a strong Scottish warrior in her own right. The author made her both strong and fierce yet soft and vulnerable. She had convictions, and stood by them and fought alongside her brutish man. It was so refreshing and well done.
The hero also had more depth than this genre usually explores. He was conflicted, he listened and he tried to grow and be better. He overcame much to be with her, and made some great sacrifices of beliefs he’d long held true, in favour of loving his woman but also in being a better, more fair leader.
Lots of plot twists in this that boggled my brain a little, but overall this was a good, romantic read with a satisfying ending. I’m glad I tried this author again, I think she’s grown quite a bit from the earlier book I read of hers. Unfortunately while listening to this book on the audible plus catalogue, the remainder of the series was pulled from it, and now I cannot find books two and three in any of my subscription services or the public library. Ugh. Oh well, I have the arc for number four and I will just skip to Bás’ story now I guess.
Shout out to Tim Campbell yet again for his amazing narration. This man’s voice is a warm blanket and his Scottish accent does things to me… 👀. -
2.5
Still the same rating after relistening to the audiobook.
Notes to remind myself what this book is about: (minor spoilers)
- Heroine, Arabella or Ella, can ride standing up on her horse.
- H/h meet after a battle up in a tree where she
- Ella is taken to Cain's clan where she tries to escape 2-3 times.
- She delivers a foal.
- Cain wants to marry Ella to unite the clans and briefly woos her.
- She eventually agrees.
- They have sex 2-3 times before they marry. One of which takes place in
- 2 kidnappings and villains die.
- Some political stuff. Who gets to rule the Sutherland clan (heroine’s clan)?
- HEA -
This review was originally posted on
Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Highland Conquest is the first book in a NEW series by Heather McCollum. I discovered this author only a couple of years ago and truly have enjoyed her work so much. She really knows how to write great angst in her books. And anyone that really knows my reading tastes knows how picky I am when it comes to angst that enters the relationship between the main characters. But this author has such talent in writing it. The only downside is that this is an ARC and the text the publisher had chosen really didn't work well for my eyes but the actual story was really well done.
Highland Conquest begins with a battle between two warring clans, and the father of the Sinclair's is killed and the oldest son and now the Laird, goes after the leader of the battling clan, his enemy but also a woman he has known for years but somehow has been turned into his enemy. When he races after her, they share a kiss in the forest and he brings her back to his home as his captive and future bride. Cain is a thinker, and out of the four sons, he likes to see all possibilities and when he sees Ella, he knows that she is the answer. If they marry it will bring peace between them and allow Cain to conquer the other clan and bring balance to Scotland once again. But Ella has no plan in marrying Cain, a man she thinks has despised her since she was twelve years old. But as these two battle out their future a deep abiding desire forms and only once trust and love is built will the answer to all their problems be formed and a match of the clan be forged
Highland Conquest is a fabulous book and I really had such a blast with this one. I really love how this author handles these "captive" scenarios because they feel so real but not non-consensual where the relationship is concerned. Because there is consent in this book and I really liked seeing how well this author balances out that and seeing how well these two are matched for each other. They are both fierce in what they believe and stand for and I really love how protective they both are in the people they care about. The tension between them especially at the beginning is very strong at times, but seeing the level of trust that slowly forms between them is what makes this book so sweet in the end.
Overall I found Highland Conquest to be a battle of wills that is powerful, engaging and portrays the strength and beauty of the historic Scotland
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Lusty and brutal. I got the clans a bit muddled but I wasn’t really there for that so no matter.
Complete story, audible free listen. -
Well this was a fun brawny highlander, feisty protagonist read!!
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Rating: 3.1 / 5
As my first read by Heather McCollum, I'm sorry to say that this is my first read by Heather McCollum, as it seems that she has quite a repertoire of Scottish historical romances under her belt, and I would sincerely like to explore more from her.
However, for this first book of the series about the Sons of Sinclair, I'm....impressed by the worldbuilding and the legend behind the Four Horsemen and how she's interpreted that, but....
....um.....
...this is meant to be a romance isn't it? Because while romance definitely plays a part in the story, it's definitely not the main point, and at times it feels like the characters actually missed the memo about falling in love, and instead just sort of end up in love from one chapter to the next...
...without really any reason for why.
Cain and Ella are both fine as characters, but I can't tell why they're in love with each other. I really can't. Ella's kind of childish in all her "escape" attempts--which never work and just end up with her acting kind of like a spoiled brat who lost her favourite toy--and Cain's personality is best expressed when he's away from Ella and interacting with his brothers, being the reasonable leader that conquers through strategy rather than through violence.
I didn't much see how their whole "falling in love"...thing...took place?
That being said, it took me much longer to get through this book than I thought it would, and I honestly just skimmed the last several chapters, as by that point I didn't really care what the ending was and could've guessed it myself anyway.
Now, I will be continuing on with the series, but let's just say that I'm really hoping that the next stories will be more entertaining. I will try Joshua's story on for size--despite not being much of a fan of his character in this story--and see how it goes, but...yeah, just fingers crossed and tons of hope that this author's other works are better than this one in terms of the romance aspect--which is really what I'm here for, after all. -
Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum is book one of her Sons of Sinclair series. This is a fine example of historical romance.
Cain Sinclair has been raised to conquer everything and everyone he comes into contact with. His ultimate goal is to conquer and rule the clans bordering the Sinclairs and eventually all of the Highlands. He plans to begin with Clan Sutherland. Marrying the current chief, the brave and beautiful, Ella Sutherland, seems to be the fastest and easiest way to achieve his goal. Ella is a warrior and refuses to yield to any man and especially not to the hated Cain Sinclair. Men have tried to control her all her life. She wouldn’t yield before and she won’t yield now, no matter the cost. Cain is determined to win the land and the lady. Ella is determined to keep her promise and conceal the secret she’s been hiding since she was a child.
Highland Conquest is well-written with a great plot and characters. The novel is easy to read but exciting in all aspects. I anticipated each new chapter, even the next paragraph. This is a well-executed steamy romance, not cheesy in any sense. The interesting premise is followed through with full execution. Some of the content is explicit, but it’s all exquisite. I am compelled to rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy steamy historical romance, especially Highland romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and thank Entangled Publishing, LLC for the opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
I liked this one. The heroine is feisty and the hero is determined to win her... after he takes her home against her will. Buuuut it is war.
Cain is the 1st born son of the Sinclair clan and because of his father's desire to conquer and unite Scotland under the Sinclair clan, he and his brothers are part of a fierce legacy based on the four horseman of the apocalypse. When Ella Sutherland, chief of Clan Sutherland, is responsible for killing his father in battle, Cain captures Ella and takes her home wanting to marry her to unite their clans and needing to convince her it's a better idea than going to war.
A classic enemies to lovers. Snappy banter. Spicy scenes.
Narrated by the wonderful Tim Campbell.
Looking forward to the next one. -
DNF at 18%. This woman is driving me crazy. She’s the chieftain of her clan but runs up a tree to get away from the enemy. And when said enemy proposes marriage to settle their peace once and for all, she insists she’d rather die. But also, she thinks about all the people relying on her and how to protect them.
She’s a little bit dumb in a way that annoys the crap out of me.
Are there no soldiers that survived? Were they all slaughtered or did they run away? -
Highland Conquest
Sons of Sinclair Series #1
Heather McCollum
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherMcCol...
Release date 04/28/2020
Publisher Entangled Amara
Blurb :
Cain Sinclair has a plan. In order to finally bring peace to his clan, he will wed the young female chief of their greatest enemy. Only problem: capturing her and forcing her back to Sinclair castle doesn’t exactly make her want to say yes. Ella Sutherland may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing.
Every attempt Cain makes to woo her seems to backfire on him. A gift? The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chess? Even when he wins, he loses. It seems the only time the two ever see eye to eye is when they’re heating up Cain’s bed. Still, the only thing Ella truly wants is the one thing he cannot offer her: freedom.
But when Cain discovers she’s been harboring a secret—one that could threaten both clans’ very existence—he’ll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who’s captured his heart.
My Review :
Will they be able to overcome a feud of many years to ally their two clans ...
It seems I am reading more and more highland set stories and I visiting time period outside my usual regency/Victorian area.
Mrs Heather McCollum is a new-author to me, and I confess I judged a bit a book by its cover, and this one is not one which made me stop by to read the blurb, but anyway, I read it when this book was listed on Netgalley, and I found the plot intriguing. And even if I took time to find a day to read it, I am glad I didn’t let pass this one.
“Conquest is about taking. Love is all about giving.”
Ella is no frail woman, she knows her weakness but also her strength, and it is her secret oath that leads her, in its she draws her force.
Still the more she gets to know Cain, the more she fails to see in him the monster she was thought him to be. Sure he can be ruthless but also in his own way, he has shown her he cared and was able of attention. But can she trust him with her secret, when she swore on her mother’s death bed to protect it with her life.
Cain was raising by a driven man, a man with the crazed idea he had sired the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Win and conquer have always been his motto, so when he captures the woman behind his father’s demise, she is his, his to decide her fate. And while he decides to woo her, he struggles to find the right line between his duty as a chief and his new feelings for this strong lass.
While the first part of the story was fun and enjoyable as I watched them trading quips and bards, Ella leading Cain to a merry chase. Even if it was entertaining, I longed for a bit more, hopefully more actions took part in the second half of the book.
As a first in a series, this book sets the place, the many characters with Cain and his siblings as each will get its own story. It is a mix of funny scenes, others more sweet or angsty, with actions, betrayal and hurt.
I enjoyed my foray in Mrs Heather McCollum’s world and will happily follow all the Sinclair’s siblings.
4.5 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272... -
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Two strong, clever heads of opposing clans are the perfect match on and off the battlefield in Highland Conquest. Heather McCollum has kicked off her Sons of Sinclair with an engaging enemies-to-lovers tale.
Cain Sinclair was raised to be a conqueror. After the death of Cain’s mother, his father raised his sons to be the biblical Four Horseman, determined to see the Sinclairs rule a united Scotland. As the new chief of the Sinclair clan, Cain’s first order of business is to take over the holdings and people of their enemies, the Sutherlands. When he captures Ella Sutherland, the Sutherlands’ chief, Cain decides marrying her and absorbing her clan would be the best and most peaceful solution. Only Ella has no intention of submitting and giving away the birthright she’s held onto. It’s the perfect stage for a battle of wills, mostly because Cain and Ella are perfect for each other. If their clans weren’t warring, their love story would be a simple one. But duty and family are heavy burdens for each to bear.
Cain and Ella are strong, honorable characters who have their work cut out for them. Cain is trying to not only do right by his clan, but to live up to the legend his father wanted him to be. Ella was raised by a monster and has spent her life protecting others. Cain and Ella are easy to like and they have wonderful chemistry. Cain’s wooing and Ella’s escape attempts bring a liveliness and energy to what would could otherwise be a heavy book. There is a core of respect to the romance that I really enjoyed. And though Ella is Cain’s captive, there is expressed consent when things turn carnal. Everything about Cain and Ella’s romance worked and I was rooting for them to find a way to get their happily ever after. Both have hard choices to make throughout the story and sometimes the easiest road isn’t what’s best or what’s right for the one you’re coming to love and the people you hold dear.
Highland Conquest is the first book in the Sons of Sinclair series and I finished it looking forward to more. In particular, I cannot wait to see what Ms. McCollum has in store for the youngest brother, Bàs.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. -
Really good story.
Strong heroine.
Some humour.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Other woman does kiss the Hero in a plan to make the heroine jealous.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
HEA.
Epilogue. -
*4,5 stars*
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Une héroïne forte et décidée face à un héros déterminé à faire ce qu’il croit le mieux pour son clan et l’Ecosse, ça donne une histoire où les deux se tiennent tête en apprenant à se connaître, le tout sur fond de guerres de clans. Un roman sympathique dont je lirai la suite avec plaisir.
3,5/5
Avis complet
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... -
Cain Sinclair has been raised all his life to conquer and strategize, driven by a mostly-mad father. When his father's death in battle sees Cain become chief of the Sinclairs, he is able to do things his own way and decides to bring peace to his clan and avoid bloodshed by marrying Ella Sutherland, the chief of his clan's greatest enemy. He captures her in battle and forces the lovely warrior woman back to his castle, but she's less than willing to accede to his demands, even in the name of peace.
Ella spurns Cain's attempts at wooing her and continues to try her luck, albeit unsuccessfully, at escaping his well-fortified castle. The only thing that does seem to click between them is their physical attraction, but all Ella truly wants is to be free.
When Cain learns that Ella has been keeping a secret for years, one that could spell disaster for both their clans, he must decide how to uphold his role and maintain the respect of his clan, while still achieving the peace he quietly longs for, even if it means sacrificing a future with the woman he's come to love.
I had very high hopes for this book and this new series, but I've got some very mixed feelings about this. I really liked seeing Cain work to embrace who he really is and come into his own without his father forcing him into the role of first horseman that he never actually wanted to fulfill. Most of my issue was with Ella. She was incredibly judgmental of Cain, even after she started to get to know him and most of her decisions were just illogical. I found myself scoffing at her more often than not and couldn't bring myself to root for her. Then she went almost immediately from hating Cain and mistrusting him to being eager to jump into bed with him. I just didn't really feel the attraction or connection between them.
I do enjoy action in my romance, but some of the battle scenes/scenarios started to feel a bit repetitive and overused as plot devices. At times I felt like I was rereading a scene I'd already read earlier in the book. The writing style took some getting used to and I struggled to get into this. Most of it was a slog and didn't quite work for me or hold my attention until the very end. It wasn't bad, not by any means, just not quite what I was expecting. I seem to be in the minority here though, so I would still recommend this one and will likely continue the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
3.7/5 🦄
So I rounded up to four in my goodreads rating...
This book was action packed to biblical proportions...specifically Revelations. The Sinclair sons have been presented by their conquest-crazed father as the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Their enemy, the Sutherland clan, is in all out war with them and has been for 30 years since the Sinclair chief divorced and disgraced Merida Sinclair. That is, until Ella Sutherland, new chief of the Sutherlands, successfully kills the chief of the Sinclairs and end up captured by the eldest son and new chief. He decides that she will marry him and they will unite under his rule, but Ella has a secret, has given oaths, that she must protect. Duh duh duuuuuuh!
I’ll tell you what I liked first. The story, while very much in line with tough warrior, hate-to-love tropes of historical romance, had a good flow to it with plenty of action and twists. I like both the main characters, but my favorite side character is Bas—he is the quiet one, the baby marshmallow boy of the sons, and I love him. I like also that the brothers, still going with trope, are very much NOT what they have been made to represent. They actually have some understanding of human emotions too—but other times, especially their comments about how to get women (and it actually plays out like they said!) I wanted to strangle someone. Let’s hope we aren’t that petty.
My biggest issue with the book is the particularly needless historicizing/archaizing of the language. It was bulky. It made me constantly slow down to read. For example, the word “fok” in this book means exactly what you think it means, but the human brain is conditioned to supplying expected letters (and corrects the failures of autocorrect). This word was literally the bane of my existence because I’d been happily reading along and then someone yells “fork!” No wait not fork! Go back, brain! Suffice it to say, I found this super annoying. It was like reading an unedited book that autocorrect had it’s wicked way with. I don’t feel it added to the story in any way. It just took me out of it and I had to constantly reengage. If you can get past this, you’ll be fine.
Would I read a sequel in this series?
If it’s for Bas, HECK YEAH!
Would I recommend this book?
If you like big broody highlanders and romance novel tropes, I do!
It was a good read. Maybe not a great read, but a good one.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. -
When Cain Sinclair’s father is killed in battle by Arabella “Ella” Sutherland, Cain decides that the only way to end the decades old feud is to marry Ella and merge the clans. Too bad Ella is not on board with that plan.
Cain is the eldest of the four Sinclair brothers who were raised by their father as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” – a clever tactic on their father’s part to instill fear in their enemies and a strategy the brothers fully embrace. Cain captures Ella and gives her a choice, marry him or die – she chooses death – well that is not what Cain expected and decides that doesn’t work for him – instead he set out to change her mind and woo her – which is quite entertaining!
Ella not only a warrior, she is also lovely, smart and devoted to her people. But Ella was raised by a monster and wants nothing more than to protect her people – she is sure Cain is a monster too and will not subject her people to that kind of ruler again – but slowly she sees that Cain is not really the “horseman” that rumor and reputation have made him out to be and she finds herself falling for him – but Ella has made promises and has secrets that could make any hope of HEA an impossibility.
This was a well written and entertaining story. It is filled with action, secrets, some laugh out loud moments, a great cast of secondary characters, steamyish love scenes and finally a hard-won HEA. I did feel like the first half of the book dragged a bit, but it did pick up in the second half and I appreciated the glossary of Scots-Gaelic/Old English words at the beginning of the book for reference. I enjoyed this book and would be happy to recommend it. It is the first in a new series this book and am really looking forward to each of the brother’s stories.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.* -
If you are a fan of the Outlander series or love reading Highlander romances, this book is a great addition to your collection!
It's a story of peace, kidnapping, wooing, and freedom (if any of those things could collide, it's in this one). I really loved how their interactions changed from the beginning to end, and the one-sided enemies-to-lovers take was such a perfect addition it the story.
The writing style was a little bit of a struggle to me. It's hard for me to really be captured by these romances as I either fly through their historical writing styles or I tend to stumble between the words. This one wasn't too complex for my taste, but there were a few world-building scenes I found myself slowing down to digest.
But overall, this was a solid read, and I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this one to Scottish, historical romance lovers!
*Disclaimer: I requested a free copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing in exchange for an honest review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions only and are not influenced in any way.* -
Tropes:
~highlander
~historical romance
~kidnapping
~arranged marriage
This was a 3.5⭐️. I enjoyed the writing and story, it’s more a case of me not loving the whole “arranged marriage to unite two opposing clans” trope that made me a little disconnected from the romance. But I’m curious to continue on with the series and see what happens with the other brothers, especially with the Four Horsemen metaphor. -
3.5/5 🌟
An enemies to lovers highlander romance with warring clans as the backdrop.
Cain, and his three brothers, were raised to believe they are the four horseman of the apocalypse and have been sent down as messengers from God to unite Scotland under one clan. Enter Ella, the leader of a rival clan who will do anything to protect her own. Now captured by Cain and his clan she is given two options: die or marry the Laird Cain?
Though the romance is the main focus of the story the author gives a lot of attention to clan politics and setting up some easter eggs for later books. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers romance as their relationship is hard won and even when it appears to be on the right track there is still a lot to work through.
Personally though there was too much attention to clan politics and war for my liking and I found myself skimming some parts.
Spoiler thought:
I received a copy via NetGalley from the publisher in preparation for the release of the third book. -
Enemies-to-lovers Highlander romance centered on four brothers who were raised by an… interesting… father who decided they were the embodiment? of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It’s definitely a bit bonkers; it’s not always entirely clear how seriously the brothers take that descriptor, although everyone is definitely leaning into it in general. Gotta love a few quotations from the Book of Revelations.
I enjoyed Ella as a heroine and Cain’s growth as a character and leader was done well. The brothers are variously buttheads at points although I definitely want to read Bas’s story when it comes out!
There was a lot going on here in terms of names, places, events, etc, but the story still got bogged down several times in repetitive conversations, long internal dialoguing, and grand-standing by villainous characters. I could also maybe do with less equivocating of women and horses. -
Big fan of Heather McCollum and was super excited to read this arc.
A great start to a new series. Those boys were raised to be thought of as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and it was so ingrained I felt such sorrow for them. Placed into roles that may not fit them.
I loved the strong heroine. Not only was she her clan's chief but was strong enough to kill the enemy chief. I really liked how the author kept her strong while being captured by the enemy clan and being forced into a marriage with their new chief.
Looking forward to more from this series. -
2 stars
Check out my full review here!Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but it does not influence my opinion of the book nor the contents of this review in any way.
Gosh, I seem to be in the minority for this one, which is a usual occurrence for me but... kdslfj I just couldn't get into this one. For the first 16 percent, I was frustrated and would have certainly put the book down, if it wasn't an ARC. Gradually... things got better and I was curious enough to finish it, but if I had not received this book for request, I'm not sure I would've gotten to that part.
Highland Conquest follows Cain Sinclair and begins on the battlefield, where his father is killed by another clan. He captures Arabella Sutherland, the enemy clan's chief, and tells her that they are going to marry, thus "peacefully" bringing the two clans together under his leadership. Ella, kidnapped and not wanting to relinquish her clan to a monster, does not agree. As one would. But they spend time together ... yada yada yada ... and eventually come to care for each other. But still, the question of her clan comes between them.
See it's not even that simple. Cain is the first-born son of four brothers... the four horsemen of the apocalypse, so his dad claimed and so his dad raised them. He was delusional, but the brothers followed anyway. They each had an army of horses in the appropriate color (the youngest son literally dyes his horse green before battle, because Death was said to have a green horse). The youngest son got the most of the delusion, named for death, and wears a skull mask, scythe and cape. It's all quiet fancy and crazy.
I just... ugh. I couldn't get into it, no matter how much I wanted to. The language slipped in and out of old English, Gaelic, and a few others, which kept bringing me out of the story as I went back to my first bookmark to see what it meant. I laughed myself hoarse when Cain saw his father slain in battle and said "Nay!" with a pointed hand stretched out his way. Just imagining the scene makes me giggle. "Nay"?? Really?? There was no other reaction outside of that, which was rather odd. Not to mention, all the simile's and metaphors, in the beginning, made my head spin 😨"Surely, pledging your heart to one of God's warriors would be better than the cold, dark grave."
"The Chief of God's Warriors," Cain restated.
I really, really wanted to like Ella. And I did, she could be pretty cool. But as a supposedly dynamic character, I was unimpressed.
Honey, if you have an army, I beg of you to utilize it and not run away from its protection. No wonder she was captured!! You marveled at how fast his horse was, and then led him in a merry game of chase? *scoff* It's like the author had this outline of the events that were going to happen, and no possibilities given consideration. She had to be captured, so she was captured, except her whole (assumed) personality was set aside to do it.
I couldn't help but feel that there were multiple opportunities for her to escape that weren't taken. And though Cain and even herself kept marveling after her cunning and how she would definitely escape... she never did. She never even came close. She wasn't scared of Cain and that's about the old brave thing she could do. Oh, and she stands on her horse when she rides. That was pretty cool, but it was highlighted so much that I think it was the only things she could do. Towards the end, she started to act more like a warrior - or others thought that she was and allowed her some freedom to be in charge - but I didn't look at her and think Warrior. I still don't.
The enemies-to-lovers connection had some substance but... I stick with my statement of "some." The connection was made fairly obvious, they just both had to make a *choice* and it was pretty obvious which one they were going to individually make. Plus, although they were definitely "enemies," I couldn't help but feel some insta-love on his side. Which... gross. Overall, I wasn't too impressed but it wasn't awful. If I had to give it a word-rating, I'd say "fine." But I do also seem to be in the minority for this one, so definitely check it out if you're interested!
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the review copy and for all that you do! ✨
-
FULL REVIEW:
Content Warning: sexism, parental abuse, violence
This does contain sexual content.
Hey, guys,
I was sent an eARC of this book for my honest review via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
When I first requested to read this book, I was really hopeful. The synopsis was intriguing, the characters and drama were something that I was very interested in reading about, and I haven't really read many historical romance books that take place in Scotland. I'm a sucker for a brooding man in a kilt.
Unfortunately, this book was just really annoying to me. The characters weren't developed well at all, the romance was so lackluster, and the language used throughout was just a slog to get through. I didn't enjoy this book at all.
When it comes to historical romance books of the cheesy variety, I usually have to suspend my reality to fully enjoy the story. They're supposed to be dramatic and unrealistic but in the best way. Unfortunately, this was just too bizarre, unrealistic, awkward, inconsistent and full of plot holes for me to actually enjoy.
One of my main issues with this book was that the language was just a chore to understand. There was a good mixture of modern English, Old English, and random Scottish slang or terms -- as well as random words that were spelled differently to sound Scottish or old. For example, "cock" was "cod" and "fuck" was "fok." Not only was the first extremely terrible to imagine. (All I imagined were dead fishes whenever a person was called a cod. Please no.) The use of "fok" kept getting 'autocorrected' (if you will) to "fork" or I would just cringe and be annoyed. In my opinion, these random uses of phrases and terms just made it even more confusing to follow. It was just awkward and annoying to me.
I love it when books use terms or phrases from a different language or even when they make up their own language, but this book just randomly used the phrases or terms willy-nilly and it was quite obvious that they didn't really know what they were doing. I swear I'm not trying to sound like a snob or something, but the method that this author used in this book was just annoying my English major heart. I couldn't do it.
Let's move onto another thing I didn't enjoy -- the romance. The characters in this book were quite two-dimensional already, but the attempted romance just made their lack of depth unbearable. I feel like the author was focusing their efforts on making the language historically accurate, rather than focusing on the story. The romance that developed just didn't feel realistic to me. The "strong" female lead wasn't the kind of strength that I expected. There were some good feminist ideas throughout, but the execution was just lacking.
I'm in the middle of a massive romance kick right now, so I wish I had liked this book more. I need to find a historical romance book that I completely adore. Until then, I'm going to keep tentatively searching for my historical romance sweet spot.
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initial thoughts:
(Content Warning: sexism, parental abuse, violence)
Wow. This was just a slog of a read. Not only were the characters unrealistic, inconsistent, and so annoying; the plot was full of holes, inconsistencies, and predictable and cliche. Unfortunately, the romance was just not ... it was bad. The main characters had minimal chemistry and the little that they displayed was written very badly. Also, the language used throughout was a mixture of old English, Gaelic, Scottish slang, and modern English. It wasn’t fun to trudge through. It made the reading experience 10x worse. I love a book that integrates another language, but this book didn’t use it consistently or correctly. It was very badly done. -
Complicated yet sexy Highland romp. It is not everyday your father and Laird is killed in battle, by a woman no less. Ella Sutherland is not just a woman but Laird of the Sutherland clan, now captive of her enemies, The Four Horsemen. Cain knows the way to end this war with less bloodshed is marrying Ella, she would rather die. As Cain attempts to woo Ella her anger starts to fizzle into something. Sexy path to their HEA including sexy brothers, wild celebrations, and chess.
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Review posted on Les Romantiques le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review copy by the publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3,5/5
Here is the new Sons of Sinclair series that will follow the four sons of the previous clan Sinclair chief who nicknamed them the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This first volume, Highland Conquest, presents to us Cain and Ella when after a bloody battle, he takes her back as a prisoner, demanding a wedding between them to pacify their two clans.
The brothers Sinclair’s father used to have them play their role as Horsemen of the Apocalypse down to the last detail, like their horses’ color or their battles outfits. Because of this and their fierceness in battle, the neighboring clans fear them – but that doesn’t prevent them to pick a quarrel with them as you can imagine. Of the four brothers, only one seems to possess the personality corresponding to the horseman he’s meant to be, the others are more moderate and open when they are just between themselves. They have a sister, ignored by their father because she doesn’t fit in the Horsemen’s legend, and I don’t know yet if the author intends to write a book for her.
Cain is honest, ready to do anything for his clan. First he follows his father’s idea to unite Scotland by force under the Sinclair’s colors, but he changes little by little, in part through contact with Ella. He admires her courage and her determination, and he’s ready to do anything for her to finally accept him.
Ella is full of vivacity, determined to free herself, not to surrender to Cain or to her own feelings. She understand little by little that Cain and his brothers are not the monsters her father described, she begins to trust him, but she hides a secret because of a promise made to her dying mother that will spoil things a bit between them when he’ll discover it.
I thought they were good together and their attraction leads to quite sensual moments well done.
The emphasis is placed on the fact each must break away from his/her father’s legacy, which isn’t done easily. Of course there are some unlikely scenes, like the one at the beginning when the hero doesn’t try to take revenge on the heroine after his father’s death but decides immediately to marry her, leaving the battle field to take her back to the family castle. There are several unexpected plot twists: abduction, diverse threats, surprising big revelations …
All in all it’s a pleasant story with characters to which we can easily grow attached to. And now I can’t wait to discover the brothers’ stories. -
This new series by Heather McCollum could not have started off with more of a bang. From the get go, Ella, the sassy Sutherland chieftain, proved she’s got amazing game. Whether leading the charge on the battlefield or warring using words with her sworn enemy, the Sinclairs, she’s not one to give up and surrender easily. Certainly not without putting up a fight. She’s all about protecting her clan, no matter the cost to herself. Even in captivity, she’ll fight and claw to break free. Of course, there is one thing she’s was sure to lose in the process..her heart. Cain, the hero, slowly but surely stole it.
It’s not surprising Cain Sinclair has a Greek god like body/persona. I’ll just leave it at that, folks. You will have to read this book to find out why/how that applies here. In fact, his three younger brothers also have that same gig going on for them, as well. Just a twist here and there differently. Yeah, that was a little out there, but I rolled with it. It was rather original. The ending wrap up played out longer than I expected. Meaning it bounced around a little before it got down to the business of sealing this main couple's HEA.
Oh, I am so looking forward to seeing them all brought to their manly knees one by one by the love of their very own special leading lady. Gideon, Joshua, and Das...You're up next! I simply can’t wait for more sequels in this series.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Highland Conquest, Series: Sons of Sinclair (Book 1), Author: Heather McCollum, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, clan chieftain heroine, clan chieftain hero, enemies to in love, romance safe for me, some violence, hiding a secret, evil villain, both strong willed/determined.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.) -
Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum
Sons of Sinclair #1
The Sinclair brothers, four of them, have been raised to believe they are the four horsemen of the apocalypse found in Revelation. They appear at battle fields dressed as messengers from god and are dressed appropriately. Each has a job that allows them lethal abilities while instilling fear while fighting foes. These brothers are, n order of birth:
* Cain brings conquest on a white horse
* Joshua brings war on a bay horsemen
* Gideon brings justice on a black horse
* Bás brings death on a pale horse
Each brother will have a book of his own and perhaps their sister Hannah will, too. This, the first book in the series, is the story of Cain and how his plan to bring peace rather than war begins. It is also a story with a HEA...eventually.
Beginning on a battlefield we meet the brothers, they lose their father and Cain chases down Arabella “Ella” Sinclair, captures her and declares they will marry to cement an alliance through marriage. Needless to say, she is not thrilled with the idea. For three weeks they face off in his castle, get to know one another, play chess, escapes are attempted, kidnappings are dealt with, have a bonfire social event and eventually secrets are revealed. The two seem meant for one another but prickly Ella and hollow Cain have to realize some truths before they can see what their future together can be.
What I liked:
* Ella – strong, a survivor, puts family and clan first.
* Cain – raised to conquer, has a plan, has much to learn, falls for Ella.
* The other three brothers – eager to see how their books will unfold
* The concept for the series, the writing and pacing
* Merida – a strong woman who survived much
* Hannah – a young woman kept hidden who needs to find herself
* Ethan – a good man there for Ella and her family
* James – young but potentially a good leader – perhaps he will get a book of his own, too
* Being eager to find out what Joshua’s story will be in book two.
What I did not like:
* The fathers of both Ella and the brothers
* The baddies – there was more than one to hate in this book
* Not a dislike but a note that to read this book you have to leave reality behind and open your mind to a not so historically correct historical romance.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled-Amara for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars -
Being the type of person where I prefer to read a book series in order, I picked up Highland Conquest to be prepared for the next book, Highland Warrior, which comes out next week. And I was so glad I did otherwise I would have missed out on the formidable and humorous Sinclair brother dynamics that are going to make this a great series.
Cain Sinclair wins every game he plays, but he's met his match with the headstrong Ella Sutherland.
The Sinclair brothers (known as the fearsome four horsemen to their enemies) are on a mission to avenge their father's death by the Sutherland Clan. Cain, the eldest, is given the duty to conquer and he plans to capture and wed the chief of the Sutherland clan, Ella Sutherland to take over her army and lands. But Ella has a different plan. To escape the overbearing chief of the Sinclairs and protect the secret she promised her mother on her death bed.
The chemistry is very high with Cain and Ella, but their stubbornness and sense of duty are always getting in the way. I love a strong heroine and Ella fits the bill. She is not afraid of Cain who is known for his deadly strategies in war. I laughed many times at her attempts to escape only to be thwarted by the very capable chief of the Sinclairs, but I give her points for giving it a try. There are also several LOL moments with the brothers teasing Cain about his wayward bride-to-be prisoner and confusion on how Cain is going to convince her to marry him in three weeks. It's a game of wills that leads to a very hot union. In addition to romance, there is a secret Ella holds that may ruin her growing affection for Cain and his family. Will all the trust they established be taken away?
The supporting characters in this story are essential to the story. The Sinclair family changes overnight when their father is killed in battle so watching them all come into their own with Cain as their leader is intriguing to watch. Ella's advisor and close friend Kenneth also plays an important role in this story.
I recommend this historical Highland romance to those who love fierce warriors, fun family interactions, and an enemies-to-lovers theme.
