Highland Warrior (Sons of Sinclair, #2) By Heather McCollum
This series, Sons of Sinclair, has quickly become one of my very favourite book series and we're only at Book 2!! Heather McCollum once again brings us on quite the adventure, this time on the Isle of Orkney where the Horseman of War, Joshua, meets Kara, the clan chief, and his life is forever changed.
I loved Joshua and Kara's characters, both so strong and wanting to do what is right for the people. She will do anything to convince him to help her and her clan fight the merciless Stuart family who have made their lives miserable. Having known nothing but war, Joshua suddenly finds himself wanting peace and a life with Kara. Their story is filled with danger, twists and turns and heated passions that will fill your heart with emotion. I laughed, I cried, held my breath and sighed....never a dull moment!!
I am still giggling at the one part when Joshua thinks of asking Brenna to neigh while giving birth....that's a scene that will forever stay in my mind, it was so hilarious:) Very well written and definitely a book worth reading, it has everything you'd ever want in a historical romance.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. English 3.5 stars
I enjoyed the story and the characters. At times though I was speed reading certain passages to get to the action.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. English **I received a copy of Highland Warrior from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.**
Highland Warrior by Heather McCollum is the second book in her Sons of Sinclair series. This is Joshua Sinclair AKA Horseman of War and Kara Flett's story of war and love on the Isle of Orkney.
I love a good Highlander story but this one goes way beyond that showing the other side of Robert Stuart (Stewart) and his sons thirst for everything on Orkney including Kara. This book is well worth 5 stars and more.
Joshua Sinclair has grown tired of training Lord Robert Stuart plus he wants to go home before winter little does he know that when he stops a young boy from stealing his horse Fuil (Who loves turnips) he'd meet Kara Flett who desperately needs Joshua to help her train her people to fight against The Stuarts. They have taken not only stolen horses, but food and women but will he stay to help or go home to Scotland and his family? Joshua will fall in love with the strength the people of Hillside have when Henry attacks Kara on Samhain. When Kara's son is taken by the Stuart's can either of them trade their lives for a young child?
There will be surprise revelations in the ending that will have you cheering for the village and also for the men that realize Joshua's training also gave him friendship needs during a battle to see right from wrong. English If alpha males and sword fighting are your thing read on......I really liked this book. I feel like it was better than the first. The first missed the 🔥 in the relationship, this one, well it delivered. The story line was unique 8(1-10) steaminess 8(1–10). It was about a 4.5 star overall but I am rounding up!!! English After the death of his wife in childbirth, George Sinclair lost his mind to grief and believed that end of days were upon them, in his grief he declared his sons the Horsemen of the Apocalypse and raised them to fulfill their callings. This story is of his second-born son, Joshua, dubbed the Horseman of War.
After his elder brother married, Joshua left Girnigoe Castle in Scotland in search of war and in doing so, lost his desire to battle. He ended up on the Orkney Islands training the Earl of Orkney’s men to defend themselves from the local inhabitants, who resented Scotland’s acquisition of their lands. It wasn’t until after he began training that he realized Robert Stuart, the Earl of Orkney and his sons are cruel tyrants and after a few months, Joshua decides to leave and return to his family. But with close familial ties to King James, the earl is a powerful man and Joshua must withdraw carefully, making sure the earl doesn’t take offense and turn the King against the Sinclair clan. He makes his goodbyes and sets out to find passage back to Caithness. He makes his way to a village and enters a tavern, hoping to find a ship sailing out and lodging for the night, but what he finds is trouble – in the form of a beautiful woman.
When Kara Flett learns that the “Horseman of War” is the man in the tavern, she forms a plan to seduce him into helping her people fight against the earl. Since her uncle, King Erik was taken by Robert, her people have looked to her to lead them, but she knows the only way to defeat the earl is to have her people led by a true warrior and hopes that Joshua Sinclair will help them. After a dust-up with some locals trying to steal his horse, Kara takes Joshua back to her “den” to tend his wounds and they spend the night making love. The next morning, she asks him to lead her people against the earl – Joshua feels betrayed and used and refuses – mainly because he cannot risk the earl’s wrath against his family – as the illegitimate son of the previous king, the earl is the King James’ uncle and fighting against him could see his family ruined. But Kara doesn’t give up and asks him to meet her people. After seeing the conditions that they are forced to live in, Joshua offers them refuge with his family and agrees to train her men to defend themselves.
After consideration, many of the islanders agree to move to the mainland and join the Sinclair clan, including Kara. But after a run-in with Robert’s son Henry and the return of her uncle, everything changes and when her son is taken, she refuses to leave without saving him. Joshua knows he must save her son and he also knows that doing so will endanger his family – so he does the unthinkable and cuts ties with his clan to save Kara’s son. But things go from bad to worse and Joshua’s sacrifice may not be enough to save Kara from the earl’s ultimate wrath.
This was a well-written, fast-paced, amazing read and of all the books I have read by this author, this one might be my favorite. This book is a non-stop adventure from the first page to the last, it is filled with action, steamy love scenes, truly evil villains, amazing secondary characters, nail-biting fight scenes, shocking twists and turns, and an ending that is sure to bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face! I loved this book, it was very intense, and to be completely honest, it is a bit more graphic and steamier than most of the books I have read by this author – that is not a complaint – more of a heads up to readers that might be sensitive to that sort of thing. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone title and I highly recommend it!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. * English
Joshua Sinclair was once the fiercest and most notorious warrior of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland. But now there’s nothing and no one that can make him take up arms again. Except a beautiful woman, it seems.
When Kára Flett, daughter of a fallen Norse chief, finds herself unexpectedly sheltering the strongest, most brutal warrior in the land, she throws together a risky and outrageous plan to bring him to her side. Threats of violence bounce right off him. Offers of gold seem to entice him even less. Desperate enough to use the pleas of the village children to sway him, she’s shocked when he’s completely unmoved. There’s only one tactic left for her: seduction.
Her hasty proposition falls completely by the wayside, though, as she and the Highlander come together in a carnal inferno. But bringing him into her life also brings his enemies to her clan’s doorstep—the very clan Kára is trying to protect. And as their feelings deepen, Joshua will have to decide between duty and love once and for all. Highland Warrior (Sons of Sinclair, #2)
Book: Highland Warrior by Heather McCollum
Series: Sons of Sinclair, Book 2
Publisher: Entangled
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
True history: Robert Stuart/ Stewart is the 1st Earl of Orkney and Lord of Zetland was a recognised illegitimate son of James V, King of Scotland, and his mistress Eupheme Elphinstone.
Orkney Isle, Scotland
1589
The hero: Joshua Sinclair, was the second male born in his family and also known as the horseman of war. He had been trained by his father to put war before anything else, this was due his father grieving his mother’s loss. Now his father was dead and his brother is the clan chief: Joshua previously had been upset by the way his brother is leading their clan as the new chieftain, as Cain ( Book #1) he is bringing peace and solitude to the land instead of planning battles and war to rule all of Scotland. In this you see Joshua’s immaturity and bloodlust for warfare seeing how he only desires power and felt the Sinclair clan was powerful and strong enough to rule all of Scotland! Yet his brother the new Chief is seeing other peaceful alternatives and saving lives.
Unhappy Joshua leaves his clan to become a mercenary, training men for gold in other clans. His current assignment is in the Isle of Orkney, training Robert Stuart’s men to defend themselves and turning into warriors. Also since this was a noble clan Joshua had to be very careful or he could end up having his own head lopped off- due to Robert Stuart’s royal connections. As he is Uncle to King of Scotland King James VI and I.
Now Joshus was starting to see things from his eldest brother’s view especially after a young boy from a recent battle is killed. As his side supposedly won which was giving Joshua a bad taste for war! In addition, he had enough of working for this oppressing Earl, including training side by side with an enemy from his previous battle. This mercenary was nicknamed “the Brute” by the local islanders, but his real name is John Dishington, who never felt any remorse-no matter if it was a man or a child who was killed. It was definitely time for Joshua to leave this life and return to his family at Girnigoe Castle, at the mainland of Scotland.
The. heroine: Kára Flett daughter of murdered Norse King, who is young widow with a nine year old son, Geir. Tára’s son actually tries to steal Joshua’s warhorse, Fuil who loves turnips. She also knew Joshua Sinclair (Horseman of War) was the leader training Robert Stuart’s warriors to butcher her people, as if they hadn’t already done enough against them already!This includes taking their King! So luck comes calling as he comes to their deserted village tavern on his way home. As he wants to be home on the mainland of Scotland in Caithness, at Girnigoe Castle, for Samhain to honor loved ones who had died this year. Joshua wanted to honor his deceased father’s spirit for this occasion. So Kára comes up with an idea to seduce him and get her with a child. It was a way to connect him to her clan, as they are desperate as they recently took King Eric into custody not even knowing if he was dead or alive! Now she must convince him to stay and train her people so they can defend themselves. Robert Stuart and his warriors have destroyed Kára’s clan by starving them by stealing their food, livestock especially their horses and abducting their women. Now they are in ‘hiding and need someone to train them desperately! The problem is Robert has noble family connections which could bring war right to Clan Sinclair’s door. His clan could lose their castle, property and cherished horses. As this would be considered treason!
Joshua is immediately attracted to Kára and finds her very enthusiastic in bed, well she was actually the best bed partner he’s ever had and thinks she’s ruined him for other women. Yet he sees through her manipulation and he does not like being deceived and feels that is it exactly. He is disappointed feeling she is using him like so many other women. Until he realizes it is desperation as he did not realize how Robert Stuart has been mistreating and abusing her people not allowing them to hunt, forcing free labor on his grounds, abducting women, even their healer and stealing their livestock. The treatment of the islanders is horrible so he does show them self defense and makes an offer instead of fighting. Unfortunately that is what they really want for to lead them in this fight. Will he stay or leave? Has a women who never wants to wed captured his heart? Plus Kára as many in her clan wanted her to marry Torben who only wants her for her title. She feels nothing for him plus her heart has been closed since her husband died. Now she is very attracted to Joshua Sinclair besides knowing how to operate her body he seems to answer her mind too. So will she get him to stay or will he catch the next ship to Caithness? Will Kára’s heart be broken when he leaves? Has a warrior Queen finally captured the heart of the Horseman of War? What lengths these two will go to realize love really does conquer all!
This book totally captured my heart-a magnificent read from start to finish. I can’t recommend it enough. One of my favorite reads of 2021. Heather McCollum is one of my go to authors. I have read every book this author has written, but I must say I think “Highland Warrior” is my absolute favorite! Plus the lengths Joshua and Kára go through to save her people and try to find a better life is definitely mind blowing! This includes my favorite style of reading true history with a fictional romance and Robert Stuart, first Earl of Orkney was a real person in history who was an illegitimate son of King James V and had nine legitimate children, including many illegitimate children from mistresses, plus he treated the island people horribly. He definitely was a monster, so not the best role model for his children. So a big BRAVO to author, Heather McCollum for writing an incredible book that really touched this readers heart. Mòran taing which means many thanks in Scottish Gaelic.
This book is definitely one to put on the shelf keeper and to read again. It’s has all the elements that historical readers love from weaving true historical facts with an extraordinary fictional romance. Each chapter starts with a quote from ancient military strategist Sun Tzu. It was filled with a breathtaking setting and dialogue including superb characters but I think it was the plotting that gripped me the most. The plotting I felt was so inventive yet astonishing never knowing when the next bomb was going to explode or where. To me it was what made this book so much fun to read plus the chemistry between Joshua and Kára was off the charts! A book I definitely recommend and one readers do not want to miss!
I can’t wait and look forward for book #3 Gideon Sinclair ‘s story who is the Horseman of Justice.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Entangled Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
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English Joshua Sinclair has spent his life at war, becoming famous and revered throughout Scotland for his skill and ferocity. A recent battle whose victory came at too high a price has soured his desire for warring and left him uncharacteristically craving peace.
When Kára Flett, chief of her small clan of Orkney natives, recognizes Joshua in her village’s pub, she resorts to outrageous methods in an effort to convince him to aid her clan against the tyrannical lord who now claims rule over the isle, the very lord whose men Joshua has been training. When all her efforts fail, she attempts to seduce Joshua into staying to help.
Kára and Joshua come together like fire and ice, but his friends turn enemies and he finds his loyalties shifting as his eyes are opened to the true way of things on the isle. As their feelings deepen, Joshua and Kára must determine if there is any way they can be together and keep her people safe against impossible odds.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat much of the time. Joshua was likeable and easy to root for, especially as he grew and developed as a man with his own notions of right beyond just following the path his father wanted for him. Kára was harder to warm up to, especially when she was blindly stubborn for much of the book and unwilling to listen to Joshua’s sensible suggestions until it was nearly too late. I didn’t really care for her manipulation of Joshua without really trying to talk to him first, but he was a good man and she showed growth as a character as well when she began to think more clearly. I did like these two as a couple; though their HEA wasn’t quite what I was expecting/hoping for, it was still very satisfying and original. Joshua harkens back to the traditional strong, alpha Highland warrior and I almost always love reading them. This was an entertaining, action-packed story and I look forward to the next series installment.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo... English I just realized I hadn't reviewed this book and as I received this ARC in exchange for a review I definitely am trying to get caught up on my reviews. I will say that this definitely wasn't my favorite book in any way from this author. Now it had a decent plot in many aspects and I actually found the writing (which I have always found with this author) to be quite engaging and a story I didn't want to put it down.....except for the heroine. She definitely wasn't my cup of tea and came on really too strong in her personality in regards to how she treats the hero. Now I have read plenty of books where the heroine takes against or revenge against the hero. BUT, I think what is key in this circumstance is that she was very antagonistic, contrary and not thinking of the harm she was doing to someone else. Our hero is NOT a bad guy in any circumstance, one that has honor and good intentions and she treats him like he isn't worth polishing her boot and that treatment rubbed me the wrong way and to be honest kept me from fully enjoying this story as I wished to. Because I did enjoy many other aspects of the story and just couldn't get in line with this scenario.
While this book just didn't work for me, if you are a pro feminist who likes the hero being treated in such a manner, than you will probably enjoy how it develops. But this is not attractive to me in a romance and really bothered me on a fundamental level. I definitely plan on reading more of this author though, since I do enjoy her work, I just couldn't quite get on board with this story. English Reviewed for Wit and Sin
Can the Horseman of War ever truly find peace? Joshua Sinclair is certainly going to try. He was raised by his father to be a warrior and to aid his clan in conquering Scotland. After disagreeing with his eldest brother in Highland Conquest, Joshua has set out on his own, training other warriors. But after truly seeing the cost of war Joshua is worn in spirit and looking for peace. It’s unlikely he’ll find it on Orkney Isle. After training the Lord Robert Stuart’s men to defend themselves against the locals, he sets off for home…only to find himself captivated by Kára Flett, Chief of the Orkney people. Kára will do anything to defend her people, including seducing and trying to sway the Horseman of War to her side. Joshua cannot be swayed by anyone. Who will win the battle of wills?
Heather McCollum had a bit of a hard task in Highland Warrior. Joshua was not the most likeable character in the first Sons of Sinclair book. Hot tempered and ready for war, I wasn’t sure he’d make a great hero. I was so glad I was wrong. The Joshua in this book is a wise warrior seeking peace. He has come into his own and is trying to do what’s best. He knows that isn’t working for the evil Lord Robert Stuart but he also knows he needs to extract himself diplomatically as the man is the king’s uncle.
Kára has known so much pain and loss and she still keeps fighting to protect her people. I loved her spirit and determination. She’s doing what she can to save her people and years of pillaging, death, and the threat of rape have not broken her. She and Joshua come together explosively at the beginning of the story and from there things only get more interesting. The two of them make a good pair – each of them is honest, strong, and protective by nature. They aren’t perfect, but they’re doing their best. I liked them together and their love story developed organically.
McCollum weaves fact and fiction together wonderfully in Highland Warrior. She also manages to keep this book moving at a fast pace despite the heavy topics and the threat Kára and her people are under – not an easy feat. I truly wasn’t sure how Kára and Joshua would make it out alive and though I won’t spoil it I will say McCollum made the ending feel earned. I finished Highland Warrior a well-satisfied reader and I’m looking forward to seeing what is coming for the next two Sinclair brothers.
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. English Highland Warrior
Sons of Sinclair Series #2
Heather McCollum
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherMcCol...
Release Date 04/27/2021
Publisher Entangled Amara
➪ https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B087ZY1XPX/r...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Joshua Sinclair was once the fiercest and most notorious warrior of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland. But now there’s nothing and no one that can make him take up arms again. Except a beautiful woman, it seems.
When Kára Flett, daughter of a fallen Norse chief, finds herself unexpectedly sheltering the strongest, most brutal warrior in the land, she throws together a risky and outrageous plan to bring him to her side. Threats of violence bounce right off him. Offers of gold seem to entice him even less. Desperate enough to use the pleas of the village children to sway him, she’s shocked when he’s completely unmoved. There’s only one tactic left for her: seduction.
Her hasty proposition falls completely by the wayside, though, as she and the Highlander come together in a carnal inferno. But bringing him into her life also brings his enemies to her clan’s doorstep—the very clan Kára is trying to protect. And as their feelings deepen, Joshua will have to decide between duty and love once and for all.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she let her fear keep her away from love ...
I do think this is my second read by the author, and the first was the previous book in this series, which introduced the four horseman of apocalypse, well, four brothers their father raised to be the best in their predetermined role.
Joshua is known as the horseman of War, a title he wears proudly and effectively, he is one of the best at his job, he teaches others to defend and attack and when he leads an army, he always plans what to expect and even anticipates any disruption in his well planned schemes. Until one day, he acted too confident and let his guard down, which costed a young man his life. Since he has rethought the art of war. He now no more wants to run headlong in battle, he plots to minimize physical confrontation, to negotiate for fighting to be only the last recourse when everything failed before.
Kára has been shaped by the harsh life she was raised in, it is a costly life in term of being, but it is also what she has only known. So when she crosses path with the warrior known as the Horseman of War, she believes she has the answer to her people’s plight. Alas he won’t be swayed. So she uses all her arsenal, which is very much limited to only herself.
After an early widowhood and a premature birthing, she viscerally hates her liege and his kin for he is no good man, his offsprings follow his path, and use and abuse of their position on her people. But stopping his course is like warranting a death sentence. Yet Kára wants a different life for her son and her clan, but how to persuade a very determined man who wants the opposite of her.
Sure, it is a clash of temper, but as time passes, Joshua sees the other side of the border, how himself had been misled and unknowingly wronged the poor inhabitants of the land surrounding the Earl he worked for. But will his pull to Kára be enough to revisit his own rules.
The chemistry between them is over the top, and is well demonstrated along the plot, scorching many pages with the virulence of their attraction.
The author with this moving non stop action tale reach out to two fiery tempers in need of a shoulder to rest, as whatever they tell themselves, they let loneliness engulf them, and while they are surrounded, their heart had a fence built around to protect them from too deep emotions. But when what began as a basic affinity deepens during the time they get to know one another, what path will they choose, war or retreat...
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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English
