The Highlander’s Wild Flame Book Review
“May I love ye, lass?”
Synopsis
The only thing more dangerous than his sword is the flame-haired enemy who’s stolen his heart…in this gripping Highland romance from USA Today bestselling author Heather McCollum.
Fearsome Highland warrior Rory MacLeod has sacrificed for his clan. But taken as prisoner—in place of his older brother, who’s meant to be laird—is more than any man should bear. So when the chance for escape presents itself, Rory risks everything for freedom. But instead of returning to the welcoming warmth of home, Rory steps into a blazing trap…
Despite her betrothal to their laird, Lady Sara Macdonald has no love for the MacLeod clan. But when her treacherous father locks the entire MacLeod wedding party into the church and sets fire to it, she cannot stand by and watch the slaughter. Saving them means turning traitor to her clan and becoming an enemy to her own blood…left to the mercy of her greatest enemy.
Now her intended husband lies somewhere between life and death, and Sara’s only ally is his younger brother: the fierce MacLeod warrior she’s forbidden to want. And as hunger blazes to life between Rory and Sara—unbidden, untamed, and hotter than the fires of Beltane—they quickly find themselves caught between honor and a love that will turn blood against blood.
REVIEW
A twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, The Highlander’s Wild Flame, Book 1 of Heather McCollum’s new Brotherhood of Solway Moss series, is a wonderful (albeit somewhat “spicy”) Scottish retelling of the age-old story of true love. Rory, Highland warrior and younger brother to the Chief of the MacLeod clan, has just spent over a year imprisoned and tortured by the King of England in place of his father. Abandoned by his father, and then older brother, he manages to escape with the help of three other Scottish men, including the heir to the Macdonald clan (and subject of the upcoming second book), his family’s sworn enemy. Upon his return to Scotland, he finds himself drawn to a fiery, kind woman he meets on the beach—only to later learn she is his brother’s betrothed, Sara Macdonald.
What follows is a tale of deceits and betrayals, truths and trust, a bit of fantasy, … and love.
Will there be a happily ever after?
Set in 16th-century Scotland (and England), this book was “the best of both worlds” in that there was a good balance of both historical romance and historical fiction (oftentimes, the focus is either on one or the other). If you need a refresher (or just never paid attention in history class), the infamous King Henry VIII ruled at this time (yes, that Henry VIII—his poor wives…). When trying to find a way out of his (first) marriage, the King had created the Church of England and left the Roman Catholic Church. Of course, not one to be ignored, he demanded that his nephew, James V of Scotland, also leave the Roman Catholic Church—and set fire to some Scottish border towns when he wasn’t obeyed. What ensued (amongst many, many other things) was the Battle of Solway Moss, after which 1,200 Scottish prisoners were taken back to London. Those who were “high-ranking” enough were allowed to be exchanged for sons or other pledges, which is where our story starts off. If you’re a lover of history—particularly of European history—this may be the book for you.
A quick read, I just also really enjoyed the cute interactions between the main characters and how they gravitated towards each other almost instantly and throughout all the mess that was going on around them. Even more, I especially liked the female protagonist and her attitudes towards life, womanhood, morals, etc. While a bit cheesy, and perhaps a bit crass (for you lovers of romance out there), I found myself (as always) becoming quite fond of the male lead as well! He certainly makes some mistakes (don’t they always?) and has his moments of being a “foking arse,” but he’s a sweetheart and eventually figures it out.
Content warnings include kidnapping, threat of burning alive, threat of rape, referral to past domestic abuse, and imprisonment scenes.
Expected publication date is 23 July 2024.
Author Profile
Heather McCollum is an USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author of 16th and 17th century Scottish romances. Brawny Highlanders and fiery heroines are her favorites!
The rugged beauty and rich history of Great Britain captivates Ms. McCollum each time she visits. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her stories since her very first book.
When she is not dreaming up adventures and conflict for brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines, she spends her time educating women on the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. She is a survivor and resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.
More information about Ms. McCollum and her books can be found at www.HeatherMcCollum.com.
TL;DR
- Rating: 4 stars | Genre: Historical Romance | Pages: 384
- Book 1 of Brotherhood of Solway Moss series
- Set in 16th-century Scotland (and England)
- Good balance of both historical romance and historical fiction
- Quick read
- Cute interactions between main characters
- Especially liked the female protagonist; male lead is a sweetheart
- CWs: kidnapping, threat of burning alive, threat of rape, referral to past domestic abuse, and imprisonment scenes
