New York Times bestselling author Karen Ranney takes readers back to beautiful Scotland in the first novel in her breathtaking new series.Since she was a little girl, Jennifer Adaire, daughter of the Earl of Burfield, has loved Gordon McDonnell even though his station as the gardener’s son made him strictly forbidden to her. After Gordon was forced from Adaire Hall, taking Jennifer’s heart with … Hall, taking Jennifer’s heart with him, he headed for London, intent on making a better life for himself. Though they’ve kept in touch through letters and Jennifer has waited patiently for him, it’s taken Gordon five years to return to Scotland. Now Jennifer doesn’t know if she can manage seeing again the man she loves—but can never have.
In the time since his departure, Gordon has achieved the success he’s always sought. When he learns that his father is dying, he returns home and discovers much to his surprise that the feelings he’s always had for Jennifer burn ever stronger.
But when a family secret surfaces, Jennifer and Gordon’s chance at a future together could be threatened…
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Lady Jennifer Adaire, the daughter of the Earl of Burfield, has loved the gardener’s son, Gordon McDonnell for as long as she can remember and she had dreams of forever. But five years ago, her dreams were crushed when Gordon disappeared without a trace. Her brother Harrison, the new earl, tells her that their mother left him money and he took it and ran. But that is not quite true…
Gordon left Adaire Hall after receiving a bequest from the late countess and being told that he was no longer welcome. He argued that Jennifer didn’t want him to leave and was told she no longer wanted to see him and was shown proof. With a heavy heart and a burning need to prove himself, Gordon goes to London and proceeds to build an empire. Two years after he left, Jennifer sends him a letter telling him his mother passed away – he is sorry that Betty died, but he was never close to his parents and sees no reason to return to Scotland. But when she writes again three years later to tell him his father, Sean is dying, he decides it is time to return and face his past.
They quickly learn that they were lied to and have lost five years because of those lies. Their feelings haven’t changed and they are still in love. Gordon asks Jennifer to marry him and she happily accepts, it seems like their HEA is finally within their grasp when a deathbed confession changes everything and destroys every dream they ever had about being together. Sean’s secret seems insurmountable, but Sean is not the only one keeping secrets…
This was a very well written, fast paced story with extra helpings of angst and heartache! I loved Jennifer and Gordon and my heart broke right along with theirs when Sean told Gordon the secret he had been keeping since his wife Betty died. I was absolutely devasted and couldn’t imagine how they were going to be able to overcome such an enormous obstacle! But Ms. Ranney, as usual, cleverly found the perfect way to give them their HEA. The book is teeming with secrets, lies, heartbreak, lots of tears, sweet kisses, some wonderful secondary characters as well as some villainous ones, and finally a hard-won HEA. I truly loved this story and would happily recommend it. This is the first book in a new series – but sadly, Ms. Ranney passed away before this book was released and I have to wonder if this is her last book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*
Despite their difference in station, Lady Jennifer Adaire, daughter of the Earl of Burfield, and Gordon McDonnell, son of the estate’s gardener, grew up together as close friends. Jennifer has always loved Gordon, even though their relationship was forbidden. When Gordon left Scotland with no explanation, Jennifer was devastated. Gordon has spent the last five years amassing his empire in London but has only just returned to Adaire Hall, ostensibly to see his dying father, but really to finally claim Jennifer now that he is worthy of her. The two are shocked to learn of the meddlers who conspired to separate them all those years ago, but they find their love is stronger than ever and they refuse to be separated again. Just when everything is coming together for these two, a secret comes to light, threatening any hopes of a future together.
This was a strange and very slow-paced book. I enjoyed it at first, but as it continued and more side characters were added, it began to feel more and more discombobulated. There was so much misunderstanding and plot twisting that it almost felt repetitive and there were several points left totally unaddressed. I found Jennifer to be a rather flat character; there was nothing much to her beyond her love for Gordon and Adaire Hall and she was a bit too sunshiney for me much of the time. There was some great drama here, but I would’ve liked to see an actual comeuppance for Harrison, though perhaps that had been intended for a future book. Sadly, this was the late Karen Ranney’s final work, so we readers will just have to come up with our own just desserts for him. Overall, it was clear that this author was a master plotter, the family saga and slow burn just had me losing interest in places, though credit must be given for the sheer originality of the plot. This was definitely unlike anything I’ve read before.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Highland Rogue by Karen Ranney is the First book in the Highland Fling Series. This is the story of Gordon McDonnell and Jennifer Adaire. Jennifer who is the daughter of the Earl of Burfield, has always been in love with Gordon who was their gardener’s son. But about some years ago, Gordon left to start life on his own along with fulfilling his dreams. Unknown to Jennifer nor to Gordon they were lied to making them both think that the other didn’t want anything to do with each other anymore.
Now about 5 years later, Gordon has returned homed with the wealth and goals that he wanted but is taken back by his feelings that still run deep for Jennifer. Loved their story and this author’s writing.
Well I didn’t expect much of what I read but it was fantastic! I’m not going to do a synopsis but will tell you to buy this book if you enjoy this author’s writing. I loved these characters and the plot. I hope we see some of the secondary characters somewhere in the future. Can’t wait to read the next book by Ranney.
My Highland Rogue is the first book in Karen Ranney’s new Highland Fling series. I’m a long-time fan of Ms. Ranney, and I did not know until I was almost done with this book that she passed away before its publication. I was so sad to hear the news. I don’t know if she had the next book of the series in the works at the time of her death. She will be greatly missed by her fans.
Jennifer Adaire and Gordon McDonnell were great friends as children growing up at Adaire Hall in Scotland, and they fell in love as they grew older. This was a match not to be countenanced, however, as Jennifer was the daughter of the Earl of Burfield and Gordon was the son of the gardener. Yet they were deeply in love, until Gordon was forced from Adaire Hall and had to make his own way in the world. Neither knew the truth as to what happened when they were separated. Five years later Gordon is a successful businessman, the owner of music halls and a posh men’s club. When he receives a letter from Jennifer informing him that his father Sean is extremely ill and likely to die soon, he returns to Adaire Hall to say his goodbyes. The love between Jennifer and Gordon flares to life when they discover how they were torn apart, and they are given a second chance at happiness. Yet when a deep family secret surfaces, will they be torn apart again, this time permanently?
This was quite a lovely second chance romance between two very likeable leads. I admired Jennifer for not caring about the difference in their societal ranks. She was a strong young woman, who served as chatelaine of Adaire Hall when her odious brother Harrison deserted his young expecting wife to gamble and have affairs in London. Gordon, meanwhile, did everything he could to make his businesses a success, starting out with the money left to him by Jennifer’s mother. He was strong enough to be open and honest about his love for Jennifer. When it looked like they would once again be denied a lifetime together, my heart broke for them and I cried along with Jennifer and felt the coldness in Gordon’s soul. Some other characters also stood out, including Jennifer’s godmother Ellen, and her mother Mary the countess, an important character even though deceased. It was a beautiful, heartfelt story.
Thank you, Ms. Ranney, for sharing your stories with us.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Adaire Hall, Scotland – 1865
Gordon McDonnell grew up as the son of the gardener and became friends with the Countess of Burfield. When seeing her sitting outside, he would bring her a bunch of flowers. They had nice chats and became friends. As Gordon grew up, he and Lady Jennifer, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Burfield began a friendship that turned into love. When the Countess passed away, she left Gordon a bequest and was then told to leave Adaire Hall and not return. Jennifer was heartbroken.
London – 1870
When Gordon first arrived in London, he worked and saved shrewdly, soon building a music hall followed by another. He is now very wealthy. When he learns that his father is very ill, he decides to return to Adaire Hall. Neither of his parents ever showed him love. Now his mother has passed away and his father is on his deathbed.
Gordon is welcomed at Adaire Hall by Lauren, the wife of Harrison the current earl and brother to Jennifer. Harrison always disliked Gordon because Gordon is much smarter than he is as proven when they all were educated together. Harrison stays in London, drinking, gambling, and womanizing while his pregnant wife stays at the Hall. Jennifer is happy to see him again but they are cool toward one another. Her hurt at him leaving and never returning for her has left her scarred.
Before his father died, Gordon learned a secret from the man that changed everything about who Gordon truly is. It is shocking but it also means that his love for Jennifer can never be. How can he let her go after working so hard and so long to be with her?
This story is full of emotion and angst that just pulled at my heart strings all the way through the book. I loved it.
The author, Karen Ranney, passed away in June 2020. I not only loved her books, but she was also a personal friend. A quiet woman, she never sought attention and accolades. She simply shared her wonderful stories with readers all over the world. She will be deeply missed.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Two children, Jennifer and Gordon, grow up together and fall in love. Due to class differences they are separated for five years. They reunite only to discover that they might not be able to be together after all. There is a nice twist to this story. I did feel it could have been a little bit shorter. I received an ARC from NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for my honest review.
This was an entertaining, well-written romance. Jennifer Adaire, daughter of the Earl of Burfield, has known Gordon McDonnell, the gardener’s son, since they were young. Gordon was force to leave, and was gone for five years, making a better life for himself. He returns because his father is dying. Jennifer and Gordon still have feelings and have many challenges to overcome. The book was fast-paced and hard to put down. I enjoyed thisstory and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Since she was a little girl, Jennifer Adaire, daughter of the Earl of Burfield, has loved Gordon McDonnell even though he’s the gardener’s son so forbidden to her. After Gordon was forced from Adaire Hall when the Countess died, taking Jennifer’s heart with him, he headed for London, intent on making a better life for himself. Jennifer has waited patiently for him, it’s taken Gordon five years to return to Scotland. Now Jennifer doesn’t know if she can manage seeing again the man she loves—but can never have. In the time since his departure, Gordon has achieved the success he’s always sought. When he learns that his father is dying, he returns home and discovers much to his surprise that the feelings he’s always had for Jennifer burn ever stronger. Then when a family secret surfaces, Jennifer and Gordon’s chance at a future together could be threatened.
A very well written novel with strong characters. A novel of misunderstandings, however once these are resolved a secret is revealed that will rock you. I thoroughly enjoyed it & read it in two sittings, it totally captivated me. I loved both Gordon & Jennifer who had remained steadfast for five years, he was kind considerate as well as ruthless in business & he’d made a success of his life. Jennifer was the strong woman who kept the estate together when her horrid brother Harrison left to squander everything in London. I wept when Ellen revealed all, I would have liked for Harrison to have had a total comeuppance as he despicable
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
My Highland Rogue (the first in a new series: A Highland Fling Novel) by Karen Ranney is an excellent historical romance that kept me interested from beginning to end. I am so excited to hear that this is the first (in hopefully) a long and entertaining series.
I loved everything about this book: the locations, (I love anything Scotland!), the plot, which was creative and engaging, and the full character cast.
I loved the main characters: Jennifer and Gordon. Their story is of love found, lost, and luckily reconnected. It was sad to see two people that were clearly made for each other, separated due to external circumstances. Despite all, being able to find love in one another makes for an excellent story. So sweet and romantic.
I can’t wait to read more from this author, and most definitely, this series.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/HarperCollins Publishers for this ARC and in return I am submitting my voluntary and unbiased review and opinion.
I started crying half way into the book and couldn’t stop until the end. Ranney writes an absolutely beautiful love story. Gordon McDonnell is the son of the gardener of Adaire in Scotland. Five years ago he was forced to leave. In that time away he made his fortune in London. When he receives a letter his father is dying, he goes back to Adaire. Not only for his father, but for the woman he loves. Jennifer Adaire grew up with Gordon and has loved him even before he left Scotland. Once they are together they realize they are soul mates. Secrets can be bad or good, only hope is all that’s left.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.