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 … 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.
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This story is an excellent start to Ms McCullums’ newest series based on the 4 horseman.
Cain and Ella are strong, honorable characters that only want whats best for their clans even though they have their own agendas. Their chemistry is great and Ella fits right in.
The plot moves at a nice steady pace and kept me reading. I’m definitely looking forward to the brothers stories!
This begins the tale of the four horsemen of Scotland. Cain is the oldest and the conqueror. When his father dies on the battlefield it’s his job to lead the clan. Ella is a fierce female warrior who ordered the killing of Cain’s father. She becomes captured and a game of cat and mouse begins. This is a story with characters who have fierce and strong personalities that are are always clashing. It is an exciting read as you watch the passions flair and history unfold to the very happy ending.
Scotland 1589
I always look forward to a new story by Heather McCollum because I know I will be transported with her words to another world and held captive until the end! Wow, she did that in spades this time with the start of this new series!
The first pages felt like I was in a movie, watching the Sinclairs led by Laird George Sinclair, and his four sons engage in battle against their enemies the Sutherlands. Then the oldest brother Cain, saw her as “A black horse stepped out into the wide clearing before the forest. What caught his focus was the woman who stood straight up on the horse’s saddle. Clothed in slim black trousers, the woman balanced while raising her fist into the air. Men emerged from the woods to stand on either side of her. It was the daughter of the dead chief of the Sutherland Clan, Arabella Sinclair.Then he noticed they raised their bows and arrows and aimed to fire upon his Da.” I could see this battle in my mind and Cain who would then become the new Laird as the arrows killed his father.
Then he took off after her….
Heart pounding, exciting, brutal, mesmerizing, secrets combine with a fierce warrior faced with a strong female warrior, both with scars but also with hearts that want to connect, if only they will let them.
A keeper and one I will remember as I wait for the next in this series.
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 have to admit it took me a while to get into the story, but once I did I couldn’t stop reading it. Ella is the chief of her clan and has just gotten a great victory over Cain and his brothers which are known as the 4 horseman. It ends up Ella being taken by Cain and him demand they marry so he can take control of her clan without bloodshed. This book is so full of action, a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I really loved the story and the happy ending. I’m very interested to read about the other brothers. Five stars. By Tiffany
Cain Sinclair and his three brothers were raised by their father as the four horsemen of the biblical prophecy. After taking the Sutherland Chief Arabella as a prisoner, Cain knows she is his, but the choices he gives her are not really choices at all. Not willing to go along with her fate, Ella makes several attempts to escape. Many secrets keep her from willing to commit to Cain even though her heart wants to. McCollum writes an exciting adventure of a woman torn between loyalties and feuding clans. Definitely not a boring book. Great start to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I drool when seeing a man in a kilt which this one was no exception. Since I was already conquered I went on to see what he goes for in this escape to the Highlands. Cain and Ella give you a bantering of two personalities thanks to his so called plan. That was the way then so you get to see whom beats whom in this battle. This also has a bit of spice with a secret that spices this tale. Twists will twist us up a time or two with a good romp through the Highland.
Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum is book One in the Sons of Sinclair Series. This is the story of Arabella ‘Ella’ Sutherland and Cain Sinclair.
The Sinclair and Sutherland clans are enemies and in one of the battles it killed his father. Cain has taken on the ideal to end the feud by marring Arabella, the Chieftain of the Sutherland Clain. Arabella is a fighter, protector and Chieftain of her clan. Arabella and her Clain had been under a dark ruler and she has no plans for them to return to such a condition. What she has heard of the Sinclair brothers are that they are ‘horseman’ and are evil people. So Arabella isn’t going down easy when she is taken by Cain. Cain didn’t realize how hard it would be to convenience Arabella to marry him. Cain goes through different attempts to ‘woo’ her but everything seems to fail. The more times she spends with Cain the more she starts to doubt his dark reputation which really was something his father build up about him and his brothers. Nothing goes easy for these two but I enjoyed reading their story and hope to read more from this author soon.
Highland Conquest is the first book in the Sons of Sinclair series. Cain is the eldest of four brothers, who have been dubbed ‘The Four Horsemen’ by their deceased father, and the leader of his clan. When Cain first sets eyes on Ella, he is immediately drawn to her. It doesn’t matter that she ordered the death of his father, Cain wants her. Unfortunately for Cain, Ella doesn’t feel the same way.
Ella does not mourn the loss of her heartless and abusive father. In fact, now for the first time in her life, she is free. She is dismayed when she realizes Cain intends to marry her and take her lands, pushing her back under the thumb of a man. She determines that this will never happen. She will die or kill Cain first.
Ella doesn’t anticipate falling for Cain or his family, but that is what happens. Now Ella has to decide what is more important to her – Cain or her clan. Will she make the right choice? Will her long-held secret ruin everything?
This is an intense character-driven highland romance. Cain is a fascinating and enigmatic clan leader with a sharp tongue and fierce skills in battle. He is intent on marrying Ella and is not used to being rejected. I love his responses to Ella. It is clear from the beginning of the story that Cain is smitten and that this is a new experience for him. Ella rejects him over and over again, but he is determined to woo her. He tries everything he can think of, except offering her freedom.
Ella is as dynamically and intricately written as her love interest. She doesn’t just rush willingly into Cain’s arms. He is a warrior who has tormented her memories for years, and she will not easily succumb to his advances. I love her stubborn pride and her independent spirit. She has been maltreated and abused by her father for much of her life, she is forced into an unwanted engagement, and she is unwillingly taken by a neighboring clan. Through all of this, she shows a strength of character and resilience that is admirable. Additionally, she is intelligent. I think Cain’s respect and admiration of her intellect, her way with animals, and her fiery spirit is what sways Ella’s feelings.
Though the focus is on Cain and Ella, I found the minor characters to be just as interesting as the main couple. Cain’s brothers, his sister, and even his aunt are all dynamically developed, and I found myself wanting to learn more about them. As this is the first in the series, I assume we will learn more of their backstories (and their future) in subsequent books.
War, kidnapping, betrayal, and abuse are all prevalent in this novel, but so are messages of resilience, familial solidarity, female equality, and fighting for love. Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Even though they each have killed the other’s father, Cain and Ella must unite for the good of their respective clan. They both must overcome their preconceived notions about the other’s clan and learn to trust each other. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
When I first started reading this book, I almost groaned thinking, ”I don’t think this is a book that I am going to like.” I was glad that there is a dictionary of some of the Scottish and other words listed before the story starts. I also found the abundance of the Scottish words a bit distracting at first. It finally settled down to more of a battle between the two clans, especially between Cain and Ella. That’s where the “fun” really starts. And this is where I began to change my mind about this book.
This book should be turned into a movie. It has everything that you could want in one. Great, vibrant main characters and a great cast of secondary people. That cast of people not only include the “good” people but also include a cast of not so good people. Okay, they are evil and each with their own agenda of revenge but mainly a desire for power and money. Greed and a thirst for power drives them and they will gladly commit murder to get them.
Cain has a lot to learn when it comes to what he has been taught from birth. The main thing he has been raised to do was to strategize and conquer. He had some really good techniques and I especially liked the falcon and the different communications with the colored flags and knots. I also enjoyed when Cain began to woo Ella and things weren’t going easy for him. He was used to women falling in his arms without much of any effort on his part. The unexpected tenderness that he showed to Ella added to the romance. It also surprised Ella too but she was good at escaping having lived with her cruel father. Ella knew how to keep things stirred up and I enjoyed how creative she was.
Each one of his brothers have their own roles to fulfill and they do. Justice, Death, War as some of their specific duties that they are assigned by their lunatic father.
This story has not only these things but plenty of plots, action, secrets, romance, even some humor. Several twists come towards the end of the book and they put a smile on my face. So did the H.E.A. ending.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
As I started to read Highland Conquest, I transported, not just to Scotland but back to some of the earliest romances I read back in my teens. I immediately liked that about Highland Conquest.
George Sinclair raised his four sons to believe they were the four horsemen of the apocalypse. They are fighters through and through. In an opening battle with the rival Sutherland clan, George Sinclair is killed and the oldest son Cain goes after the warrior who gave the order — and it’s the beautiful daughter and chief of the Sutherland clan, Arabella. She’s no match for Cain, and he captures her with the intent to bring the two families together in marriage to achieve the peace he sees in the future.
Cain really isn’t like his father off the battle field, and he’s committed to uniting the families without further bloodshed. But Ella isn’t quite on the same page with him, so he must woo her to achieve his goals. And if that kiss Cain gave her as he chased her is any indication, it doesn’t take long for Arabella to see the merits of his plan.
There is a few obstacles to the plan though, like a huge secret that could have long lasting consequences for Cain and his brothers quest to become the most powerful clan in Scotland. There’s also another clan that wants the Sutherland lands and daughter.
I really enjoyed this story. There’s good chemistry between Cain and Ella, and it was easy to root for them to vanquish their considerable enemies. I loved Ella — she was strong and determined and a good match for Cain. There’s also some interesting dynamics with Cain’s three brothers that has me hooked on this series, so I’m eager for more.
Overall, a very satisfying and enjoyable historical tale that kept my interest to the final pages.
Book: HIGHLAND CONQUEST
By Heather McCollum
Series: Sons of Sinclair, Book #1
Release Date: April 28th (today)
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3) Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews 4)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating:
Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts
“We can die in battle with honor, but no horseman from God would die of taint.”
Northern Scotland
June, 1589
War has been going on between Clan’s Sinclair and Sutherland since the broken and brutal marriage of Chieftain Alec Sutherland and Laird George Sinclair’s sister Merida. As Alec Sutherland was abusive to her and divorced her. After the Sinclair’s mother died, raising their children, Chieftain, George Sinclair, was eccentric and possibly a bit bipolar, naming all his sons from the book of revelations, known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. George was very disappointed as his fourth child was a female, Hannah, which he had always ignored. As his fifth child, a fourth son was his fourth horseman. So his set of four horsemen was complete.
Now Sutherland chieftain Ella, was captured for ordering all her archers to aim and kill Laird George Sinclair, the four horsemen’s father. She had no guilt, as they had killed hundreds if not thousands of her men during these clan attacks on her land! Cain Sinclair, God of Conquest, was determined to get retribution claiming she was his! So after Ella Sutherland was taken into custody, she was surprised she was not taken to their dungeon, but another bedroom. Now she was even more disturbed getting delicious food, clean clothing and Cain was trying to woo her! Her first gift was an adorable ball of fur, in an adorable kitten she named Boo. This definitely surprised her, but was even more shocked that he wanted to marry Ella Sutherland.
As if there two enemy clans had not tried this already and it failed miserably. Plus her father was also killed by the Sinclair’s previously in these clan battles. As they had been going on for an extremely long time. Yet Alec Sutherland was no prince, he treated his horses better than people. A very horrid and black hearted man who tried to force his own daughter to marry the abusive Laird, Hew MacKay, who was a total snake. She broke that forced betrothal right after his death. She had to break the contract to pay him off with a lot of their live stock and silks, but it was definitely worth it.
Ella liked being the leader and the person in charge of her clan, plus she had a secret that no one was aware of. She is brave, clever and beautiful, this female Chieftain, but convincing her to marry was no easy task.
Will Ella marry Cain for his quest for peace. As the marriage between their two strong clans would bring peace and balance to them and possibly all of Northern Scotland. Tradesmen will learn and trade from each other and the land will become fertile and settled. This will force their Clan MacKay neighbor to back down, knowing they were united forcing no more attacks on outlying farms as they will outnumber and crush them. Yet will it be enough without love in this potent mixture? Read and find out
The Sons of Sinclair:
Cain – God of conquest
Joshua- God of war
Gideon- God of equality/ balance
Bàs- God of death
Ms McCollum does it again penning another riveting story from start to finish. She is a favorite author of mine as I think this will be the fourth series of hers I am reading. I have given each 5 star reviews and Highland Conquest will be no different. It is very easy to get swept into her stories. I thought picking the story through the biblical stories of The Four Horsemen, in the Book of Revelations was absolutely both brilliant and exhilarating! I intend to read each book in the series as that is the way I always roll. Like potato chips one is never enough! I can’t wait for the next one in the “Sons of Sinclair” series!
This is another book historical romance readers will love. It includes all the elements readers all love. A book you can’t bare to put down. Another riveting, fast-paced, page-turning masterpiece. The setting was awe-inspiring, the multi dimensional characters just blew me away, breathtaking dialogue and the plotting was absolutely brilliant. I also loved the four legged creatures in this novel too. I loved all the eye popping surprises in this story too
I highly recommend this beautiful book as I can’t recommend it enough. An absolute masterpiece!
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.
Book Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08472ZRKP/?_bbid&tag=individualbookpagesite-20
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-conquest-heather-mccollum/1131253892
https://books.google.com/books/about/Highland_Conquest.html?id=ly_MDwAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description
https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/highland-conquest-3
https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-conquest/id1496622532
A little bit steamy “Taming of the Shrew” and a lot wonderful!
This is the first book by Heather McCollum that I have read. I usually can tell from the blurb if I will like the book and in this one, I found that I loved it. This is an historical romance taking place among warring clans: The Sinclairs, The Sutherlands and The Mackays of Scotland around 1589. On the battlefield between the Sinclairs and the Sutherlands, a young woman has brought all her force to bear in order to kill the Clan Chief George Sinclair, thus transferring the crown to his eldest son, Cain. He realizes that this young woman is the new Clan Chief of the Sutherlands, Arabella. Cain met her at the Beltane Festival many years before and was struck by her innocent beauty at 16yo. Now, 10 years later she is a powerful and beautiful woman. Would marrying her bring about a truce? And, what’s with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? (This part is scary cool.)
This was a unique story albeit an enemies-to-lovers trope. Well-written, fast-paced and scintillating novel. Some plot devices are predictable but just as the reader thinks that they have it figured out, BAM, plot twist. Both Cain and Ella have had overbearing fathers who filled their minds with horrors of the other clans’ terrible behavior, leaving them unsure of trusting the other. There are secrets, angst and a beautiful ending. The end of chapter 25 was so poignant that I want it to be a movie;-) And, chapter 15! OMG. McCollum has also included a short history and translation of some of the Scot-Gaelic and Old English words used. That was very helpful.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled/NetGalley and it comes highly recommended for readers who enjoy steamy historical novels with a real plot. Can’t wait for the next book about Joshua.
Cain Sinclair and his brothers have been brought up to terrorize the clans that their father wanted to conquer. They are all exceptional Warriors. Each one has his own cavalry and a reputation as one of the four horsemen sent by God. It’s Cain’s task to lead them to victory. The latest battle will see some major changes to Clan Sinclair and their enemies.
Ella Sutherland has lead her clan since the death of her father. She is no ordinary woman of her time, she’s an excellent horsewoman and Archer. Her archers will have a huge impact in this battle.
Our main protagonists in this, the first book in the series are both strong and brave. Our heroine also has a big secret that means life and death for her and someone else. Both sides in the battle are known for their love of horses. Those horses are highly trained.
A very fast paced and action packed highlander romance, with fabulous characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved it.
Cain Sinclair the eldest of four brothers becomes his clan’s leader after his father is killed in a battle with the neighbouring Sutherland clan. Cain decides that in order to finally bring peace between the clan, he will wed Arabella Sutherland. Ella may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing to marry Cain & whilst he holds her prisoner she tries her hardest to escape even using her sheets to climb from her window.
This is the first in a new series, I love it when characters / families appear across series we’ve met Shaw Sinclair 7th Earl of Caithness & now get to meet his grandparents. Cain & his brothers have fierce some reputations, Cain’s being conquest, he’s the strong, stern leader who always wins but appearances can be deceptive & I loved how his softer side was revealed as he came to like, respect & love Ella. Ella is determined, strong & passionate & has been keeping a secret for over a decade. Their attraction was electric but each fought it but gradually their hostility changed, especially after playing chess! A very well written page turning read that drew me in from the start & didn’t let go until the final page. Strong characters & a fast paced story made this a very enjoyable read & I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Wow! Fabulous Highlander adventure and romance!
Let me start by just saying this book has EVERYTHING you could want. A fascinating family history, feuding clans, a hate-to-lovers romance, kidnapped bride, and – thanks to the historical setting – the harsh yet well-deserved dispatching of the truly evil villains.
There is no rom-com meet-cute here, as our main characters meet on the battlefield and proceed with a courtship that is more like a tense winner-take-all game of chess. The stakes are as high as can be as the rage battles on several fronts. Secrets, betrayals, passion, justice, this book covers it all on a nail-biting adventure that kept me glued to the next page until I was cheering at the victorious HEA.
This is the best Highlander book I’ve read in recent memory, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a virtual trip to 16th century Scotland. I can’t wait to read more in this amazing series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Highland Conquest
Sons of Sinclair Series #1
Heather McCollum
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherMcCollumAuthor/
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/429830134272830/posts/610822439506931/?d=n
I loved this story about Highlander’s and their lives. They enjoy fighting, loving and family. Cain Sinclair, the fifth Earl of Caithness and chief of the Sinclair Clan, had lost his father who was a brute of a man. He knew his four sons were the four horsemen of God sent to kill their enemies. Cain who the oldest is the chief while Joshua is next and is the horseman of war, the third son is the horseman of Justice. The fourth son is the horseman of death.
Arabella (Ella) Sutherland is the chief. Her father died and she was the only one that could take over the clan. She tried very hard to protect the lands from Sinclairs. She was taken by Cain Sinclair to marry him and combine both clans. But she wanted to die rather than marry him. He would not give her that choice. So she sat at Girnigoe Castle a prisoner.
This is an interesting look at the four horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelations. Seeing how it can be used to scare clans into surrendering. The characters are engaging and battle-hardened. The plot is well thought out, interesting and entertaining. The twists and turns will surprise you. It is action-packed and is just an excellent tale.
I believe you will like as much as I have.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I found this author a while ago and I liked her, and I love highlanders but this book just didn’t do it for me which made me sad. We the Sinclairs who are feuding with the Sunderlands for years and I did understand why the Sunderlands had a grudge. So as they are feuding both clan leaders lose their lives and now it is up to the new heirs to bring some type of peace. Cain has this bright idea of making Ella marry him which he feels is the only way they can have some sort of peace, but he sure goes about it all wrong.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.