A courageous Highlander falls for a strong-willed lass in this “wonderful crossover of Outlander and Pirates of the Caribbean” (Library Journal). Emma Grant has been sheltered and underestimated her entire life. Her blindness may set her apart, but she’s just as fierce and loyal as any of her clansmen. So when she catches word that her brother’s best friend is in jail, she doesn’t hesitate to … brother’s best friend is in jail, she doesn’t hesitate to race to the brawny Highlander’s rescue.
Laird Ciar MacDougall is on a vital mission for Scotland when he witnesses a murder — and then is blamed for the death and thrown into a Redcoat prison to rot. He never thought he’d be broken out by a slip of a lass and her faithful hound. But now they’re outlaws on the run. And as their enemies circle ever closer, he will have to choose between saving his country or the woman who’s captured his heart.
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The tale of Emma Grant and Laird Ciar MacDougall is a love story for the ages.
Emma Grant loves her brother’s friend Cair MacDougall, the only man that has ever treated her like a “normal” person, because of her blindness, most people either ignore her or treat her like she is damaged, but not Cair. He always takes time to talk to her and treats her with respect. How could she not love him? So when she learns that he has been captured by the English and is being accused of murder – there is no way she is going to let them hang him!
Cair MacDougall is on a mission for Scotland when he witnesses a murder, he intervenes awakes to find himself shackled and slated to be executed. He is ready to resign himself to that fate when the unthinkable happens – he is rescued by Emma! Now they are both on the run for their lives and Ciar knows he must find a way to prove his innocence, so he can keep this amazing woman for the rest of his life.
What a wild and crazy ride this book is – it is everything you could hope for in a romance book and more. This is the eighth book in the series and does have some connections to the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
An exciting adventure with two wonderful characters that win your heart from the beginning! A strong highlander, Laird Ciar MacDougal is attending a wedding as well as Emma Grant, who is the blind sister of Laird Robert Grant, Ciar’s best friend. This is a major outing for Emma, being away from home and all that is familiar, but she has Ciar who seems to be close by to help.
Ciar has always been protected and watchful for Emma but has never treated her as anything other than the special person she is… He also has a strong tendre for her but fears her brother would not welcome his suit of her.
This is an amazing journey through terrible unsettling of the country, adventure, murder, and everything needed in a fabulous tale. Amy always brings the settings alive and her amazing characters become real. I highly recommend!
Emma Grant has been sheltered most of her life because of her blindness, but her friends and family have underestimated her abilities in life. She’s been in love with her brother’s best friend Ciar MacDougal her whole life. Ciar is a rugged highlander known as the Beast, he’s always been polite and respectful of Emma, always coming to her rescue when needed. When she learns he’s being held hostage and imprisoned for a murder she knows he didn’t commit nothing will stop her from going to his aide. It seems Emma has always loved Ciar, he’s always been a true friend and always listened to her, he’s always treated her has a person and been amazed by her accomplishments. I love how these two grow and love begins to blossom as they run and ride from the Redcoats as Ciar sets about trying to prove his innocents and keep Emma safe from the Redcoats. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
The Highland Laird by Amy Jarecki is book 8 in the Lords of the Highlands Series. This is the story of Laird Ciar MacDougall and Emma Grant. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one, but I did feel it can be a standalone book. Emma was born blind but she hasn’t let that stop her from living her best life even when her family try to keep her protected. Emma has had a crush on her brother’s best friend Ciar and he has even started to notice her more although he has always treated her as a equal. When Ciar ends up being taken to prison for something he didn’t do, Emma knows that she has to act to save him. This of course puts them on the run which allows them to open themselves up to their feelings. I am a fan of Ms. Jarecki’s writing so I enjoyed this book a lot and I do recommend it along with her writing.
There are few authors that can bring Scottish history to life like Amy Jarecki. Amy’s series is set at the end of England’s Queen Anne’s reign and the turmoil of succession after her death. The Scots want the Stuart line to continue with Anne’s brother James, in exile in France. The English refuse to let a Catholic on the throne and skip over to the Hanover cousins, and pick George. Word of Anne’s death and succession comes near the end of a wedding celebration at Achnacarry Castle where many of the clan heads are assembled. They disburse all over Scotland to gather support for James.
Laird Ciar (Key-ar) MacDougall is on his way home when he stumbles upon two English soldiers who have robbed and murdered a Scot. He interviens and gets blindsided by a third soldier he hadn’t noticed. He wakes in prison at the English Fort William falsely accused of the crime. News makes its way to Achnacarry Castle with all the men gone. Emma is beside herself as Ciar is imprisoned with no one to rescue him. Her sister-in-law Janet is content to send messages and let the men handle things but Emma can’t stand by and let him rot in prison. Cair was the only one who ever showed her kindness and spent time with her. He didn’t treat her as blind and for that she’s grateful. With the help of a stable youth Sam, her dog Albert they’ve trained to help guide her ,and her ability to pick locks she frees him. And their adventure begins hiding from the English and proving Ciar’s innocence. This journey was delightful, full of twists & challenges to overcome and overbearing protective big brothers. Writing a blind heroine was a challenge few authors could make believable but Amy Jarecki was up for the task.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
OMGoodness! The combination of Emma Grant and Laird Ciar (Key-ar) Grant is phenomenal. I don’t think we could ask for a better hero and heroine. Picture this huge, gruff, powerful, craggy Highland Laird without a gentle bone in his body – except for one small, delicate, sheltered, blind woman. Ciar has known and been best friends with Emma’s brother, Robert (The Highland Renegade), all his life – and he’s known Emma almost that long as well. Everyone, especially the males, treats Emma as if she isn’t even there – everyone except Ciar that is. He always takes time to speak to her, to assure that she is listened to, and he doesn’t treat her as if she is less just because she is blind. He protects her – without taking away her independence. Is it any wonder she’s always adored him?
Emma and her family, as well as Ciar and many other Highland Lairds, are at Achnacarry Castle for the wedding of Sir Kennan Cameron and Divana Campbell (The Highland Rogue). Emma hates leaving her home at Moriston Hall because of her trouble negotiating unfamiliar terrain and layouts. At home, she can roam freely because she knows every rock, pebble, chair, and rug and can easily negotiate her way among them. Away from home, she feels inadequate and dependent and she hates that feeling.
Tensions are running high in Scotland – and in the Highlands in particular. Queen Anne has taken to her bed and isn’t expected to rise again. Without an heir, the monarchy would be in crisis. The English want the Hanoverian George, who has never even stepped foot on English soil, to become King. The Jacobite Scots want James who is of Stuart blood. The powerful Lairds stand ready to raise their armies in support of James – but will James even come?
When Anne passes and George is tapped for the succession, all of the Lairds who are gathered for the wedding head out in different directions to spread the word and to gather support for James. As Ciar is speeding on his way, he encounters murder and robbery. He can’t just pass it by. The only honorable thing to do is to stop and help. Yet, it is he who awakens, manacled, in the prison at Fort William. Governor Henry Wilcox takes great delight in having a powerful Highland Laird as a ‘guest’ in his prison. He’d hang Ciar immediately if it wouldn’t cause riots and even more unrest. He’ll still hang him – just not as quickly.
We soon learn just how smart, brave, and resourceful Emma is. She is a remarkable young woman who doesn’t let her physical limitations stop her. Breaking Ciar out of an English prison, under the noses of the English soldiers, is either the most foolhardy or the bravest thing Ciar has ever seen. Now, they are both wanted and on the run. They have to avoid the soldiers and yet manage to prove Ciar’s innocence. Oh! What an exciting adventure they have before they make it to their HEA.
I absolutely loved this book! I loved how Ciar treated Emma as a fully functioning adult rather than someone who is ‘less’. I loved that Emma didn’t let anything stop her. Add an absolutely lovely epilogue to the mix and you have a great 5-star read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“I intend to have the memory of this time with you to cherish in my heart for the rest of my days…Let the rest of our lives be an endless adventure.”
Emma Grant has lived in a cocoon of protection since the day she was born. Her brother has done all he can to ensure her safety, but even the all-powerful Robert Grant could never have predicted his sister would run off to risk life and limb to rescue his long-time friend Ciar MacDougall from the gallows for a crime he didn’t commit.
Laird Ciar MacDougall finds himself facing certain death at the hands of the English. So, when he’s rescued by a wee lass and her pup, he can barely believe it…for the beautiful Emma Grant, whom he’s long held in the highest esteem, has been blind since birth, and the last person he ever dreamed would be outside his prison cell offering him his chance at freedom.
Forced to flee and go into hiding until he can prove his innocence, Emma is thrilled to finally be free and living a grand adventure with the one man who has always treated her as his equal rather than an invalid. Emma is not going to let the opportunity pass her by to finally tell Ciar how she feels, and offer him her heart, body and soul…
Amy Jarecki’s The Highland Laird was impossible to put down! Imperfect characters are my fav, and the author has woven a romance with a hero that isn’t necessarily swoon worthy handsome, but has a kind heart, and a heroine that “sees” all the good in the world and has a way of sharing her sight with those she’s around. Loved and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Ciar, the hero, was so incredibly swoon worthy in how he interacted with the heroine I don’t even know where to begin. My, oh my, Hmm…Hmm…Hmm. He had me right away with his Scottish alpha protective manly but always incredibly caring, gentleman ways. Good gravy, it was so sweet how this warrior type, ruggedly handsome lad chatted and danced with Emma, the blind, sweet, sheltered, innocent, but verra courageous leading lady. Already well acquainted childhood friends, they seemed to have a perfect, natural rapport that was a sheer pleasure to witness and watch grow into so much more.
Emma may have been sheltered and protected her whole life but this lovely lass had gumption when it really counted. She’d swallow her fear and do whatever she felt was necessary, especially when it came to protecting Ciar. You’ll have to decide for yourself if she was always wise in doing so. I for one was impressed and rolled with it, folks. So naturally it was great to see these two well deserving love birds get their HEA.
Starting after the anticipated, inevitable fall-out drama was wrapped up regarding Ciar’s circumstances, I did feel the storyline had peaked then dropped off to a slower, steady, marching to a marital drum now beat. I guess you could say mainly after he had to fight for their love. They said “I do” so I thought the book was basically done, but it continued 35 pages or so more, taking us along with them into new territory. This ending felt like a favorite of mine format I’ve often seen romantic tales in this genre begin.
I thought Emma’s few, brief, weeping, mental meltdowns, injury, and first married now smex scene at her new home was a tad embarrasingly for her overdone. This gal had been so strong I wasn’t sure how I felt about her now crying and feeling so insecure. It did continue to give Ciar even more reason and opportunities to shine as a loving, doting husband.
In either case, I’m really glad I got to spend time with these two verra likeable, sweet together, clear to to verra end main characters.
Having read all the books so far, I must say books 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 were my personal favorites. Don’t let the first two words of the titles trick you into thinking these are cookie cutter romances. Each one is a unique stand-alone romantic tale, just part of the same series. Keep them coming, Ms. Jarecki, because I’ll keep coming back for more!
Title: Highland Laird, Series: Lords of the Highlands (Book 8), Author: Amy Jarecki, Pages: 352, pub date: 10/13/20, sweet, innocent, blind, courageous heroine, good guy warrior laird hero, virgin heroine, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, no cheating, very graphic smex scenes late in book, some violence. Rating: 4 – 4.5 stars
Book 1 – The Highland Duke
Book 2 – The Highland Commander
Book 3 – The Highland Guardian
Book 4 – The Highland Chieftain
Book 5 – The Highland Renegade
Book 6 – The Highland Earl
Book 7 – The Highland Rogue
Book 8 – The Highland Laird
(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 affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Got lost in the Highlands once again!
With each new read in the Lords of the Highlands I fall more and more in love with this time period and the people who lived it. It may be fiction but these characters feel so real, their stories so vivid, I want them to be real…
Emma was blind but her view of the world was inspiring and any obstacles she met were quickly jumped over, around or simply batted down. Her friendship and love for Ciar was years in the making as he treated her as simply a person, not a blind person. When she had the chance to save him for a change, well, she was up for the challenge… Ciar was a strong leader with a heart of gold, for Emma at least. He had a ruthless reputation but how he cared for Emma was telling and made their story not surprising at all, despite the many surprises the story actually held.
Full of political intrigue, action and swoony romance, this story is just one of the reasons why this series and author have become one of my favourites…
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
**Thank you to NetGalley
Action packed, sexy, exciting and emotionally thrilling journey filled with intriguing and engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and exciting passion. An edge of your seat read that was highly entertaining form beginning to end.
The Highland Laird by Amy Jarecki
Lords of the Highlands #8
Emma Grant may not have had eyesight her entire life, but all of her other senses are superior to most. She has learned many skills and is capable of much although her brother still sees her as fragile and in need of care and protection. There is one man that befriended her when they were both children that treats her as if she is normal only letting her know he is there should she need him and that is Laird Ciar MacDougall, her brother’s friend and ally. The blurb pretty much spells out what will happen in the story and yet there is much more to it than what is in the blurb. Will the two realize that they might have more than friendship if they allow themselves…and if circumstances permit? Probably 😉
What I liked:
* Emma: strong, resilient, capable, able to do more than most believe she can. She is a force to be reckoned with. I liked her.
* Ciar: big, strong, wise, a beast in battle, loving and tender with those he loves. He is perfect for Emma.
* Albert: a superior dog with the ability to assist Emma once he is trained
* Sam: a good lad that I hope will appear in a future book
* The abilities that Emma has acquired from knitting to lock picking – and the skills she would love to learn if given the chance
* Emma’s ability to state what she wants and to reach out for them
* Ciar’s loyalty, love, tenderness and care for Emma – also his honorable side and desire to see justice done
* Emma’s family in spite of their sometimes overprotectiveness
* The writing, story, and all that took place in the story even if the story did require me to suspend belief at times.
* All of it except…
What I did not like:
* The British…the three liars and thieves as well as their commander
* Being reminded of how evil occupying forces can be to the people/natives of the lands they occupy
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever-Grand Central Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
HAPPYRELEASEDAY
BOOKRELEASEREVIEW
Book: The Highland Laird
by Amy Jarecki
Series: Lords of the Highlands, Book #8
Publisher: Forever (Grant
Central Publishing)
Release Date: October 13, 2020
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 Kilted Book Review Blog on Tumblr
Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts
The Scottish Highlands
29 July 1714
“I didn’t want to kiss you goodbye, that was the trouble.” I wanted to kiss you goodnight. And there’s a lot of difference.” – Ernest Hemingway
The Scottish Highlands
29 July 1714
Emma Grant is the blind sister of Laird Robert Grant who is married to Janet Cameron. Laird Robert and her clan has always been very overprotective of Emma who has led a very cloistered life because of her blindness. Yet Robert worries and loves his sister very much. She is able to sew, dress herself, count all the steps, plus memorize where all the furniture is in her home at Moristown Hall. Her brother teaches her other hobbies, to challenge her and to pick locks, due to her impeccable hearing and brilliant mind. Yet he also worries about her safety, as some of these superstitious, fanatical, bigots fear blind people are witches and worship the devil. These fanatics also lie blaming these innocent, sightless beings for bad crops, animal deaths, a wife losing a bairn in childbirth, or any bad occurrence in their life! Some of the innocents have been committed to insane asylums, beaten, and even executed for their sightless handicap by burning them at the stake! In addition Emma is an extremely talented musician, a harpist, her family keeps this hidden too. As she can only reveal her talent in small recitals to people who know her. Fearing people who might harm her due to their cruel bigotry and hatred, her clan will do anything to keep her safe!
Emma is away from home for the first time in her cloistered life. She is attending the wedding of her sister-in-law’s younger brother, (THE HIGHLAND ROGUE, #7), Sir Kennan Cameron to his bride Divana.This is terrifying as everything is unfamiliar and Emily has to totally depend on others for absolutely everything! As Emma’s independent nature hates this, plus feeling like a burden to others. Here she so unfamiliar with the surroundings which makes her panic as she gets lost from her brother and his wife. Yet she is rescued by the one braw, swoon worthy, Scot who makes her heart go pitter-patter and makes her pulse race! It is non other than Laird Ciar MacDougall, Chieftain of Dunollie.
The one person who doesn’t make her feel inadequate, he is also her brothers best friend. The only man who actually sees Emma for the person she truly is. Not just as the blind girl. He always makes her feel special and desirable-her secret knight in shining armour and is always there when she needs him most. He makes her feel special like a fierce cable woman. He is very protective of Emma, but never allows her to put herself down or think she is not good enough due to her blindness.She doesn’t realize Ciar cares and desires her as a woman too. Seeing she is all grown up and the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He tries to fight it, as he knows her brother Robert would kill him, but innocently the share a couple passionate kisses by accident at this wedding party. Emma is thrilled by this unexpected turn of events and Ciar is confused thinking he better fight it.
On top of this the country is in turmoil! The Queen has died and now a foreign useless King who is not even from Britain is to be crowned as King. They know it will not make things better. So all Lairds decide to split up and find support hoping to prevent this foreign King from getting crowned. Yet on his way Ciar witnesses a murder by three redcoats where they frame him for the murder. He is going to be executed at Fort William as the crooked Governor Wilcox won’t even give Ciar a fair trial! When Emma hears this she knows it is not true but when she realized no one will help her as everyone is away trying to find support to oppose George of Hanover. She decides with the help of a sixteen year old stable boy, and her dog, she will rescue her beloved from Fort William. She is unsuspecting being a blind woman who can pick locks to rescue Ciar. He is absolutely shocked but her rescue! As it is the absolute last thing he expected, now they are both fugitives wanted by the law! Yet they have a place to hide out in until Ciar can figure out his next move. This is where they fall in love except Ciar has to make a difficult decision to protect the woman he loves or his country? Which will he choose and will Emma’s knight in shining armor break her tender heart? I am also hoping Emma gets her happily ever after too. Does she? To find out the conclusion for both Ciar and Emma get a copy of The Highland Laird today!
This book centers on the heroine, Emma Grant, who readers met in the fifth book in the Lords of the Highlands series in (THE HIGHLAND RENEGADE). Even though this is the last book in the “Lords of the Highlands” series. If you are a fan and have read each book then you are in for a big treat! As this novel is like a family reunion, as you will see the other heroes and heroines from previous books in this book too. I have absolutely loved each and every book in this captivating series. Of course not to worry you can read “The Highland Laird” as a stand alone book too.
Amy Jarecki is an extremely talented storyteller that weaves true Scottish history into a beautiful, breathtaking, fictional, romance that readers will get swept away in. So if you are not a history nerd like me I won’t spoil and tell you who is crowned as their sovereign.
Ms. Jarecki fills the pages in this riveting, page turning, romantic adventure with all the elements that Scottish romance readers love. The multidimensional main and secondary characters both human and canine are brilliant. Though I think Albert was a bit of a stealer myself! Well I am a big dog lover so I love when dogs are in my stories. The setting was absolutely awe-inspiring, the dialogue was fantastic and the plotting was phenomenal. All in all I just loved this story so much!
I definitely recommend this exquisite book that I absolutely loved!
I received this book From Grand Central Forever publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Marvelous romance with an unusual twist!
I absolutely loved Ciar and Emma in this story! He’s a gruff but tender-hearted brute of a man, inconveniently attracted to the young, blind sister of his staunch ally. Set during the turbulence of the 1714 Jacobite rising, Ciar finds himself falsely accused of murder and Emma is the only one in a position to help him.
Emma is a delightful heroine, a woman who rises above her sheltered upbringing, demonstrating enormous bravery and poise despite the odds that are stacked so high against her. Ciar is truly a man of honor, and he treats Emma with all the gentleness and respect that any woman could want.
The complex plot strikes a perfect balance between the romance and the action/adventure, flowing so easy that it was impossible to put down. I was swept away by the vibrant storytelling and evocative details. Their HEA was absolutely splendid, a perfect dream come true ending. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The Highland Laird is a wonderful addition to the Lords of the Highlands series and focuses on Emma, a blind and sheltered woman who leaves the safety of her family to rescue the man she loves. On a mission for Scotland, Cial is falsely imprisoned for murder and sentenced to death. However, when Emma, his friend’s beautiful sister, rescues him, Ciar has a chance to clear his name and be with the woman he loves. Now on the run, can Emma and Ciar evade the Redcoats who pursue them until they clear Ciar’s name?
I enjoyed this historical romance. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with action, excitement, and a swoon-worthy romance. I love Emma’s fierce determination to save the man she loves, assert her independence, and have a grand adventure. She trains a pup to aid her and doesn’t back down when challenged. Her fiery spirit and kindness endear her to others, especially Ciar.
The romance between Ciar and Emma is fantastic! They’ve known each other since childhood and have wonderful chemistry. From the start of the book, it is clear they have feelings for each other, and once Emma rescues Ciar, their relationship deepens. Ciar and Emma respect and admire each other, but there is so much more to this couple.
Ciar and Emma understand each other and see each other in ways that no one else does. Ciar doesn’t see a woman in need. He sees a strong, brave woman, who looks at the world in an amazingly unique way. I love the way he supports her but doesn’t hinder her. He treats her as an equal, which is something she doesn’t experience often. Emma, in turn, doesn’t see a “beast,” as others often call Ciar. She sees a kind, brave, and honorable leader who treats everyone with respect. The depth of their feelings is immense, and it is lovely to see their relationship evolve.
The historical aspects of this story are also really interesting. Jarecki delves into the tense political situations following the death of the Queen and how it affected England and Scotland. She also examines the maltreatment and prejudice that befell blind people during that time period, who would have been persecuted and potentially murdered for their disability.
Though this is the eighth book in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone. I didn’t read all of the books in the series, and I easily followed along, as will readers who enjoy historical romance with fantastic characters and an action-filled story! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Forever for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Due to her blindness, Emma Grant has been sheltered by her over-protective brother for most of her life. Despite her disability, she’s just as capable and brave as any warrior, so when she hears that her brother’s best friend has been arrested, and at a time when all the other men are away, she rushes to his aide.
Laird Ciar MacDougall is working to gather allies in the name of Scotland when he witnesses the murder of a Scot by English dragoons. Ciar’s conscience won’t allow him to ride on and he finds himself blamed for the act and thrown into prison at Fort William. He’s utterly shocked to be broken out by a wee lass, and now they’re on the run together. With their enemies closing in on them, Ciar must work to clear his name and keep both himself and Emma safe if he has any hope of a future with the woman he’s come to love with his whole heart.
I’m a total sucker for gentle giant, beastly heroes and Ciar certainly delivered. His belief in his own beastliness and unattractiveness due to his rugged looks just made me want to give him a hug. I loved Emma’s courage and resilience and the fact that she grew as a person and learned to stand up for herself. Her brother and sister-in-law were much too protective of her, to the point of belittling her, and I do wish her brother had acknowledged her strength and capability more and been willing to listen to her. Regardless of the obstacles they faced, these two were great together and I loved that Emma did most of the pursuing herself. The devotion these two had to each other was adorable and their sweetness together was enough to get me through the more nail-biting and suspenseful scenes against the English. This was an enjoyable, well-written book and I’d recommend it for anyone looking for a tense but romantic read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advanced review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.