Shaw Sinclair, chief of the outcast clan of Sinclairs of Caithness in northern Scotland, has made a deal with the devil. Despite his strength and lethal skills, he needs help–specifically from a woman–to accomplish his mission to bring a bairn to safety to the coast. When he meets the brave and beautiful Alana Campbell at a Samhain Festival, he decides she’s the one. Alana Campbell is ready to … is ready to show the world she’s just as skillful with a sgian dubh as any man. Attracting the attention of the brawny chief who coerces her to join him on his journey to the coast of Scotland gives her that very opportunity. Sparks flash between them as they’re forced to act as husband and wife to accomplish the deadly mission. However, when secrets threaten to tear them apart, they have to decide if their differences outweigh the reality of their feelings…
Each book in The Campbells series is STANDALONE:
* The Scottish Rogue
* The Savage Highlander
* The Wicked Viscount
* The Highland Outlaw
more
Series: The Campbell’s #4
Publication Date: 10/21/19
Number of Pages: 400
WOW! What a fast-paced, interesting, breath-holding chase across Scotland this story was! From the first page to the last there are fearsome Highland warriors – of the male and female sort. The entire series has been that way, so I was sure this book would follow suit – and it did.
Shaw Sinclair, Chief of the Sinclair clan, has had a hard, miserable life – and he has the scars – inside and outside – to prove it. After Shaw’s father died, his wicked uncle took over as Laird. He abused Shaw, his sisters, and his mother. Not only that, he ran up huge debts from drinking, gambling and other debaucheries and ended up giving up the Sinclair castle and lands to the northern Campbells. Since then, the Sinclair clan has been homeless and the vindictive Campbells constantly runs them out of their cottages – even in the dead of a harsh Scottish winter. So, it is no surprise that Shaw jumps at the chance to have the crown restore his home and lands. All he has to do is deliver a newborn baby girl to a boat in St. Andrews. Except, when he finally receives the babe, her wet-nurse has died and there are English soldiers pursuing the baby – to put it to death. He has to find someone to care for the babe – especially someone who can feed her – all while avoiding the English soldiers. Piece of cake for a braw highlander.
Alana Campbell, sister to the Laird of the southern Campbells, is one of the older members of the Highland Roses school. We’ve met her in the earlier books in the series and she is an intelligent, lovely young woman who just happens to be a trained warrior as well. Imagine her surprise when a huge, fierce warrior appears in her tent – and abducts her so she can care for an infant girl. Of course, once she discovers that their destination is just north of Edinburgh, she decides to willingly go along. She needs to get to Edinburg to rescue her mother that all of them had thought dead.
Somewhere along the way – dodging soldiers and caring for an infant – Alana comes to care deeply for both the Highlander and the babe. How will she ever have the strength to put that sweet babe on the boat? She doesn’t care much for the idea of separating from the Highlander either.
How will their love survive once all of the treachery, lies, and deceit are revealed? What will happen if Shaw cannot regain the Sinclair lands and castle? Why in the world are the English soldiers out to murder a tiny, innocent, defenseless babe?
NOTE: Possible spoilers below – so don’t read if you don’t want to know
Is it a sign of a really good story when, at the end, you keep wondering what happened next? I hope we will see some of that in a future book – maybe Kirsten’s book. I have to wonder how they got the Campbells off their land. Are they still being harassed by the Campbells? Can Shaw learn to trust Alistair and Logan again? Will they get there in time to save the Sinclair’s from the harsh winter? Will they actually start a second Highland Rose shool?
One thing that seemed confusing to me is that although they got the proclamation from King James – they were still talking about paying the northern Campbells for the debt Shaw’s uncle owed. Did they just want to pay it off because they felt the clan owed it? It sounds fair to me for them to pay it, but it just wasn’t made very clear.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Not much in this life is fair, lass. What ye have seen and lived through has surely taught ye that. We just make the best decisions we can in the moment and hope that fate falls in our favor…The marks mean that we survived something fierce and lived to carry the scars. They show how strong we are. ‘Tis not something to mourn but a testament to our endurance.”
Shaw Sinclair, Clan Chieftain of the Sinclair’s, is doing whatever it takes to see his clan restored to their lands. Swearing an oath to see a wee babe transported to safety, Shaw discovers his mission may not be so easy to accomplish. Desperate to fulfill his duties to his people, Shaw kidnaps Alana Campbell and makes a bargain with her—if she helps care for the babe until the journey is complete, he will help her rescue her mother in return. But what he doesn’t bargain for is how his feelings for the lass change from ally to something much more…
Alana Campbell is no stranger to being trussed up and abused, but after being tossed into a deadly fire, she has vowed that no one will ever cause her harm without a fight. From her teachings at the Highland Rose School, Alana is well versed in defending herself, and Chief Sinclair finds himself at the wrong end of her sgain dubh! While putting up a fierce fight, Alana doesn’t gain her freedom but she does earn the respect of The Sinclair. Offering her a tit for tat bargain, Alana and Shaw find themselves playing husband and wife to protect the life of an innocent babe…and Alana discovers that under all that rough exterior is a man she could grow to love.
The Highland Outlaw is the 4th installment to The Campbell series, but may be read stand alone. Now let’s get to the smexxy highlander, Shaw. He’s officially been added to my book boyfriend list! I absolutely devoured Heather McCollum’s newest and I don’t think I could describe Shaw any better… “He tasted of whisky and sin, and she couldn’t get enough…”
Highly recommend this as well as the other books in the series!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Boy did I love this one! We are back in the Highlands in here. Shaw is the Sinclair Clan Chief and an enemy of the Campbells. That makes him perfect for this story. Then we have Alana Campbell who is the sister of Grey (Clan Chief) and is a Highland Rose. In fact that first meeting between him and Alana? I loved the sass she showed him at the festival. That sets the tone for the story.
I loved getting to meet a whole new group of highlanders. Each one is interesting and different so I enjoyed learning about them. Also Robert?? He is the star! We have watched him grow through the last couple books. Then there is those Highland Roses showing off their skills. I enjoyed them all!
Overall this is another exciting story. I am glad we are back in the highlands with this one. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters immensely. I did listen to this on audio. Justine Eyre continues to amaze me with her Scottish brogue. A wonderful addition to the series.
A wonderful story of this time in history and I truly love her characters. I have read all the books by this author. I’m looking forward to her next book.
I loved, loved loved this Scottish Highlander novel about Alana Campbell and Shaw Sinclair, The chief of the outcast Sinclair clan from the north of Scotland.
The Campbell clan and the Sinclair clan are not on good terms and not a lot has to happen to start a war. Shaw has taken on the assignment to get a baby from Scotland to a ship who sails to France. If this succeeds he will get his land back and his people will not be followed or chased of the land or killed.
When they take over the assignment the wet nurse to the baby has died and non of the five big strong warriors knows what to do with a baby so they have to kidnap someone who does and Shaw chooses Alana Campbell. Alana has just found out that someone she knows survived an attack on their clan so she wants to get to Edinburgh to rescue this person so she makes a deal with Shaw that if she helps them they will help her in exchange. Shaw agrees and they are of on an adventure where they are followed by English soldiers who wants to kill them especially the baby, figuring out secrets that can separate them all and a lot of romance and steamy chemistry.
It is a wonderful story where you see five strong warriors fall in love with a little baby and figuring out how to keep her safe and protected against all the dangers around them. And a woman who gets to prove that women aren’t weak and can through a Sgian dubh as well as a man. Also the plots and betrayals that happen keeps the book thrilling and suspenseful all through and it was really hard to put down.
I can definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a great Highland romance, with a lot of suspense, drama, a beautiful lovestory between two people from fighting clans, their love for a baby that is not theirs and all the secrets that can separate them if they come out.
I got this book from Entangled Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 1/2 STARS
There’s nothing like the British on your tail to keep you alert and on the move. With a wee bairn protected by Sinclair warriors, it can be formidable for the British. Shaw Sinclair and his warriors are on a mission. If they can get the babe to the coast of Scotland and on the ship that will take her safely to France, they can get back what was taken and sold from the clan. Shaw and his men know little about bairns and when Alana Campbell offers to help them, they take her help and her with them on the run to the coast. With the the British soldiers close behind, Shaw and Alana are drawn together, but Shaw is keeping secrets. Lots of twists and turns moving at a fairly fast pace.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Fill with action, angst and drama, Highland Warrior was whirlwind read. Shaw, our tough-as-nails hardened Scottish warrior, kidnaps our heroine, Alana, so she can help him care for a newborn that’s not his but a secret child he must transport out of the country. Between English soldiers trying to kill them, two hard-headed characters pretending to be husband-and-wife to make it through small villages, and trying to raise a newborn (as in less than 2 weeks old) on cow milk, these two characters go from enemies to lovers. So many lies were laid down between the characters that it kept the reader guessing if they’d be walking away from each other or staying together. Each had their own goals and had to decide if those goals were flexible in the face of love.
Loved how independent both these characters were. The historical facts in the book were intriguing, and I have tremendous respect for the amount of research that this book must have required.
It’s been so long since I read a book from this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed my foray back into this type of read.
Drama, angst, action and hot Scottish warriors…makes for one you-shouldn’t-miss-read book!
The Highland Outlaw by Heather McCollum
The Campbells #4
Absolutely what I needed to read yesterday! I fell in love with Shaw and admired Alana – they were perfect for each other! Beginning with a caber toss and ending with a wedding with a kidnapping, baby to care for, bad guys to deal with, secrets exposed and potential for a spin-off series to do with the Clan Sinclair it was a delight from the first page to the last!
The Sinclairs have lost their castle and their land and Shaw, as the laird of the clan, has spent years trying to get it all back for his people. When he is given the opportunity to do so by delivering a newborn to a boat by taking it overland he of course jumps at the chance. So, what could go wrong? He needs a bit of help from more than his men at arms to get the baby from point A to point B and Alana just happens to be handy…whether she is willing or not.
The trip draws the two closer together as they care for the tiny girl. Shaw learns a great deal about babies and also about women who have attended the Highland Roses School. Alana is intelligent and realizes she can use the opportunity of caring for the baby to her own advantage as she has an agenda or her own. The road is not easy not only due to the fragility of taking care of a baby but also because there are military men out to murder the child. So, daggers and swords and punches are definitely a part of this story.
What I liked:
* Alana – what a strong woman she was and so able to state what she wanted and then go for it
* Shaw – a good man with a horrible childhood who always put his clan first
* The way the romance develops between Shaw and Alana
* The men that traveled with Shaw
* The writing, plot and way it made me feel while reading
* The fact that I won’t have to say goodbye to all of the characters due to the spin-off that is coming
What I did not like:
* The bad guys…as I was supposed to
* The lengths those bad guys would go to to get what they wanted
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Will I read more by this author? Without a doubt
Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled – Amara and InkSlinger PR for the ARC = This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Wow! What an enjoyable trip in 1649 Scotland. Heather McCollum has certainly crafted another great read with this enemies to lovers story. Shaw Sinclair, Laird of an outlawed branch of the Sinclair clan abducts Alana Campbell from a festival to use her to help him with a Royal barin to the coast of Scotland for transporting to safety. The three of them are witty companions along with her dog, Robert. This is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Full of secrets, danger, fierce undeniable attraction, loveable characters and of course love. It’s what makes a Scottish historical romance jump for joy. Wonderful job Heather McCollum! I wholeheartedly recommend this book and gladly give it five stars.
The Highland Outlaw by Heather McCollum is book 4 in The Highland Outlaw Series. This is the story of Alana Campbell and Shaw Sinclair. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Shawn is the chief of outcast clan of Sinclairs of Caithness. Once his father died his Uncle took over the Lair position which Shawn and his siblings ending up being mistreated leaving scars on the inside and outside. But now he is the chief of outcast. When he is promised to get what he has lost back if he gets a royal baby to to a boat in St. Andrews, he takes that chance. But he finds that the baby girl has lost her wet nurse and he ends up kidnapping Alana. Alana puts up a fight at first until she learns where they are going which suits her needs too, but then she starts having feeling for Shawn and the baby.
Loved their story.
Another Highland adventure that doesn’t stop until the last page is turned. Heather McCollum has immersed us into the Scottish Highlands in 1685 and takes us on a journey to deliver a precious infant to safety without anyone knowing what Laird Shaw Sinclair carries.
As the first scene opens, we find Alana Campbell with a small group of Highland Rose school students making their way to the annual Samhain Festival at the base of Beinn Nibheis. There was a saber toss going on and all the girls were agog at the brawn highlanders. One stood out “He was broad and towering, the muscles obvious in his bare arms where dark lines formed a picture on his tan skin. He wore a kilt and a sleeveless tunic…”. Yes, yes I can visualize that, looking at the cover and sighing….
Oh, sorry I digress! They figured out he had to be Shaw Sinclair, the chief who had won his lairdship when his horrible uncle had died ten years ago. But they needed to stay as far away from the Sinclairs as possible. Famous last words because it was not to be.
Shaw was given the duty of delivering a bairn to the coast to be taken to safety in France. The problem was he had lost the wet nurse and trying to get the baby to feed was not going well. Alana ended up helping him get her fed and he determined she would be just the one to help him keep the babe well.
Another awesome story full of danger, intrigue, great dialogue and characters that you get to know and love. Prepare to sit awhile and fall in love with Shaw and Alana. Thanks Heather!!
I have been away from the historical side of romance for a while and am slowly making my way back, so I was thrilled that I found The Highland Outlaw. Heather McCollum’s tale of strong Campbell woman and Roses teacher Alana and ousted Sinclair chief Shaw is a quick-paced adventure of the two running from the English with a smuggled baby.
Independent, quick-thinking, and caring, Alana is a woman ahead of her time with her fighting skills and open mind. Shaw is an alpha hero though and through. At the mercy of the Campbells who acquired his clan’s castle via a debt, Shaw is determined to carry out the mission of bringing the English baby to its destination in return for the castle’s rights and a secure future for his people. Shaw is principled and loyal.
Packed with action, wit, and humor, and some steamy scenes along with enjoyable characters and their interactions, the story easily sucked me in, making me unable to close it until done.
A thoroughly enjoyable story, with strong characters and an interesting plot. The ending was very clever, I had wondered how the author was going to handle it for a happy ending for all concerned. I also thought the novel gave the reader a good flavour of Scotland. I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series and I can honestly say that this can be read as a standalone. I will be looking to read more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The moment Shaw Sinclair stepped onto the page, he landed right in my heart!
The Highland Roses are no delicate, wilting flowers. These young ladies have been taught everything they need to know to stand on their own and take care of themselves, and each other. I loved the initial meeting between Alana and the brawny highlander, Shaw. His respect for her was quietly understated yet clear as can be. From that point on, the action never stops as these two fight to keep a baby safe and stay one step ahead of the unknown enemy.
This is an intricately-detailed story that spans most of Scotland and is steeped in Scottish history. The romance between Shaw and Alana was intense, yet sweet and soul-satisfying on every level. I loved the way the rest of the Highland Roses were incorporated into the story. This book was a fabulous romantic adventure, and I was completely hooked all the way to the HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Shaw Sinclair, chief of the outcast clan of Sinclairs of Caithness in northern Scotland, has made a deal with the devil. Despite his strength and lethal skills, he needs help specifically from a woman to accomplish his mission to bring a baby to safety to the coast at St Andrews. When he meets the brave and beautiful Alana Campbell at a Samhain Festival, he decides she’s the one.
Alana Campbell is captured & coerced to join Shaw & his men to the coast of Scotland
This was a fast paced book that sometimes had you on the edge of your seat. Shaw was desperate to win his lands back for his clan. Alana one of the instructors at the Highland Roses school didn’t take being coerced well but somewhere along the journey the pair fell in love. There were crosses & double crosses along the way & all the while Shaw was keeping a secret, which could tear apart his budding romance. This is the fourth book in the series & it could easily be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I recommend reading the earlier books. I was captivating by the book & was left wanting more & also I had questions I wanted answering so hopefully there will be more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Laird Shaw Sinclair, chief of a disgraced northern clan, has the opportunity to regain his family’s rightful lands and castle, lost to Clan Campbell by his incompetent uncle. To reach his goal he must see a baby girl safely to the Scottish coast so she can be whisked away to France. But Shaw is a warrior and knows nothing about babies. He needs female help and when he meets Alana Campbell at a Samhain Festival, he decides she’s perfect for the job and kidnaps her.
Sister to the Campbell Chief, Alana is determined to prove herself just as capable as any man. When she is obliged to accompany Chief Sinclair on his trip to the coast, Alana decides to take advantage of the opportunity to get closer to Edinburgh where she’s just learned her mother is being held prisoner. Sparks fly between these two on the dangerous journey, but they remain enemies and with secrets between them that could be even more detrimental to their future, they must determine the true depth of their feelings and where their priorities lie.
This book was quite a rollercoaster of betrayal and loyalties and was a very good enemies-to-lovers story. I wound up really enjoying both Shaw and Alana and wishing the roses students would go away so I could have more time with just the couple. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We are reunited once again with some of the lasses from The Highland Roses School, a rare for its era learning ground that teaches young women to read, write, and how to protect themselves in dangerous situations. Yeah, yielding a dagger and using super sharp hair pins seem to be their weapons of choice. You have to work with what you’ve got, folks. What can I say? Stilettos haven’t been invented yet. Otherwise, they likely would have found those pointy heels useful, as well.
Alana, the heroine, especially has a unique skill set when it comes to accuracy in hitting her mark. Of course, she found herself outnumbered when Shaw decides to borrow her to accomplish an important task to secure the future of his people. Such a rash, bold decision does not come without consequences though. It was just his luck to discover she is from a rivalry, enemy clan after the fact.
Their journey is slow paced in parts yet danger does pop up from time to time putting them on edge and on the run from bad guys. It gives them plenty of time to develop feelings for one another and bond over a common goal. Alana is seemingly quick not to judge Shaw, despite the animosity between their clans, but he is hiding a big secret. He seems verra determined to complete his task and won’t be swayed, yet obviously is not applying that same will power in finding a way for them to stay together. In fact, they both seemed resigned to reluctantly walking away when the job is done. I must admit my enthusiasm for a couple often gets dampened when I see they aren’t fighting for love from the get go.
Will the secret/big reveal rip the trust and affection Alana now feels for this verra handsome, brawny lad to shreds? Or will she decide to focus on the future and not let the past destroy their love? You’ll have to stay tuned and read it for yourself, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends.
Just know I did enjoy seeing this main couple get their HEA. However, it was verra slow paced in some parts enough I started to wonder when it was going to wrap up. At least it lead to a lot of couple time together.
Title: The Highland Outlaw, Series: The Campbells (Book 4), Author: Heather McCollum, Pages: 400, stand-alone but part of a series, slow paced in parts, enemies to in love, perilous situation, virgin heroine, laird hero, graphic smex scenes.
Book 1 – A Rose in the Highlands
Book 2 – A Protector in the Highlands
Book 3 – The Wicked Viscount
Book 4 – The Highland Outlaw
(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, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
The Highland Outlaw (The Campbells Book #4) by Heather McCollum is a heart-pounding, heart racing tale of danger, love, romance and keeping a Royal baby safe. While #4 in this series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Meet, Shaw Sinclair chief of the clan Sinclair, of Caithness in Northern Scotland and an outcast. And, the beautiful and skilled Alana Campbell. They meet at a Samhain Festival, where they promptly kidnap Alana, to help with saving the baby. Of course Alana’s wolfhound, Robert, follows his mistress everywhere. Sparks fly between Alana and Shaw, and things get really complicated. A romp though Scotland with a royal baby turns into a struggle to survive.
Steady paced, well written and well excuted. The cast of characters will steal your heart, they are engaging, endearing, and entertaining.
The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly, plus is captivating and compelling.
A well thought-out story where danger surrounds them. With, mystery, intrigue, suspense, loyalty, brawn highlanders, skilled lass, love, and romance, readers will be turning pages as they follow Shaw, Alana, Robert (the wolfhound), and a royal infant, as they journey through Scotland’s the countryside. Once again, Ms. McCollum has written a well developed story that will blow readers away, and keep them on the edge of their seat. Heather McCollum is talented storyteller. A must read for fans of Historical Romance, adventure, brawn highlanders, skilled and determined lass, the power of love and finding peace and truth. WOW! Awesome Scottish Romance.
#NetGalley, #HighlandOutlaw,#HeatherMcCollum,#Scottishromance, #Historical
“Each book in The Campbells series is STANDALONE:”
* The Scottish Rogue
* The Savage Highlander
* The Wicked Viscount
* The Highland Outlaw
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
If anyone wants to know why I love reading Highlander romances so much, just read this book! Heather McCollum is a master at her craft of writing such exciting historical romance stories that take place in the Highlands. Not only are they filled with historical facts, there’s always a brawny Highland hero and a sassy heroine:)
This story is about Shaw and Alana and the adventure they go on, to bring a newborn baby girl to safety. They first meet as enemies….he’s a Sinclair and she’s a Campbell but it doesn’t take long before heated passion flares between them. Shaw is hiding a secret, though, that if known to Alana, she would hate him forever. They encounter plenty of danger on their quest and after a while, neither of them knows who to trust anymore. I also loved the humor in the story, I could just picture Shaw’s face when Alana was describing why she wasn’t a virgin! lol
There wasn’t a dull moment in this book and if you add Shaw’s men and Alana’s Highland Rose School mates, as well as Robert the wolfhound, you have one fantastic story to read:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
We are back with our highlanders!! We get reacquainted with Alana whom we met with the previous series (the Campbells), you will know the characters better. Alana was in charge of the Roses while Evelyn and Scarlett were away to England, while they are away she discovers that her mother is alive and she is determined to go rescue her even though Kerrick insists on her waiting for her laird who is also her brother. Then we have Shaw who is intrusted a baby to get to near where Alana wants to go, he kidnaps Alana since he has no clue what to do with a bairn, his clan or the guys that are with him feel sorry for Alana but they need. So while Alana and Shaw spend time together feelings and chemistry are getting stronger but they have a lot of people after them, and we can’t forget that Shaw is a Sinclair and he is the Campbells enemy!..
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions