1684, Scottish Highlands It’s become abundantly clear to Scarlet Worthington that England no longer can offer her anything good. With few other options, she flees to the wilds of Scotland to help her sister, who has created a place where women learn to protect themselves. There is something special about the Highlands. It could be the lush rolling hills, the clean air, the feeling of doing … feeling of doing something good… or maybe it’s the fierce Campbell warrior she’s recruited to help.
Aiden Campbell has spent months recovering from burns he sustained in a fire set by English soldiers. Finally, he’s healed enough to take temporary command of his clan. Between the fire and his own ghosts, there is no love lost between him and the English. So why does he say yes when the new Englishwoman in town asks for his help? And why does she have the power to distract him so much?
When Scarlet’s past stalks her all the way to Scotland, her nightmares become real and the things Aiden has taught her are put to the test. And as Aiden fights the heat of passion that grows between them, a different kind of wildfire threatens everything.
Each book in The Campbells series is STANDALONE:
* The Scottish Rogue
* The Savage Highlander
* The Wicked Viscount
* The Highland Outlaw
more
A MUST READ!! Seriously Captivating!! Fast-paced, action packed and Steamy Historical Romance!! This story is full-bodied with substance and wit!!! Well done!
Wow do I love this series! This one is just as good as book 1. We get to see and know more about Aiden. He was so crotchety in the last story. Its fun to see such a turn around from him. Scarlett we knew or guessed what her issue was back in England. Well…not in its entirety. It is actually so much more involved than I thought.
We also get to see kore of “the roses” from the school. They are changing and blossoming as well. We have the added Snowball and then there is The Robert who add some fun.
Overall I cant get enough of these characters. I did listen to this on audio and Justine Eyre did a great job! I love listening to her different voicings and her Scottish brogue.
Scarlett has some of the best secrets of an h. I worried greatly on how Heather would get things to work out. Let’s just say, with a king interested in her, I worried she wouldn’t find a way into Aiden’s life. She’s a strong character, only made stronger by everything that’s happened in her life. What she lived through… absolutely horrible, and I’m happy for the happily ever after.
Aiden is hard to resist. He’s got the tough no-one-can-break-through exterior that only Scarlett knows how to hammer away at. Love, an obsessed ex-lover, secrets, and a lustful king – this book has it all. Just make sure you have enough time to finish. Once you start, you can’t put it down.
Lily S. Thomas – Author of the Ice Age Alphas series
I thought that book one of this series was great until I read book 2 (this book). Book 2 was even more awesome than the first one!! This book had so much packed into it: emotion, drama, suspense, action, humor and romance! It had a couple of unexpected twists too. This book was so good with it’s complex story/plot and wonderful characters. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series. This is a very talented author and I highly recommend this book.
When her sister, Evelyn, and her new brother-in-law, Grey Campbell, must take a trip to England, Scarlet Worthington is left in charge of the lady’s school she and her sister are establishing at the Campbell stronghold of Finlarig. Second in command Aiden Campbell is left as acting chief of the clan in Grey’s absence. When Aiden begins helping Scarlet with self defense lessons for the girls, the two begin to get to know one another. Scarlet is trying to overcome her fears and find herself again, and doesn’t quite know what to do with the heat Aiden stirs in her. Aiden, with a deep hatred of Englishwomen, does his best to ignore this spark. The sexual tension and burgeoning emotional connection between these two is inescapable and their relationship begins to develop beyond what either expected. But a surprise, unwanted visit from the king himself and enemies from Scarlet’s past, jeopardizes everyone’s hopes for the future.
There’s so much intrigue and politics going on here and everyone has their own agenda. I was stressing just reading it and I couldn’t put this one down after the halfway point or so. I loved it and I think Aiden is one of the best heroes I’ve read and Scarlet was a great heroine, no simpering miss here, despite her fears. I loved this one and I would highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everyone is shattered…
Scarlet Worthington, sister of Evie Worthington Campbell fled London with her sister after a traumatic event at court. Plagued with nightmares, Scarlet slowly begins to heal aided by the defense classes her sister started at her Highland Rose school and finally begins to feel safe in her new Highland home.
Aiden Campbell, Grey Campbell’s commander, hates the English, he too to plagued by nightmares, but not from the fire that almost killed him, his nightmares are caused by an Englishwoman. When Grey is tasked with delivering the heads of the traitors (from the previous book) to London, he leaves Aiden in charge. He is quickly informed by Scarlet that part of his duties will be teaching the defense classes in Grey’s place. Aiden scoffs at the idea, but agrees.
This starts a whirlwind adventure filled with secrets, traitors, betrayals, unexpected visitors, healing, steamy love scenes, kidnapping and the “Roses” growing (and using) thorns.
I loved Aiden and Scarlet together, they are both scarred by their pasts and unwilling to trust easily, but despite their issues, they are supportive of each other and slowly their past traumas are revealed and start to heal. With Aiden’s help, Scarlet learns to control her fears and saves herself. I liked the story, but I was disappointed that the same title errors (and a whole host of new ones) from the first book carried over to this story and combined with several inconsistencies in this book kept this from being a 5 star read for me. This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend reading the books in order to fully understand the plots against the King and the school.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Secrets… Hatred… Love
In this 2nd book of the “Highland Rose School” you have Scarlet and Aiden’s story.
With Evelyn and Grey heading back to England with the heads of the traitors to show the King who were the real traitors and they’re result, leaves Scarlet to try and pull the girl’s school together with the protection of Grey’s head man, Aiden.
Scarlet has her reasons to never go back to England, Aiden has his reasons that he can’t trust a Sassenach let alone have to teach them how to protect themselves. Scarlet, being a English girl an coming to Scotland with ideas of training young ladies the normal items they would learn but the extra classes will be raising many eyebrows especially for that era. Not just teaching, training and sewing but adding English traditions too.
In all this Scarlet is faced with many things and people out to hurt her, and Aiden will see that not all English are bad.
I fell in love with Scarlet, Aiden and the other characters so much, their actions surprised me in many ways and there is a surprise in store that really took me in.
Heather McCullum’s books take you back in time to the highlands where you can see the hills, smell the flowers even hear the many sounds of that time. You will enjoy this book and want to go and get more of her books.
I loved the first book in this series, but this book… let me tell you about this book. I LOVED it. The chemistry between the two main characters was there from the first time they were on the page together and it just got stronger. I was intrigued by the mystery around Scarlett from book 1 and book 2 really showed her journey as she dealt with the demons of her past and became such a badass. Then there’s Aiden. He is the perfect mix of hard and soft which makes him the ideal alpha Highlander. I’m already reading book 3 and bought book 4. Definitely found a new author to binge read!
A highlander to swoon over in this Medieval romance!
This was an awesome red with wonderful characters. I feel so deep I became emotionally invested in in the outcome. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it .
Book: A Protector in the Highlands
By Heather McCollum
Series: Highland Roses School, Book #2
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
Finlarig Castle
Killin, Scotland
November, 1684
Scarlet Worthington was on the run when she ran away from England to be with her sister Evelyn in Scotland. This was perfect timing to help her run the Highland Roses School. Evelyn and Grey are off to England to prove his parents innocence. However To prove this: they must bring the two traitors heads – to show who the real villains are! Let us just hope this quote does not apply: “Confidence is like a dragon where, for every head cut off, two more heads grow back.” Except in this story this quote seems very true.
Aiden Campbell is finally out of confinement! Finally healed from after being badly burned from the castle fires, which nearly cost him his life. In his brother Grey’s absence, he his now to take charge as Chief, while his brother is in England proving their parents innocence. Now Aiden hates all Sassenach especially English women, which is a mystery as well. You would think he would hate the English soldiers the most, for nearly killing himself and his clan by setting fire to Finlarig castle. He does hate everything English but his hatred for English women is more intense and possibly personal?
He does not believe Scarlet Worthington will remain in cold Scotland forever, yet the more he gets to know her the more he finds her charm, wit, bravery and courage to match her exquisite beauty. He, like Scarlet also continues to be tortured by night terrors as some call nightmares. Scarlet’s nightmares continue and her reason for running to Scotland is soon discovered. Scarlet does not trust any man except for maybe her brother Nathaniel, the Viscount of Hollings Estate, in Lincolnshire. Yet as Scarlet soon discovers that she and Aiden have more in common than she thinks. She is now the sole teacher while Evelyn is away at her Highland Rose school and wants to teach the ladies to become warriors. So they will never fear men or anyone else who might prey on their feminine weakness. For this she asks Aiden for his knowledge and tutoring to teach ladies to become warriors. To do this they must wear breeches for agility, have hair picks, which are sharpened daggers, to kill or at least maim their would be attacker.
Aiden knows Scarlet is also keeping secrets, especially her conviction that she will never return to England again! Of course Aiden doesn’t believe her. As all English woman always leave cold Scotland. Unfortunately soon the past catches up to Scarlet. Yes she escapes England, but soon her worst night terror becomes a reality! Showing up at the Castle gates in Scotland uninvited. All Scarlets fears and horrific nightmares comes to life. The only man besides her brother she trusts and turns for protection is a man who hates but desires her. He is none other than Aiden Campbell! The one man she is most attracted to, yet hates her just because of the country of her birth!
Aiden has a lot on his shoulders stepping up as Chieftain, for it isn’t only his heart he needs to protect but the safety of the clan. He doesn’t know how Grey handles this responsibility everyday. In addition the relationship between and Scarlet is a bit of a tug of war. Yet soon this thing between them grows even bigger, but will it last? Aiden knows she won’t stay in Scotland. The English women never do, another reason he doesn’t want to involve his heart. The problem is his heart is already involved and soon the two star crossed lovers find outside dangers and possible clan wars and even death. Yet to catch a rose you must be weary of its thorns…
Heather McCollum pens another brilliant novel with that golden pen of hers! A book that readers definitely don’t want to miss. I always love whatever this author is currently writing. I loved every book in The Highland Isles series and I have loved each book in her new Highland Roses School series. This is the second book in the series which is absolutely mind blowing in my opinion!
I think every woman should have a hair pick on them for protection! Plus you can’t help but fall in love with the swoon worthy,English hater with burn scars, Aiden Campbell! Any fans of Heather McCollum definitely do not want to miss this masterpiece.
This book is probably my favorite at the moment. A definite shelf keeper that readers will want to revisit and read again. A fast moving riveting, romantic, action filled, suspenseful, adventure, that I absolutely loved. It has so many twists, turns, including ups and downs, that readers will be holding to the edge of their seats! I was holding my breath with bated breath, not knowing what could possibly happen next!
There is more that one villain and more than one plot. I love the idea of independent women in seventeenth century Scotland. It was absolutely brilliant and awe-inspiring that will make you laugh and cry and cheer this special heroine on!
I can’t recommend it enough! I absolutely and unequivocally loved A Protector in The Highlands by Heather McCollum.
Highland Roses School Series
By Heather McCollum
1# A Rose in the Highlands-Grey and Evelyn
2# A Protector in the Highlands-Aiden and Scarlet
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.
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.
Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Highlands-Highland-Roses-School-ebook/dp/B07K6DSGBL/ref=mp_s_a_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1541998793&sr=8-26&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=heather+mccollum+kindle+books
This book starts where the last book ends.
You don’t need to read the first one, but a little background info on the characters always helps (you find out why scarlet is running, and his Aidan gets his scars)
Aidan hates the English with a passion. He holds them responsible for everything, and there is no way he is going to help a fiery English woman teach women to fight and defend themselves, but there is something that keeps draining Aidan back.
Scarlet is running from her past, her saviour comes in the form of her sister (A rose in the highlands) she travels to Scotland to help her run a school for young ladies. But running from your past is sometimes easier said than done, and when it comes back to haunt her, she ya too sure of her options.
The banter between Aidan and Scarlett is at first more enemy than friends, then realising the attraction between them, it turns, but both of them are fighting it, Aidan wants nothing more to do with the English, if she were a lass from Scotland, then there would be no issue, but trust is hard for Aidan.
It’s another nice read, I find the enemy to friend a little boring and predictable, but I love the characters that the author has created. The highlands of Scotland come to life whilst reading it.
It’s a fun afternoon read, and if you like your hero’s with trust issues and heroines with a shady past, then I’d recommend this one to you
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Can I tell you that I loved this book. I love highlanders and had stopped reading this genre because I got caught up in others but I was happy to read this and so enjoyed it, am going to start back on my highlanders, they are soooo sexy. We meet Aiden, and I am assuming that I missed the first book so I intend to look for it. Again let me start again we meet Aiden part of the Campbell clan and he hates anything English, due to his mother abandoning his family to go back. We also have Scarlett and she is English now living in Scotsland with her sister and her brother. While her sister goes back to England to deliver something Aiden and Scarlett are in charge of the Castle and her school “Highland Roses” and this is when the real fun begins. I loved these two, so please do yourself a favor and grab a copy! Enjoy!
A Protector in the Highlands by Heather McCollum
Highland Roses School #2
Scarlet has been left in charge of The Highland Roses School in the Highlands of Scotland while her sister Evelyn heads to England with her new husband. Aidan Campbell has been put in charge of security and he is rightly worried about the English coming in to create upheaval again after all that happened in book one of this series. We learned that Scarlet is leery of men, with good reason as it turns out, but in spite of this leeriness she finds herself drawn to Aidan.
This book continues with the idea that a plot is in play to assassinate the King of England and as the story progresses we learn who the villains are, hear what happened to make Scarlet run to Scotland and what court life is like for those at the top of the royal hierarchy as well as those on the periphery.
A woman is often considered a possession to be used and abused by husbands and those of higher station as well as by fathers and brothers thinking to use them as collateral. A woman is weaker than a man so has little recourse. That said…the women in The Highland Roses School are taught more than how to serve tea and how to read and write – they are taught to defend themselves and work together to thwart the villains before the end of the book.
Fun romance that at times seemed a bit unbelievable BUT my daughter, a historian, did set me straight and told me that women did fight and did do most jobs men did and have done so through the ages even though not as much is mentioned about them as should be.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Lady Scarlet Worthington fled to Scotland with her sister away from the evil man that was tormenting her. He is a favorite of King Charles, as a woman she has no voice she wouldn’t be believed. She needs a new beginning away from her nightmare and what better way than to open a school for young women. But it’s not an ordinary school and will be frowned upon as unlady like.
Aiden Campbell loathes everything and all that has to do with the English. Badly burned by English soldiers, and English women are to frail and cannot be trusted.
Two people brought together by pain rise above their nightmares too heal by love. But will their growing love be shattered by the nightmares of the past. Plots of treason and enemies are at their door, intrigue and page turning action make this a very hard to put down book!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
An emotional story of two people who are both scarred from the past and need healing. After fleeing England, Scarlet’s sister opens a school in the wild Highlands of Scotland. Aiden Campbell hates the English for reasons of his own and the women in particular. But left in charge while his brother is away, he is to teach Scarlet and the students to defend themselves. This fierce brawny highlander has a side that is least expected, being kind and patient that just made me sigh. As Scarlet and Aiden spend time together as he teaches the children, they are drawn to each other. He has conflicting emotions with his anger which seems to bring Scarlet back more to her normal self. She was amazing as she fought to bring her fears under control and face her past.
Heather McCollum has a gift of bringing characters alive and the emotions are palpable with their interactions. These two were meant for each other and as their attraction builds it melted my heart. But when a Scarlet’s past shows up in the form of an evil threat, all bets are off and the battle begins!!
There is so much to this story I do not want to spoil it, but trust me, this is one of the best books of the year and I recommend it highly!! What more is there to want? A handsome highlander and a cover that is sigh worthy! I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series!!
A Protector in the Highlands by Heather McCollum is book Two in the Highland Roses School Series. This is the story of Scarlet Worthington and Aiden Campbell. Scarlet is the sister of Evie Worthington Campbell who we meet in the first book. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Scarlet and her sister left England because each had a specific reason. Scarlet was due to a threat that she might not be able to run from. But Scarlet is now helping her sister with The Highland Roses School in Scotland. There she meets Aiden who she informs him that he is to help with teaching her and the girls to defend themselves. Aiden has been hurt by the English people so he is weary of them and so he isn’t happy to to be around Scarlet at first. Both have wounds that they are having a hard time getting past and opening up their hearts to trust and each other. But when Scarlet’s past comes back for her, Aiden steps in to help protect her.
Another exciting romance from Ms. McCollum.
Heather you are my hero and this has become my new favorite phrase, “Even the most shattered mess can be made into something stronger and more beautiful if we pick up the pieces.” I think sexual assault is the single most horrific crime that can be done to a person. Murder is final, but sexual assault you have to live the rest of your life with. The story being told of how Scarlett survives and eventually thrives is superbly done. Aiden has his own struggle with abandonment and surviving the fire. They start out as rivals, but become drawn to each other because of that stubbornness they recognize staring back at them. After spending time together and getting to know each other they realize they have a lot more in common than they have differences. Trusting others does not come easy to either of them but when it did they were all in.
They story is poignant and painful at times. There are moments of fun and hilarity. It deals with some tough issues but in the end it reminds us that we can heal, love exists, people can still be trusted and friends and family can still be relied on. Aiden and Scarlett are two of the lucky ones. They fought their demons together and won the prize of love and family.
“Forged from ashes of nightmares, their binding love was the most beautiful creation under heaven, made from the shards of their pasts.”
Scarlet Worthington is determined never again to be a victim. Doing everything in her power to protect the other young ladies at the Highland Roses School, Scarlet asks Aiden Campbell, the clan chief’s brother, to train her and the other students in the art of being a warrior…to give these “Roses” the ability to use their “thorns”. As each day passes, Scarlet begins to see that Aiden may be fierce, but underneath that gruff exterior, lays a kindness like non she has ever witnessed, as well as a past that has hardened his heart to all things English.
While his brother Chief Grey Campbell is away, Aiden Campbell has been left with the task of securing Finlarig Castle and its inhabitants. Sticking with his grudge against the English, Aiden wants nothing to do with Scarlet, nor her students. But Aiden has met his match when it comes to Scarlet, and her fierce determination to be trained in the art of self-defense.
When Scarlet’s nightmare comes knocking on Flinlarig’s doors, she tells herself that she is no longer going to run. Her fears will be buried in the past where they belong, and she will be stronger for having survived them…“Even the most shattered mess can be made into something stronger and more beautiful if we pick up the pieces.” Aiden and Scarlet find there isn’t anything they can’t conquer so long as they believe in each other.
This reader absolutely loved A Protector in the Highlands. Aiden and Scarlet’s story is full of intrigue, romance and kick ass heroines! Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next installment!
**Received ARC via NetGalley for honest review**
Scarlet Worthington flees from her home in England to the wild Highlands of Scotland to help her sister run a school for ladies. There, Scarlet begins to rebuild her own shattered confidence by recruiting a fierce Campbell warrior to teach her and the students how to protect themselves from villains and scoundrels. The intimidating Aiden Campbell both infuriates Scarlet and ignites a fire inside her as she works closely with him to hone her new skills.
Burned in a fierce fire, set by English soldiers, Highland warrior, Aiden Campbell, has finally healed enough to take temporary command of his clan whilst his brother & new wife travel to London. That’s where his focus should be instead of dealing with the feisty, beautiful Sassenach who asks him to teach her students.
This is the second book in the series &whilst it could easily be read on its own it does follow on very well from the first book. We of course met both Scarlet & Aidan in the previous book & I was delighted that they had their story. There are plenty of secrets which are gradually revealed but it’s the gradual falling in love which is such a delight added with humour & this book was an engaging riveting read. Aidan is gorgeous but very dour so seeing him smile was lovely, Scarlet is feisty but her confidence has been shaken, but gradually she does gain confidence & then is a force to be reckoned with. Their attraction is there from the start but both fight it for a time. I look forward to more books in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read