The past haunts them. Treachery awaits them. Love will save them. A shattered lass… gentle, gallant highlander who renews her soul, emboldens her, and offers her the one thing she never thought she would possess—true love. Now that Alex has her whole heart, she’ll settle for nothing less than all of his.
A tortured highlander…
Haunted by violent nightmares of his dark past, Alex MacLean has put off getting married for as long as possible. But now he finds himself the husband of the fragile, beautiful Lena, and he’s drawn to her as he has never been to another. He vows to protect and heal her, and as she grows stronger, so does his love for her. Yet, his horrible memories and a treacherous task are preventing him from giving himself to her entirely, and the secrets he harbors threaten to destroy their life together.
A union…
When Lena uncovers a dangerous scheme involving Alex, she embarks on a desperate journey to save the man she loves. But Alex still hasn’t let her in, and he runs the risk of losing her—and his life—unless he can accept that his once delicate wife is now an ally strong enough to light his way.
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If you are looking for a heartfelt read, When a Warrior Woos a Lass, by Julie Johnstone is just that. This is book #6 of her Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series.
Two battered souls, both haunted by nightmares of the past are forced to wed. A beautiful story about daring to trust enough to share one’s vulnerability with another, and the healing that comes as a result.
Alex MacLean was cruelly treated at a young age when sent away for training with another Laird. Who can resist a man that says “there will never be a place I’m needed more than by your side when you have want of me”. I was swooning and thinking “take me now!”.
Lena MacLeod stolen as a child, her family believing she had drown, in turn was told her family was dead. Having been reunited with her family, she is trying to find her way back to herself after suffering mentally and physically at the hands of her now deceased husband.
Enter King David with yet another of his plotting schemes with a little matchmaking on the side. He is a sneaky one, but I am on to him 🙂 When Lena discovers what Alex is about to do for the King she insists on standing by his side, leading them on a journey of discovery in more ways than one.
I have read the previous 5 books in this series, and while enjoyed them all, this is my favorite so far. Some characters just seem to have a way of wedging themselves a little deeper into my heart than others. Alex and Lena’s story definitely tops the list of books I have read this year. You will not be disappointed.
Great book with wonderful characters that I was not able nato put down.
Despite the 14 century setting, storyline is very 21 century with half siblings etc. Great to see love conquers all.
To date, this is my favorite Julie Johnstone book! I first “met” Alex McLean in the first book in the Highland Vows, Entangled Hearts series, When a Laird Loves a Lady, Something about his character made me wait ANXIOUSLY for his story to be written. I enjoyed each book in the series and when Alex’s book came out, I devoured it. If you like strong heroes with a past to overcome, heart-stopping romance, and a heroine who can match him, this is your book! I love when a book leaves me wanting more of the hero and this one does that!When a Warrior Woos a Lass
I have read all the books in this series and this is my second favorite after the first book. I could hardly wait for Alex and Lena’s story and was not disappointed. I have read this book several times and always wish it was a little longer.
This was my first Julie Johnstone book, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Lena MacLeod is the widow of an evil man and has the scars to prove it – inside and out, she feels broken and cannot abide being touched. She returned to her brother’s home in hopes of healing, but now two years later, she is no closer than she was when she first arrived.
Alex MacLean has known Lena for years and cares for her, but he too has scars and knows the darkness in him would destroy her. They meet again at her brother’s wedding and are both shocked when the king arrives and commands them to wed. The king also has a mission for Alex, but it will involve keeping more secrets from Lena.
The king and Alex come to an agreement, but in doing so, it makes Alex appear to be a traitor. Lena is confused, Alex is kind and gentle with her, he praises her strength and urges her to let go of the pain holding her prisoner. In his care, Lena begins to heal and is on her way to being the woman she was before she married Findlay Campbell. But she knows that Alex is keeping secrets and knows those secrets could kill any love blossoming between them. Repeatedly she asks him to trust her and share with her – but Alex feels intense guilt and shame from his past and refuses.
Lena’s half-sister Marsaili has agreed to go with Lena to her new home, but Lena knows there is something Marsaili is keeping from her. When Lena learns Marsaili’s secret, she is shocked and not sure who to turn to, she wants to tell Alex, but Marsaili has sown seeds of doubt and while she longs to trust him, his refusal to share his past makes it impossible for her to do so. So she writes to her brother. When Alex intercepts her letter, he knows it is time to enact the king’s plan. He plans to take Marsaili and confront the Stewart, but he has no intention of letting Lena join them.
Lena learns they are planning to leave and is heartbroken, but when she learns his true mission, she insists on joining them. They arrive at the Stewart’s castle and Alex’s past comes rushing back. Alex must seemingly betray Lena’s brother Lachlan and take him prisoner. He leave to do the Stewarts bidding and Lena is left at the castle. Lena learns much about Alex’s past and is used to punish Alex – but Lena has grown strong and she will not break. When Alex saves her, she begs him to share his past, telling him that the secrets will destroy the love they share. But even after he does so, they are not done yet, they still have to complete their mission and save Marsaili and Lachlan.
This was a very well written story, it flowed well and was almost impossible to put down. It had secrets, shame, heartache, steamy love scenes, healing, acceptance, action and some very evil villains. But it also had sweet, tender moments as well as a truly beautiful love story and a very hard won HEA.
This is the sixth book in the series and I will admit feeling a little lost at times, events in the past are eluded to, but not having read the previous books, I wasn’t really sure what happened – but those past events played a significant role in this book and while I can imagine what happened, I was not given enough backstory to know for sure. Which is why I gave this book 4 stars vs 5 stars. I am sure if you have been following the series, you will have a much better understanding of the past events and LOVE this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC*
This is a fairy tale all about healing . The characters find the inner strength to overcome a lifetime of pain and guilt by helping the others.
Love all this author’s books. She is awesome!!
Loved it!
“When a Warrior Woos a Lass”
by Julie Johnstone
Series: Highland Vows:Entangled Hearts, Book #6
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating:
Overall Rating:
1360
Isle Of Skye, Scotland
The heroine of this story is Lena MacLeod has been kidnapped as a child, abused as an adult horribly by her late husband both mentally and physically. Her brother Graham killed the man Findlay Campbell who kidnapped, humiliated, thrashed tortured and scarred her but now she can’t even let any man touch her! Even in the most non threatening ,innocent, platonic, casual way! Her brother’s know it’s just a matter of time before the King will want another favor! That is for another clan alliance to bind another clan to the King. They have to please their King for he could take away titles, lands holding with a snap of his fingers. Even if they do support him and consider him a friend. Yet the King will want to use Lena and force her in to marry in another powerful clan. They hope it won’t be anytime soon as they would encourage that she not be forced but make her own choice of husband. They know how damaged she is, but also know the reality of the situation with granting the King favors. As there was no real choice in the matter!
Laird Alex MacLean is the hero of this novel. A childhood friend who has been Laird since he was fifteen summers. His best friends are Lena’s brother’s. He always defended and protected Lena as a child if older children bullied her. Now he sees her in a completely different light as the most beautiful woman he has ever known. Of course he has his own demons as one who has been abused he sees the signs. Alec was abused horrible by the Laird who was supposed to protect and train him when he was twelve. It is why he can’t marry or have a normal relationship with a woman. So he understands Lena and would kill her former husband himself if he wasn’t already dead!
One night at a family wedding feast Alex’s sister who is married to Lena’s brother Lachlan talks him into asking Lena to dance. As she always hides in dark corners at public feasts and celebrations to avoid speaking with men or socializing. Of course Lena knows this is a man she has always considered a dear friend. Yet they both have been attracted to each other for a long time. They dance and Alex wishes he could heal her. He knows because of his deep dark past it’s impossible. He can’t even make love to a woman without pain involved and his previous partners know this. He would never abuse a woman to his darkness. Alex is upfront to all his partners ahead of time about his expectations in the bedroom. Yet for one dance he wants to pretend he is a normal man though he does want to chase Lena’s demons away and make her strong again.
Then the king appears and he wants Lena to marry another he does chose three good men. Alex can’t help but feel jealous and the observant king notices. As the King is actually protecting her as someone dangerous wants to wed her. Then it is Alex he want for Lena’s husband he can see the feeling between these two. Alex doesn’t want this as he can’t be a real husband due to his violent nightmares. He has nearly killed his man the only one to know his secrets. Alex worms away in Lena’s heart loving and protecting and trying to heal her. Yet he won’t share his secrets which starts a great divide between the couple. Plus the King want Laird Alex to play traitor where all the people he cares for and calls friend will hate him including Lena. Plus it’s back where his nightmare and abuse started so the memories and guilt are horrific. Plus Lena wants to join him on this adventure and there are some who plan on taking their revenge out on him. So danger is lurking at every corner what will be the result? Death, violence or worse? Can these broken fences and shattered hearts be mended? You will have to find out!
Have the Kleenex ready! As Julie Johnstone pens a very emotional heartbreaking story I could not put down! I sobbed through this one a lot! My favorite of the entire series though I have loved each one. Another exhilarating story any reader would want to revisit and read again. Yes it is that magnificent and awe-inspiring!
Readers must read this masterpiece of a story it’s totally brilliant! Julie Johnstone absolutely outdid herself with this swoon worthy abused Laird and his childhood love.
You can read as a stand alone book, but I highly recommend to read the entire series! To see the relationships of the other MacLeod siblings and other fantastic characters. As some might call this a second chance at romance. You will find out more of the history between Lena and Alex,in book 5,“How a Scot Surrenders to a Lady. It has all the elements Scottish historical romance readers love, plus riveting page turning adventure, suspense, mystery, swoon worthy hero with non stop action! It teaches you to believe in healing, faith, trust and of course love.
I absolutely and unequivocally loved this book so much!
I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/When-Warrior-Woos-Lass-Highlander-ebook/dp/B076HY6BCF
This is a dark story of two people with horrific pasts and how they overcome them. The attraction between Lena and Alex is quick, and healing begins right away. This story touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes, with an occasional laugh escaping. Such a journey for both with a satisfying end for me. I adored Lena’ determination to let go of the past and felt proud when she did. Alex’s guilt made him blind to a degree, but he willingly charges into danger for Lena. I could not put down this story. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Leana MacLeod has suffered a lot in her young life and it has left her with physical and mental scars. Unfortunately even that trauma doesn’t stop Scotland’s King David from using her in his plans.
Alex MacLean was made made Laird of his clan at only fifteen years old after the death of his father. He has always done his best to be a fearless warrior and leader that his father would have been proud of. He carries a shameful secret from his youth that affects him still. The King’ s latest demands will push him to his limits.
This is a very emotional story that will really pull you into our character’s lives. They have a lot of difficult and dangerous times to face. Wonderful historical romance at its best.
This is part of a series that I’m totally addicted to, but you can quite easily read it as a stand alone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I loved every page.
My heart ached as I read this story. Emotional, intriguing and engaging of the senses, Julie Johnstone has such a way of engaging the reader so that you feel part of the story as you turn the page. Lena MacLeod has been emotionally scarred in her childhood and by her late husband and does not have any hope of finding true happiness. She really just wants to stay away from men and hopefully never have to remarry. Unfortunately (or really fortunate in the end) she has to wed Alex MacLean by the King’s order. A seasoned warrior, Lena is surprised at how gentle Alex is and feels there is hope. Alex has his own mental scars that haunt him and feels he holds back from Lena due to those memories. As the king’s order for Alex to marry Lena had other conditions Alex has to carry out, it appears he is keeping secrets from Lena. This is where Alex shows how strong she has become and is determined to help Alex and rid him of his past demons. Read to find out what happens to this fragile couple and be prepared to tear up and cheer as you are led through their journey. I was gifted a copy of this book.
I was gifted a copy of this book.
Lena MacLeod has returned to her clan’s home of Dunvegan Castle after suffering through a brutally abusive marriage. She has attempted to be invisible for two years – holding herself aloof from the rest of the MacLeod clan. But everything changes the night of her younger brother’s wedding, when Alex Mac Lean asks her to dance. “A shiver of panic swept through Lena, and she stumbled into Alex’s unyielding body. When she looked up to apologize and put distance between him, the words caught in her throat, her hand frozen on his chest. His heart was racing beneath her palm, as if he was just as bothered by the prospect of a dance with her as she was with him.…. Lena stood there gaping at Alex. As he stared back, it seemed as though a cloak had lifted from his eyes, and the tenderness in their depths sucked the air from her lungs. ‘I ken ye dunnae wish to dance,’ he said in a voice as deep as an endless loch.”
I enjoyed “When a Warrior Woos Lass”, its strong characters and the romantic tension between Alex and Lena were captivating. Alex has his own secret demons that he is battling and it is his shame of these demons that threaten to destroy his relationship with Lena.
Although this book is a stand-alone story, I believe I would have appreciated the depth of the characters had I read the rest of the series’ first.
I was disappointed in Lena’s quick surrender to Alex. I felt if someone had suffered that severely in a prior relationship, she would have taken much more time to consummate her second marriage.
There was some sexual content, but it wasn’t too graphic. However, I did enjoy Lena’s transformation from fearful to brave.
If you enjoy medieval romance, Johnstone has written a very well-crafted story with wonderful messages of redemption and restoration.
Lena MacLeod lives in fear of men and marriage. So when King David dictates that she weds Scottish warrior Alex MacLean, she never expects to feel safe, let alone happy as she’s unable to bear he touch of a man following her abusive former marriage. Alex’s fierce exterior hides a gentle, gallant highlander who renews her soul, emboldens her, and offers her the one thing she never thought she would possess—true love. Now that Alex has her whole heart, she’ll settle for nothing less than all of his. However Alex is haunted by violent nightmares of his dark past when he was an apprentice. He’s drawn to Lena as he has never been to another. He vows to protect her & gradually they learn to trust but he still hides his secret. When Lena uncovers a dangerous scheme involving Alex, she insists on accompanying him.
A well written page turning novel of two people overcoming their pasts to find trust & love. The pace of the book is very good, there’s intrigue & secrets which all add to this engrossing book that I found very hard to put down. The characters are well developed, Lena begins as a frightened, defeated woman who grows into a strong, determined, fearless wife. Alex is seen as a hard warrior but he’s faor, caring & willing to lay down his life for those he loves. The relationship between the pair grows from friendship to lovers to soul mates. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & look forward to more books from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
If I had to rate When A Warrior Woos A Lass by Julie Johnstone from 1 to 5, I would give it a 10! The book was so good I couldn’t put it down. Julie’s characters just come alive and her descriptions are so visual I can just see it in my mind. This book has treason, deception, battle, dark secrets, nightmares, abuse, trust issues and of coarse love… in other words, it has it all. Everything that I love in a book. As you can tell, I highly recommend When A Warrior Woos A Lass!!! So travel back in time to 1360 Scotland with Lena and Alex on a journey like no other.