Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Highland Promise
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1-Nov
WEBSITE: http://www.alysonmclayne.com/
CITY: Vancouver
STATE: BC
COUNTRY: Canada
NATIONALITY: Canadian
Married with twins.
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born November 1; married; children: two.
EDUCATION:University of Alberta, graduate.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Worked in film for several years.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Canadian romance novelist Alyson McLayne began her career working in films, where she met her future husband, a prop master. The mother of twins, McLayne is the author of self-published contemporary romance novels, as well as the “Sons of Gregor MacLeod” historical series set in the Scottish Highlands and published by Sourcebooks Casablanca.
In a Happy Ever After Website interview with Joyce Lamb, McLayne described her series concept, noting that “Sons of Gregor MacLeod” series features “five Highland lairds, who were fostered together to become brothers.” McLayne added: “Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other and for their own true love.” In the same interview, McLayne remarked on tricks she uses to keep from becoming distracted while writing, noting: “I do a few things to eliminate distractions (or try to!). When I check e-mail and social media in the morning, I don’t allow myself to sit down–so I’ll stand at the counter or at my desk. Immediately afterward, I turn on Freedom, an app that blocks Internet access on my computer, and I don’t put my phone down within reach, otherwise I’ll pick it up and start scrolling. The last thing I do is put in earplugs, even if I’m alone. Kind of like my own sensory-deprivation tank.”
Highland Promise
The first installment of “Sons of Gregor MacLeod” series, Highland Promise, features Laird Darach MacKenzie, whose life is turned upside down by the free-spirited young woman, Caitlin MacInnes. Darach has sealed off his heart after it was broken by betrayal of the woman he once loved. This betrayal led to a long feud between his clan and the Frasers. Now this feud appears to be leading to war, and he must focus all his attention on the warrior’s trade. But rescuing Caitlin from the evil Laird Fraser upsets his plans to focus on war. She, like Darach, has pledged never to let her heart be put at risk again, but now she discovers true love for Darach, a love that is threatened by further machinations of Laird Fraser. And Caitlin also has secrets that could bring on a war between clans much more quickly than anticipated.
A Kirkus Reviews critic had a varied assessment of this first installment, commenting, “While compelling, the book is a frustrating combination of historical detail and creative license.” The critic further observed: “The story still lacks a sense of place that might have added to the compelling love story and warfare. An entertaining yet frustrating introduction to an extended family of lovelorn Highlanders.” Booklist contributor Amy Dittmeier had higher praise for Highland Promise, noting: “With her American debut, McLayne begins the ‘Sons of Gregor MacLeod’ series, which promises more adventure, passion, and hot Scots.” Similarly, a Publishers Weekly contributor remarked: “McLayne has created a novel rich with romance and imbued with realism, made complete by a host of multidimensional characters and the promise of future series installments.” Online RT Book Reviews writer Kathe Robin was also impressed, observing: “With an endearing heroine, honorable hero, plenty of wit and humor, a delightful cast of secondary characters and animals, plus an engaging plot, McLayne proves she has a bright future ahead!” A Smart Bitches Trashy Books Website contributor added to the praise, commenting: “If you love a Disney princess, in all their saccharine, animal-loving, pure-of-heart glory, you’ll love Caitlin. If you have a weakness for kilted heroes, there’s plenty of plaid to go around. It’s a pretty pleasing start to a new series and worth a shot.” Likewise, an online Smexy Books writer noted: “The primary plot was simple and interesting and was very couple centric. There was a beautiful tear jerky subplot that gave Highland Promise a definite substance boost. I’ve always been a sucker for the weak and abused flowering from their trauma and becoming whole. I really appreciated the clear picture of each character the author created.”
Highland Conquest
The series continues with Highland Conquest, featuring Laird Lachlan MacKay, leader of his clan against the MacPherson clan who killed his older brother. A small complication comes in the form of Amber MacPherson, the clan’s healer. She has pretended to be a witch in order to stay safe from the laird of her clan, Machar Murray, who has escaped the clutches of Lachlan. Now Amber, initially disguised as a boy, convinces Lachlan to help her clan in case the vile laird returns. Soon mutual assistance turns to passionate romance–once Amber’s true gender is revealed–in this historical “page-turner,” as a Publishers Weekly reviewer described it.
Online Night Owl Romance contributor had praise for Highland Conquest, noting: “I loved everything about this book. Alyson McLayne’s rich storytelling had me hanging on every word. I also can’t wait to read the next book because I’m absolutely enthralled by this wonderful series.” Similarly, RT Book Reviews Website reviewer Robin commented: “For a fun read that sweeps you away with its wonderful storytelling, sit back and enjoy McLayne’s latest.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, September 15, 2017, Amy Dittmeier, review of Highland Promise, p. 34.
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2017, review of Highland Promise.
Publishers Weekly, August 21, 2017, review of Highland Promise, p. 98; December 18, 2017, review of Highland Conquest, p. 112.
ONLINE
Alyson McLayne Website, http://alysonmclayne.com (May 9, 2018).
Happy Ever After, https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/ (October 3, 2017), Joyce Lamb, “Interview: Alyson McLayne, Author of Highland Promise;” (February 8, 2018), Joyce Lamb, “Down & Dirty with Alyson McLayne, Author of Highland Conquest.”
Night Owl Romance, https://www.nightowlreviews.com/ (January 1, 2018), Debra Taylor, review of Highland Conquest.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (April 23, 2018), Kathe Robin, review of Highland Promise and Highland Conquest.
Smart Bitches Trashy Books, http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/ (October 16, 2017), review of Highland Promise.
Smexy Books, http://smexybooks.com/ (October 9, 2017), review of Highland Promise.
That’s What I’m Talking About, http://twimom227.com/ (February 19, 2018), review of Highland Conquest.
Alyson McLayne
Alyson McLayne is a mom of twins and an award-winning writer of contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. She’s also a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast of Canada where she worked in film for several years and met her prop master husband.
Alyson has been nominated for several Romance Writers of America contests, including The Golden Heart, The Golden Pen, The Orange Rose, Great Expectations, The Molly’s and The Winter Rose.
Her debut historical romance, Highland Promise, will be published by Sourcebooks on October 3, 2017. Highland Promise is the first of five books in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. Highland Conquest will come out February 6, 2018.
Alyson and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate lab puppy named Jasper.
Please look her up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne) or Twitter (@AlysonMcLayne). You can also connect with Alyson on Goodreads. She loves chatting with her fans!
Alyson McLayne is a mom of twins and an award-winning writer of contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. She’s also a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast of Canada where she worked in film for several years and met her prop master husband.
Alyson has been nominated for several Romance Writers of America contests, including The Golden Heart, The Golden Pen, The Orange Rose, Great Expectations, The Molly’s and The Winter Rose.
Her debut historical romance, Highland Promise, will be published by Sourcebooks in October, 2017. Highland Promise is the first of five books in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. Highland Conquest will come out in February, 2018.
Alyson and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate lab puppy named Jasper.
Please visit her at www.alysonmclayne.com and look her up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AlysonMcLayne) or Twitter (@AlysonMcLayne). She loves chatting with her fans!
Down & Dirty with Alyson McLayne, author of ‘Highland Conquest’
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By: Joyce Lamb | February 8, 2018 12:01 am
Alyson McLayne, whose Scottish historical romance Highland Conquest (The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2) is new this week, joins us to answer some rapid-fire questions.
Alyson McLayne (Photo: Tamara Roberts)
First, please tell us about your new release.
Alyson: Highland Conquest is a book I can’t wait to hit the stands. The love story between Amber and Lachlan is one of my favorites. Amber is the MacPherson healer who’s had to pretend to be a witch in order to stay safe from her depraved laird while she heals her people. Lachlan’s the laird of his own clan who attacks the MacPhersons in order to bring their laird to justice for killing Lachlan’s brother. When the MacPherson laird escapes, Amber blackmails Lachlan into sticking around and helping her people. She’s outspoken and strong-willed and doesn’t hold anything back in her dealings with her new laird. Lachlan doesn’t hold back, either, and the two of them begin a tumultuous relationship that dances around their physical and mental attraction and drives both of them just a wee bit batty.
Let’s get Down & Dirty …
Guilty pleasure? Coke Zero. I think the fake sweetener is bad for you, but sometimes it just hits the spot. I also eat waaaay too much chocolate, but I could never feel guilty about that. Mmmmmm … chocolate.
First celebrity crush? Shaun Cassidy. That flowing hair. Sigh.
First car? A Nissan Stanza. It was very beige, brown and boring — but it was FREEDOM!
Favorite class in school? English or drama. I ended up getting an honor’s degree in drama at university.
Dog or cat? This is a hard one for me. Up until now, I’d always had dogs and cats together. Currently I have a chocolate Lab cross puppy named Jasper (is he still a puppy at 15 months?). I’d like to get another cat (or two!), but my husband became cat-hair-phobic because our last cat, Max, was so fluffy we used to call him Monsieur Pantaloons. He would leave fine, white and orange hair everywhere.
Funniest thing a reader has said/done?
“Hi Ms. Alyson,
I just want to tell you that I am making some progress in my writing, but not enough to publish my book … Thank you for the advice you gave me. It helped me make a good story …
I’m now in Grade 9 … and I got experiences that I would write in my story …”
I love how she says she hasn’t made enough progress yet to publish, and then we find out she’s only in grade nine. Boy, wasn’t I a slack-ass — I didn’t publish until I was in my 40s!
Favorite thing a reader has said/done? “Highland Promise is a stunning and vibrant romance that steals your breath, makes you laugh harder than ever before and is a full belly satisfying romance that will leave you hooked on this author!!” Wow — thank you!
Last picture you took? A picture of the Harry Potter glasses and wands that I got for my kids at the dollar store. I found cheap reading glasses and popped out the lenses, and the wand I cut down from a fake, decorative twig. They were having a Harry Potter spirit day at school.
Biggest fear? Being vulnerable, I guess, but it’s a fear you have to overcome if you want to be a writer. Once your book is out there, you have no control over people’s reactions to it. They may hate it, and you just have to pull on your big-girl panties and take it. But they also may love it, which makes opening yourself up to criticism worth it.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Remember in Buffy, season six, when Willow is relying too much on magic and Tara challenges her to go for a week without using it? Willow says she’ll stop but then secretly uses it when she doesn’t need to — like getting ready in an instant after her morning shower — hair, makeup, clothes, all done. That’s the superpower I want. Snap my fingers and I’m clean and ready for the day!
Least favorite food? Spam. And I say this because my husband just bought a can. He plans to fry it up in a frying pan. This is a thing of nightmares.
Favorite ice cream? Häagen-Dazs chocolate peanut butter.
Favorite junk food? Cheetos. Mmmmmm.
Caramel, kettle, cheese or regular popcorn? Caramel!
What’s in your coffee/tea? Cream and stevia.
What’s on your pizza? Mushrooms and pepperoni with extra cheese.
What’s the dressing on your salad? Ranch or a creamy garlic dressing.
Favorite cookie? Chocolate chip macadamia nut.
Favorite dessert? White chocolate cheesecake.
Go-to cocktail? Bellini.
Best dish you make? According to my husband and son, it’s my chicken vegetable soup. I’m partial to my chocolate brownies and curried pecans (NOT eaten together!).
Biggest pet peeve? When the kids spit toothpaste into the sink and don’t rinse it away. By the time I see it, it’s hardened on and hard to wash away. Grrrrrrr!
Worst habit? Writing or reading late into the night when I have to be up early to get the kids off to school.
Nickname as a kid? My mom called me Lissy Anne. She has Alzheimer’s now and doesn’t remember me, but about six months ago, out of the blue, she called me Lissy Anne. What an amazing gift that was.
First author hero? Lucy Maude Montgomery.
First book you had signed by the author? This would probably be Unpredictable by my friend and YA author Eileen Cook. I always buy her newest book, and she always signs it for me when we meet for lunch.
Last book you read? A Cache of Jewels and Other Collective Nouns by Ruth Heller. This was a VERY COOL book that my daughter brought home from the school library. Did you know that a group of kittens is called a kindle? And a group of penguins is called a parcel? Me neither!
Last audiobook you listened to? Highland Promise by … me! Narrated by the amazing Rosalyn Landor, who is currently narrating book number two, Highland Conquest.
Last song you downloaded? Roar by Katy Perry — my kids love this video (me, too!).
Favorite ’80s song or artist? Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper.
Last concert you went to? Katy Perry.
Go-to karaoke song or singer? I’ve only done karaoke once. I was in New Zealand singing with a bunch of Swedish guys. I think they chose a Beatles song. I was really bad.
Last movie you saw in a movie theater? It was probably a kids’ movie. Cars 3, I think.
Last person you texted/e-mailed? YA author Eileen Cook.
Last Google search? The plot of Tabula Rasa, a season six episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Last thing you bought online? Surprise, surprise — a book!
What did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian.
What would you be if you weren’t an author? An elementary schoolteacher or working in some capacity in the film industry (on the film/TV development side).
Hidden talent? I danced from the time I was 5 until I was 17, and then I went back and took classes throughout my 30s.
What TV show must you absolutely see, no matter what? Currently, that would be This Is Us. I’ve had too many late nights in a row because of it. I also love SEAL Team.
What TV show do you miss that’s no longer on? I recently watched Firefly, and I was so sad/mad when it ended because it was soooo good and it should never have ended after just one season.
Last TV show you binge-watched? The Crown.
Favorite TV show when you were a kid? Scooby-Doo.
If you were a Disney princess, which one would you be? Rapunzel. She’s a bit of a dork … so am I.
What movie made you cry the most? Beaches. I’m still crying!
Favorite game/app on your phone/tablet? iBooks.
What’s the handiest thing in your purse/bag (other than your phone)? My earplugs!
I’m addicted to … sugar.
I’m really good at … eating copious amounts of chocolate.
I’m really bad at … putting the chocolate away in my secret hiding place and eating it slowly over the next few months like my 5-year-old daughter (confirmation she was switched at birth).
I don’t know how to use … my Fitbit! Which is pathetic, really, as my 87-year-old dad has one he uses every day (and reaches his 10,000 steps!).
My best friends tease me incessantly about … my inability to remember song lyrics. My husband used to play this game in the car where, if we were singing along to a song, he’d suddenly turn the volume off and I’d have to finish the lyrics. One time we were singing Piano Man and the old man sitting next to Billy Joel in the song ended up “making love to his tonic and beer.” I shall never live that down.
I fear I’d act like a total idiot if I ever met … Ed Sheeran. I think he’s a musical genius.
For the heroes in my books, I often picture … They’re all individual in my head. I don’t picture anyone real.
I sure wish someone would ask me about … Some cool paper props I made for The X-Files and Battlestar Galactica.
About Highland Conquest:
He was looking for vengeance
Instead he found her
Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber.
Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan’s treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she’s threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.
About Alyson
A stay-at-home mom of twins and award-winning writer, Alyson McLayne is a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast where she worked in film for several years and met her Prop Master husband.
Find out more at alysonmclayne.com.
historical romance, Highlanders, Scottish romance, Alyson McLayne, Author interviews, Down & Dirty
QUOTE:
five Highland lairds, who were fostered together to become brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other and for their own true love.
I do a few things to eliminate distractions (or try to!). When I check e-mail and social media in the morning, I don’t allow myself to sit down — so I’ll stand at the counter or at my desk. Immediately afterward, I turn on Freedom, an app that blocks Internet access on my computer, and I don’t put my phone down within reach, otherwise I’ll pick it up and start scrolling. The last thing I do is put in earplugs, even if I’m alone. Kind of like my own sensory-deprivation tank.
Interview: Alyson McLayne, author of ‘Highland Promise’
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By: Joyce Lamb | October 3, 2017 12:01 am
Joyce: Welcome to HEA, Alyson! Please tell us a bit about your new release, Highland Promise.
Alyson: Gladly! Highland Promise is the first book in my historical romance series, The Sons of Gregor Macleod, starring five Highland lairds, who were fostered together to become brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other and for their own true love.
I first started writing Highland Promise about 10 years ago after reading ALL of Julie Garwood’s Highlander romances. I LOVED them — the resolute Highland laird and the kind, somewhat quirky, heroine who worms her way into his heart. IMHO, they are the funniest, sweetest and best warm-fuzzy-inducing books ever written.
I think Highland Promise captures that same tone and spirit: Caitlin MacInnes is the waif/free spirit who turns the chieftain, Laird Darach MacKenzie’s life upside down — and then spins it around and dribbles with it. He’s undone by her. His heart, which he swore he’d NEVER give to another woman, becomes putty in her hands. Of course, he doesn’t know that at first, and even when he figures it out, he doesn’t tell her — he’s a warrior not a poet. And Caitlin, who is determined to make Darach happy whether he wants her to or not, doesn’t believe there’s any possible way she can stay with him — ’cause there’s a whole lotta trouble on her tail. What she fails to realize, however, is that Darach, with the help of his foster brothers, is strong enough to handle it.
War is coming. Caitlin didn’t start the blood feud between the Frasers and the MacKenzies, but she will be the catalyst that ends it — pitting the good men of the Highlands against a monster.
Joyce: Is there an idea out there that you wish you’d thought of?
Alyson: I love the concept of Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series — a band of elite Highland warriors are gathered together by Robert the Bruce to form a Navy SEALs-esque team and charged with freeing Scotland from English rule. Hooyah!
Joyce: Is there anything funny that’s happened to you while doing research for a book?
Alyson: I was writing a love scene for a book a few years ago and Googled something to make sure I was using the right words to describe an, um, intimate act between my characters (my kids were little, I had baby brain, I couldn’t remember anything!). It was a relatively tame love scene — sexy but definitely not erotica, and I was not pushing any boundaries. But what came up on my search had my eyes popping, and I was like, that’s a thing? Like Alice down the rabbit hole, I had to click on the link that came up … and another … and another (my kids were having their afternoon nap, I had time!), and before I knew it, I was at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with some pretty kinky folks, and I couldn’t scour from my brain some of the things I’d just read. The funny thing was, after I closed my browser, I erased my search History. Just in case …
Joyce: Do you have any particular rituals that help you get into the writing frame of mind?
Alyson: I don’t know if I’d call them rituals, but I do a few things to eliminate distractions (or try to!). When I check e-mail and social media in the morning, I don’t allow myself to sit down — so I’ll stand at the counter or at my desk. Immediately afterward, I turn on Freedom, an app that blocks Internet access on my computer, and I don’t put my phone down within reach, otherwise I’ll pick it up and start scrolling. The last thing I do is put in earplugs, even if I’m alone. Kind of like my own sensory-deprivation tank.
Joyce: Is there a TV show that you’ve recently binge-watched?
Alyson: No. And the reason is because I’m in writer hell with deadlines right now — and being a newbie means I’m trying to learn everything all at once about the non-writing side of things. HOWEVER, come October there’s Outlander, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and House of Cards — just to name a few.
Joyce: What’s your favorite snack and/or beverage while you’re writing?
Alyson: Is this even a choice? Chocolate and coffee, of course!
Joyce: What TV show or other activity interferes with your writing schedule?
Alyson: Mothering! And no, that’s not a TV show, although sometimes it feels like The Gong Show around here.
Joyce: Do you have a pet that hangs out with you while you’re working?
Alyson: Yes! I have a chocolate Lab puppy named Jasper who turns 1 year old the same day Highland Promise debuts. How great is that?
Joyce: Happy birthday, Jasper! What do you do in your spare time?
Alyson: Um … did I mention I was a mom? What’s this spare time thing of which you speak?
Joyce: What’s coming next?
Alyson: Coming up next will be Lachlan and Amber’s book, Highland Conquest, which releases in February. Following that is Callum and Maggie’s book called Highland Betrayal, which I’m currently working on. It was probably due yesterday, depending on when this comes out, lol. In addition, I’m writing the third book in my Santa Barbara Billionaire Bachelors series, called How to Outplay a Player, which I’m releasing as a serial in my newsletter.
Joyce: Thanks, Alyson!
About Highland Promise:
Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves.
When forced to choose between duty and honor…
Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can’t be distracted — not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help.
This Highland Laird will find a way to have both
When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what’s rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin — even if it means losing his heart.
About Alyson
Alyson McLayne is a mom of twins and an award-winning writer of contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. She’s also a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast of Canada where she worked in film for several years and met her Prop Master husband. She and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate Lab puppy named Jasper.
Find out more at alysonmclayne.com.
Highlanders, historical romance, Scottish romance, Author interviews
QUOTE
page-turner
Highland Conquest: The Sons of Gregor
MacLeod, Book 2
Publishers Weekly.
264.52 (Dec. 18, 2017): p112.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Highland Conquest: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, Book 2
Alyson McLayne. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-1-49265453-7
McLayne's second Sons of Gregor MacLeod historical (after Highland Promise), set in the 15th-century
Scottish Highlands, is more skillfully plotted than the first. Amber MacPherson is desperate to escape the
household of the MacPherson laird, Machar Murray, so she disguises herself as a boy and climbs over the
castle wall. She has no idea that Laird Lachlan MacKay and his fellow warriors are preparing to breach the
MacPherson castle, seeking vengeance for the killing of Lachlan's brother. Seeing a "lad" coming over the
wall, Lachlan captures him to keep him from alerting the MacPhersons of the impending attack--but Amber
is quite happy to join forces with Lachlan and use her healing capabilities to assist those injured in battle.
When Machar evades capture and disappears, Amber convinces Lachlan to take over the leadership of the
MacPherson clan. After Lachlan discovers her real gender, expertly crafted sexual tension increases
between the two, but the very outspoken Amber informs the marriage-wary Lachlan that she wants to be
more than his latest romantic conquest. The mystery of how Machar got away propels this page-turner
swiftly forward. (Feb.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Highland Conquest: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, Book 2." Publishers Weekly, 18 Dec. 2017, p. 112.
General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A520578895/ITOF?
u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=dcdbf470. Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A520578895
4/23/2018 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1524524612781 2/4
Highland Promise
Amy Dittmeier
Booklist.
114.2 (Sept. 15, 2017): p34.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
QUOTE:
With her American debut, McLayne
begins the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, which promises more adventure, passion, and hot Scots.
Highland Promise.
By Alyson McLayne.
Oct. 2017.352p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, $7.99 (9781492654506).
Darach MacKenzie is one of the most powerful lairds in the Highlands. As one of the foster sons of the
great Gregor MacLeod, his words carry certain authority. After he was betrayed by his bride-to-be, he made
a vow to never fall for the wiles of a woman again, and he means it. Caitlin aims to change his mind.
Darach and his men saved Caitlin from the wretched Laird Fraser as she was being abducted. Her innocence
and godliness make her the instant friend of Darach's men, but he remains skeptical. Don't all women have
ulterior motives? But as Darach learns more about what led to Caitlin's predicament, his urge to protect her
overcomes his desire to remain apart. Though Caitlin's naivete can border on stupidity at times, it's her
curiosity and earnestness that eventually erode Darach's hard heart. With her American debut, McLayne
begins the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, which promises more adventure, passion, and hot Scots.--Amy
Dittmeier
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Dittmeier, Amy. "Highland Promise." Booklist, 15 Sept. 2017, p. 34. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A507359891/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=a69e01a6.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A507359891
4/23/2018 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1524524612781 3/4
QUOTE:
While compelling, the book is a frustrating combination of
historical detail and creative license.
the story still lacks a sense of place that might
have added to the compelling love story and warfare. An entertaining yet frustrating introduction to an
extended family of lovelorn Highlanders.
McLayne, Alyson: HIGHLAND
PROMISE
Kirkus Reviews.
(Sept. 1, 2017):
COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
McLayne, Alyson HIGHLAND PROMISE Sourcebooks Casablanca (Adult Fiction) $7.99 10, 3 ISBN:
978-1-4926-5450-6
When a Scottish laird rescues a woman from a rival clan in 1452, the pair's connection is immediate. But
the secrets she carries could lead to war sooner than anyone expected.Darach MacKenzie is a good laird.
Fostered at a young age to a wise laird from another clan, he learned how to take care of his people and his
land. He's determined not to take a wife, though, thanks to having been betrayed in his youth, a betrayal that
led to many deaths. But when he rescues Caitlin MacInnes, who's unconscious and bound to a horse, from
the rival Fraser clan, he begins to question that decision. Caitlin is young, innocent, and impulsive, and
Darach vows to let no one hurt her as long as he is able. Caitlin herself immediately bonds with her savior
as the combination of injury and infatuation makes it impossible for the two to be separated--except when
Caitlin is playing Disney princess with the animals of the forest. Unfortunately, scorned lovers, family
secrets, and tribal warfare make it hard to keep promises in a world where a lack of the correct information
can lead to death. In the first of five books of the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, McLayne (The D'amici
Mistake, 2016, etc.) introduces readers to a world of castles and clan warfare, setting up the other four
heroes for their own stories in the process. While compelling, the book is a frustrating combination of
historical detail and creative license. Perhaps as a reminder that the setting is the Scottish Highlands,
overwrought Scots vernacular is used in dialogue ("I doona rightly know") even though it's been indicated
that everyone is speaking in Gaelic, not English. And yet, the story still lacks a sense of place that might
have added to the compelling love story and warfare. An entertaining yet frustrating introduction to an
extended family of lovelorn Highlanders.
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"McLayne, Alyson: HIGHLAND PROMISE." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2017. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A502192401/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=ab3a9ba2.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A502192401
4/23/2018 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1524524612781 4/4
QUOTE:
McLayne has created a novel rich with romance and imbued with
realism, made complete by a host of multidimensional characters and the promise of future series
installments.
Highland Promise
Publishers Weekly.
264.34 (Aug. 21, 2017): p98.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Highland Promise
Alyson McLayne. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 trade paper (384p) ISBN 978-1-49265450-6
McLayne (the Sizzling, Sexy Santa Barbara series) takes readers to 15th-century Scotland in this
captivating series launch, her first historical romance. In an effort to unite five Highland clans, Gregor
MacLeod fostered a son from each. One of those foster sons, Darach MacKenzie, is now a respected
MacKenzie laird when he rescues Caitlin Maclnnes from the clutches of the Frasers. Caitlin claims not to
remember her last name when Darach takes her back to his castle. Though Darach has no desire to marry
after having been betrayed by a lover, he cannot remain unaffected by the beautiful Caitlin, who charms
both his clan members and his animals. The attraction between Darach and Caitlin is enhanced by the harsh
beauty of the Scottish Highlands. When his enemies appear at his doorstep demanding Caitlin's return,
Darach knows he can't give her up. McLayne has created a novel rich with romance and imbued with
realism, made complete by a host of multidimensional characters and the promise of future series
installments. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Oct.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Highland Promise." Publishers Weekly, 21 Aug. 2017, p. 98. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A501717340/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=598837a3.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A501717340
QUOTE:
I loved everything about this book. Alyson McLayne's rich storytelling had me hanging on every word. I also can't wait to read the next book because I'm absolutely enthralled by this wonderful series.
5 Stars
Author: Alyson McLayne
Review by: DebraTaylor
Genre: Romance
Tags:
* Rom: Historical
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Highland Conquest
The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, #2
This book was so good ! "Highland Conquest" is the second book in this rich historical romance series by Alyson McLayne. The author did a fabulous job of grabbing my attention and keeping me captivated until the end.
This series has a fascinating plot thread that follows the lives of five brothers of the heart. This book belongs to Lachlan MacKay and Amber MacPherson. I loved Lachlan and Amber and their passionate and tumultuous love affair. These two characters had to overcome many attacks from a devious but brilliant enemy. They had such a hard time of it from their common foe but there was also some personal trials to get past as well. Lachlan continued to deny his feelings for most of the story, and he made me so mad I wanted to leap into the scene to give him a good smack to shake some sense into him. I loved the humor between the brothers and the sly machinations from Amber's clan.
I loved everything about this book. Alyson McLayne's rich storytelling had me hanging on every word. I also can't wait to read the next book because I'm absolutely enthralled by this wonderful series.
Book Blurb for Highland Conquest
HE WAS LOOKING FOR VENGEANCE
Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber.
INSTEAD HE FOUND HER
Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan's treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she's threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.
Night Owl Reviews Jan, 2018 5.00
QUOTE:
For a fun read that sweeps you away with its wonderful storytelling, sit back and enjoy McLayne’s latest.
HIGHLAND CONQUEST
Image of Highland Conquest (The Sons of Gregor MacLeod)
Author(s): Alyson McLayne
If McLayne hooked you with the first of her Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, then you’ll be captivated by the humor, passion and adventure of this second volume. Entertaining from beginning to end, this tale of vengeance captures the essence of the era as well as the characters’ emotions and the great sexual chemistry between them. For a fun read that sweeps you away with its wonderful storytelling, sit back and enjoy McLayne’s latest.
Upon his brother’s murder, Lachlan MacKay becomes Laird of Clan MacKay, determined to avenge his brother. His search leads him to suspect the MacPhersons clan, and while on his way to seek justice, he encounters a lost lad. Healer Amber MacPherson had cut her beautiful hair and dresses as a boy to escape her ruthless clan leader, but instead of safety, she runs into a hostile MacKay who takes her captive. Amber is determined to convince Lachlan to help her clan, and blackmails him into helping her rid the MacPherson’s of their ruthless leader. Bound together by their hatred of their mutual enemy, Lachlan and Amber find an unexpected passion. As their enemy conspires against the MacKay’s and Amber becomes his pawn, Lachlan will do anything and everything to rescue his beloved. (SOURCEBOOKS, Feb., 384 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
QUOTE:
With an endearing heroine, honorable hero, plenty of wit and humor, a delightful cast of secondary characters and animals, plus an engaging plot, McLayne proves she has a bright future ahead!
McLayne makes her print debut with the first in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, about five brave warriors, fostered together, whose bond is as strong as that of blood brothers. With an endearing heroine, honorable hero, plenty of wit and humor, a delightful cast of secondary characters and animals, plus an engaging plot, McLayne proves she has a bright future ahead!
After being betrayed by a woman, Darach MacKenzie refuses to open his heart to love. But when he rescues Caitlin MacInnes from the ruthless Laird Fraser, things change. As much as Caitlin does not want to bring Fraser’s wrath down on the MacKenzies, she is safe with the clan. Innocent Caitlin worms her way into everyone’s hearts; she even convinces Darach to allow kittens in the keep. Darach tries to keep his distance, but it’s impossible not to fall under Caitlin’s spell. There are times he doesn’t know whether he wants to kiss her or strangle her until her uncle and Fraser arrive to take her from him. To keep Caitlin safe they must wed, even if their marriage brings danger to them all. (SOURCEBOOKS, Oct., 352 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
QUOTE:
if you love a Disney princess, in all their saccharine, animal-loving, pure-of-heart glory, you’ll love Caitlin. If you have a weakness for kilted heroes, there’s plenty of plaid to go around. It’s a pretty pleasing start to a new series and worth a shot, especially since the cover model has some Sam Heughan vibes, don’t you think?
Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne
by Amanda · Oct 16, 2017 at 4:00 am · View all 8 comments
Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne
Highland Promise
by Alyson McLayne
OCTOBER 3, 2017 · SOURCEBOOKS CASABLANCA
Order →
VIEW SBTB MEDIA PAGE
B+
GENRE: Romance, Historical: European
ARCHETYPE: Highlander/Scot
Warning that the book does include violence and harsh language against women both on and off the page.
Did Amanda just read and enjoy a historical romance? Hell yes, she did. For readers who have been around the Bitchery for while, you might know that I’ve had a complicated relationship with historical romances. I just can’t get into them much anymore. It’s not historical romance’s fault! However, every so often, I’ll pick one up, and I will either give up fifty pages in or, in a rare case, I will devour it like a hangry honey badger.
Highland Promise falls into the latter and I was utterly surprised because it has some elements of which I’m normally leery. But they worked because they made sense within the narrative, instead of seeming more like a personality quirk thrown in for the hell of it. I swear this will all make sense and seem less mysterious once we get into the nitty gritty.
Highland Promise is the first book in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. It opens with the prologue, where a highland laird is demanding his clansmen pay for their treachery. Either they give up one of their sons to be raised by him or he kills them and takes their sons anyway. This also sets up plenty of sequel bait and, while the five men all make an appearance, none of the others overshadow the hero and his romance. The five men also have distinctive personality traits and it made me feel a lot like I was playing Highland Pokemon: I desperately want to catch them all.
Fast forward from the prologue: one of the sons, Darach MacKenzie, has a tentative truce with Clan Fraser. But when he sees an unconscious and obviously beaten woman thrown over the back of a Fraser horse, he jeopardizes the truce to attack the men and save the woman.
The woman is Caitlin MacInnes, a woman who has been given to the Frasers by her uncle as part of deal for gold. So it’s like a weird reverse dowry, I guess. Caitlin’s uncle gets riches if he gives her away to the leader of the Fraser Clan.
There’s no love lost between Darach and the Frasers. He was originally betrothed to Moire, Laird Fraser’s sister. Things did not end well and it’s revealed that Moire had plotted to kill Darach. Because of that, Darach is wary of being blinded by love again. He’s a serious man, but he avoids making the kind of decisions that would have made me closing the book. For example, he overhears Caitlin calling his name while she slept. Now, I’m sure we’ve all read romances where the hero takes the heroine’s sleepy murmurings as consent. Instead, Darach leaves her bedroom without so much as touching her. Most of the physical affection is also initiated by the heroine, which is very important because while Caitlin is twenty, she has lived an incredibly sheltered life. It’s a little sad that I get excited when a hero doesn’t take advantage of the heroine, but that’s where we’re at.
Caitlin’s family home burned down when she was around fourteen and she had lived with her uncle since then. He kept her under lock and key during her time in his home, until she was pretty much sold to Laird Fraser. I found Caitlin to be rather childlike, but it never bordered on annoying or infantilizing. She had no women with whom to talk and no additional education save for religious teachings from ages fourteen to nineteen. She was also abused while in her uncle’s care and adopts a willing-to-please, impulsive manner with Darach. She’s so desperate to be in his good graces and to try and demonstrate that she can be helpful because she fears Darach will send her away. To realize the deeper implications of her behavior and how they originated was an a-ha moment for me. Caitlin seems younger and more naive than her actual age, but it stems from years of a toxic, unhealthy upbringing where her worth was equated with money.
The only real issue I took with Caitlin’s traits was how pious she was. I’m not a religious person by nature and I would not classify this as an inspirational romance, but Caitlin is a firm believer in modeling one’s life after religious tenets. Her chastising about how Darach and his brothers would go to hell for blaspheming was a little much at times.
But despite the piety, Caitlin is what kept me reading because I was enthralled by how much I liked how. She was earnest and sweet, and I related to her people-pleasing tendencies. The fact that I understood her as a character and why she acted the way she did made all the difference in me finishing the book versus chucking it into the DNF pile. Caitlin also has a penchant for getting into trouble with her good intentions, which balanced out perfect she could have been.
Yes, she helps raise a litter of kittens back to health and many of the secondary characters adore her, but it’s clear she’s trying to find her place. Caitlin offers to help in the kitchen and the cook kicks her out for screwing things up. She wants to learn swordsmanship in an effort to show she’d be useful in defending the keep, but nearly lops off a limb in the process. Not everything she touched was magically fixed and she didn’t have an endless list of talents to be revealed. Honestly, I’m still surprised how McLayne won me over, since I tend to prefer my heroines angst-ridden and with a chip on their shoulder.
As I mentioned before, Darach has four other foster brothers who will be the heroes of subsequent books. All make an appearance toward the second half of this story, but McLayne does a great job in mentioning them without taking away too much time away from Darach and Caitlin. There’s also a really sweet moment when Darach is telling his family about Caitlin and they’re all happy sighing as Darach recounts his moments with Caitlin.
“Caitlin sounds like a wonderful lass.”
“She is…when she’s not digging up my baileys or drowning in the river”
“God’s blood,” Gregor exclaimed, eyes wide. “You will recount everything.”
They did, Lachlan telling most of it while Darach added to or protested Lachlan’s debatable remembrances. His brothers laughed themselves hoarse over Darach’s numerous trips to the loch, Lachlan losing all his coin, and Caitlin branding herself a besom, then claiming Darach was an innocent victim of her lewd advances. They listened with quiet dread as he related saving her from the river and the subsequent ill heath that befell them both. They erupted in anger upon the telling of her parents’ murder and Caitlin’s treatment by Fraser and her uncle. Then they sighed like women when Darach finally made her his bride.
Now tell me that isn’t a cute picture – five burly Highlanders along with their foster father sitting around a fire, rapt in attention regarding Darach’s relationship.
There are a few shortcomings to Highland Promise. The book seems to be split with the courtship and romance happening in the first half and the action regarding the book’s villains occurring in the second half. And, as mentioned earlier, Caitlin’s frequent religious quoting grew tiresome. The book also has the “scorned ex turned villain” trope that only lasts a matter of pages, so it seems like an empty element. I’m not a huge fan of that trope to begin with and it came and went so quickly, the book probably didn’t need to include it at all.
However, if you love a Disney princess, in all their saccharine, animal-loving, pure-of-heart glory, you’ll love Caitlin. If you have a weakness for kilted heroes, there’s plenty of plaid to go around. It’s a pretty pleasing start to a new series and worth a shot, especially since the cover model has some Sam Heughan vibes, don’t you think?
Posted by Nima on Feb 19, 2018 in historical romance, Rating A, reviews | Comments Off on Review: Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne | Tags: Alyson McLayne, Nima Review, Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, Sourcebooks
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Highland Conquest
Author: Alyson McLayne
Reviewer: Nima
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
I haven’t read a historical romance in a while so I didn’t go in over-saturated with the genre. Highland Conquest (originally titled Highland Bride) was a fun read. In fact, it makes me sad I missed the first one in the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. I’m going to have to go back and pick it up before the third comes out. McLayne plans five books in this series, following five boys, fostered by Gregor MacLeod and raised as brothers to strapping warriors and leaders.
Even though McLayne is a solid, award-winning author, the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series is her first foray into historical romance. She hits it out of the park with sexy, feisty, and strong characters—especially Amber MacPhearson. She’s the kind of loyal leading lady you’re sure you’d be best friends with in real life. Amber is opinionated and will do anything she can to protect her clan from the evil Laird Murray. After being stalked by Murray since she was seventeen, she has determined that she will never marry. Enter Lachlan MacKay…
Lachlan doesn’t want to marry either, but is drawn to Amber even before he knows who she is or what she means to him. His pursuit of Murray, who murdered his brother, leads him to Amber. Together they scheme and work for his capture. Together they have amazing chemistry—although in a refreshing approach, they don’t consummate their relationship until they’re actually married. Of course there’s a whole lotta foreplay before that.
The banter is smart and even amusing. I only stumbled across one line that was so out of character that I marked it. After circumstances require Amber cut her famous copper locks, this big, kilt wearing warrior says, “Your eyes look wider, and your cheeks…they’re so high.“ Whaaaaat?! No matter how aware of her he was, there’s no way that though would have even crossed the consciousness of a big, burly Scotsman. But that was really my only criticism. The rest of the story flowed and reached a satisfactory conclusion.
The cover art for this series, while typical with men in kilts—is some very fine men in kilts that are not overly stylized. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall during that photo shoot… Grab this one up!
My Rating: A, Loved It
About the Book:
Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan―and their bewitching healer, Amber.
Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan’s treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan―who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she’s threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe―and by his side.
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2
Genre: Historic Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
QUOTE:
The primary plot was simple and interesting and was very couple centric. There was a beautiful tear jerky subplot that gave Highland Promise a definite substance boost. I’ve always been a sucker for the weak and abused flowering from their trauma and becoming whole. I really appreciated the clear picture of each character the author created.
Review: Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne
October 9, 2017 By Sheena 3 Comments
Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne
Series:The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, #1
Historical
Released: October 3, 2017
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Reviewed by Sheena
Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can’t be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help.
When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what’s rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart.
Favorite Quote: “You’re a daft man. No wonder God made women.
Highland Promise is author, Alyson McLayne’s debut historical romance novel and a foray that takes her into the lush Highlands that I so love to enjoy. Highlander historical romance is one of my favorite niche genres. The imagery and culture are so rich that the land itself becomes its own integral part in the tales. The laird’s are brawny and the lasses are bonny and it all just works to create a world like no other.
Laird Darach MacKenzie is through with love. He is content protecting his clan and warming his bed as he see fits. After a disastrously deadly betrayal, he’s vowed never to take a wife and with war on the brink with a neighboring enemy, who has the time to take on a wife anyway? Darach’s got better things to do- until he see’s a woman bruised, unconscious, slung over a horse and in the clutches of his very enemy the Laird of clan Fraser. Darach and his brethren attach Fraser’s band and the abused woman, Caitlin is rescued.
Instant attraction and a sense of responsibility and something else he isn’t ready to look too closely at, spurs Darach on to take in Caitlin and they travel to his lands. My favorite partr of this novel was meeting the McKenzie clan. Each supporting character was well crafted and his clan’s solidarity, love and goodness was noteworthy. I so wanted to be a McKenzie! Danger lurks still as Caitlin harbors a secret that threatens the safety of the entire clan, but besotted as he is, Darach will nay give her up and their relationship grows steadily, both doing their part to nurture and damage their newly growing bond. It was practically a foregone conclusion to everyone (except Caitlin and Darach) that the two would wed. They never really had a relationship just mutual attraction with jealous posturing (Darach) and deference with emotional manipulation (Caitlin- more on her later); then rumors and clan scuttlebutt about what the laird should do and then bam- they were slapped together like a PB&J. As a romance novel afficiando, I am used to rolling with the “insta” punches, but it nagged that everyone talked about Caitlin and Darach wedding- except Darach and Caitlin and then when they finally did talk about it- they were under duress. The HEA was solid, though it would have definitely benefitted from an epilogue.
What I liked: The primary plot was simple and interesting and was very couple centric. There was a beautiful tear jerky subplot that gave Highland Promise a definite substance boost. I’ve always been a sucker for the weak and abused flowering from their trauma and becoming whole. I really appreciated the clear picture of each character the author created. No one felt immaterial, this is the first in its series and I’ve already got my eye on the other lairds and what their stories could entail. I also enjoyed the obvious work that went into crafting the series back story and world building. As most book one’s there were times where my eyes glazed at some of the details, but it wasn’t overwrought or boring.
What I didn’t like: Caitlin.
She is abso lovely of course- But she comes across as empty-headed and harebrained. She is flighty, immature and (too) eager to please. There is no spitfire, toughness. Her moments of cleverness are so deeply shrouded in innocence and happenstance that you doubt it for 90% of the novel. What she does have in spades is an allure and a sweetly adorable kind disposition. She is charming and beguiling but alarmingly juvenile.
Personally, I often tire of hyperindependent, ultra strong, ball busting heroines. It is a nice change of pace to have a different type of heroine showcased, but my troubles with Caitlin grew when she didn’t grow. She was unbelievably immature from start to finish and there is only so much doe eyed enchantment I can take before I start to judge her, for her consistent and unrelenting lack of common sense. There is a balance between a bitchy shrew that the hero has to practically corral into love and a vapid heroine who just wants to say “yes laird” and “no laird” and have bairns. That balance is sorely missed in this novel. After a while, Caitlin’s naiveté’ crossed the line and I had to disconnect with her because I’m not into men lusting after the mentally addled or immature- and the more she acted like a child, the less I looked forward to Darach bedding her because- well, gross.
“I knew I hurt you with my indecent rubbing. Is that why it’s swollen?”
She couldn’t take her eyes from it. He rested his forehead against the mantel, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Lord have mercy, I have ne’er met a lass so innocent. Do you know naught of intimate congress?”
Her mouth snapped shut. She’d seen animals in the act, aye, but always from a distance. When she’d asked her mother about it, she’d been told a man’s parts fit into a woman’s parts like a broomstick into a bucket. She’d said naught of the broomstick breaking.
(Interrupting the quote to inject- SERIOUSLY.)
“So…’tis not broken?”
“Nay.” He looked over his shoulder toward the door and mumbled something under his breath about Edina. She thought he was going to leave, but instead he moved stiffly to the other chair and sat down. Color came and went in his cheeks. “Caitlin, what we did, the way we touched each other and how our bodies reacted, mine as well as yours, is all part of lovemaking. If we’d been married, I’d have…finished the act.”
She scrunched her brow. “You mean, put your broomstick into my bucket?” She didn’t think that had happened, but it would be good to know if she were still a maid. He half laughed, half coughed at her question and nodded his head. “Aye, that’s what I mean.”
Listen. I love virginal heroines. Confession: sometimes I keyword search just to see if the heroine or hero (even better) is a virgin. It’s my kink ok. You can’t shame me either, so lower those eyebrows. BUT even though I like virgin trope- I do NOT like “too-inexperienced-to-know-if-the-bedroom-play-you-are-participating-in-is-actual-intercourse.” I don’t think it is apropriate to be a heroine who is that immature. Caitlin first rode that fine line and then leapt over and crossed it. So much so that I couldn’t even really enjoy their smexy times because she was so damn doe-eyed “oh-my-what’s-an-erection” and that kind of immaturity is a wet blanket. And who likes wet blanket smut?!? Not me. Even actively working though my “no, what, nope. no,” I could tell that things were seriously hot. But- wet blanket Catilin and her too innocent innocence was an intrusive and unwelcome distraction from an otherwise good story.
Aside from my issues and roadblocks with Caitlin, I’m interested in the second novel as the characters that were introduced in Highland Promise were colorful and inviting. I just hope the heroines are more mature next go round. I totally anticipate more innocent lasses-(Afterall, It is highlander romance and this genre is chocked full of bonny maidens) but I am hoping they are simply sexually untried young women and not so juvenile.
Grade: C
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