I received this book for free from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Highland Chieftain by Hannah HowellAlso in this series: Highland Guard
Series: Murray Family #21
Published by Zebra on September 27th 2016
Genres: Historical Romance, Scottish Highlands, Stewart Era
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: Kensington Books
ISBN: 1420135066
The Murrays are back in this thrilling new tale from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell . . . Responsible for protecting her younger siblings from their abusive father, Bethoc Matheson is in no position to rescue another soul in Scotland. Yet when she sees a bleeding man on the verge of drowning, that’s exactly what she does, securing him safely in a cave where she can return day after day to tend to his wounds. Sir Callum MacMillan can scarcely believe such a slight lass as Bethoc could save him from the grasp of death. But he knows the telltale marks of an angry fist on her skin, and he knows she has the soul of a fighter within her feminine frame. Raised to be a protector of the weak by his Murray clansman, Callum would prefer to be the one saving her—and save her, he will. If he can first survive the treacherous attack that led him into her irresistible arms . . . Praise for Hannah Howell and her Highland novels…
“Few authors portray the Scottish highlands as lovingly or colorfully as Hannah Howell.” —Publishers Weekly
“Expert storyteller Howell pens another Highland winner.” —RT Book Reviews
Summary
Bethoc Matheson has been responsible for the boys her step father has stolen and use for work. They all suffer under his abusive fist. Bethoc is desperate to find a way for them to escape, especially with a couple of the boys getting older and standing up to him more which she knows can only bring death to them. Bethoc is willing to do anything to help her adoptive brothers and her younger sister who she keeps with her all the time. But then Bethoc stumbles across a young man who has a broken leg and been beaten and she helps him heal and hide him from his enemies in a cave closeby. As the weeks roll by, Bethoc and Callum realize the powerful connection they have to each other. And right when it seems like their relationship is going somewhere, the mysteries and dangers that surround the area will come to betray them. And Bethoc and Callum will need to rely on their love for each other for strength and courage and to fight the evils that would destroy their lives if given the chance and they must put a stop to it…
Plot and Story Line
It has been some time since I have read anything by this author and man it was so good to connect with this Murray Family and some characters I have missed seeing. And oh boy, have I forgotten how Hannah Howell can sweep me up in a story and I just loved the way that this author captivates you with Callum and Bethoc. Now there is some suspense, danger and mystery that has you on edge at times and I quite had a fun time seeing the way this family comes together and helps each other. Callum is a hero you can depend on, and he would make the perfect “book boyfriend” because he is a man that you could easily see yourself marrying. He is strong, capable, reliable and kind. He makes the perfect hero for Bethoc, because even while he is injured and can’t move, he doesn’t act like an idot and make rash decisions even knowing the type of situation at home she is living with. He listens and is understanding, and I fell hard for this hero who is definitely swoon worthy. Now Bethoc is just as strong as Callum is but in different ways. She has a certain inner strength that is vibrant and real. She has a healing touch, and does everything she can to make the situation with the boys easier for them. The story really gets some flavor when events turn in a unique way toward the end and you really see what Bethoc is capable of. The romance that develops between Callum and Bethoc is slow though. They have some great chemistry but it takes a while for the emotional element to really kick in but when it does….watch out because it might blow you away!!!
The Cover
I like it…..I LOVE the hair and you know not many men can pull of the necklace….but this one can!!!
Overall View
Simply delightful in every way…..historically real with a romance that is packed with compelling emotion and sizzling chemistry.
I haven’t read any of her books, but this set up for the couple sounds really good. I like the way you describe him and the heroine sounds strong and good, too.
Yeah i have been reading this author for quite some time and just love her work.
I think I have read one of these…hmmm, pretty sure
I have never tried her books, always wanted to but haven’t gotten the chance.
oh you would adore Hannah Howell!!!! She does such a great job.
I’m glad you enjoyed this lol, it bodes well for me! I’ll be reading it this week and this is a new to me author 😀 Great review!!
My friend has been a huge fan of Howell’s for a long time and has been on me to try her stuff but I never got around to it. I seriously need to think about changing that. Thanks for the review sweets!
This is a series that I have not been able to quit though I can’t read too many of them in a row. I can’t wait to read this!