Tag Archives: Highland Pride

Highland Obligation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Obligation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

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Description:
Isobel MacLean fears she can’t protect those she loves. Due to a violent attack in her past, she’ll do anything to keep them safe–except marry the infuriating Grant MacDonald, heir to the MacDonald laird. She wants justice for her family, not a damn husband. Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we want…

Forced to wed the lass responsible for his friend’s death, Grant MacDonald is determined to tame his hellion wife. On a mission to Edinburgh to prevent war, sparks fly as they spar with each other, and Grant is starting to wonder if maybe his wife is a wee bit misunderstood.

He’ll need to use every tool in his arsenal to distract his alluring wife from her quest for vengeance…before it’s too late for them both.

Each book in the Highland Pride series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Deception
* Highland Redemption
* Highland Temptation
* Highland Salvation
* Highland Obligation

 

Review:

I read the synopsis for Highland Obligation and agreed to do a review, but truth be told, I was committed for the Highlands alone.  The setting and Scots burr are enough for this reader!  Lori Ann Bailey was just the icing on the cake. 😉  Having read the previous book from the wonderful Highland Pride series, I knew its conclusion would end triumphantly.  You will not be disappointed!

Grant is furious with Isobel, his new wife.  Not only was he forced to marry her she wasn’t in love with the idea, either, buddy, but his friend is dead because of her intrusion (an accusation he’s yet to discuss with the poor lass).  Compound the death of his first wife, though that’s hardly Isobel’s fault, Isobel is a wanted woman for her illicit activities — there’s literally a bounty on her head for battlefield exploits!  The final blow?  His heart won’t stop pounding every time he’s near her!  It truly is a heady obligation in the Highland:  How can Grant not fall in love? 🙂

Tensions are understandably high, but the more Grant and Isobel interact, the more their inner thoughts betray indifference towards each other.  Grant is rankled by Isobel’s notoriety, her prowess coveted among Scottish Royalists, but Grant wants Isobel to leave her past behind; to let him take care of her…as is his duty.  Ouch.  You can imagine how well that was received, but it’s that crackling energy that kept me interested in their dynamic.  How do two alphas attain balance?

“He tossed all night, one minute wanting Isobel, the next wanting to heave her into the sea.  How was he to survive this marriage with his sanity intact?”

But just when things were beginning to align on a personal level, none more surprised than Isobel and Grant, opportunistic, vengeful sources seek out the newlyweds, and there’s only so much evasion before confrontation is inevitable.  Does “Till death do us part” include vanquishing your partner’s enemies?  How much time to decide before it’s considered uncouth?  A test of loyalty to be sure!

Isobel and Grant are protecting each other in such a surreptitious, indirect way, the other is feeling neglected, adopting a might-as-well-fend-for-myself mentality.  If only these two realized it’s not stubbornness or spite — love is stronger than pride.  They just can’t admit it!  Hope they’re not too late to put it all out there.

We are treated to quite a pair in Highland Obligation.  Grant and Isobel’s tumultuous journey is fraught with insecurity and longing and we get to explore both perspectives.  When two people are obviously meant for each other, I can’t imagine having it any other way.  Congratulations, Ms. Bailey!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

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Description:
Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a wife, but he suspects she may be plotting his murder.

Always considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth. She refuses to be used as a pawn for political gain, but when confronted by a blackmailer, her only option is to marry the brawny Finlay Cameron.

In Finlay’s arms, she feels safe for the first time ever. Until she learns that her blackmailer is hot on her trail and her secrets could soon be exposed…

Each book in the Highland Pride series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Deception
* Highland Redemption
* Highland Temptation
* Highland Salvation

 

 

Review:

Can genuine happiness be achieved even though you may have fibbed to get there in the first place? Surprisingly, BOTH of our heroes aren’t being 100% forthcoming, so let’s call it a draw, shall we? Highland Salvation by Lori-Ann Bailey is book 4 in her Highland Pride series. I’m not usually one to go out of order, but Finlay and Blair were strong characters and the book was easy enough to follow. The secondary cast was full of charming characters — do read from the very beginning for optimum joy!

 England and Scotland are in political and religious turmoil, feuding over the rule of King Charles. Finlay Cameron and Blair McNab are devout subjects, but Blair’s father’s loyalty is rumored to “bend with the favorable winds”. When Blair and Finlay wed hastily, their nuptials are naturally met with trepidation.

   “…it was the prudent decision for his clan, country, and king. She was a Royalist, and it would be a good match for the Camerons and King Charles if their union could keep the McNabs from joining the Covenanters.”

Not exactly swoon-worthy, but let’s put a pin on that for now. Aside from the sudden marriage, trouble abounds. A blackmailer is in pursuit of Blair, but she’s hesitant to lean on her new husband out of paranoia, or the very real fear of being sent away. En route to England (the king must be apprised of escalating threats), events meant to impede their purpose intensify, casting a suspicious light on Blair. She IS the only newcomer. So much for the honeymoon phase! ;D

Unconventional as it might have been, Finlay was determined to court Blair, inspired to make her a satisfied partner. Not to shame Finlay, but his desire to win over Blair was just precious. As a warrior, he’s not supposed to wonder (fret!) if a woman is interested, but this lass was special and Finlay’s anxiety to please her was a palpable, endearing sentiment. Finlay is pure of heart and Blair appreciated that from early on, but she couldn’t burden him with her secret so soon. So yes, they were both uneasy; is he enough for Blair, is her past going to ruin their future? Hardly uncommon for such an auspicious beginning, lol, but instead of allaying their fears or concerns with each other, aka good ‘ol communication, assumptions began to undermine/negate the progress they were making. Trust is earned, a back-and-forth is expected, but niggling doubts resurfacing at 86% into the book and they’re not on the same page yet?!

You know how you have to accept premises/plots, and just “go with it”, otherwise you can’t enjoy it? ME. Honest communication wasn’t just elusive, we’re talking elephant-in-the-room kind of oversight. Our H/H were intimate several times, no complaints here, but they never discussed a serious issue that hounded them both — that we the readers knew! It started to wear on me, to be honest, because they were face-palm moments; moments too incredulous not to discuss.

I like how Highland Salvation played out, a wee too rushed at the end, but I cried out for heart-to-hearts — speak your truths! Blair and Finlay may have settled for each other initially, one out of protection and the other to flee a blackmailer, but they defied the odds and became each other’s saving grace.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Highland Redemption by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Redemption by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

Highland RedemptionAmazon / B&N / Kobo / Book Depository

Description:
While spying for Clan Cameron, Brodie Cameron rescues a lass, only to realize it’s Skye—the woman who’d broken his heart. He needs to get her to her uncle as quickly as possible to keep her safe, but every minute he’s distracted from his mission brings the clans that much closer to war. And having beautiful Skye anywhere near him is dangerous, because the price on his head is higher than the one on hers.

Upon being rescued from kidnappers, Skye finds herself staring into the eyes of the man she once loved—Brodie Cameron. She’s grateful to be freed, but has no idea how she’ll resist the lad who has become a braw man. Especially because she’s promised to another, in a political marriage forged to strengthen the Royalist clans against the Covenanters who plot to turn Scotland upside down.

 

Review:

Highland Redemption begins with Brodie Cameron following a couple men suspected of going against the Royalists in a feared war among several Clans.  Things don’t go as planned when he sees the men kidnap a young woman, and he has to make a quick decision:  continue his mission or help the woman being kidnapped.  He decides on the latter, which leads to a big surprise for both of them.  Not only do they know each other, but they were once planning a future together.  Brodie takes it upon himself to deliver Skye back safely to her uncle, even though she is not sure she actually needs saving.

As the two of them head back to her familial home, they are met with several road blocks.  Someone wants Skye dead, but Brodie will move heaven and earth to see no harm come to her.  As neither of them trust in each other whole heartedly, one thing becomes more than clear….in order for them to reach safety, they are going to have to deal with their feelings for each other first.  When misunderstandings are cleared up and secrets are brought to light, it doesn’t take either of them long to realize that the feelings they once had for each other are still there.

Highland Redemption is a story full of intrigue, with a few twists and turns.  Skye is a feisty young woman who has faced a lot of loss in her short life.  Brodie, having lost Skye a few years earlier, immersed himself in his work as a spy.  Throughout the years they were separated, they tried to move one without each other, but it was all in vain.  Their interactions were touching, and at times, funny.  The one problem I did have is the plot.  Even though I understood the basics, I got a little lost with all of the Clans involved and had trouble following at times.  Overall, Highland Redemption was an enjoyable read.  The romance was sweet and tender, with the intrigue adding another level to the story.  This is the first novel I’ve read by Lori Ann Bailey, but hopefully not my last.  Well done, Lori Ann Bailey!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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