ARC Review: Highland Renegade by Cynthia Breeding

Title: Highland Renegade

Author: Cynthia Breeding

Series: Children of the Mist (Book 1)

Page Length: 400

Publication Date: Sept. 21, 2020

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Synopsis: Emily, the Dowager Countess of Woodhaven, has received title to lands in the Highlands—MacGregor lands—and after surviving an abusive marriage, she’s determined to make a new start…without a man. She just has to win over the handsome Scottish laird whose family has lived there for centuries. How hard could it be?

When Ian MacGregor heard that the Sassenach countess was actually laying claim to his lands, he figured to scare the aging widow away by showing her the hardships of living in the Highlands. She’d leave before the first snowflake fell. But he never imagined that the widow was young and beautiful and more territorial than a she-wolf. No matter, he’ll prove that a fragile, London woman like her would never survive life without her servants…and if he happens to give her the coldest and most remote rooms, all the better.

Despite his best efforts to freeze her out, things between them heat up. But Highlanders hate the Sassenach, so Ian faces a dire choice—his clan or the irresistible English aristocrat who seems to have taken not only his lands, but also his heart.

LINKS: Goodreads

My Review:

When Emily, the Countess of Woodhaven, arrives with two younger sisters in tow to take over the lands she received titles to, Ian MacGregor and his kin determine to convince the Countess to return to the niceties of London. Showing her the hardships of living in Scotland doesn’t deter Emily, a widow who wants nothing more than to start over after an abusive and difficult marriage.

Emily and Ian grow closer, but the MacGregor’s don’t take kindly to a Sessenach in charge. Ian fears he’ll have to choose between his clan and his heart, but when strange things start happening to Emily, her life takes a dangerous turn. Emily’s life is at stake, and Ian will do whatever it takes to protect her.

Highland Renegade is a wonderful historical romance filled with interesting characters and a well-paced story-line. Emily is strong-willed and determined, and I admire her bravery and willingness to sacrifice for those she loves. Her kindness and sincerity are obvious to everyone she encounters. I also like that she is intelligent and that she challenges the gender norms of the time.

Ian is fiercely protective and loyal, and he has a deep love for his people and lands. He feels torn between a sense of duty to his people and his feelings for Emily. His conflicting emotions prove to be an interesting dynamic throughout the story.

The romance between Emily and Ian is fantastic! Their relationship began under awkward circumstances and with reluctance. However, as Ian and Emily learn more about each other, the respect, admiration, and (of course) attraction they have for each other are evident. Neither are looking for a romantic entanglement, and their growing feelings prove complicated. However, Emily and Ian both have to decide if they are willing to risk their hearts and futures for love.

A great story with well-developed characters, a chemistry-laden romance, and an intriguing mystery, Highland Renegade is the perfect story for lovers of historical romance. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.