Book Review: Highland Champion by Cynthia Breeding

About the Book:

Title: Highland Champion

Author: Cynthia Breeding

Series: Children of the Mist #3

Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2021

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Synopsis: Lorelei Caldwell is elated about her first season in London. For the next few months, she and her best friend can indulge in balls, flirting, and enjoying the delights of London society without any family interference. This season is for adventure, not marriage. But her adventures are short-lived after the arrival of her friend’s brawny, dark-haired Highlander brother, Alasdair MacGregor, who insists on standing as chaperone.

Officially, Alasdair is in London to reclaim lands that rightfully belong to his clan. Unofficially, he’s here to figure out how best to win Lorelei’s hand in marriage. But London proves to be full of complications… especially when she begins matchmaking him with someone else.

Except Lorelai’s plans have backfired and she is finding herself craving Alasdair’s attentions. Her longing for freedom could come at a high price, unless Alasdair can salvage her reputation…without destroying her independent heart.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

The third book in the Children of the Mist Series, Highland Champion follows Lorelei Caldwell as she ventures, with her best friend, into her first season in London. Thrilled to have a little freedom, Lorelei and Fiona have all kinds of adventures planned. However, their plans may be ruined when Fiona’s older brother comes to town and insists on chaperoning them.

Alasdair MacGregor came to London to reclaim land that was lost to his clan decades ago. However, he also has an ulterior motive. He wants to marry Lorelei. As Lorelei begins to draw the attention of several suitors, Alasdair must figure out how to win her hand.

Lorelei and Alasdair are both compelling characters, and I enjoyed their slow-building relationship. They are well-layered and interesting protagonists, and their love story is filled with angst, conflict, and obstacles. Their biggest obstacle is their hesitancy to admit their deep feelings for each other. They are both so good at hiding how they truly feel, which is to their detriment. As Lorelei starts her season in London, another young woman attempts to interest Alasdair. Between the courting of others, worries about losing her independence, family connections, and more, many problems stand in their way. It’s interesting to see how Lorelei and Alasdair confront their feelings and their obstacles and work on the communication that they initially lack.

I also really like the abundance of strong and independent women in the story. Lorelei, Fiona, and Louisa, in particular, defy the female norms expected in London society. They are smart and outspoken, and they don’t play by the rules. They are also great supports to each other and help each other fulfill their desires, which I like. The bonds of sisterhood are strong with these friends, and even though they don’t always choose the safest paths (they’re all a bit naïve at times), their actions and beliefs are admirable.

The story also highlights some of the issues in London at the time, especially social class and gender inequities. Some of my favorite parts of the story are when Lorelei and Fiona are together in London. Going to different events, attending balls, shopping, and secretly exploring the city, Lorelei and Fiona have a grand adventure, and they embrace the city and their experiences there. As Lorelei and Fiona explore the city, they see so much poverty and are particularly drawn to children in need. Though they help as much as they can, both women see the vast differences between their world and the world of the children they meet in the streets. It’s a stark contrast and a powerful message about society. Louisa’s secret outings, and the overall limitations put on her, Fiona, and Lorelei, highlight the gender inequities and constraints put on women. Also, Alasdair’s dealings with politics highlight the brewing tensions among England and other countries, which offers an interesting view on how global events have long-lasting ripple effects.

Though this is the third book in the series, the author provides enough context that it can be read as a standalone. That being said, the first two books in the series are great too, and I definitely recommend them, and this one, to readers of historical romance. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.