Title: The Highlander's Wild FlameAuthor: Heather McCollum
Series: Brotherhood of Solway Moss #1
Pages: 384
Publication Date: July 23, 2024
Publisher: Entangled Pub
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical
Synopsis:
The only thing more dangerous than his sword is the flame-haired enemy who’s stolen his heart…in this gripping Highland romance from USA Today bestselling author Heather McCollum
Fearsome Highland warrior Rory MacLeod has sacrificed for his clan. But taken as prisoner—in place of his older brother, who’s meant to be laird—is more than any man should bear. So when the chance for escape presents itself, Rory risks everything for freedom. But instead of returning to the welcoming warmth of home, Rory steps into a blazing trap…
Despite her betrothal to their laird, Lady Sara Macdonald has no love for the MacLeod clan. But when her treacherous father locks the entire MacLeod wedding party into the church and sets fire to it, she cannot stand by and watch the slaughter. Saving them means turning traitor to her clan and becoming an enemy to her own blood…left to the mercy of her greatest enemy.
Now her intended husband lies somewhere between life and death, and Sara’s only ally is his younger brother: the fierce MacLeod warrior she’s forbidden to want. And as hunger blazes to life between Rory and Sara—unbidden, untamed, and hotter than the fires of Beltane—they quickly find themselves caught between honor and a love that will turn blood against blood.
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The Highlander’s Wild Flame is a standalone Highland historical romance by Heather McCollum. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this one. Generally, I love McCollum’s Highland romances, and there are aspects of this one that I like. The chemistry between Sara and Rory is off the charts, much like the author’s other historical romances. With tons of sexual tension and delicious tropes, I was easily pulled into the story.
Sara and Rory have an enemies-to-lovers romance, and I know being from rival and feuding clans with a dark history would create distrust, but Rory’s lack of trust in Sara takes away from their love story. It’s too bad, because they both have compelling back stories, and I really wanted to root for them. And I did for a while. By the end, however, I kind of questioned why Sara would take Rory back. He did her so wrong, and he should have groveled a heck of a lot more before he earned her forgiveness.
I did like the vivid Highland setting, and the plot and history between the clans are intriguing. I also liked the secondary characters, though I wish some of them were fleshed out a little more. And I would recommend checking out the content warnings, as the story includes death, abuse, threats of sexual assault, and more.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- forbideen romance
I am Heather McCollum, writer of 16th and 17th century Scottish romance full of adventure and intrigue, sprinkled with humor, history, and spice. Brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines are my favorite characters!
I am also a mom of three kids, dog-mom of one rescued geriatric golden retriever, and wife of one 6 foot 4 inch Highlander. When I’m not trying to help my kids make it through the day, baking things I see on The Great British Baking Show, or writing, I’m usually educating women on ovarian cancer (I’m a nine-year survivor).
I love kilted heroes, chai lattes, and eating buttered air-popped popcorn for dinner on Friday nights (my dog loves this one too).
