Review: ‘Highland Warrior’ by Heather McCollum
Highland Warrior
by Heather McCollumSeries: Sons of Sinclair #2
Published by Entangled: Amara on April 27, 2021
SubGenres: Historical Romance
Format: AudioBook, Paperback
Pages: 400
Narrator: Timothy Campbell
Length: 9 Hours And 37 Minutes
Source: Purchased
Audience: 18+/Adult
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Joshua Sinclair was once the fiercest and most notorious warrior of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland. But now there’s nothing and no one that can make him take up arms again. Except a beautiful woman, it seems.
When Kára Flett, daughter of a fallen Norse chief, finds herself unexpectedly sheltering the strongest, most brutal warrior in the land, she throws together a risky and outrageous plan to bring him to her side. Threats of violence bounce right off him. Offers of gold seem to entice him even less. Desperate enough to use the pleas of the village children to sway him, she’s shocked when he’s completely unmoved. There’s only one tactic left for her: seduction.
Her hasty proposition falls completely by the wayside, though, as she and the Highlander come together in a carnal inferno. But bringing him into her life also brings his enemies to her clan’s doorstep—the very clan Kára is trying to protect. And as their feelings deepen, Joshua will have to decide between duty and love once and for all.
Last year, I discovered my passion for Scottish Highlander romance books, thanks to Maya Banks. Since then, I’ve wanted to explore this subgenre further. Earlier this year, I discovered Heather McCollum and her works at a book convention, which led me to dive into her Sons of Sinclair series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series and was eager to read the second book, Highland Warrior.
Highland Warrior focuses on Joshua Sinclair, who is known to his clan as the fiercest and strongest warrior who is always called into battle, but lately, he craves peace and no longer wants to participate in wars. However, the heroine Kara Flett, who he ends up meeting, wants to convince him to fight in a battle against the lord who claims to rule over her and her people. This is the same lord that Joshua just helped with his own battle, but Joshua is not easily convinced to assist Kara. Kara is determined to win him over, even if it means seducing him.
One of my favorite types of characters is the alpha male, and Joshua was definitely one of those types. I enjoyed reading about his character development, particularly his transformation from a warrior who longed for peace after years of fighting for others. I can’t entirely blame him, especially given how many people used him for his skills, including the heroine of the story, whom I didn’t particularly like. Yes, I had a major problem with Kara the whole time I was reading this book. She knew Joshua didn’t want to get involved, but she kept manipulating him into fighting, and eventually, he caved.
I understood why Kara needed Joshua because she was only trying to help her people, especially being a single mother who lost her husband, but she should have respected Joshua’s wishes. I also didn’t like how she didn’t take his advice and did it her own way, which ended up always going the wrong way. She put herself, Joshua, as well as others in danger.
Another thing that bothered me was I wasn’t convinced about the romantic relationship between Joshua and Kara. I don’t mind reading instant love stories, but as long as I’m convinced both characters are in love with one another. I felt the whole time that Kara only used Joshua and it bothered me the entire time.
Joshua was definitely the main reason I enjoyed this book, along with some of the secondary characters. While the plot kept me engaged and interested, it didn’t grip me the same way the first book did. Overall, I give this book three stars, and I do plan on reading the third book because I’m determined to find out more about the Sinclair family.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s an interconnected standalone in the Sons of Sinclair Series.
Would I recommend this book? Even though I rated it low, other readers might enjoy it more. I recommend this book to fans of Heather McCollum and those who enjoy Scottish Highlander romances.
What to Expect:
✓Scottish Highlander Romance
✓Instant Love/Lust
✓Single Mother Romance
✓Widower/Single Mother Heroine
✓Alpha/Warrior Hero
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About Heather McCollum
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).
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