Better than I could've hoped for, a beautifully written and fun read. McCollum wrote wonderfully believable story with flawed but truly good heroes and heroines

I loved this series. I've been looking for a new Highlands romance series and this completely fits the bill. A great romance,  fun characters and enough of a cast to ensure many more books!

This is book two in Highland Isles series, and not having read the first book I can safely say that regardless of the fact, I thought this story can stand on its own.

What I liked the best in this story were the main characters. I thought they were charming and intriguing. I also found it fast moving and filled with action and the mystery surrounding the heroine kept me glued to the story.

I actually liked their instant attraction and enjoyed their road to happily ever after.

This story is for all of you Outlander fans. It’ll fill in Droughtlander perfectly! It will have you sighing from page one.

Melanie for b2b

I loved it and would love to read more from the author.  The chemistry was amazing, the plot was captivating and intriguing with well developed characters

I really enjoyed Cullen and Madeleine's story! 

I loved Madeleine and the fact that even thought she had lost her memory and had no idea who she was, she was still a very strong woman. Which was needed when she and everyone else found out who she really was.

I really liked Cullen too. He was a reluctant laird, but stepped up to the plate when he was named to the position.

I'm loving this series and can't wait to see what McCollum comes up with next!

We first met Cullen Duffie in The Beast of Aros Castle, book one in the Highlands Isle series. As much as I liked that book, I loved this one even more. Cullen was one of my favorite characters from book one. His and Rose's story was a great addition to this series. The characters were wonderfully developed throughout a marvelous storyline. I prefer a storyline that has intrigue, and danger, a setting in the Highlands just puts the "icing" on the tale. Cullen finds Rose half dead with a rope around her neck on the shores of his  isle. Because of her neck injuries she is unable to talk plus her memory is very fuzzy. Rose and Cullen are attracted to each other from the start. How do they handle the obstacles in the path of their HEA? This is highly recommended reading, I absolutely loved it. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.

Set on Islay Isle in Scotland, The Rogue of Islay Isle is a sweeping love story that transcends borders and political affiliations, language, and cultural barriers. It is one to warm the cockles of your heart, illustrating the power of love and its ability to conquer all.  It is a story of trust and of lovers who risk everything for the deep visceral connection they feel, and this author is now on my watch list.

Our story revolves around the newly named clan chief, Cullen Duffie, and Rose, the woman who washes up on his land, unable to speak, without memory of who she is or where she came from. With tensions high between the Scots, The English and the French, Rose’s appearance causes anxiety within the clan, but also invokes a deep protective streak in Cullen, that has him doing everything in his power to discover more about Rose and keep her safe.

Cullen had jumped the queue ahead of his uncles when he became the new clan chief, a fact they did not let him forget with their barbs and snide remarks regarding his suitability for the title. But Cullen was more than capable to become the new MacDonald, personifying what I would envisage a strong Chieftain to be. Decisive and firm, compassionate and loving, his loyalty and responsibility were to his clan, and his intelligence and quick wit made him the perfect leader. Cullen loved fiercely and completely and he felt a deep connection to Rose that went way beyond the physical, seeing into her soul and to the woman behind her eyes.

I felt so deeply for Rose. As her memory begins to return, her terrifying story unfolds and she consistently proved her mettle, facing those horrible scenes in her mind head on, determined to never go back to where she came from. She held on to her convictions when those intimidated and scared by her presence, tried first to intimidate her and then, put her life in jeopardy. She was one tough cookie and there was much to admire about her. When revelations of who she used to be surface, she doesn’t let it define her, but rather, embraces the lessons she had learned, while vowing that she will never return to her old life. I really liked Rose and she was more than a match for Cullen, both blessed with wit and smarts, cool-headedness in the face of danger, and deeply passionate nature in and out of the bedroom.

The characters surrounding Cullen and Rose were complementary to their story, each an integral part of the narrative. I particularly enjoyed Cullen’s mother and his closest friends, always there to lend support, or give advice with dry wit, when called for. Their dialogue flowed well, portraying each character’s personality with ease.

From start to finish, the author took me on a journey, visually and emotionally, so evocative that it became almost corporeal it was so well written. It was easy to imagine myself in the castle’s keep or standing on the shoreline of Islay Isle. I felt the betrayal and heartbreak down to my bones when Rose’s past confronts them and her freedom is threatened. My heart was in my throat and my eyes were wet as Cullen and Rose made their way to each other’s heart. I really enjoyed this book. Definitely another historical to add to my favourites list.

Cullen Duffie, the new MacDonald is determined to prove he’s not like his father and that his grandfather didn’t make a mistake in picking him over his uncles in being the next chief. He’s determined to protect his clan against the English that want to overrun them. One morning, after a terrible storm, he finds a woman has washed ashore. When she comes to, she has no memory of who she is and what she’s running from. Cullen must decide if she’s worth going against his clan to save her or if he should just give her up and turn her over.
This book captured me right from the beginning. The story really pulled me in. I loved both Cullen and “Rose”. I loved how Rose’s identity slowly unraveled but none of it mattered to Cullen. The interactions between him and his cousins, Errol and Broc where hilarious. They had me laughing out loud as I read them. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was such an interesting book!!  It had so many more elements then just a love story. The characters were complex and surprising.  There were many moments that took me by surprise!!! It was fun to learn and wonder about Rose, who she was, where she was from, and why how she got here.  Definitely a story not to miss!!! 

Posted on goodreads, amazon, bn (under Lady C)

Isle of Islay, Highlands of Scotland
December 1522

I love stories that intrigue me to the point where I am looking up more information on the time period because it is so fascinating. This is that kind of book. 

I came into this story without having read the first in the series. Needless to say, it’s now on my list. I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone. 

THE ROGUE OF ISLAY ISLE is an all around great read. It has action, adventure, intrigue, danger and romance. It has it all. Great secondary characters. Loved Cullen’s mother. Strongly disliked his uncles. (and some others) All the characters are wonderfully written, the plot is captivating and the sparks really fly between Cullen and Rose Madeleine. There is definitely some chemistry there. I was totally engrossed by the end of the first chapter.

This is a new author for us and I have so say I really enjoyed our first read by them.

I loved both Cullen and Rose as he called her they were perfect together both fierce and both strong willed.This story was not to involved with all sorts of drama but was a sweet romance with a cast of character filled with humor.

I loved Rose from the beginning even suffering with amnesia I always thought she was strong willed ,confident,smart sweet and kind and definitely had a keen mind.

Cullen on the other hand fierce,loyal,kind,protective,and sexy as sin.His attraction toward Rose was apparent and the sparks where there between them whenever they we in the same room.One thing I loved the most about Cullen as he gave Rose his protection and his word to protect her without  even knowing who and what she was.Although the entire clan went from a spy to Courtesan .

I enjoyed the story from beginning to end and would definitely read books by this author again.I love when you able to connect with the characters that you read about and I was able to do that with Rose and Cullen they we just so love-able you could not wish for a happy ending for them.

The story was filled with romance,hunky highlanders,deceit,lies,mystery,with an amazing cast of character that added humor into the mix causing you to smile and laugh more than once.We loved it as it was love at first sight for Cullen but he was tamed by a French lassie....Who met his match! 

5 stars from us
http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-joelle.blogspot.com/2017/05/blog-tour-and-giveaway-for-rogue-of.html

In this story, you'll find mystery, suspense, forbidden love, the best part men in kilts! 

" Rose" and Cullen have an amazing story that you just can't miss. This book had me hooked the moment I started, It was hard to put it down, This book had some amazing twist and turns that will keep you up at night, and maybe a box of tissues by your side. 

 I just had to know who was Rose and how did she get this mystery marks, and would Cullen look past all the negative remarks from his Uncles and just be the man he was meant to be, and not what everyone thought he should be!

 Cullen was a great hero, he did not follow the rules like most, he made sure that when he made a promise you knew that he would break it for the world! 

Rose was a strong and funny character, I loved her spunk and personality, most of all I enjoyed her strength. She might not know who she is but that will not deter her from being the women she was meant to be, not what she was told to be! 

I would recommend this book to all my friends! it's a great book and written very well, and I can't wait to find more from this wonderful author! 
Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock and I give this book a solid 4 hearts!

I enjoyed this book.  Although I got frustrated with how much Cullen put up with from his uncles, the story itself was exciting and moved along at a good pace.  I really, really, really liked how Maddie thought about her actions and continuously chose not to be nasty to others, even though she had been trained to be.  To me, this represents the option we all have as individuals, to chose to be good people, and resist the temptation to lash out at others.

Second volume in the Highland Isles series, The Rogue of Islay Isle presents Cullen, who became chief of his clan after his grandfather’s death, when he saves a young woman washed up on the beach after a storm; She wakes up totally amnesiac.

Cullen is a likeable hero carrying an heavy burden: his uncles are mad at him for becoming chief instead of one of them, and they waste no opportunity to remind him he must act for the good of the clan, that his father was far from perfect, and that he’s like him (reproach visibly unfounded). I found him extremely patient with them, I’d have told them to get lost really sooner. He’s very close to his cousins and his mother, and nice with everyone. He refuses to yield to the attraction he feels for the heroine as long as she has not recover her memories, and he’s ready to protect her even while not knowing who she is and how she arrived there.

In spite of memory loss and her wounds, Madeleine, nicknamed Rose for most of the novel, is a strong heroine who refuses to feel sorry for herself. When she begins to remember she’s afraid to bring troubles to the clan but she doesn’t hide, and when troubles arise she faces them smartly. However she has a nasty tendency to jump to conclusion concerning Cullen and several times he has to explain that her conclusions are not the reality.

The secondary characters don’t sit on the sidelines, and I especially liked the bond between the hero and his cousins. However the strangers are a bit of a caricature, French as English people are all self-serving, lecherous, and in general to avoid.

What’s more I found the story in its whole cute but with a little unrealistic side. Some discussions especially left me bewildered, I was thinking “did he really say that in front of everyone?”

All in all I had a pleasant reading time, and I’ll try this author again if I have the opportunity.

Loved this Highlander romance.  This story is fast paced read with plenty of drama and suspense.  Cullen finds a beautiful woman washed up on shore and due to her injuries, she can’t remember who she and can’t speak.  The chemistry between Cullen and Rose is steamy and the story had me hooked from beginning to end.  A great read!

This was an awesome Highlander romance that I had the pleasure of reading!Cullen is the new chief of Clan MacDonald, and he's working hard to be a good laird and protect his clan.But when a beautiful woman washes up  on his shores, he decides to protect her , even though he doesn't know who she is.
When she wakes up, they find out that she has amnesia and can't remember who she is.So he calls her Rose.They grow closer over a period of time, as she heals from both physical and mental injuries.But, when her memories start slowly coming back,they might have to make a decision on what to do, as she might bring danger to his clan.The English and French are at war, and the precarious position that Rose/Madeleine is in might put everything that Cullen has worked hard to build into jeopardy!
But will they listen to their hearts or the danger that beats around them?

Both the main characters were well fleshed out and quite likable without being unbearable.Rose wasn't a damsel in distress despite her situation.I loved how strong she was, even after everything that she went through.Cullen was the perfect match for her, and the attraction between them was well done in a believable manner.Though this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone, and I read this one without reading the first.Now that I've finished reading The Rogue Of Islay Isle, my interest has been piqued!So, I'll definitely be reading The Beast Of Aros Castle next!
Cant wait to see where the author will take this series!

Book: The Rogue of Islay Isle 
By Heather McCollum

Series: Highland Isles, Book #2

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook, Administrator at Tartan Book Reviews and Purple Tulip Book Reviews. Blogger at Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Setting: Smoking Hot!

Overall Setting: 5 Stars/Kilts


ISLE OF ISLAY, HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND

DECEMBER, 1522

Cullen Duffie has recently been made Chief of the ferocious Clan MacDonald. His Grandfather recently died and made him Chief, skipping over his very own sons. Cullen was Tor’s friend in Book #1,The Beast of Aros Castle.

A woman named Madeleine Renald washes up on Islay Isle, but she cannot speak and has no memory, not even her own name! As MacDonald Chief, Cullen orders everyone to call her Rose. Since she had pretty roses embroidered on her gown. As Rose’s memory starts to return in little fragments, but soon pieced it all together and realises she has put The Clan MacDonald in great danger by just being here on Islay Isle! 

When Rose is disgusted as she realizes how her very own mother abused and sold her to the highest bidder! That happens to be King Louis, King of France! This could put The MacDonald clan in a very bad predicament, as the English and French are foes at this time and could call The MacDonald clan traitor!  They could exile them or possibly even have them executed!  Now Cullen desires Rose like no other, he will not just hand her over to the evil Sassenach!  Yet he does not want his clan in danger either. Plus he gave Rose his solemn oath he would protect her,  plus he wants her like no other woman! 

Yet all the mama’s on the isle want their daughter to marry the new Laird even by trickery.As healer Agnes’s  daughter Beatrice,  who keeps chasing Cullen as many females. They are hoping he will put a babe in their belly so they get a title and all the trimming that goes with being a Laird’s wife! It has nothing to do with feelings or love and everything to do with greed!  This French lass impresses Cullen not just her beauty, but with her bravery and courage too!  Rose finds Cullen pretty irresistible too, with his honor and honesty, which is so refreshing and the opposite of the men in French court. 

Yet Rose/Madeleine is being hunted by those she ran away from, will she be caught? Will she vanish from Cullen's life forever?  What is her future to be freedom in Scotland or slavery in France? You will have to read this spectacular read and find out! 

Beautiful setting, amazing dialogue, and plots that have you holding your breath in anticipation, wondering what could possibly happen next? I absolutely loved 
“The Rogue of Islay Isle book #2 in the Highland Isles series. I have read all the books in the series,they are all superbly written and just keep getting better if that is even possible!

This phenomenal riveting romantic adventure read is filled with treachery, jealousy, suspense, mystery, betrayal, mistrust, clan war,  joy, faith, passion and love. All the things historical romance readers love!


I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

1.The Beast of Aros Castle,Book #1

2.The Rogue of Islay Isle, Book #2, Just released on May 15th










The Rogue of Islay Isle: Heather McCollum: 9781545553466: Amazon ...

It's been ages since I've read a book featuring Highlanders and I broke my fast with winner. The Rogue of Islay Isle features a reluctant chief who is made leader of his clan over his two uncles by his grandfather. Though he is more than capable, he is also deferential to their feelings and does his best to accommodate them with unexpected costs. 

Onto his shore washes up a mysterious woman who, at first, is mute and has amnesia. As she recovers, she discovers some unusual skills that do not seem to belong to her character. Her memory slowly returns and her background puts the clan in great danger from the British. 

I enjoyed this book on many levels. I was fascinated by the political intrigue that surrounds the fragile relationship between the Scots and England at this time. The additional tension with France adds a layer of tension to the mystery of this woman, "Rose". 

My favorite part of this story, however, is "Rose". Despite her memory loss, the physical trauma she suffers when found, and the bewildering circumstances she finds herself in, she is a trooper. She maintains her sharp wit and strong character. When she starts to remember her own identity, she makes no apologies for her background. I can totally understand why Cullan Duffie is attracted to her. It makes sense. Cullen is as fierce and stubborn as any Highlander and his commitment to protecting her makes me want to sigh. 

I read this book out of series order, but I am pleased that I have another Highlander book to look forward to reading.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Cullen Duffie's life changes when his grandfather names him chief of clan MacDonald. He can no longer stick to his roguish ways. Now his clan will always take priority. He must be cautious in his actions, his two troublesome uncles are there to remind him this fact every day. He understands his responsibilities but sometimes listening to your heart is more important...
Rose, that's what Cullen called her when he found her washed up along the shore of Islay Isle. She was badly injured and unable to speak. Now, even though she has healed she still can't remember who she is or where she comes from. But one thing is quite obvious from her speech, she is French. Her presence can cause serious trouble for Cullen's clan and yet he refuses to leave her without protection. She might turn out to be a murderer, thief, or even a spy but for some reason Cullen refuses to acknowledge that. Rose needs his help so that's what he will do, help her.
It's an interesting story, which starts with intrigue and mystery, and continues to surprise until the very end. I loved all the characters, it's well-written, and very entertaining read. I'd recommend this book to all historical fiction fans.