A lot late but I enjoyed Alyson’s debut historical romance. Loved the conflict and attraction between Darach and Caitlin! A wonderful, sexy Scottish romance!

I would recommend this book because the hero and heroines story was delivered with great entertainment and sensuality.

Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can’t be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help. When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what’s rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart.
This story was ok. I really liked Darach but I really didn’t much care about Caitlin. Her over the top innocence and tendency towards trouble got on my nerves rather than endear her to me. I’m not sure if I’ll read more from this author at this point.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This book started out promising but about midway through it got bogged down in the details. I would have liked a bit more character development or action; something to make me more invested in the characters. I just could not connect with them so this is probably something I wasn't ready for or just needed more time to appreciate them.

This is book one in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series and I thought it was a good start.

For one, men in kilts and stubborn maidens will always equal entertainment, and this one had a lot of it.

Despite the predictability of the story, I liked the characters and I cared for them. However, there were some moments that gave me pause and had me roll my eyes, yet at the same time I found myself smiling.

I’m actually looking forward to the next story.

Melanie for b2b

Gregor MacLeod must make peace with the warring clans and in order to do so, he takes one son from each clan to foster. Each of those sons will be grow up to be the Laird of the clan they were taken from. No one is happy with the choice, but must do as Gregor requests. There are five boys in all, Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr. They all band together and become brothers, promising to have each other's backs at all times no matter the cost.

When Darach MacKenzie sees reavers with an unconscious woman in their grasp, he cannot let it go. Stealing is one thing, but taking advantage of a woman is not going to happen on his watch. No matter that is his biggest enemy, Laird Fraser, in charge of the group; Darach is going to rescue that lass. He whisks the lass away and heads for home. He has no idea what trouble he has just stepped into.

Caitlin MacInnes wakes to discover an angel has saved her. No longer is she under the lock and key of her abusive uncle or Laird Fraser. Darach and his brothers have saved her and she will repay them in some way.
Caitlin believes by staying with Darach's clan, she is putting them in danger, so she devises a plan to locate her mother's family and leave the country.

Darach is intrigued by the beautiful Caitlin, but relationships haven't worked out well for him in the past. He knows Caitlin is the marrying kind so he's determined to keep his distance. When Caitlin mentions leaving, Darach cannot stand the idea of her traveling all alone to places unknown or to a family she knows nothing about. When danger threatens Caitlin again, will Darach be too late?

My, oh my! What a debut! Hats off to author Alison McLayne. HIGHLAND PROMISE is one of the BEST books I have read this year!! It is the beginning of what promises to be an amazing series titled THE SONS OF GREGOR MACLEOD. Ms. McLayne is a new-to-me author and I am so glad to have found her. Her talent with a pen is phenomenal as proven in her very first novel, HIGHLAND PROMISE. Ms. McLayne really breathes life into her stories. The characters, the events, the scenery... no detail is missed. Darach and Caitlin's story is beautifully written. Both are such loveable characters. Their journey is truly something to see. It is definitely going on my keeper shelf. In reading it, I fell deeply in love with the brothers. The camaraderie and love between them is ineffable. I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series, HIGHLAND CONQUEST.

Sadly, this book was archived before I had a chance to read it.
Under these circumstances any star rating is not valid.

Isle of Sky 1452

When Darach MacKenzie spies his enemy Laird Fraser abducting an unconscious female, he springs to her rescue regardless of the repercussions. Even if he'd known before hand what the cost of rescuing Caitlin would be, he still wouldn't have left a female in Fraser's grasp.

Caitlin is an innocent in all sorts of ways. She is like a breath of fresh air into the tight family group. It was fun seeing how she could shake up their daily lives just by being herself. At first it appears that she has been rescued by Darach MacKenzie, but as the story continues, I began to wonder who was doing the rescuing.

Darach and his four brothers were raised by their foster father Gregor McLeod with very little female influence. They are all well versed in caring for the safety of their clans, but they know little of the emotional needs of their families. Caitlin has much to teach them.

Author Alyson McLayne makes great use of humour in this book, she had me laughing along with the characters, especially with the perplexed Darach. The addition of the wee kitten was heart warming.

While the story mostly focused on Caitlin and Darach, we are introduced to his foster brothers. I learned just enough about them to want to read more. Fortunately, this is the first book in a five part series, The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, one book for each brother. Yippee.

3 Wine Glass #Review of Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne
*posting 11/14 @ 8pm EST

Highland Promise is a charming highland adventure full of romance and whimsy!
Caitlin MacInnes is being held captive by her uncle until he sells her to the loathsome Laird Fraser to be his bride.When a group of highlanders come across her strung over Fraser's horse, they decide to to make a little trouble for their hated enemy and whisk Caitlin away. When Caitlin awakes in the arms of an angel, she knows that he will protect and help her find a way to her family in France. But what will he do when he finds out the truth about her and Fraser?

This was a fun, lighthearted read from new-to-me author, Alyson McLayne. With irresistible Highland lairds in kilts, deadly clan feuds, a brooding hero, and a lovable, guileless heroine, Highland Promise is sure to please. The characters of this story captivated my heart. Darach will do anything to protect his clan, but after the betrayal of his fiance and ensuing death of his clan-mates, he has removed himself emotionally from all but his closest friends, and has sworn off marriage all together. Alyson though is having none of his dark and surely demeanor. She is determined to lighten his life. But Alyson has a tendency of takings things just a little too far and making a nuisance of herself instead. You can't help but like her and her child-like innocence with life. The repartee between Alyson and Darach is always humorous, when it's not charged with sexual tension that is. With a war looming in the distance, secrets that can devastate, and a fragile trust, do Alyson and Darach have what it takes to hold a promise for the future?

Danger, intrigue, and yearning kept me turning the pages of this book. Though Alyson's naivete was unbelievable at times, and the story-line lacked a certain pizzazz, Highland Promise was a sweet story that I enjoyed.

I love Historical Romances especially the ones set in the Scottish Highlands.  Who can resist a man with a brogue and a klit?  (Not me!)
    Highland Promise is the first book in a new series by Alyson McLayne.  The heroes in the series are all foster brothers brought together by Gregor MacLeod in hopes to bring a peace to the clans. The five boys are all next in line to be the Chief of their respective clans.  
    I liked everyone of the characters in the book.  A hero and heroine worthy of cheering for and a villain that can truly hate.  This book had it all.  No underdeveloped characters or a ton of info dumping.  Darach is your typical strong alpha Highland hero.  Our heroine Caitlin is very naive and considering her age and background it does make sense that she’s like this.  
    I am looking forward to reading more in this series.   It definitely one of my new favorites.  
    I received a ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A brilliant start to a new series. Loved it! I can't wait for the next in this series. HIGHLAND PROMISE is a phenomenal debut story for this author.

~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

Highland Promise is the first book in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series by Alyson McLayne.

“Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves.“

This is Darach’s story. He was betrayed in the past by a woman he thought to be in love with, and the betrayal started a feud between his clan and the Frasers. In present day he and his men discover Fraser with a woman they had obviously kidnapped as she was thrown over a horse and tied up. It’s no hardship for Darach to rescue the woman, and also take a beautiful white stallion that was with the Frasers. What Darach didn’t expect was that when the woman finally gained consciousness she would look into his eyes, and he would be lost in them.

Caitlin MacInnes is that woman. She is naive, she is sweet and loving, and the minute she sees Darach she falls in love. Her lightness of nature is amazing considering what she has had to deal with in her young life. Her parents were killed and she was taken in by her horrible Uncle who treated her badly. He couldn’t wait until she was old enough to be sold off to somebody in order to have him off his hands and to fill his coffers at the same time. Laird Fraser is a vile man, he is the one that pays for her (and the stallion). He has every intention to force her to bear him an heir despite the fact that she despises him.

All out war has been on the cards a long time between the two clans and knowing that Fraser would be gathering his forces and returning to Darach’s keep to take back what he paid for, Darach and his clan bring forward their plans to fight. It’s even more important for him now to rid the country of the Fraser clan because now he has Caitlin to protect.

This book could have been a very deep book with the kidnapping, murders, fighting between clans and the suspense of knowing whether Caitlin can stay with Darach. But it was kept from being too deep from some wonderfully light-hearted moments, including some scenes involving kittens! There were some beautifully emotional scenes, and of course the wonderful passionate moments between Darach and Caitlin. This book really had so much going for it and I was hooked from page one. I loved all the foster brothers and their father, and I am very much looking forward to reading each book in the series as it is released!

Highland Promise is a sexy and historically filled romance that will leave you with a smile….GUARANTEED!! It has been so long since I had such a fun time reading a highlander romance. Now seriously….this book was freaking hilarious, in fact, it was so witty that I had multiple of multiple bursts of laughter. This authors voice is so unique and quite frankly its been a long while since I have read an author that I enjoyed so much. I was pretty distracted and stressed this week or I probably would have read this faster.

Highlander Promise is a story that begins with seeing a Highland Laird take several boys under his care after defeating the clans that were against him. These boys are raised together and become adopted brothers. Darach MacKenzie is the oldest, and the leader of the group here. Darach has recently been burned by a woman he loved, who betrayed him and started a clan war. But when he rescues an innocent woman in the hands of Laird Fraser, he is suspicious but he knows that she is innocent and sweet if not a bit crazy. Darach is drawn to this woman in such a different way. He can’t deny how much he wants her, but there is something more than just physical attraction and he doesn’t know why he wants her in his life so badly. Caitlin McInnes, was forced to live with her uncle after her parents were killed. Now she is hiding a secret, of being forced and beated and drugged by the only family she had left. She now finds herself in the hands of another man, but one she is tempted to stay with instead of trying to find her distant family in France.

What a story this turned out to be. Quite frankly I adored Darach and Caitlin. They were such a good couple and they have some sexy chemistry. But what I liked about this book, is that the smexy part of the book didn’t overtone the story. There was such a beautiful balance in this story that just pulled me more into the story. One of the first aspects of the story that really made a difference for me, was seeing the bond between these men. All various ages of course, but they have each others back, tease each other mercilessly and they are such a fun close knit group. I swear I don’t know which one I liked more, but I can’t wait to get to know each of them more in future books.

The romance begins with some secrets and a mystery. Caitlin claims to have lost her memories. And Darch, well honestly he isn’t the leader for nothing. He sees right through her lies, and knows she is keeping something important from him, but he also realizes that she is scared and has no true family left alive that really cares about her. He knows that she has been through a nightmare and he gives her time to trust him and his brothers to take care of her and see her safe so that she can be more trusting and tell them what is really going on. There is a strong chemistry between them….but Caitlin drives Darach crazy with her schemes. Caitlin is such a unique and endearing heroine. She concocts these crazy ideas or thoughts and the MEN GO FOR IT!!!
Because they hate tears and an upset woman is worse for them. From getting Darach to adopt kittens when he hates cats….to convincing the women of the clan to thanking him….to many more adventures. I never knew what to expect from her, because she knows what she does, but Caitlin does it out of love and caring. Its not like she is doing things to be malicious or cruel, she is just trying to look out for the clan that adopted her even if its not the best way to go about it. But seriously, this heroine cracked me up!! I just couldn’t get enough of her antics and I would love to have her as a friend in real life because she rocked this story.

Overall Highland Promise is a stunning and vibrant romance that steals your breath, makes you laugh harder than ever before and is a full belly satisfying romance that will leave you hooked on this author!!

This story reminded me of a Historical Scottish Polyanna! Caitlin was innocent in every way and Darach wants to keep her that way, except in his bed! At times she seemed Too innocent. My only problem with the story was that she always acted before thinking things through, at times putting herself and others in danger. I did love how the "brothers" watched each other's back and accepted Caitlin as one of the family pretty quickly after meeting her. The part about her effect and handling of animals was a nice touch. I would like to find out more about her family and who they are!

Snuggle up with this hot Highland romance book on a rainy day.

4.5 stars - I haven't read anything by this author before, but will definitely be reading more of her. The characters (both main & side) we entertaining & they writing style was great. From beginning to end this was a great read, also if you like Julie Gar wood, you'll like this book.

Book: Highland Promise
By Alyson McLayne

Series: (The Son’s of Gregor MacLeod Series), Book #1.
Release Date: October 3, 2017

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


MacLeod Castle - The Isle of Skye
Scotland, 1432

It starts off with five Clans attacking Gregor MacLeod's keep and losing. As a promise to his deceased wife Gregor MacLeod must find a solution and peace among the feuding Clans. Gregor comes up with a plan: each Laird has to give them his heir, their oldest son for fostering. Each son is destined to be the next Laird, if their fathers do not agree they will be punished by death! Each Laird reluctantly agrees, with a promise they will see their boys again and MacLeod will not harm the boys in any way. MacLeod thinking with his head not his heart wholeheartedly agrees! He knows if they were his blood kin he would of asked the same. He doesn't actually see these lairds as bad men mostly just weak and misguided. Plus he knows his wife would of been proud of how he untangled this deceitful web! The five boys are Darach, Lachlan, Calum, Gavin and Kerr, whom become brothers and Gregor will become a devoted loyal foster father to them. As they become real brothers in truth from being fostered together, but also handsome, strong, good, honest, and honorable men as well. They use both muscle and brains, but always have each other's back, and will protect each other to the death! Yet once you add a bonnie woman into the mix, as well as their hearts - things become a wee bit complicated to say the least! Highland Promise is Darach MacKenzie's story.

Twenty years later...

Gleann Afraig (Fraser territory)
Scotland 1452
Scottish Highlands

Darach MacKenzie sees draped across a horse unconscious beaten young lass in dire straits and saves the young beauty. As she is in the clutches of his biggest foe the blackguard Laird Fraser.

Caitlin MacInnes see’s relief for the first time in three years since her parents death. Now maybe she will be able to escape from her villainous Uncle and the repulsive Laird Fraser he sold her to. She sees her savior Darach as an Angel plus he's very pretty to look at too. Quite the package yet she doesn't understand why he seems to back away from her.

Darach swears he will never open his heart again it is closed off to ever feel love again. Plus his former betrothal has made him distrust and turn his heart cold. This deceitful woman brought hatred and revulsion between his clan and possibly a notorious clan war! A war he and his clan have been waiting and preparing for. The problem is the beautiful Caitlin is warming his heart again sop he feel his must marry to one of his clan members asap! The problem is he can't see any other man with her besides him.

Caitlin is extremely grateful to Laird Darach and the Mackenzie's but hasn't been totally honest. As she just can't easily trust men after these past three years of torture and imprisonment. Plus after all this wonderful clan has done for her she doesn't want to be the cause and reason to put them in danger. Possibly even causing them death and herself recapture. A position she never ever wants to be in again she also knows she is naive and innocent when it comes to experience with men. She feels she must save funds so she can hire a ship to take her to her mother's family in France.

A family she has never met and this makes Darach's stomach turn. He knows the reality and evils of the world.He refuses to allow this innocent lass put herself in such a dangerous position. She could be raped or killed to undertake such a journey. Not to mention to be on such a long journey by sea and to trust people she has never met with open arms. Why they could be just as dangerous with evil intentions as the treacherous Frasers. Yet he doesn't want her to feel like she is his prisoner in his home by holding her against her will. He can’t take her to France himself with his upcoming clan war with the Fraser's. It would be just like them to attack his clan when he was away at sea. How can he convince her or will he ever open and listen to his heart? As he is allowing the past to cloud his judgements in so many ways.

To find out more you must read this excellent book! As I was totally blown away by the beautiful tale that Alyson McLayne weaves. Honestly it is one of the best books I have read this year! Darach MacKenzie, is a major drool and swoon worthy Highlander you can't help but love! Caitlin is so feisty, witty, kind and caring you can't help but adore!

This book grabbed, delighted and encaptured me right from the start. A total masterpiece and the idea of enemy Lairds who tried to attack a clan and lost is absolutely brilliant! However, instead of losing their life, the Laird’s all agree and allow this enemy to foster their heirs. It is the next son in line to be Laird. Laird MacLeod saw each son under ten years old. He could show and teach them how they can all live in peace and harmony as brothers. As they would always have each other's back, to care for and protect as if they were blood brothers!

This fast paced, non stop action novel is filled with riveting adventure, betrayal suspense , mystery, hatred, mistrust, healing, passion and love. It includes heart pulling scenes, plus how one wee Lass can change how a clan sees and treats their isolated and lonely Laird. A kind and caring man who always puts the clan and their needs first.

This book is also filled with a breathtaking setting, amazing dialogue and brilliant plotting. It has so many twisting and nail biting turns. I was holding my breath with anticipation as what could possibly happen next! It is the type of story that will pull your heartstrings and soften your soul, hoping the star crossed couple will take a chance on love!

Anyone who loves Scottish historical romance will not want to miss this epic story that will make your readers heart soar!


I can't believe this is Ms. McLayne debut! She writes like an experienced, professional, author that's been doing this for decades! I absolutely and unequivocally loved “The Promise” by Alyson McLayne! I can't wait for “Highland Conquest” the next son’s book in The Son’s of Gregor McGregor series

I received this ARC from Sourcebook publishers for for an honest and fair review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

The Son’s of Gregor McLeod series
By Alyson MacLeod
1)Highland Promise - Released 10/3/2017
2)Highland Conquest - TBR
3)Highland Betrayal - TBR
4)Highland Captive - TBR
5)Highland Thief - TBR

Buy Links:



https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Promise-Sons-Gregor-MacLeod/dp/1492654507/re


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-promise-alyson-mclayne/1125526098?ean=9781492654506#/

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/highland-promise-7

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Alyson_McLayne_Highland_Promise?id=l3wFDgAAQBAJ

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/highland-promise/id1203822542?mt=11

Such a great story! Darach and Caitlin were adorable and their love at first sight was swoon worthy! There chemistry was so perfect and the tension between them was sexy and sensual. This story has it all! It was heart wrenching, funny, suspenseful, and there were times I had tears in my eyes. I especially loved all the innuendos and how they went right over Caitlin's head because of her purity. Her innocence did get a bit tiresome but for the most part it was hilarious. Just a feel good romance that will make you tingle from your head to your toes.

This was a very enjoyable read, I hadn't read anything by this author before, but I really liked her writing style and will definitely be reading the future books in this series!

The book opens with the set up for the series, in which Gregor MacLeod has defeated five other clans and demands that they foster their sons with him. He will raise the boys as brothers and teach them to be honorable warriors. The fathers have varying reactions, but in the end they all agree.

Darach MacKenzie first meets Caitlin MacInnes when he rescues her from his greatest enemy, Laird Fraser. Caitlin has been beaten and is barely coherent when Darach saves her - she is grateful to him, but doesn't entirely trust him. So she only tells him part of her story - leaving out some very important details. Darach is attracted to Caitlin, but he has been burned by love and is not willing to let this woman into his heart, no matter how lovely or charming she is!

Caitlin is a delightful heroine, she is kind, naïve, innocent and funny, she also is trouble looking for a place to happen - no intentionally, but trouble seems to follow her, especially as she is a trifle impulsive. Even with all the problems she causes, everyone who meets her, likes her and she has a very giving nature and gift with both animals and people.

As Darach comes to know Caitlin better, the more he wants her, but marriage is not something he is willing to consider - or is he? Once he finally decides to marry her, all hell breaks loose and the secrets Caitlin has been hiding may tear them apart.

I really liked this book, it vaguely reminded me of Mary McCall's book - which coincidentally is also titled "Highland Promise". It is a moving story with characters that have suffered a lot pain and betrayal, but it is lightened up considerably by Caitlin's misadventures and charming personality and Darach's responses to her. The writing is good, the story moves at a good pace, it is amusing, has steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, evil villains, a soulmate type of love and a satisfying ending.

I did feel like the end of the book was rushed a little bit, but it didn't really take anything away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I would be happy to recommend this title and look forward to reading future books about the rest of the "brothers".

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.75 Hearts Oh how I loved this story! I picked up the book never having heard about this author. Maybe this is her first story or maybe I just hadn’t found her yet but she will be on my favorites list if she keeps writing like this. Not that the book is perfect. It isn’t. There are a couple of little things that brought it the hearts down to 4.75 but all in all this is a wonderful novel.

Caitlin is so naive and sheltered. She was brought up innocent and loved but when her parents died her cruel uncle took her in and she was sequestered away from the world so she is still young in what we would now call “street smarts”. She doesn’t get insinuations, she isn’t sure of people and how they will respond to her but she tries so very hard. She wants to please out of love and respect not fear but this poor thing manages to screw everything up by just thinking about it.

Darach is a hard highland Scot who doesn’t take s*** from anyone but when he sees Caitlin something in him changes and when he finally meets her Lord help him. He manages to bring his alpha Scot to a manageable attitude when Caitlin does things he can’t even imagine anyone would consider doing in their wildest dreams… like digging up his Abbey. But he is just so sweet to Caitlin. He quickly figures out that all she does comes from her heart. She is pure and sweet and doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body. And how he manages to soften for her is just so lovely.

I really loved this book. I picked it up every second I could. I fell for Lachlan and his humor. I can not wait for his story to come out. We didn’t read much of the other three “brothers” but I can only imagine that their stories will be just as wonderful.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.