Twelve years ago Hamish left his home, his love and his birthright because it was clear the woman he loved was in love with his brother Robert. Hamish left and joined the McTiernay's elite guard and has refused to return home ever since.

Over the years his brother Robert has tried to get Hamish to return home and each time Hamish has refused. In an effort to finally cut ties with his brother, Hamish agrees to temporarily return and help his brother. Since the marriage of yet another McTiernay brother to yet another woman Hamish thought he could love, he is ready for a change of scenery. Helping his brother rid himself of his backstabbing commander Ulrick is just what he needs.

Maired is the younger sister of Selah, Robert's wife and Hamish's former betrothed. She is eager for Hamish's return and is shocked by the man who arrives....alone. Maired was expecting an army of McTiernay warriors and is dismayed that Hamish has arrived alone and has made it clear that he has no intention of involving the McTiernay's in this matter.

If Maired is shocked by Hamish, it is nothing compared to his reaction to her, she is no longer the little girl he remembered, but a fully grown beautiful, spirited woman and for the first time in months Hamish is interested, very interested. But since he has no desire to stay, he will just ignore his lust, at least that was the plan :)

As Maired and Hamish grow closer, the more the passion simmers between them and after a mind melting kiss - which of course they both agree will never be repeated, they begin to fall in love. It is apparent to the reader that these two are meant to be, but it takes them considerably longer to figure that out.

Hamish realizes that he loves Maired and he also realizes that contrary to what he thought, he has never actually been in love before. But he still refuses to act on his feelings because he doesn't plan on staying and he "knows" that Maired will not leave her family.

At times I wondered if these two would ever stop making assumptions about each other and finally talk, but the slow build up in their relationship really worked in this story. And when they finally marry, I was ecstatic! Even better, the story doesn't end there! The threat of Ulrick still has to be dealt with and Ms. Sinclair throws the reader a curve ball. I will admit, after the build up to the return of Ulrick, I thought it was kind of anticlimactic and I thought to myself - that's it, seriously? Well it wasn't! Ms. Sinclair still had a few surprises for her readers which include a visit from Conor and Laurel!

This book was well written, flowed at a really nice pace, had lots of twists and turns, sibling spats, multiple weddings, steamy love scenes, surprises galore, a soulmate type of love and a wonderful HEA.

This is the sixth book in the McTiernay's series, but I think it could be read as a stand alone title with no problem, although you would probably have a better understanding of Hamish if you at least read the prior book "Seducing the Highlander". I loved this book and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great Highlander story!

This is my first book to have read by this author and even though this story is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, it gives you a glimpse at some of the characters from the previous books and it was a very easy story to read and get involved in.
Hamish MacBrieve is a wonderful character, he is smart, sexy and easy to like and fall a little in love with. He has a deep and caring side and is always loyal to his friends and family alike. Mairead MacMathain is a headstrong young woman and medler but she is also clever and intuitive. She helps to run Foinaven Castle where her older sister's husband Robert Macbrieve is Laird.
Hamish and Mairead's characters have a great chemistry and fire going on between them throughout the story and it's exciting to see the inferno that finally explodes once they give into the inevitable. My only problem with the story is that Mairead was at first interesting to read about as she tries to find out about Hamish's plans to save them all from Ulrick but as the story moves on she became a little whiney and irritating and started to get on my nerves, but having said that she is still a strong character that grows and changes with the story.
This book has a great plot that was exciting to read and I found that it was very well written, it has plenty of action to keep you interested and you find yourself becoming invested in wanting to see where the paths laid before the characters will lead them. Any fan of historical romance that likes Highlanders will love this.
I really enjoyed this story and give it 4 Stars.

As promised, in return for this ARC, I am giving a fair and honest review. This book has it all. Well written. So many very complex characters. A story that shows fears, weaknesses, strengths and love. Oh and braw Scottish men and the strong women who love them. You will want to have this on your reading list.

Never Kiss a Highlander, by Michele Sinclair is an intriguing historical highlander romance.

After twelve years, Hamish MacBrieve is temporarily leaving the McTiernay clan to return home to Foinaven Castle, where his brother is laird instead of him. While helping his brother strengthen the clan and provide protection from recent enemies, Hamish falls for Mairead MacMhathain, who was only ten years old when he last left home and the much younger sister of his former love. Despite plenty of drama and secrets, Mairead and Hamish form a friendship that leads to love. Both characters are determined and entertaining, which provides an captivating story.

Since it's the sixth book in The McTiernays series, it's ideal to start with the first book to meet all the secondary characters, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order.

Never Kiss a Highlander is rgeared towards those who enjoy reading historical romances, particularly stories involving highlanders.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Detailed, draws you in wanting to read the other characters love stories.

I received a copy of this e-book and am leaving an honest review.

Hamish left his family's land 12 years ago, after a planned marriage didn't work out. The bride to be was in fact in love with his brother and while he wanted his brother's happiness, he didn't feel he could stay.

He soon made another life for himself. He became a guardsman with the McTierney Clan, in fact he has become part of the family. He has had several requests from his brother to return home over the last 5 years but he has ignored them. He has once again had another request and he doesn't feel he can ignore this one. So he returns home...

When he returns home, he finds that his brother is in danger of losing all. His family's hopes are that he brought an army to save them but he hasn't.

Can he save his family's lands? Will they trust him?

Mairead is his sister in law's sister, someone who idolized him when she was a child. She is also shocked he has not brought an army and he has told her that he will indeed be doing something but she is unsure so she has decided she must see what he is up too.

There are sparks between them though. from the first time they see one another again. Hamish doesn't really believe in love after some of the experiences he has had. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction grows. Both their feelings start to change but is it love?

I really liked this book! Hamish is just a brilliant man when it came to strategizing against the enemy. Granted, he had to have different scenerios if one didn't work out but that is war....

Hamish's brother and wife were not meant to be Laird and Lady. They were very passive and wanted to save the world, they wanted no adversity all they were doing was weakening what they had with no loyalty from those taking from them. Mairead in fact did most of the real work although she never really received the recognition.

This couple will be the beginning of many a strong generation....

Michele Sinclair has written an intriguing world of honor, second chances, and Highlander intrigue. Never Kiss A Highlander is book #6 in The McTiernys’ saga.
This would be my first book and title by Michele Sinclair. I didn’t know this was part of a series. So, these books can be read as a stand-alone to the rest of the titles.
This book was slow in some places but really picked up its paces towards the end. The chemistry between Hamish and Mairead was okay. I will chalk this story up as a feel-good story with a twist of intrigue to make it interesting.
But if you’re a big fan of highlander romance, this would be one for your shelves.

It just kept going!! I'm not really sure exactly how long this book was, but it took me a while to finish it, 2 days, and I normally finish books very quickly, too quickly. So good, all the characters were easy to love, I was glad there were no loose ends either. Loved it! Can't wait for more!!

Hamish is a fierce warrior that escaped his home and responsibility for his brother and hoped to never go back. But his brothers lax rule has him coming back. Mairead hasn't seen Hamish in years and has always had a crush on him but Hamish is not the same man who left and she is angry he won't share his battle plans with her. Together they will have to out stubbornness aside and learn to trust the other.

What a roller coaster of emotions between Hamish MacBrieve and Mairead MacMhathain! Would they ever stop fighting long enough to realize the depth of their feelings? Hamish reluctantly returns to his childhood home to help his younger brother Robert, who lies ill. Robert asks Hamish to be his Commander and against everything Hamish believes is wrong with Robert's gentle rule as laird, Hamish agrees, only because a power-hungry guard, Ulrick, threatens to topple Robert's rule. When Mairead wants to help, Hamish keeps his plan of dealing with Ulrick secret, but that's when the sparks begin to fly. Mairead is relentless in her pursuit of knowing all and Hamish is just as relentless in keeping his plan secret.


Ms. Sinclair is a very talented author and does an excellent job of slowing building the relationship between Hamish and Mairead. These two had an instant attraction, but neither would admit it. As details of the power-hungry Ulrick emerge, all the random things Hamish has been doing while at the castle start to solidify into a great strategy with the least amount of bloodshed. I really loved Hamish and while I found Mairead to be annoying at times, when her motives finally come to light, she is a strong and capable Highland lass trying to protect her sister and Robert. My only slight criticism was that the final scene between Mairead and Ulrick--it seemed a little rushed especially compared to the rest of the book. All in all, I found this to be an excellent read and fans of Scottish romances will definitely enjoy this book.

Excellent historical romance with a good solid plot. Well-rounded characters. Thanks!

I really liked "Never Kiss a Highlander" by Michele Sinclair, it's a solid 4-star read. Hamish has lived with the McTiernays for 12 years, since he left his home and gave up possible lairdship for his younger brother to marry the woman he was supposed to marry. Hamish's brother, Robert, has asked him to come home over the years, but Hamish never had any desire to return until this latest missive came. Robert needs help outing his current commander, Ulrick, and asks for Hamish's help.
Mairead is Robert's sister-in-law, her older sister, Selah, was supposed to marry Hamish and instead fell in love with Robert. Mairead has been threatened by Ulrick that he will kill her family and take over lairdship when he returns with bloodthirsty mercenaries. Mairead is determined to wed one of the McTiernay soldiers Hamish is sure to bring with him to defend her home.
But Mairead is in for an unhappy surprise, no soldiers, just Hamish himself. Mairead was only 10 when Hamish left, hasn't forgotten him, but really isn't impressed with his one-man show. Hamish refuses to tell her his plan to oust Ulrick and Mairead refuses to trust him that he can get the job done.
There is passion between the two characters, but some of their arguments were too drawn out and honestly made this reader tired. The middle of the book kind of dragged for me. Mairead arguing with Hamish, kissing, more arguments, kissing, and distrust - which really upset Hamish. A lot of back and forth.
It also took them a long time to declare their feelings and finally get together. I really did enjoy the book, there were some semi-steamy love scenes, but the characters could have been a bit more likable.