Cover Image: Highland Conquest

Highland Conquest

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A historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands, lairds, a search for a traitor, and a little bit of spice.
I was hoping the story would move at a faster pace but for those looking for something that takes it's time and has lots of details, this book is for you.

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I'd give Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne, 10 stars if I could. A romantic read for sure. I recommend.

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I've read so many bad highlander romances lately that I've been putting off reading this one which was a huge mistake. Alyson McLayne has renewed my love of swoon-worthy highland heroes and independent witty heroines! Amber and Lachlan have that kind of romantic energy between them that keeps you turning the page, and the added mystery suspense was a perfect way to add a little raw emotion and fear. What a fantastic duo! Can't wait to get the first book in the series so I can catch up!

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In the second story of The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series I am beginning to warm up to this family’s dynamic. I found this story to move much faster than the previous book and that helped me enjoy it more.

The author does a very good job in taking me into the place and characters are all entertaining ad three dimensional. The story was fun and sweet and at times hot and heavy.

Now on to the third story.

Melanie for b2b

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The most I can say about Highland Conquest is it was...a Scottish romance. There were a few nice moments, but overall it didn’t leave much of an impression on me.

Amber MacPherson is an interesting character. She was abused (TW: for threats of rape) and held captive, but she managed to escape by sneaking out of the MacPherson keep dressed as a boy. She happens to be escaping just as Lachlan MacKay is doing a sneak attack on the castle, and not knowing quite who or what she is, he captures her. When the truth comes out and the villain temporarily escapes, he takes over the MacPherson clan temporarily, and they both try to figure out how to stop the bad guy.

I liked Amber, at least in theory. She’s a healer and she’s very good at it. I like that she quickly and competently helps Lachlan’s clan, even at first when he’s not sure he can trust her. She knows her herbs and medical treatments, at least what passes for medical treatments at this point in history, and she’s calm under pressure. She’s a bit wishy washy and naive, but largely that was due to the trauma she experienced for most of her life. Lachlan is ok too, I suppose. He’s brawny and tough and Scottish, you know the drill. He has some decent chemistry with Amber, but they move somewhat slowly, partly due to her inexperience and partly due to her past. Things don’t really heat up significantly until fairly late in the book, although it was sweet and sexy.

This isn’t my first book in the series (though you don’t need to read the first one to enjoy this one), and one of the best parts of the series is the interactions between the adopted brothers who were all raised by Gregor MacLeod. We get to see Gregor and the other brothers in this book, and their interactions are excellent. There is some great family banter, but I especially enjoy that the men discuss their feelings and relationships. It’s fun to read.

Otherwise, though, this book didn’t stand out that much for me. The villain is over-the-top and wily past the point of believability. There’s also a bit I didn't like where Amber and Lachlan are essentially railroaded into marrying. Sure, deep down they DO want to get married, but I wanted them to come to the conclusion themselves rather than getting pushed into it.

Honestly, writing this review I had a hard time coming up with anything I particularly liked or didn’t like about this book. This book scratched my itch for a Scottish romance, but that’s about all I can say.

Grade: 3 out of 5

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Highland Conquest is the second book in the Sons of Gregor McLeod series by Alyson McLayne. I did not read the first book in the series, but the important happenings of the first book are well explained, and newcomers can easily enjoy the read without feeling the loss- although they might want to go back and read it after some of the female characters that feature in that story are described.

Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber. Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan's treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she's threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.

Highland Conquest captured my attention from the start, and kept it through the entire read. I loved the unconventional meeting between Lachlan and Amber, and the slow growth of the relationship between the pair. Neither are looking for love, or plans to marry. I like how much they have in common, and the way they argue and spar their way through the book. Amber is strong and smart, and sometimes a little too perfect and beloved by her clan. I understand how that kind of adoration came to be, but it also felt a little at odds with the way some moments of the story played out. I like that Amber is independent and willing to do anything to protect or heal others. Lachlan is well written as well, and I enjoyed his patient and resilient pursuit of Amber. I also like that he was not perfect, he was impatient in his pursuit of his brother's killer, and did not always say or do the perfect thing. However, this just made him a more real and complex character. The secondary characters were interesting and just as well constructed as the main players. The complexity of the search for the bad guy, and the effort he puts into death, destruction, and depravity is quite stunning. So much more than I expected, and watching it all play out had me on the edge of my sit. I will admit that I spent most of the last moments of the book waiting for the last shoe to drop, and was still surprised with some of the turns the final showdown took. I enjoyed the ride as the pair found their happy ever after, and think that the small details that were left unanswered will be handled as the series continues.

Highland Conquest is a heart wrenching and warming romance with a slow burn. I think the complex, independent characters really made the read, and I just might need to further explore the series.

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I have recently become such a huge fan of this author, the first book just blew me away so I will admit that I was a bit nervous to see how book two would do in comparison and quite honestly I think I liked it even more than book one!! It had all the elements that I love seeing in a highlander romance. A sexy highland laird, a sweet but sassy healer for our heroine and a plot packed with intrigue and suspense and I honestly never knew what was going to happen next, this author just had me going on a roll here and I can’t recommend this book enough especially if you are fans of medieval highlander romances.

The story sets off when our heroine is in danger. She is a healer for her clan, but when her father is murdered, and a new clan chief takes over, killing all the seasoned warriors, and trying to force her to his bed, she escapes with some help of her clan. But she is looking to help her clan get free of their newest cruel laird. But then she runs into someone even more dangerous but a man that can become her aid and save her clan.

Laird Lachlan MacKa, has vowed for vengeance ever since his brother and his wife was murdered, and has come to the MacPhersan clan to kill their laid for justice for the crimes against his own. What he didn’t expect was to see a boy running toward them just as they are about to swarm the keep and the “lad” is about to give away their position. So he captures the lad and takes him to a cavern to be kept away not realizing that this lad is actually a woman who has her own need for vengeance.

But when the enemy escapes while overtaking the keep, both Lachlan and Amber join forces, and soon realize that they have more in common than just a man that has harmed them both, but they discover a love they never expected. But their enemy is crafty and it will take Lachlan and Amber and all of Lachlan’s adopted brothers and father to bring their enemy down and finally have the justice they have been waiting for.

This was one hell of a story and I honestly picked it up last night intending to only read “a few chapter” but turned out it kept me awake all NIGHT long because I just didn’t want to put their story down. I had such a blast with these fun characters. And I loved getting to know more of the Gregor boys, and seeing the father more. We do see more of him in this story than in book one and I loved the relationship this family has with each other. And how well Amber fits among them. Amber was a hoot, she is a healer of course, but her father taught her how to fight and boy can she pack a punch. I love how cunning she can be and at the same time is full of kindness and compassion.

The romance was simply so sweet and sexy, with enough sass and humor that keeps you entertained all throughout the story. I was so endeared by this story because of the connection that Lachlan and Amber have to each other. And man the feels in this book was to die for…..from making me laugh to making me ball in tears. Yep….this author surely knows how to work my emotions when I least expect it to happen!!

Well worth the read…a romance full of adventure, a sexy setting of the highlands, with passion and zest to make you crave more of this author’s work!! SPLENDID!!

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I haven’t read a historical romance in a while so I didn’t go in over-saturated with the genre. Highland Conquest (originally titled Highland Bride) was a fun read. In fact, it makes me sad I missed the first one in the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. I’m going to have to go back and pick it up before the third comes out. McLayne plans five books in this series, following five boys, fostered by Gregor MacLeod and raised as brothers to strapping warriors and leaders.

Even though McLayne is a solid, award-winning author, the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series is her first foray into historical romance. She hits it out of the park with sexy, feisty, and strong characters—especially Amber MacPhearson. She’s the kind of loyal leading lady you’re sure you’d be best friends with in real life. Amber is opinionated and will do anything she can to protect her clan from the evil Laird Murray. After being stalked by Murray since she was seventeen, she has determined that she will never marry. Enter Lachlan MacKay…

Lachlan doesn’t want to marry either, but is drawn to Amber even before he knows who she is or what she means to him. His pursuit of Murray, who murdered his brother, leads him to Amber. Together they scheme and work for his capture. Together they have amazing chemistry—although in a refreshing approach, they don’t consummate their relationship until they’re actually married. Of course there’s a whole lotta foreplay before that.

The banter is smart and even amusing. I only stumbled across one line that was so out of character that I marked it. After circumstances require Amber cut her famous copper locks, this big, kilt wearing warrior says, “Your eyes look wider, and your cheeks…they’re so high.“ Whaaaaat?! No matter how aware of her he was, there’s no way that though would have even crossed the consciousness of a big, burly Scotsman. But that was really my only criticism. The rest of the story flowed and reached a satisfactory conclusion.

The cover art for this series, while typical with men in kilts—is some very fine men in kilts that are not overly stylized. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall during that photo shoot… Grab this one up!

My Rating: A, Loved It

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The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2, This can be read as a stand alone. This is my first Alyson McLayne book and it won't be my last, I want to read the first book in the series because that brother sounds just my type of hero. Lachlan McKay is a good character, I love how he got awkward around Amber when he would give her little trinkets to try and win her over. Lachlan is the second born son he wasn't supposed to become the Laird to his people but then his brother and sister in law were murdered, Lachlan has never given up looking for the murderer and now it seems he finally tracked him down. Amber is smart and stubborn and hates to her own beauty, it's caused her nothing but trouble. She's even more so stubborn when it comes to Lachlan because she's trying to guard her heart. Amber Macpherson has spent the last five some odd years protecting her clansmen and herself from the evil Machar Murray who killed their Laird, all his lieutenants, and anyone who stood against him; including Amber's father. For the first couple of years Amber had her grandmother there to help her thwart off Murray's unwanted attention, pretending to a witch and threatening to curse Murray kept him away from Amber. After her grandmother's death Amber was only able to fend him off for so long and now she's faced with leaving her clansmen or Murray finally getting his hands on her.

Amber cuts her hair and dresses like a boy and manages to escape over the keep's walls. Amber's escape is waylaid by a group of big highlanders who were getting ready to storm the keep and kill Murray, Amber has no problem with that she just doesn't want them to either hurt or kill her people. Still thinking she's a boy and a risk to their mission leave her tied up. That doesn't hold her she gets back to the keep just in time to learn Murray's escaped. Lachlan feels oddly protective over the woman who dressed as a boy, he admires her skills as a healer and how she treats people and he wants her more than anyone else. With Murray gone the MacPherson's finally have their home back but no laird, Amber kind of bullies Lachlan in to the job, but since he is still trying to kill Murray and Lachlan knows Murray's obsession with Amber is going to keep him close so he becomes the MacPherson's new Laird. They devise a plan to lure Murray back but Murray is smart and sneaky and has had five years to make an escape plan, and all that just makes you hate him more.

The romance between Lachlan and Amber is kind of funny, the attraction is there and Amber almost doesn't know what to do with it after fighting off Murray she has started to view intimacy as a form of abuse, she's scared of it. Lochlan sees how she treats her other men in the compound when they give her things and so Lochlan tries to be smart about it and just ends up acting like a teenager with his first crush, it's adorable. They can't help but fight with each other and it really build up the sexual tension between them. Lochlan little by little shows Amber by action and by words that she can trust him with everything even her heart.

Overall, it really was a great read. It was funny and romantic, and there were some scenes in there involving Murray that were pretty intense. I loved the writing, the active setting was well done the character building really brought them to life and the dialogue was witty.

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This is the second book in the series. I didnt think anything could top the first one but i was wrong. I absolutely loved reading how Amber tames Locklan. Both Locklan and Amber are against getting married. Amber has her reasons and fears on the matter. Most of hers stemming from her having to hide for the last five years against unwanted attention. Locklan is still hurt from the way his mother was, so his idea of marriage is warped and apparently not for him. These two couldnt be more perfect for each other. I laughed so much at the back and forth. There are so many funny moments between the brothers. There is so much going on in the plot that you dont have a chance to get bored. I read this over a weekend. I’m so excited for the next one in the series. I cannot get enough of these brothers.

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I'm going to give this one a middle score as I do not think I can fairly review this title. To be honest I did not like it however since I was unable to finish it I will withhold from reviewing.

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Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: HIGHLAND CONQUEST by Alyson McLayne https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aCn
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this highlander romance. HIGHLAND CONQUEST is the second book in Alyson McLayne’s The Sons of Gregor MacLeod Series, but it can be read as a standalone. I’m a huge fan of highlander heroes and this book definitely satisfied my obsession. HIGHLAND CONQUEST captured and held my attention. It was a good mix of danger, passion, humor and romance. This is the first book I have read by Alyson McLayne and I’ll definitely be reading more. I have the first book on my kindle and I added the next release to my TBR. I recommend this series for historical romance lovers looking for their next highlander fix.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️BOOK📚REVIEW 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️

Book: “Highland Conquest”
by Alyson Alison Pritchard McLayne

Series: The Sons of Gregory MacLeod, Book #2

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

Heat Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MacPherson Castle
Loch Eireachd, Scotland, 1452

The series of The Sons of Gregor McLeod, who turned his enemies heirs into his foster son’s. This was after beating their fathers in a raid against him, also to honor his wife’s last death request to bring peace and harmony to the Highlands. Gregory MacLeod lost his wife and biological heirs to death and never remarried or got over his wife’s death . This makes his foster sons his only true heirs.

Amber, the MacPherson Clan healer is running from her clan’s evil leader, she has no choice or she will end up dead! So with a little help from her close friends-she escapes after chopping her beautiful locks off and dressing like a lad. Unfortunately timing could not be worse as it is when Laird Lachlan MacKay was ready to take his revenge on his brothers murderer. The murderer is Machar Murray, laird of the MacPherson Clan though through force. The only reaason Amber had remained was to protect her clan. As Machar Murray has murdered many including her own father! Now her life is on the line and she has no choice but to escape!

Laird Lachlan MacKay never expected to become Laird, it was his elder brother who had been trained for this duty. Yet while on a pleasant fishing expedition his brother was brutally murdered. It was by a poisoned arrow by Machar Murray. Machar was hoping to over take the MacKay Clan. Luckily that never happened for he did not have to power or stamina to overpower the MacKay Clan! It has taken Lachlan five years to locate his brothers murderer! Now a young lad (Amber) he wasn’t expecting is an added complication!

This story is riveting, fast paced, romantic, adventure that readers will absolutely love. The murderous villain is obsessed with the beautiful healer, Amber MacPherson. A treacherous evil man who killed her Laird and second in command , which is Amber’s own father. The only way she can hold this evil Laird at bay is to use his fear of witches and supernatural. This is to her advantage since she is a healer.

Lachlan also did not have the best childhood from an abusive step-mother. He has trust issues too and never wants to marry. So this novel has many challenges to overcome. Amber and Lachlan bump heads a lot and both oppose marriage! Will they ever open their hearts and learn to trust and love?

You must read this spectacular novel and find out the conclusion? The secondary characters like his brother Callum, young cousin Adaira are both entertaining and endearing. Adaira, is a lass Amber instructs in self defense as her father taught her.

This book has all the elements romance readers love. The setting is breathtaking, the plotting is brilliant and the characters are unforgettable! A brilliant story from start to finish! I highly recommend both “Highland Promise” book #1 and “Highland Conquest”, book #2. You can also read as a stand alone book too. I find I want to know about each of Gregory MacLeod’s foster son’s. As I find this serie just both captivating and fascinating!

Alyson McLayne is a new voice in Scottish Historical romance that is amazing and magnificent. Each book in the phenomenal series, The Sons of Gregory MacLeod has been total page turners that I could not put down. I can’t want wait until the next Gregory MacLeod’s sons story is released!

I highly recommend “Highland Conquest” by Alyson McLayne. Another exhilarating book that historical readers will just adore! It is both phenomenal and extraordinary as I can’t recommend it enough!

I received this book From Sourcebooks Casablanca publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Conquest-Sons-Gregor-MacLeod/dp/1492654531/ref=nodl_

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Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne is book Two in "The Sons of Gregor MacLeod" series. This is the story of Laird Lachlan MacKay and Amber MacPherson. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Lachlan is looking to avenge his brother's death and is getting close to doing that. Lachlan and his men are close to attracting Machar Murray but they happen to see a 'young boy' sneaking away from the Castle that they are watching. So they grab him but find out pretty soon that it is women and not a boy. Amber is trying to escape Machar Murray the man that killed their laird, her father and several other people of her clan. Machar has taken a liking to Amber. Machar wants her but Amber has been smart about keeping him at arms link but using the man's superstition of witches to her advantage. But when he ended up locking her up in a room she was helped to escape only to be caught by Lachlan. Amber and Lachlan has a lot in common and both have a mind set to never marry but the closer they become the more impossible it is to ignore their growing feelings.
This was an exciting story and I will be looking for more books fro this author!

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A tough Highlander and a fiery healer created the prefect combination of animosity and passion. From their first intense meeting I was all in. This was an awesome story with drama and heat and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Amber and Lachlan had an unconventional first meeting and I was excited about where it would all go. I loved Amber and her strength, doing everything for everyone. She was fierce. I really liked Lachlan too, he was so sweet yet commanding. I enjoyed their chemistry and the build to their relationship. They both have things they believe they want from life and it makes things fun, complicated, and heated all rolled into one. I enjoyed all their ups and downs.

I liked the plot, the main characters, and the time period and challenges the characters faced. I liked the secondary characters as well adding a lot of fun to the mix. There were nice details and a good build. I thought there was a really good balance of heat, emotion, and humor, and thanks to a bad guy, quite a bit of drama.

This was an awesome read! I love a strong heroine that can stand her ground. Amber and Lachlan had a fantastic story. From the animosity to the heat, this was incredibly entertaining!

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

After reading the first in the series I knew I would want to read them all. The Highlanders are well in a word… yummy! There is something about a Scottish Highlander. If you haven’t been a fan of the genre you will be after reading the first two books of this series.

What I enjoy about this series is the fact that the guys are alpha but the women are strong as well. In this case Amber is a healer. She is confident and willing to do anything to be free of the her captor. The guys are worth reading about as well.

Something about this genre is exciting and makes me want to hop a plane to check out the Scottish hills (and men).

You will not want to miss this story/series if you love the genre. And if you want to try out the genre for the first time this is a great book to make you a fan.

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

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4.5 stars
Amber MacPhearson is desperate, years ago Machar Murray took over her clan and has been pursuing her ever since. It was not so bad when her father and grandmother were alive, but since their deaths, Murray has escalated his attacks, going as far as to break into her cottage, she has kept him at bay by pretending to be a witch, but now even that is not working. So with the help of a clansman, she cuts her hair, dresses as a boy and escapes. Only to be captured by Laird Lachlan MacKay.

Lachlan has spent the last five years hunting the man who killed his brother and tried to kill him and he has finally found him, Machar Murray is finally in his sights and he will finally have his justice. He is scouting the castle, when he sees a boy go over the wall and head straight for them, he grabs the boy and takes him back to his camp. Once there he learns his young cousin Adaira has stowed away in one of the supply wagons, so he ties up the "boy" and deals with Adaira. He and his foster brother Callum then leave to take the castle and kill Murray.

Amber is glad that Lachlan is going to kill Murray, but she is worried for her clan and as a healer, she wants to be there to take care of the injured. She tricks Adaira into releasing her and then overpowers her guard and returns to the castle.

Murray bolts, but not before he takes aim at Amber, she runs from him, right into Lachlan. Lachlan is floored to realize the "boy" is actually a woman, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Desire flares between them, but before they can act on it, Earc (the guard) shows up with Adaira, she was stabbed by Murray and left for dead. Amber uses the situation to her advantage, she promises to heal her, if Lachlan will take over the clan. He agrees and Amber immediately takes over, she tends Adaira and all the injured. Lachlan is both impressed and annoyed by her and worries for her health and does little things to ensure she is taken care of, including diverting the castle priest, who hates her and calls her a witch.

Once all the injured are tended, Amber rests and then goes up to a chamber to bathe. Lachlan walks in and they realize that Niall, the castle steward is trying to compromise them, there is an amusing scene with Lachlan trying to hide from him, so he doesn't end up wed to Amber.

Lachlan is frustrated that Murray escaped and they find several tunnels and bolt-holes, they have had no sightings of him. Callum speculates that he will not have gone far, he is obsessed with Amber and won't leave until he has her. Callum suggests setting a trap, with Amber as bait.

When Amber is injured during an ambush by Murray, the clan decides that she must marry, Amber agrees, but has rules, she chooses Lachlan, thinking he will refuse and is shocked when he agrees to marry her.

Lachlan cares for Amber and despite his best efforts, he has not been able to run Murray to ground or keep her safe. Murray is an incredibly intelligent villain, so Lachlan hopes with the aid of Gregor and his foster brothers, they will be able to outwit him and finally be free of his reign of terror.

This is a very well written book and is filled with non-stop action from the first page until the last, there are steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, amusing moments that keep the book from being too dark, an amazingly brilliant and supremely evil villain and finally a very touching and sweet HEA.

I really enjoyed this book and while it is not necessary, I am glad I read the first book in the series before reading this one. This book can be read as a stand alone, but if you want to learn more about Gregor and how he ended up with his foster sons, I would recommend reading Highland Promise.

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Highland Conquest, by Alyson McLayne is another entertaining historical romance in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series.

After his older brother was murdered, Lachlan MacKay became laird of this clan. For years, he has searched for the murdered to enact vengeance. While preparing to attack with one of his foster brothers and their clansmen, Lachlan finds a young lad running away from the castle and potentially ruining their mission, so he captures the young runaway.

Amber MacPherson is desperate to escape the evil man who currently leads their clan. After disguising herself as a boy, Amber runs right into Lachlan. Eventually, Lachlan realizes that Amber is actually a lovely woman, as well as a healer and officially leader in her clan. As the story unfolds, Lachlan and Amber continue to battle against the evil Machar Murray and his followers, while struggling with their attraction for each other and dealing with their meddling friends. While the themes of this story are dark and slightly suspenseful, there's plenty of humor and romance mixed into the captivating story.

Since it's the second book in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, it's ideal to start with the first book, Highland Promise, to meet the rest of the foster brothers and other characters. However, each book is a standalone, so it's not necessary to read the books in order. I'm looking forward to eventually reading the entire series.

Highland Conquest is recommended and geared 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.

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You are in for a wild ride with this wonderful book. The heroine is strong, smart and sexy without also being stupid and reckless as you see in so many books. The hero is also strong, smart and sexy without being overly domineering. He tries to be domineering, because he wants to protect her and her clan, but is smart enough to know that, ultimately, the decision is hers.

This is my first read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last. I look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series. I didn’t feel left-in-the-dark when I read this book without having read the first one, but I did feel as if I missed a lot of the history of how these men came to be ‘brothers’. I want to know them better and I think that first book will provide that ‘knowing’.

Laird Lachlan Mackay’s brother was murdered at the hands of Machar Murray and after five years of searching, Lachlan has found him. Lachlan’s men are in place and they are ready to lay siege to the castle. Suddenly, they see a man – maybe a boy – slide over the castle wall and take off on an old nag. They can’t let him go because he could give away their positions. The only thing they can do is grab him off his horse and take him back to their camp. The prisoner may be small, but he’s determined and fights to escape.

Amber MacPherson has spent five long and dangerous years protecting her clan from Machar Murray – who has taken over as Laird of their clan. He’s murdered the old Laird and all of the warriors of the clan, including Amber’s father. Murray also has an obsession with Amber and he fully intends to have her. So far, she’s managed to escape by pretending to be a witch because Murray is very superstitious. That all ended tonight – she found herself locked in his bedchamber – awaiting his return. Niall, the aging steward is helping her escape – through a secret tunnel – dressed as a man. Then, she’s caught, tied, and imprisoned in a camp of warriors intent on attacking her clan stronghold, MacPherson Castle. They are going to attack her people – her clan. She MUST escape and help the injured since she is their healer.

The siege of the castle goes well, with few injuries, but the villain escapes. As Lachlan and his men settle in, Machar continues to try to get to Amber and to murder Lachlan. As the weeks pass, they find more and more of the villain’s hidey-holes, but not the villain. Amber nor her clan will be safe until Machar is caught!

Lachlan and Amber become closer and closer even though each of them has vowed not to marry. Each has their own deeply held reasons for not marrying and for denying that they care for each other. Actually, they don’t even recognize that they do for a very long time. Everybody else can see it, but not them.

The villain is crafty and sly and he could have done so much to help the Highlands if he’d only turned to that instead of villainy. Machar digs hidden tunnels, uses poisoned arrows, sets traps for Lachlan’s men, kidnaps children and whatever else he can do to create havoc and get Amber.

Lachlan’s description (to himself) of Amber is that she is honest to the point of being rude, loyal to the point of putting herself in danger, funny to the point of being outrageous and so clever she made every other person in her vicinity look addlepated. WOW! Her clan simply calls her The Pride of Clan Macpherson and they all love her.

The entire book is exciting, well written, well-paced and the love story is heart pounding. The characters are very relatable, likable and fully developed.

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Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne is out of this world good! I have never been more excited to a historical romance. This Highlander tale was deeply engaging. Danger, risks, and romance all in one captivating read.  A strong female character took me by surprise. Amber MacPherson is both a lady and a warrior. She can make men listen to her demands. I loved how tough she was. Amber was also a caring sweet woman.  Her only worry was rape...a bad man, who is obsessed with her, has scared her from wanting to be intimate with any man, including her fiancé. Her fear was so strong it felt like it was my own fear. Amber is a lady who stands up for women to fight just like their men. Last but not least, is the sexy warrior, Laird Lachlan MacKay. He is attracted to the stunning yet fierce beauty, Amber. Lachlan does not want to marry but he ended up falling for a woman in every way possible...but first they must survive the danger chasing after them. Overall, I highly recommend Highland Conquest to all readers.

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