First book I’ve read by this author but have read other Scottish Highlander themed stories. This one is one of the best!
Here we find Amber, a healer, running away from the same man that Laird Lachlen MacKay is seeking for his brother’s murder. Even though neither wants to marry, their chemistry is irresistible.
The author brings to life an historical jaunt through the lives of Amber, Lachlan, and their clans. She portrays a strong heroine in Amber, which is rarely seen in historical fiction.

Although I hadn't read the first part of the Sons of Gregor MacLeod, the Highland Conquest is very easy to read without having met Lachlan, Darach, Callum, Gavin and Kerr beforehand. You'll meet them in this book as well.

The story starts with Amber, who is helped by her clan members to escape Laird Murray, the leader of her clan, since he has taken over their clan. Laird Murray is a cruel man and he threatens to take Amber as his wife in every sense of the word. As the clan's healer, Amber felt obligated to stay. By claiming she is a witch, she was able to keep Laird Murray away from her for two years. But growing into a wonderful young woman, Murray's lust seems to overcome his fears for Amber.

So, she sees no other option then to flee, dressed as a boy. But her escape is noticed by Lachlan and his army, who were on their way to avenge his brothers death. Lachlan takes her into custody, because he thinks she is part of the treacherous clan, who is responsible for the death of his brother. But Amber convinces him that her people have nothing to do with Laird Murray and she asks him to save her people by defeating Murray.

Lachlan is able to scare Murray away, so Amber declares him their new leader. But Lachlan doesn't want to be the new head of the clan and he certainly doesn't need a healer who is strong willed and has a mind of her own.

However, together they try to rebuild the life for the clan. But while Amber stays weary of man altogether and while Lachlan doesn't want to be married, they still dance around each other in a continuous attraction. When the other MacLeod's brothers arrive to help find the escaped Murray, we learn the reason behind Lachlan's fear of marriage.

But then, a series of incidents happen. Murray seems to be the culprit, but he turns out to be a sadistic character. A dangerous cat-and-mouse game begins between Murray and Amber. And soon Amber realizes she needs Lachlan to survive. Will they succeed in capturing Murray? Found out for yourselves in this wonderful historical story of Alyson McLayne.

Four out of five stars from me with a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Really liked this book. The struggles within the clan - the loyalties and the romance!

A good read with some good plot twists. The only reason I have this a 4 instead of a 5 is while I think our hero was likable enough, I don't feel like he was as developed as a character as he could have been. Amber was for sure, but it made things a little stilted not having him as deep as her. Overall I still really enjoyed it and would love more by Alyson McLayne.

This book was so good ! Highland Conquest is the second book in this rich historical romance series by Alyson McLayne. The author did a fabulous job of grabbing my attention and keeping me captivated until the end.


This series has a fascinating plot thread that follows the lives of five brothers of the heart. This book belongs to Lachlan MacKay and Amber MacPherson. I loved Lachlan and Amber and their passionate and tumultuous love affair. These two characters had to overcome many attacks from a devious but brilliant enemy. They had such a hard time of it from their common foe but there was also some personal trials to get past as well. Lachlan continued to deny his feelings for most of the story, and he made me so mad I wanted to leap into the scene to give him a good smack to shake some sense into him. I loved the humor between the brothers and the sly machinations from Amber's clan.


I loved everything about this book. Alyson McLayne's rich storytelling had me hanging on every word. I also can't wait to read the next book because I'm absolutely enthralled by this wonderful series.

Alyson McLayne has brought romantic history to life with HIGHLAND CONQUEST and if you have never been drawn to the genre, trust me, you will be now! Men in kilts, powerful warriors, women made of the sturdy stock needed to stand toe to toe or side by side with their men, you will find no shrinking violets or dashing dandies here.

Lachlan MacKay is a man on a mission of vengeance. Amber McPherson will be a prisoner no more. Their meeting was one of chance as Lachlan scouts the fortress of his enemy, the same monster who held Amber captive after defeating her clan. Disguised as a boy, Amber literally bumps into Lachlan and so begins their sometimes unusual relationship that centers on helping their clan, dancing around their growing attraction and their ability to drive each other to distraction.

Pages of action, beautifully detailed scenes and characters that are both humorous at times and deadly at others. It is easy to imagine the world they live as well as the strength and clan loyalty it took to survive. It was also easy to imagine how dangerous any injury could be and how “healers” were either suspect or heroes. And the romance? Priceless! Sure, there was that “something” from the start, but it grew slowly as Lachlan and Amber continually danced around the truth. Amber has her own fears that were completely believable and Lachlan, well, a man in his position had to be careful when choosing a wife, and besides, he wasn’t ready…or was he?

Ms. McLayne’s world is a wonderful escape into another time filled with adventure, danger and, of course, romance. ALMOST makes me want to go back in time … almost…

Highly recommended, for this standalone or better yet, the entire series!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca. My review is voluntary!

Series: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod - Book 2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 6, 2018)
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

The cover is eye catching and will grab a browser quickly. Strong female character is appreciated and the story was constantly moving, making the book read so easy that you didn't know how much time had past.

While reading this book I found myself reminding myself often to focus on what the book vs what it is not. It is not it's predecessor (which this reviewer found to be a madcap and funny book)- and that's okay.. I love it when an author turns out a brand new form. Excep, in order for that to work the new story needs to be solidly grounded in whatever it is and with this book I could just never figure that out. It's not funny. It's not powerful drama. It's not slow sizzle or heartwarming. It's a tepid mix of all of them, never able to go fully in one direction or the other, and was just not enjoyable to me. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't fun. I will continue to read the others in the series. I will not trash it online or to friends, but I am going to hold out hope that the author returns with a stronger 3rd (and 4th and 5th,) than this one was.

Gregor and the boys are back! Laird Lachlan MacKay has met his match in feisty healer Amber MacPherson. Amber has been coveted and lived in fear of being attacked by the very man Lachlan has spent the last 5 years hunting for the murder of his beloved brother. While trying to escape her tormentor dressed as a boy, Amber wanders straight into the arms of Lachlan who is preparing to breech her home to capture and kill his prey. Alerted, the prey escapes. Can Amber and Lachlan overcome their own insecurities to find their happy ever after or will the villain win the day? An exciting read with an entire chapter; and oh what a chapter it is!, on the best defloering I’ve ever read! DO NOT miss this one!

Really enjoyed, as good as book #1 and can not wait till the other brothers stories.