I received Highland Temptation by Lori Ann Bailey from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the third in her Highland Pride series but can be read as a standalone. It is also the first time I have ever read anything from Bailey and had no trouble following along.
Kirstie Cameron overhears someone threatening to kill her two brothers and starts to investigate. Alan Mackenzie has been aware of the plot and separates himself from his childhood friends in order to find out who is behind the perpetrator. In doing so, Alan finds out about Kirstie's investigation and realizes he most also protect her, throwing them together.
This is a wonderful childhood crush story. Kirstie has always loved Alan growing up. One day, she gets the courage to tell him only to be turned down. She leaves for three years but comes face to face during a meeting in Edinburgh.
Alan keeps telling himself that he isn't attracted to Kirstie, that she is a sister to him but he struggles to not kiss her. When Alan realizes Kirstie keeps putting herself in danger, he request her brother to keep an eye on her but as any sibling knows, it's too easy for Kirstie to slip away. Forced together, attraction continues to grow until it consumes them both.
Lori Ann Bailey has done a delightful job of creating aggravation on both Alan and Kirstie's part towards each other. Both are attempting to solve a mystery and save family. I could also relate to Alan's struggle with his issues about his dad and if he is just like him. Also, during a time when drinking was done every day, it most have been difficult to pretend to drink. #HighlandTemptation #NetGalley

Fantastic book, our author has most definitely not disappointed us, and given us another brilliant jaunt into the age of the Lairds and Maids of the past, I Ken a few folk who willnea want to miss it. (I have Scottish heritage).

This book has everything in a historical romance and more, from love thought forbidden, heartbreak, mystery, adventure and some naughtiness, our Hero and his maid definitely deserve their Happy Ever After and I highly recommend any who love historical romance or romance in general to try it.

Alan has lived with her family since his mother died. Kirstie told him she had feelings for him and he said he only thought of her as a sister. She then went to her aunts for a visit. Since her feelings have not changed its been three years since she left. Its 1643 in Scotland and religion is tearing the country apart. The Presbyterians want the Catholics to convert. Being Catholic Kristie overhears that at a meeting to try to find common ground, the Catholic leaders are going to be assassinated. Her brothers are in danger so Kymber decides to spy on the converters to find out their plan. But Alan shows up and things take an unexpected twist and turns.

Maybe 3.5 stars


Kirstie Cameron is trying to save her brothers. She overheard a plot by the Covenanters to kill any Royalist lairds that would not convert and is now trying to find out what their plan is so she can save them. She flirts with several know Covenanters and thinks she is making progress, but her plans are thrown into disarray when Alan MacKenzie arrives.


Kirstie is not sure if she can trust Alan, with her secrets or her heart. Alan grew up with her clan and she loved him as only a young girl can. When she was 17, she told him of her feelings and kissed him, but he told her the kiss was a mistake and she is like a sister to him. She left shortly thereafter to live with her McNab cousins and hasn't seen him for 3 long years.

Alan is also on a mission for the Camerons, he is pretending to have had a falling out Lachlan and cozies up to the Covenanters. But he can't help feeling protective of Kirstie - a woman he has loved, but has never felt worthy of.

These two are constantly thrown together - primarily because Kirstie seems to be a magnet for trouble and someone who makes a lot of impulsive (and very bad) decisions. More than once Alan had to rescue her from a dangerous situation. The old feelings are still there, but with the lives of her brothers on the line, now is not the time to explore what could be between them.

When a plan goes horribly wrong, will Alan be able to save her and get the chance to tell her the truth?


This was a well written, very fast paced story with a lot of action and intrigue. The secondary characters are interesting, the fight scenes exciting, the love scenes steamy, the history of the Covenanters & Royalists fascinating and the ending dramatic. But even with all that, I just didn't love the book, it was good, but it failed to grab me and I found Kirstie to be a bit annoying. Maybe if I had read the previous books in the series, I would have felt more invested in Kirstie and Alan and would have felt differently about this installment.

I really liked this historical read. Kirstie and Alan have great chemistry and the story has plenty of drama and suspense. I liked the characters and the chemistry is steamy for this second chance romance. An entertaining read.

I have to sigh as I turn the last page of another amazing story by Lori Ann Bailey. Coming back to reality from 1643 Scotland is a definite shock to my system. Yes, I felt like I was there with the wonderful prose and descriptions by the author. It is a story of many facets with a struggle for domination between the Royalists and the Covenanters. Kirstie Cameron of Kentillie has lived away from home for three years with her friend Blair MacNab, with the MacNab clan. You see, she had her heart crushed by Alan MacKenzie, whom she had practically grown up with, when she told him of her love and he did not return those feelings. So when meetings are arranged at McNab between the two factions, Kirstie's brothers and Alan came to participate.
Alan really considered himself a Cameron because their clan had become Covenanters and his parents were gone. He was taken in and raised by the Camerons, who are Royalist and he owed all his loyalty to them. He tried to think of Kirstie as a sister, but sometimes feelings have a way of overpowering the mind. Now thrown back together in a very tense situation, can they come together and declare the love they have for each other?
This story has so many parts. Secrets, plots to murder and people not always being as they appear. The tension and emotions between Kirstie and Alan flew off the pages and kept me hoping for the best. Such a great story that adds another chapter to the Highland Pride series and only leaves you wanting more!!!

Alan Mackenzie can’t believe it when his laird’s sister Kirstie takes on some foolhardy mission to try to uncover who’s behind the plot to kill her brothers. He may not be good enough for Kirstie, but he’ll be damned if anyone else touches her. But he’s undercover as well, and one false move could betray them both.
Kirstie Cameron’s brothers Lachlan & Malcolm are in danger, and if she has to flirt with the enemy to save them, she will. But her plans are hindered when the annoyingly handsome Alan Mackenzie refuses to leave her alone. He broke her heart years ago, and now he’s turned traitor & is working with the other side.
This is the third book in this brilliant series whilst this book could be read on its own why would you when all three books are awesome. It’s hard to believe that this is only the author’s third book it's so accomplished. I was drawn in from the first page & was totally hooked. It has everything, a swoon worthy hero, a feisty heroine, spies, intrigue & of course romance. If you love highlander stories then don’t miss out on a great read. I hope there are lots more books to follow, Malcolm deserves his HEA as do Blair & Finlay

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This was AMAZING!!!!

Lori Ann Bailey has once again written a winner! I couldn’t get enough of Alan and Kristie they had fire strength, determination and a fierce love for each other even though for Kristie Alan had broken her heart and trust long ago.
They definitely get a second chance at love they surely deserved it. Both of them are on a mission but it gets dangerous when Alan can’t bring himself to leave Kristie to her own devices. And God help any man that touches her, even though she’s making his life and mission very very difficult.

This had everything in a historical romance, brawny Highlanders, a feisty heroine steamy chemistry hold your breath action and a love that just explodes from the pages.
I can’t wait to see what is next. I do hope Finley and Malcolm get a story of their own.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

I absolutely loved this book. It's a great story that is well-written and some very interesting characters. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend to all historical fiction fans. It's definitely a must read romance with a touch of intrigue and thrill.
Alan and Kirstie have known each other since childhood. But now that their feelings are changing it's best that they stay away from each other. Kirstie makes it clear that she doesn't think of Alan as one of her brothers. However, Alan seems to be having a hard time with that thought. He doesn't think that she would be happy with him. She deserves so much better than him. That's why Kirstie leaves home and stays away for a long time. Now they both are thrown together in the middle of a conspiracy. They need to figure out exactly what's going on before someone close to them gets hurts. Together they will face a danger and might not survive it, at least, now they can be honest about their feelings. If they do survive it then they can think about a life together.
I think it's a great novel and I am glad I got the chance to read it.

.Kristie Cameron was tall but lovely. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Royalist who stood behind their king and were Catholic and the Covenanter who was Presbyterian and supported England. were fighting each other to stay true to their beliefs. Needless to say, she was Catholic. Kristie was trying to find out who wanted her brothers dead. Alan MacKenzie had grown up with the Cameron's and felt as the family would. He was here to find out who was planning to kill the Royalist leaders especially the Laird of the Camerons, his brother. He had convinced the Covenanter's of .his sincerity, that he was on their side.
I loved this story and enjoyed watching two lovely people battle over their feelings for each other while doing their best of protecting the members of their family. There were several bad guys that were making it difficult and killed a couple of Royalists. The plot was twisted but it was well written and left no questions. There is intrigue, spying, and bad intentions. It was worth the time to read and I am looking forward to her next book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Highland Temptation by Lori Ann Bailey is book Three in the Highland Pride series. This is the story of Alan Mackenzie and Kirstie Cameron. I have read the previous books, but feel you can easily make this a standalone book.
Alan didn't have a great childhood and due to that he was taken in by the Cameron's when he was around 11 years old. Alan, never felt he was good enough for the clan and worried about his past. So when a few years later Kirtie who now was 16 years old told him that she loved him he felt he had to turn her away and made it know to her that she felt like a sister to him hurting her so bad that she left
Kentillie and went to live with her best friend Blair MacNab at the MacNab stronghold. Alan couldn't tell Kirstie that he loved her and thought more of her than that because he didn't feel worthy of her. But now she is back at trying to find the people that are out to her her brothers. Alan has put himself at the fore front of protecting her but will he be strong enough to keep his true feelings from coming out.
Loved reading their story!

Publisher's Description:

Alan Mackenzie can’t believe it when his laird’s sister takes on some foolhardy mission to get close to every male in a rival clan, in the hopes of uncovering who’s behind the plot to kill her brothers. He may not be good enough for Kirstie, but he’ll be damned if anyone else touches her. But he’s undercover as well, and one false move could betray them both.

Kirstie Cameron’s brothers are in danger, and if she has to flirt with the enemy to save them, she will. But her plans are hindered when the annoyingly handsome Alan Mackenzie refuses to leave her alone. He broke her heart years ago, and now he’s working with the other side. She’ll never forgive him if he ruins her plans. But she can’t deny the attraction between them.

He can’t stay away. She can’t push him away. And the temptation could get them all killed.

Each book in the Highland Pride series is a STANDALONE story that can be enjoyed out of order.

My Thoughts:
This book is written in one of my favorite genre and with an excellent and well thought out plot.
Full of mystery, intrigue, humor, heartache and mixed in the discovery of a mutual love and attraction this third book by Lori Ann Bailey is a page turner and not to be missed.
With the political and religious differences of the times you expect certain things in this story and you get that and more.
Kirstie Cameron’s brothers are in danger and she decides instead of telling them she will be the one to save them by getting close to the enemy.
Alan Mackenzie can not believe that Kirstie is putting herself in danger. He has loved the lass for most of his life and will not allow anyone else to touch her even if he is deemed not good enough for her.
How will this well laid plot play out and will Kirstie and Alan find their Happily Ever After?
I gave this enticing and intriguing book 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. The romance and intimacy is steaming hot so I gave it 4 of 5 flames for heat
I have read and enjoyed all three of the books in this series. They all can be read as standalone titles and in any order but be advised that there are tie in characters and I think they are enjoyed more if read in order.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Overall, this book had an intriguing plot, and I wanted to see Alan and Kirstie get a second chance at happiness together. Kirstie was so young, insecure, and naive when they first met and separated. I think she benefited from the time apart to grow up physically and emotionally. She may have felt alone after departing but realistically she was surrounded by people who cared about her, and they gave her a sense of purpose.

This couple’s inner longing and self denial based on knucklehead notions deeply rooted in the past did have me cheering them on from the get on. I found it sweet how others around them could clearly see what they could not. Meaning, they were destined for one another.

At times, however, I started to feel the conspiracy plot was unfolding at a snail’s pace and the back and forth hand wringing somewhat exhausting. Even as a lover of relationship angst, I found myself growing impatient to see events put into motion so this couple could concentrate on their future together, especially after mid-way into when they finally caved into temptation and were intimate. For some time, you kept waiting for the proverbial other foot to fall due to all the talk and fear about what was sure to happen. Pulling and then pushing each other away several times added to the conflict.

Perhaps it’s just because my avid romantic at heart doesn’t like to see lecherous, potentially dangerous other men pawing at and vying for the attention of the leading lady, who has to pretend to be interested, while the hero has to stand by and watch it occur right under his nose that started to get to me. The fact Kirstie at one point seems to have given up on Alan enough she starts thinking about finding a suitable husband rankled my feathers, too.

Kirstie not protecting Blair, her best friend who has always had her back, from a man that she suspected wasn’t what he appeared did not sit well with me. Sure, the first time Kirstie couldn’t have stopped what happened. But, the second time I expected her to have done whatever it took to keep that monster’s claws off her bestie. Her sisterhood card took a big hit with me for not thinking quick on her feet and coming up with a better excuse to keep Blair with her. I’m not sure I will read Blair’s full story if it is written in the future. It was troubling to know another sweet, good guy friend of the family is in love with Blair and knows what happened.

So I’m a little confused on how to rate this book, folks. The synopsis sums up the storyline well. You pretty much get what is promised. There are a couple scenes where the heroine is roughed up, one in which is a disturbing, attempted rape occurs. Alan actually does end up more than once coming to Kirstie’s rescue in one way or another. At times when the odds were definitely against him. He does have the strength of character and muscle to be her alpha protector when needed. It just took awhile for this big lug to realize he needed to rescue her heart, as well, and that he alone determines his own future, not someone else’s past transgressions.

Title: Highland Temptation, Series: Highland Pride (Book 3), Author: Lori Ann Bailey, Pages: 289, stand-alone but part of series, second chance, very steamy scenes, relationship angst, OM want her, flirts to get close to enemy, attempted rape scene, heroine is kidnapped, gets slapped around/kicked a couple of times, virgin heroine, slow to come to his senses.

Book 1 - Highland Deception
Book 2 - Highland Redemption
Book 3 - Highland Temptation

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

I enjoyed this read. Kirstie and Alan had great chemistry and their path to an HEA was interesting. I felt the story got a little bogged down with history between differing religious views. Yes, I know it was a historical romance but I like my romance with a touch of history, not vice versa. That being said, I enjoyed the read and would recommend it.

Highland Temptation, third in the series, is a very well-written romance with the religious difficulties in the Highlands as its centerpiece. Alan and Kirstie were raised together and fell in love as they grew up. Alan felt he could not think of her as more than a sister or it would be a betrayal to the family who took him in and raised him. At 17, Kirstie declared her feelings for him, but was rejected. She left the next day due to the heartbreak. Three years later, they are now in the middle of the religious disagreements.

Alan has infiltrated ‘the enemy’ to find out their plans and to protect those who are his brothers. Kirstie is struggling with the possibility he is truly now against her family. She has overhead a plot to murder her brothers and, again, is not sure if he is involved. Either way, she is going to do everything she can to protect her brothers, which includes a little breaking and entering, a lot of flirting and a bit of mischief.

The relationship between Alan and Kirstie is sweet and real. Alan is trying to do everything he can to protect Kirstie. She begins to see little nuisances between her brother and Alan making her think more was going on between them. But, she does not leave it to them to take care of the situation. Although I found her to be a very strong female, she did seem a bit too meddlesome which causes more trouble than she needs.
This is a really strong book in romance, sensuality and history. You will thoroughly enjoy it.

The Highland Guard and His Lady is a romance built around the true story of the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. The story is set in the real location of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland in the year 1567. Bailey skillfully weaves truth with fiction bringing to life actual events through the lives of her characters. Captain Duncan Douglas is the Queen’s Captain of the Guard and cousin to the Queen’s Consort Lord Darnley. While protecting the Queen’s residence, Duncan meets Lady Leslee MacKinnon. Leslee has a hidden talent that only a few know about. The more attracted she feels to Duncan the more she wants to share it with him. But will he accept her as she is or turn away as others have in the past?
“As his regard lingered on her, she felt her cheeks warm. His mouth turned up and he leaned into the wall to watch her. The casual gesture heated her further as her thoughts turned to what it would feel like to kiss him.”
Bailey does a great job blending true events with a romantic tale.

Whilst I have not read books in this Highland series, I did enjoy the characters and the storyline.
This story follows Alan Mckenzie who has been attracted to Kirstie since he was adopted into the Cameron clan. However, he has spurned her attentions, believing himself unworthy of her. They find themselves thrown together when they are in Edinburgh, both working undercover. Neither of them realises the others plans but find themselves caught up in this dramatic tale.
This story has all the ingredients: suspense and romance, thrown together with two headstrong characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is set in a very volatile time in Scottish history. Clans were set against each other because of religious differences.

Alan Mackenzie has gone undercover to discover just what the plans are for the royalist clan chiefs who refuse to accept the religion being pushed on them by Parliament.

Kirstie Cameron left her own clan to stay with a friend because the man she wanted didn't want her. Now she must face him again, but it looks like he is betraying her family. Murder is being planned, she must discover who is involved.

An emotional and exciting story full of danger and nasty and nice characters. Our heroine has got a silly habit of not doing as the men in her life tell her to. That can be very dangerous. Our hero has spent his life battling the demons of his past. Can he put them to rest and accept what life now has to offer??

Great fun.

A wonderful story from beginning to end. I could not put it down. Lori Ann Bailey I a great storyteller. I really enjoyed the journey to HEA.

This was my first experience with Lori Ann Bailey and boy am I glad I got to read this one! I instantly became enraptured with Alan and Kristie’s road to HEA. So well written, I could turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next! I loved this story!