First off, I completely loved Dunn (Duncan). A huge soft-hearted teddy bear....that is, unless he's on the battlefield or competing in a tournament. There you will find an undefeated fierce Highlander. His soft spot is for Mairi and has been for many years. When his laird breaks their betrothal, Dunn steps in to offer for her hand only to be turned down by Mairi's father. Her father wanted nobility for his daughter.

As Highland games tend to be violent and intense, Mairi decides to escape into the woods for a quiet moment only to be attacked by dragoons. Dunn saw her leaving the tournament and ran after her. From that moment on the two were on the run. You'll have to read the story to find out who and why.

For the whole story filled with history, passion, and intrigue... read the book. One thing I love about this author is the historical accuracy in her novels. This one didn't disappoint. I was given an ARC of this book from Netgalley and am offering a review of my own free will.

Love, loved The Highland Chieftain!! Ms Jarecki always has a way of making me feel as if I've truly fallen into one of her books and am apart of them. I adored Dunn and Mairi's story, I cannot wait to read more of this series!

Rollicking romp across the Highlands…

Political intrigue, nobility vs commoners and, of course, romance fill up another great read in the Lords of the Highlands series. Mairi had been spoken for since she was a young girl but when jilted, Duncan seized his chance to stake his claim. When that went spectacularly wrong, the games really began!

I really enjoyed this rollicking romp through the highlands treacherous terrain (and weather!). Chased by the English, they found themselves on the run, in close quarters, with all the time in the world to sort out their differences. Misunderstandings have no place in a life or death situation so sorting out their problems was second only to saving themselves. The chemistry was high, in each touch and conversation, each day bringing them closer to safety, and each other…

If you are looking for a well-written historical romance with handsome highlanders and brave heroine than this series, this series, then you have found it!

Not too bad.
It was just an ok read for me. It had all the great stuff: feuds, fighting and hot highlanders and passionate love

Mairi sees her life in shambles. I see she is her own worst enemy when it comes to self-esteem.
She was betrothed as a young child to a boy child destined to be the earl of Seaforth, and her life was planned for her, which made life pretty easy, and rather suited her. But the unbelievable happens – the groom to-be breaks off the betrothal to marry someone else. Mairi is beyond humiliated, wishing to stay home and never show her face in society again--from the butterfly of the party to a dismal existence.
A certain Duncan MacRae, chieftain of Clan MacRae obviously had felt sorry for her because he asked for her hand. She only became further embarrassed. She would take no pity from someone who only would pick up the shattered pieces of her existence. Her father made that clear to her – the man only felt sorry for her.
Her father forces her to go with him to a gathering at Urqhart Castle. He wants her to marry well – perhaps a peer of the peerage. He will force her hand if necessary!
Duncan MacRae, even though a chieftain, who works to protect Seaforth and family has always been smitten by the spitfire, Mairi. She is so vivacious. When Seaforth begged off on the marriage, Duncan presented himself to her father to ask for her hand. Alas, she was not to be his.
Duncan is part of the festivities at Urqhart Castle and can’t keep his eyes off Mairi. While in the middle of the games, redcoats show up itching to make trouble and trouble they bring.
Where is Mairi? She traipses off into the forest just before they show up. Duncan notes redcoats take the same path.
Duncan isn’t in control of his emotions as he chases the men. He finds Mairi with her skirts up around her waist fighting off three lewd men.
This scene is terribly exciting as danger surrounds Mairi and now Duncan for having killed three men. He wants to keep Mairi’s reputation and honor intact, but as events unfold, it begins more and more difficult to do so.
Author Amy Jarecki keeps the tension coiling as they are chased through the highlands, but a Highlander knows his way better than any Redcoat while a Highland lassie pulls strength from her innerself. Now Mairi’s father is working against Duncan The man who saves his daughter is now being hunted with a bounty on his head!
You will simply love this nail-biting tale. I, as a reader, highly recommend Jarecki’s work. Don’t miss the rest of the series. She'll keep you entranced.

I adore Amy Jarecki books, and this one, naturally was no different. If you’re a fan of big Scottish Highlanders then this, my friend, is right down your alley.

With amazing prose, detailed descriptions of everything that somehow makes the book less boring and more interesting (like magic I now), and incredible love scenes that will have you grinning from ear to ear. And that’s just the first few chapters 🙂 Her books always captivate me from the start. This one was no different.

After being jilted at the altar, Mairi is devastated, and like an idiot Duncan decides that the best path to take is to offer for her hand and “rescue” her, but Mairi has a mind of her own and since when has she ever needed rescued? I love that you have this very contemporary love/hate relationship from the beginning. He’s always pined for her and she’s only ever thrown him breadcrumbs, and now he wants to be the white knight. I love how strong of a character she is, that she doesn’t need saving, nope she saves herself and she’s good for it too. She secretly pines for him and when they are forced to spend time together after her injury and a surprise attack, you can see that both of them are done avoiding their feelings. The sexual tension leaps off the pages and the obsession they have with each others eyes 😉 Swoon.

I loved every part of it and I know anyone who adores Scottish Romance will too. Great historical detail is always an added bonus and Amy knows just the right amount to include to set the scene but not pull the reader out of the story. Well done, five roses.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Going to try a different way to write the review so please let me know if it works.

Plot: The book had a good plot and storyline. It isn’t just one where we have insta-romance and they fall into each other arms. We see our two main characters, Dunn and Mairi, with different lives but coming together due to one incident. That incident thrusts them into danger and Mairi finding out who Dunn truly is but also sees a different side to her father. A side that is hard to swallow. A nice twisty adventurous plot and story.

Romance: A slow burn as Dunn figures out how to show Mairi who he is while not overwhelming her with his feelings. Mairi must discover herself and her strength before she can think of love and it is Dunn who helps her with this. We have great chemistry between them but also a nice interaction where they discover each other in a somewhat natural progression under the circumstances.

Characters: Love Dunn he is gruff around the edges but kind, smart and loyal. He encourages and respects Mairi as well as loves her and wants her as a partner and equal. Mairi is learning who she is and finding her way. When I first began the story she wasn’t my favorite because of how she thought of Dunn but you do find out why and you growl. Over time you see what Dunn sees in her and you fall in love like he does. Her father though you understand where he is coming from a little bit you can’t quite excuse his actions. He loses sight of what truly matters and I was angry with him.

Overall: The story flowed nicely and had a plot and story that keeps you in the book. You get a romance filled with danger and discovery. Discovery of ones self, of others and of your feelings. Dunn and Mairi captivate you with their story and how they find their way to one another and fight for each other and their love.

Book: The Highland Chieftain by Amy Jarecki

Series: Lords of the Highlands, Book #4

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

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts


Mairi MacKenzie
Duncan MacRae
Dunn

Scotland 1711
En route to Urqhart Castle

Mari MacKenzie has been rejected and her tender heart has been shredded into pieces. As her betrothed goes and marries his ward. A man she has been betrothed since childhood. Just thrown away like a piece of garbage by her betrothed! Totally humiliated and ruined, yet her Da still expects her to move on and go out in public to another fete with music dancing and eligible young men! She knows all the gossips and old biddies will be talking about her humiliation! It was the last thing she wanted to do, but she was a dutiful Earls daughter after all. Her Da just wanted her to move on and cheer up already, to mend his lassies broken heart.

On their way a rider stopped their coach it was Laird Dunn MacRae. A braw rogue that gave her butterflies. Yet she feels he just feels sorry for her by his half feeling proposal and doesn’t feel any real feelings for Mairi.

Dunn has been in love with Mairi since she was a lass of 15. He never acted on his feelings due to his allegiance to her former betrothed. Yet after that relationship ended, he revisited his feelings and offered to court Mairi, with the intentions of marrying her. Her father the Earl, flat out rejected Dunn cruelly! He told him Mairi could do much better than the likes of him! As if Dunn were a piece of dirt on the bottom of his boot. Dunn was furious and having his heart destroyed! He swore he would have nothing further to do with Mairi MacKenzie again! Yet her father felt he was not a nobleman or titled, was not good enough for his daughter rejected Dunn flat. Mairi doesn’t believe Dunn’s feelings are sincere and he’s only offering out of pity and feeling sorry for her!

As they both attend the Highland games they both stay far away from one another. Dunn due to her father’s rejection of him not being good enough. Mairi feeling he only offered because he feels sorry for the rejected lass. Yes he is a hardened warrior with many responsibilities, but he’s always had a soft tender spot for Mairi. Then she is abducted by the bloody English redcoats and he will do anything to get her back.

Mairi’s father is sure it is is Dunn who has kidnapped Mairi and puts a price on his head! Offering him captured dead or alive! Dunn will do anything to rescue and get Mairi out of danger.

As they soon spend time together and straighten out their misunderstandings. Their feelings turn to love but her father is still a big obstacle just as the redcoats are. Who will win this battle of the heart for these star crossed lovers?

A fast paced page turner with non stop action! Another riveting Amy Jarecki adventure that is full of emotion, rejection, betrayal,suspense,mystery, treachery,
misunderstandings,hatred,
broken hearts, abduction and so much more. In addition rescue forgiveness, faith mending hearts, passion and love.

Amy Jarecki pens another beautiful novel from start to finish. It has all the elements Scottish historical readers like myself love. I loved it even more since my true Scottish ancestors the MacRaes are one of the hero’s. That just made my heart race and gave my own stomach butterflies!

The setting and dialogue was phenomenal, characters were magnificent and the plotting was brilliant! This is the fourth book in the Lords of the Highlands series. A book you definitely want to read! You can easily read this as a stand alone book or in series order.

It really is a beautiful story that any reader would love. I highly recommend The Highland Chieftain by Amy Jarecki

Lords of the Highlands
By Amy Jarecki

The Highland Duke
The Highland Commander
The Highland Guardian
The Highland Chieftain

Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Chieftain-Lords-Highlands/dp/1538729601/ref=nodl_



I received this book From Grand Central Forever 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.

Love this series!!! I was excited I got accepted to read this book. I discovered author last year and bought first book and I was hooked! Can't wait for second book!

The Highland Chieftain is my first novel by Amy Jarecki. I met Amy at Lori Foster’s Reader and Author Get Together this year and decided to try one of her books. If this is a sign of her work; I am hooked.
Dunn is a hero in every sense of the word. From his physique to how he takes care of his clan to his letters and dialogue with Mairi. I am smitten. The book has a great cover but Amy’s descriptions of Dunn make him even more attractive.

Mairi was a very likeable character. It appears as if her story may have started in a previous book where her betrothed breaks their engagement for another woman. She is humiliated but not really heartbroken. I also enjoyed her banter with her best friend Janet, and look forward to reading Janet’s story in the next release.

Amy created a beautiful scene when Mairi and Dunn were on the run. You could imagine you were there hearing the waterfall and feeling the icy water while they were hiding in the cave.

Let me also admit that I am not usually a fan of historical romance, but I am now a fan of Amy’s historical romance. She creates characters that you will love no matter which year they are living in.

Sex - there are physical scenes with some description; there is also a conversation about waiting until after they are married once they are on the run again. For a secular book they did have a conversation and guilt over premarital sex which you typically would not see.

Violence - 3 - three men try to accost Mairi, but are killed as a result, a few other deaths from fighting to defend themselves; someone has a knife to her throat.

Language - they use the phrase Jesus Christ and Jesus Saint Christopher Christ 13 times, goddamn - once,
Drinking -I don’t recall anyone getting drunk; they drink at their meals which typical for a historical

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Look folks, I can't say how happy I was to have found this author. Show me a Laird with some integrity, and I'll show you all of my Kindle money. Seriously. And, ya wanna know the cool thing? Amy Jarecki has more books out there. So, I'm broke now. 

This particular book is exactly as the blurb says. There is nothing in advertisement that isn't delivered within the pages of the story. You get what you ask for and you get it in a way that holds you for as long as it takes to read the entire story. 

Starting with the main character, Mairi MacKenzie, I'll say that she is someone I would want to be my friend. Her range of feelings throughout the book are very human, which a reader tends to appreciate. Though she is a strong character, she isn't out of touch with reality (her own reality, that is). Maybe the author knew someone like her and that's why Mairi turned out to be a character I felt I knew. 

Dunn, on the other hand, was just as real, but somewhat of a different sort--and that's not a bad thing. Who doesn't love a highlander with a heart of gold? He was very well written and a very realistic match for Mairi MacKenzie. 

**This review will post in Rhiannonwriteson.wordpress.com and Amazon.com on 8/25/18**

The Highland Chieftain (Lords of the Highlands, #4)
by Amy Jarecki

Arguably , a four however, I went five. I was captivated by this one. Not because it was a never put it down. It was because each of the characters called to me. I could hardly wait to see what the next thing would be that would happen. I enjoyed the different levels of romance, adventure and just the world of love. So buy the book and enjoy it. I would suggest you also buy the series for this is one if you like the Highlands.... you will love. I was given this arc via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Regards, Anna

The Highland Chieftain is my first introduction to Any Jarecki. I thought it was good and will be looking for more from her.
3 1/2 stars.

Lady Mairi MacKenzie is humiliated after the Earl of Seaforth passed her over and married his ward. Now Mairi's father is dragging her to a Highland event for all the clans. All she wants to do is hide in her chamber, not be paraded around the games. Duncan MacRae has been in love with Mairi for years and had always stepped aside for Seaforth. Once the betrothal was broken, he asked her father for permission to court her, only to be dismissed and refused. When Mairi wanders alone into the woods, the trouble begins and only Dunn can save her. Will she change her mind about Dunn's proposal and see him for the man he truly is?

I've read the other books in the series and this one was enjoyable as well although I though Dunn was a little sappy. He's this hardened warrior and I thought there was a bit too much internal musing for him. I was also a little disappointed about Dunn's treatment by Seaforth especially after Dunn's loyalty for years. He didn't seem to have his back at all and let him to his own devices. The plot moved along nicely and there was plenty of action to keep the story moving. Despite these criticisms, I enjoyed the book. Fans of Scottish romances will enjoy this book.

I liked this Highlander read. Lady Mairi is jilted at the alter but is in no hurry to find another to marry her. Laird Duncan has wanted Mairi for his own for years. When she is attached by Red Coats he goes to her rescue. Can he save her? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and enjoyable characters the story held my interest and the chemistry is steamy. A good read.

Laird Duncan MacRae must convince Lady Mairi MacKenzie that she is the one for his heart against the backdrop of danger and intrigue. So enjoyed this tale with all aspects of characters and story line. Definitely find a comfortable seat and settle in since you won't want to put this one down.

Ebook from net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

The Highland Chieftain by Amy Jarecki is book Four in the Lords of the Highlands series. This is the story of Lady Mairi MacKenzie and Laird Duncan 'Dunn' MacRae. I have read the previous books but fee this can be a standalone book. Mairi was set to marry a man that has been promised her since childhood but nearing their time he up an married someone else. Although it wasn't a love match the embarrassment and loss of her life plan has set her into a depressed state. Mairi father is making her rejoin the world and the first person she runs into (more like run over by) is Dunn. Dunn shortly after her broken engagement offered for her hand in marriage to her father. But Mari thought he was asking out of pity for her and he though she turned him down because he wasn't good enough. They try to avoid each other during the Highland Games but when Mairi life gets in danger...Dunn comes to save her.
This was such a great and exciting read....one that you won't be putting down! Loved it!

I do so love a jaunt into the Highlands and this is a great story, Duncan has always loved the feisty Mairi and when she was jilted by her betrothed Duncan asks her father for her hand only to be rejected. Not one to be dissuaded he does all he can to remedy it. Exciting and unputdownable

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

Highland Chieftain by Amy Jarecki
Lords of the Highlands #4

Mairi MacKenzie, betrothed for years, was jilted by the man she was meant to wed. She has had another offer but turned it down due to something her father said. While walking in the woods during highland games she is set upon by three dragoons who soon meet their maker at the hands of Dunn MacRae. With more dragoons on their heels they run for cover, spend time together and are set with a number of difficulties. The biggest difficulty is Mairi’s father with his aspirations of a title for his daughter. Of course the two eventually do find their HEA ending but much must be overcome before that can happen.

Did I like the book? Yes
Did I like Mairi & Dunn as a couple? Yes
Will I read more by this author? Yes
Was it entirely believable? Perhaps not but it was a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Grand Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

From the Scottish Highlands to England you will follow two souls who are meant to be together but so many obstacles are in their way. .The toughest obstacle is admitting their feelings a for each other but when they must spend time alone in hiding their feelings will explode. They will then have the fight of their life in order to be married. Full.of suspense and descriptive imagery this book will draw you in. I received a copy through Netgalley and this my voluntary review