Evelyn had plans to open a school at her brother’s castle but when she arrives she meets and angry Laird who has no plans of giving up his family home. The story is fast-paced with plenty of drama and mystery. The chemistry is steamy and this historical read held my interest throughout. I liked it.

I loved this book, Evelyn Worthington has been dreaming of opening a ladies school and now her brother has aquiesed that if she makes a lucrative go of it in the castle he's purchased in Scotland then he will break the betrothal contract her deceased father had made. Determined she goes off to do just that when she encounters Laird Grey Campbell, the former owner who I may add swears the castle is still his even though she has the papers. Now Grey hates the English with a passion, he blames them for the burning of his home and now that Evelyn has turned up he decides to let her make the repairs and pretends that all will be well, though she won't be getting the castle, but she doesn't know that yet.. There is danger, when others appear to want the castle, adventure, and hate turning to..........

I was hooked from the start of this fabulous story and I could not stop turning the pages. Unputdownable.

I love Scotish romance stories and this one was definitely a good read!A very enthralling enemies to lovers story that was hard to put down.The charactors and the plot were believable.I found Evelyn and Greys characters were true heroes in their attempt to save the castle together and manage to fall in love with all the drama surrounding them.I read this book as an arc and this is my honest opinion.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I really liked this book, I haven’t read anything by this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect but this book had a good plot and great characters. I loved the overall message of the book especially, that women are important and are just as intelligent, if not more intelligent, than men. It was interesting to see a feminist novel hiding within a Highlander romance novel. Grey’s character was a perfect hero, he was brooding and temperamental but so protective of Evelyn. At the same time, though, he was very open minded and was able to open his heart to an English woman and also able to realize the importance of women in the accomplishments of his society. There was also a little danger to the story, a few heart racing and suspenseful scenes. It was a good book, and honestly, I can’t wait to read Scarlet’s story and find out more about her character. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

This is a great story with lots of drama of all kinds. This will be the "just one more chapter" book because you won't want to put it down! I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Evelyn Worthington is determined to escape the situation she's found herself in. In order to avoid marrying a man she wants nothing to do with, she has to find a way to be independent. However, when she arrives at the castle her brother has purchased, she finds it is already inhabited by the people that once owned the land and they're not willing to give it up without a fight. Will Evelyn be able to get Grey Campbell on her side or will they both lose when trouble arrives; trouble that could put an end to the happy ever after they truly deserve together?

What a brilliant start to this series Ms. McCollum has delivered in this first book of her Highlands Rose School series where the plot was an absolute page turner due to the obstacles these two face to be together; the dialogue was compelling and had me liking how much of a challenge the heroine provided the hero; and the main characters were absolutely entertaining and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether the hero would be able to win the heroine over. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as the heroine isn't about to let the hero send her on her way. Not when she has so much to do in order to show her brother she can be independent and doesn't want to marry a man she's been promised to. Will the heroine get her way?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why the heroine is so determined to gain her independence. Why should she have to marry a man she wants nothing to do with? Moreover, both the main characters were compelling and I loved the obstacles these two face to be together including the trouble Evelyn faces when it comes to her betrothed and whether she'll ever be free to be with Grey.

With the heroine, she's resilient, courageous, driven in her pursuit to get the school she wants to open up and running and I liked how much of a challenge she provides the hero. She's there to stay and not going anywhere, even after discovering things that make it hard not to want to give the hero what he wants most. I also liked the heroine's determination to fight for her chance with the hero when things become dangerous because love is worth fighting for. Then again, she must fight for the people she loves too in her family. No way can she lose anyone else. While the hero, he's been through so much and I could understand his hostility towards the heroine because her people (the English) were responsible for so much hurt. Will Grey and his family get their revenge or justice for crimes committed against them? I also liked how the hero's opinion of the heroine changes. She's different in the way she really cares for people unlike some of her fellow countrymen.

Overall, Ms. McCollum has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking how determined these two were to fight for their happy ever after. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as the hero and heroine are so happy together. I would recommend A Rose in the Highlands by Heather McCollum, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Stacy Reid, Jennifer Trethewey, Kerrigan Byrne and Lori Ann Bailey.

I thought the story was great. Grey Campbell is the chief of Breadalbane Campbell''s and, has had many problems. His parents die, then some Engliah soldiers come and try to burn down his castle with everyone in it. He is accused of treason and his best friend is badly burned. Intrigue, action and betrayal abound.. Lady Evelyn Worthington and her sister Scarlet are running.. Evelyn does not want to marry Phillip Soethby. He is a boor and looks bad. Her brother bought a castle in Scotland and has Evelyn to take her sister there and they are starting a school to teach girls how to read, write, and embroidery. She is very excited to get to work.
The tale has many facets to it. But it is fun to watch her try to prove that she may be English but she is a friend. The characters were well developed and you can see their growth throughout the book. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and watching relationships grow and blossom.. I believe it is well worth the time to read.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Terrific book in a new series by this author. Lady Evelyn and her sister travel to the northern wilds of Scotland to live in a castle purchased by their brother. Evelyn plans to start a school, and if she’s successful, to escape a marriage her deceased father required of her in his will.
Upon arrival the two women discover a torched, nearly ruined estate, and a burly highlander Laird, Grey Campbell, still in residence. Grey isn’t going anywhere, and neither is Evelyn. It’s a war of stubborn wills, with a cast of entertaining, often humorous characters and a sizzling attraction between the two.
It also involves intrigue, danger, and treason, so it’s a page turner from beginning to end! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

A Rose in the Highlands by Heather McCollum is the First book in the Highland Roses School Series. This is the story of Evelyn Worthington and Grey Campbell.
Evelyn, her sister and maid came to Finlarig Castle to help start up a school along with escaping a marriage. But what she found was a Castle damaged and Grey with his clansmen. Grey is not giving up the Castle to some English men. Evelyn starts trying to build the school that she wanted. Grey pretends to go along but one way or another puts up some road blocks. But of course their feelings start to take over and the goal becomes something different for them.
What a great start to what will be a really good series I believe.

Scotland 1684. Heather McCollum expertly combines her historical knowledge with romance and many surprises in this wonderful tale of two people who come together in an unexpected way. Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington is desperate to flee an arranged marriage and manages to talk her brother into letting her go to his castle in Scotland. She plans to make a school for ladies and be successful in earning money. She has three months or she will have to return and marry, but she is determined!!
When she arrives at the castle, she is met at the door by Grey Campbell, a Scottish Clan Chief claiming the castle is his. The English had already wrought destruction trying to kill his people and take over his land. Can you imagine how he felt when a Sassenach stood at his door claiming the castle was her brothers?
He was furious, but stubborn Evelyn marched right in and began making plans. When sees the plight of the people inside and how the place had been burned she is horrified. She realizes the castle should rightly go back to the Chief but she has to make a go of her school. As the two are around each other there is definitely an attraction.
Adventure, action and hidden secrets all make this story a page turning romance you will not want to miss. Who can resist a Scottish Highlander? A wonderful start to a new series!

When Evelyn Worthington flees England and an unwanted suitor to start a school in her brother’s newly-purchased Scottish castle, she doesn’t expect to find the castle’s previous owner to still be living there! Clan chief Grey Campbell is dark, brooding, and determined to keep his place in Finlarig Castle, which he claims was unlawfully seized by the English. Evelyn isn’t quite sure what to do about the handsome, irritating man, but she’s not about to let him ruin her future…

Get ready for an entertaining battle of wills! A Rose in the Highlands crackles with energy thanks to the excellent chemistry Grey and Evelyn have. I adored Evelyn’s spirit and her determination to set up a school where girls can learn a host of skills from reading to self-defense. She’s an intelligent woman who won’t be cowed in a time where silence and obedience were demanded of her peers. And while Grey starts out as her enemy, it’s clear these two won’t be able to resist the pull between them for long. Grey has reason to hate the English. His parents were murdered, his castle seized, and he and his family and friends were nearly killed. So even while I was rooting for Evelyn to succeed in starting her Highland Roses school, I understood where Grey was coming from in the beginning. He’s a strong, proud man, but he’s also protective and caring. He and Evelyn make a great match and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. Add in secrets, conspiracies, and a healthy dose of suspense and you have a truly well-rounded story that’s incredibly difficult to put down.

Grey and Evelyn are the heart of A Rose in the Highlands, but the residents of Killin – not to mention Grey and Evelyn’s siblings – add further life to the tale and made me look forward to more Highland Roses School books. So while I finished A Rose in the Highlands a well-satisfied reader, I’m eager to learn Scarlet Worthington’s secrets in A Rose with Thorns.

Lady Evelyn Worthington travels to her brother's newly purchased Scottish castle. She and her sister are shocked to discover to find Finlarig Castle has been damaged by fire set by English army and occupied by Greyson Campbell who has no intention of leaving his family home. Apparently after his father’s death Greyson’s lands were forfeited for treasonous acts against the crown and sold to Nathaniel Worthington. How’s she to start her school with the gruff sexy Highland Chieftain in residence. There a clash of wills when Evelyn shows up with a bill of sales for his castle in which he quickly burns and from here the war between Evelyn and Grey escalates and passions flares. This is an entertaining story of two strong willed people both looking to keep their castle! Evelyn sets out to befriend the clan’s people and Greyson to win them to her side while Grey finds himself attracted to her despite knowing his needs to clear his parents’ names and reclaim his castle. This is my honest opinions is resolved to build a school for ladies in after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I really liked this one!

The broody chieftain, the headstrong heroine = happy me!

Said headstrong heroine, Evelyn and her sister, Scarlet - along with their maid, Molly - travel to Scotland, to a castle that their brother bought. Evelyn has three months to become independent, or else she ends up in a loveless marriage. So one can imagine that she does her best to make that happen. She wants to open up a school for ladies because in 17th century Scotland, men had the possibility of learning to read and write, while the women didn't. Evelyn refuses to simply be a wife and a mother. She wants to be more. Except, a broody chieftain, Grey stands in her way because the castle belongs to him.

It's a historical enemies-to-lovers romance novel that everyone should read because it has funny scenes, hot ones and it's full of feels. My heart ached for Evelyn, a few times and I wanted to shake some sense into Grey, but it ends perfectly, so all's well.

I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book through Netgalley and my rating is 4 stars.

I just love those brawny highlanders who wear their kilt's so well. The cast of characters are fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. The story line is really good with a bit of mystery, adventure and of course love.
You have an Englishwoman who travels to the Scottish highlands to move into the castle her brother bought. She wants to open a school for ladies and will do anything to see it's fulfilled. But once she arrives, Evelyn Worthington is barred from entering by one man who thinks she's crazy.
Clan chief Grey Campbell is very upset that a Englishwoman, a Sassenach who is beautiful forces her way into his castle. She is a busy body who will not take no for an answer.
Grey will not give in to her, but declares war on a battle of wits between a man and a woman.
Lots of exciting things are happening, with outsiders try to get into Finlarig Castle with plans of their own.
But one thing is for sure, love comes at the oddest time, especially one woman who will do everything for the man she love and vice versa.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

“Their love wove tightly around them, healing old wounds and creating joy from their shattered beginnings.”

Evelyn Worthington and her sister Scarlett are set with a task of making a school in the wilds of the highlands profitable, or find themselves shackled to a future not of their liking. In the dark of night in the midst of a storm, Evelyn finds herself face to face with Clan Chief Grey Campbell. Never one to back down, Evelyn sets up a truce between the Chief and some of the villagers to share Finlarig Castle and turn it into the Highland Roses School. As the days pass, Grey is drawn towards Evelyn’s strength and determination to educate the women and anyone else who wishes to attend the Highland Roses School, and Evelyn is falling in love with the fierce but caring and protective Grey. But when the future Evelyn and Scarlett are desperate to run from catches up with them, they find themselves in the middle of a treasonous plot and fighting an unsuspecting evil that could very well cost all of them their lives.

A Rose in the Highlands is one of those stories that once started, you can’t put down. Evelyn’s and Grey’s romance was smoldering hot, and I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next installment!

4.5 stars
This was a very entertaining read, it just seemed to lack pace a little of the way through but picked up around half way and the moved along at a good pace. I liked the main characters, Evelyn was a woman ahead of her time, who wanted all women to have an education and be able to think for themselves. Grey Campbell, the laird, was a handsome warrior who was educated and thought along similar lines to Evelyn. There were a number of interesting secondary characters, one of which was Scarlet, Evelyn’s sister. There was a mystery of why she left the court of Charles 11 so quickly and one I’m eager to read in the next book. There are problems with the English garrison, an unwanted suitor, not to mention the sizzling romance between Evelyn and Grey. I enjoyed reading about the customs at Beltane. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in the time of the Merry Monarch, King Charles II, this story tells of two English ladies escaping from England to live in the Scottish castle that their brother had recently purchased. They planned to thwart to terms of their father’s will by setting up a school for ladies in Finlarig Castle but are shocked to discover that the castle has been damaged by fire set by English army officers and the castle is still the home of clan chief Greyson Campbell who has no intention of leaving his family home! Evelyn Worthington is not daunted by the dour Scotsman and both are stubbornly determined. As attraction between the two grows, secrets are revealed and danger grows as others have plans for the Castle, plans which puts their very lives in peril.

This is the start of a new action packed historical series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has great characters - some you’ll love and others you definitely won’t! It is fast paced, with plenty of twists and turns and revelations to keep the reader enthralled. It is insightfully written, giving a look into the conflict between the Scots and English in that era. The writing flows well, keeping me turning the pages and totally engaged in the story. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in this series which will feature Evelyn’s sister, Scarlett, who had apparently caught the eye of the Merry Monarch. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this story to anyone who enjoys steamy historical romance with a strong female and alpha male initially in conflict till love finds a way to unite them!

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

Lady Evelyn Worthington is running away from an unwanted betrothal. In his will, her father insisted that she marry a man of his choosing or be disinherited. The new estate her brother has bought is just the place for the two sisters to hide and start a new life. Unfortunately the previous tenants don't want to leave.
Chief Greyson Campbell is determined not to lose his clan's stronghold. The English have gone to evil extremes to force them out. It will not happen while there is breath in his body.
This is a very amusing story about a very strong minded young woman with grand ideas and a warrior with the odds stacked against him.
An action packed book that will keep you entertained all the way through. Great characters that I'm looking forward to reading more about in the next book of the series.
Great fun.

A Rose in the Highlands by Heather McCollum
Highland Roses School #1

Evelyn Worthington and her sister Scarlet fled London with a lady’s maid and their brother Nathaniel’s blessing. Evelyn was not willing to marry the man her father insisted she marry in his will and Scarlet was running from some unknown issue she was unwilling to share. Their brother sent them by coach to a newly purchased castle taken from the Scottish clan Campbell due to the Laird being accused of treason. When the women arrive the new chief is in the doorway and Greyson is not willing to let the foreigners take his home. With the stalemate soon resolved by having the women come inside, at least for the night, the ongoing battle of whether Grey will reclaim his ancestral home or Evelyn will turn it into a school begins in the morning.

Grey is a wonderful book boyfriend and Evelyn is a bit prickly but smart, willing to learn and all-in when it comes to creating the school of her dreams – one that will allow women the same education that men are entitled to. Her vision for the school is not necessarily in harmony with his need to turn the castle into a fortress and that can and does lead to tension. Add into the mix a Scottish lass with her eye on Grey, evil men afoot with nefarious plans of their own, a village angry with English who have been up to no good…and a whole lot of fun subplots and you have a story that is filled with adventure, romance and derring-do.

I enjoyed this book and though at times I thought, “Would that really happen in 1694?” I went on reading and thought, “This is fiction and fun and not necessarily factual.” I did look up the information on snails used in the treatment of burns…interesting! Amazing that what once was commonly used in folk medicine is now being used again.

At the end of the book I immediately wanted to dive into Scarlet’s story to find out what happened to make her want to leave and who she will end up with. I have no idea how many books are planned for this series but look forward to reading them all!

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing-Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

What started off as a thorn in his side blossomed into love in his heart. So became the rocky road relationship of Evelyn Worthington and Greyson Campbell, the main couple of this enemies to lovers, Scottish romantic tale by Heather McCullom. To say they had obstacles in their way would be an understatement, folks.

As Scottish laird of a castle, you can’t blame Grey for being put out that he and his people have been kicked out of their ancestral home. To make matters worse, they all could have been killed when the English almost burnt it completely to the ground with them in it. He’s determined to bide his time until the English invaders up and leave his land.

With her feisty but Pollyanna type attitude, Evelyn is just as determined to stay. She’s got a lot at stake, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends, including dodging an unwanted marriagement arrangement should she fail at establishing a successful school in this particular castle now owned by her brother.

As usual this author’s writing flows seamlessly, and I stayed completely engaged. There is a villainous plot that slowly but surely gets revealed, which results in an explosive showdown. Just enough Scottish brogue is scripted in to feel verra authentic but not overly done. Having read and enjoyed her Highland Isles series, I expected no less and was not disappointed. Here’s to hoping you’ll feel the same.

The next book will feature Scarlett, Evelyn’s sister, who had to flee King Charles II’s court in the middle of the night. It would appear he had his sights on making her one of his many mistresses.

Title: A Rose in the Highlands, Series: Highland Roses School (Book 1), Author: Heather McCullom, Pages: 399, stand-alone but part of a series, enemies to lovers, sassy, Pollyanna type heroine, alpha laird of his clan, virgin heroine who wants to educate women, one OW wants him, no love triangle, no cheating, OM trying to marry her she does not want, some violence, villainous plot afoot, some steamy scenes.

Book 1 - A Rose in the Highlands
Book 2 - A Rose with Thorns

(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)