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)

I liked this book a lot. It had a great plot line, pretty heavy so make sure you’re in the mood for that, but really good.

1684, Scottish Highlands

Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington is resolved to build a school for ladies in her brother's newly purchased Scottish castle. But when she arrives, not only does she find the castle scorched by fire, but a brawny Highlander bars her entry.

Clan chief Grey Campbell would rather die than see his family home, Finlarig Castle, fall into English hands, so Grey must win the battle of wills with the beautiful Sassenach who flashes a bill of sale before him.

When the war between Evelyn and Grey escalates, passions flare. But outsiders have their own plans for Finlarig. After secrets are revealed, and muskets are lit, the fates of the Campbell Clan, the school, and a possible future for Grey and Evelyn are in as much jeopardy as their lives.

My Thoughts:

This is the best book I have read by this author. It is the first book of a new series and a can't put down read.
Grey and Evelyn's story is a scintillating tale of a love that grows in spite of their differences.
Evelyn has come to Finlarig castle in hopes of starting a school where she plans to teach anyone willing in the area surrounding the castle.
Grey just sees his enemy. An English woman has no place in his home.
Will these two find more than hate among the scorched wall's of Finlarig castle?
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy is.a hot and well written part of this story but it isn't necessary for this to be a poignant and wonderful story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

A Rose In The Highlands by author Heather McCollum is a wonderful, entertaining read. The author brings the story to life of Evelyn and Grey with intrigue and passion which made for entertaining read. I was holding my breath with anticipation not knowing what could possibly happen next!  The setting was absolutely breathtaking, the characters were brilliantly written.  The secondary characters like  were just spectacular too and cannot wait for the next story line!   

Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

3.5 stars

Evelyn Worthington flees to the Highlands with her maid and her sister Scarlet to avoid marriage to Lord Philip Sotheby.  Her brother Nathaniel recently purchased a forfeited castle and has given Evelyn three months to prove she can support herself.  Their father left instructions in his will that if Evelyn didn't marry Philip, she would be left penniless and her inheritance would go to Nathaniel and Scarlet.  Nathaniel gives her an opportunity to remain unwed, but he can only hold off Philip for so long.

Evelyn's idea is to start a school at the castle and Scarlet has her own reasons for going with her.  They arrive during a storm and are shocked at what they find - a burned castle and a hostile, half dressed highlander ordering them to leave, at sword point!  When Evelyn tries to explain that she owns the castle and shows him the bill of sale, he burns it and orders her off his land.

Greyson "Grey" Campbell is the chief of the Campbells or Breadalbane and Finlarig Castle.  His father was killed by the English and they told him his lands were forfeited for treasonous acts against the crown.  The English soldiers under the command of Capt. Cross go as far as to try and burn them out of the castle, severely injuring Grey's cousin and commander, Aiden.  When the English girl shows up saying she is now the owner, he is angry and acts rashly, but he is firm, this is his castle.  She follows him in and immediately starts making plans for her school.  He plays along, but tells his clan to hinder her.

Evelyn is a wonderful heroine, she is intelligent, kind, compassionate and truly horrified by what the soldiers have done to these people.  If she was not so desperate, she would give Grey back his castle, but for now, that is not an option, so she sets out to befriend (and bribe, if necessary) the clan.  Grey is attracted to her and finds himself softening to her, despite his desire to clear his parents names and reclaim his castle.


I really enjoyed the story, it is well written and interesting, with wonderful characters, steamy love scenes, really vile villains, secrets, lies and a seemingly impossible HEA.  My major problem with the book was the complete butchering of titles - it is really a personal pet peeve and doesn't affect the story - but it irked me to no end and cost the book a 1/2 star.  Aside from that, I liked the book and would be happy to recommend it and look forward to next installment.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

A Rose in the Highlands is the first book in the Highland Roses School series and it is a fabulous series starter. Evelyn Worthington is fierce character and I loved her! There is a bit of a mystery with her sister and what prompted her to beg Evelyn to go to Scotland with her but off Evelyn went because it was also a way for her to escape. Evelyn was facing a disastrous engagement that she had no interest in pursuing but could not avoid, unless she could find a way to support herself independently. It was this need that brought Evelyn to the highlands and it was the thought of her fate if she did not prove successful with her venture that gave Evelyn the courage to face Grey Campbell.

Grey was a man on the edge. His clan had been attacked and the English had tried to take everything from them. So, when an Englishwoman showed up claiming that his ancestral home now belonged to her family, he was not pleased. Which really was truly an understatement because he was downright furious and concocted a plan to drive Evelyn and her sister out for good. What he never expected was to find that Evelyn was more stubborn then he was and that no matter what befell her, she never gave up. This was something that Grey found very admirable and that respect changed his outlook forever.

I appreciated that Evelyn stayed true to her plan of action regardless of the circumstances that surrounded her venture. I found Grey’s contribution to the story to be quite entertaining as well. The banter between then was both witty, serious and quite enjoyable. The romance was a satisfying enemies-to-lovers romance and it certainly had its moments 😘. In addition, I did find the secondary characters to be interesting and I am very eager to see where this series goes so that I can know more about them! Overall, A Rose in the Highlands had a great plot with a swoony romance all wrapped up in an entertaining story.

*Thank you to Entangled Publishing, LLC & NetGalley for this eARC of A Rose in the Highlands*

This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

1684, Scottish Highlands
Englishwoman Lady Evelyn Worthington is resolved to build a school for ladies in her brother's newly purchased Scottish castle. She's also fleeing a betrothal her late father arranged but when she arrives, not only does she find the castle scorched by fire, but a brawny Highlander bars her entry. 
Clan chief Grey Campbell would rather die than see his family home, Finlarig Castle, fall into English hands, so Grey must win the battle of wills with the beautiful Sassenach who flashes a bill of sale before him. 
A well written well paced novel. The characters have plenty of depth, Grey & Evelyn are likeable & even though they are at odds to begin with soon find that as well as being attracted to each other they also like & respect each other. This is the start of a new series & there are plenty of secondary characters who I hope will have their stories, there’s also Izzy whose reason for not talking needs to be resolved. I found myself engrossed in the book & carried away by the plots, secrets & intrigue that accompanied the romance so much so that I read it in under a day & I certainly look forward to more from the author

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for an honest review.
 A Rose in the Highlands by Heather McCollum is the first book in The Highland Roses School series.
I have not previously read any books by this author and so I was happy to have a read of this book as the subject of Highlanders and and Scotland is always a must for me to read and enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted and would recommend this book and author. this story contains a very determined Heroine, Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington and a very stubborn and arrogant Hero, Clan chief Grey Campbell. When these two very strong character met and clash it is a pleasure to experience the outcome. Heather McCollum is now on my to read author list. I will be eagerly waiting for the next great story about The Highland Rose School.
I highly recommend this book.

I always promise a fair and honest review for any ARC I am given.  This was a really good read and definitely worth your time and money.

A book about women living life in all its fierce glory. Evie is courageous and un afraid. She meets Grey and it becomes a battle of wills. It becomes a sparring a rapier wit and words. Eventually emotions become involve and they find that they are fighting for the same goals. A soundly constructed story with fun banter and a great resolution.

Books like this are the reason why I love historical fiction so much. I really enjoyed this entertaining read, adored the characters, especially Lady Evelyn. She is a force to be reckoned, so determined and strong, nothing fazes her stubbornness. And no man can stand in her way. She has decided to become an independent woman and she will definitely achieve that goal no matter the danger.
Grey Campbell feels wronged. His parents were killed and his home was taken from him, but he cannot do anything about it. Not that he plans to give up on getting his home back, but it might take some time. For now, he is going to play along with Evelyn's plane and pretend to be working for her. Soon she will fail and return to England then he would claim his castle once again. However, he did not count on falling in love with her. That's one thing that would make his already complicated life even more complicated.
In the midst of danger, both Evelyn and Grey must survive and find a way to be together. Unfortunately, things are stacked against them and there may not be a way out.
It's a very well written story. I loved everything about it. I think it's a must read for historical fiction fans, especially if you love the highlanders. For me, it was a perfect read.

Heather McCollum is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.  Waiting to see how Grey and Evelyn try to outsmart each other kept me from putting this book down.  They match wits from the very beginning of the book.  Evelyn is every bit the female warrior in her fine English gowns that Grey is in his Scottish kilt. 

It is when he moved Evelyn’s door and that one, lone tear escaped her eye, Grey’s heart was lost.  He just didn’t know it, yet.  It takes most of the book for Grey to realize how much he cares for Evelyn.  Just as Evelyn sees there is no traitor at Finlarig Castle, Grey sees that not all English are evil.  Evelyn wins the trust and hearts of the people of the village a little at time, some with her tarts.  Some are harder to win than others.

The secondary characters in the story add to the genuine atmosphere of family and clan.  Aidan, Izzy, Cat, all of them have stories to tell of the lives they have lived and of that to come.  Without giving away the ending, I want to say that Ms. McCollum handled the issue of Kiersten with care.  Helping the reader to realize that even with her jealousy of Evelyn, she still cared for the people of her village.

Although I kind of figured out who the ‘bad’ guys were, I was not expecting such a startling ending.  That’s good.  This could be considered a stand alone book, and I am looking forward to learning what happens with Scarlet and Nathaniel, hoping both get their own books.

Evelyn Worthington is no shrinking violet. She speaks her mind. This English Rose dreams of owning a school and educating young ladies. Fleeing an unwanted betrothal, to Scotland where her brother has purchased a castle, she hopes to accomplish her dream. Arriving in Scotland, she finds the castle damaged by fire, and the occupant, one handsome, brawny Highlander intent on destroying her dream. Grey Campbell has lost his parents and his castle to the English. Needless to say he doesn't welcome Evelyn. He greets her with his claymore drawn. Evelyn faces his untrusting clan, a jealous rival, and a treasonous local English commander. But Evelyn has spunk and doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. I loved this book. The chemistry between Evelyn and Grey is fiery. I read an ARC of this story provided via NetGalley.

Book: A Rose in the Highlands
By Heather McCollum

Series: Highland Roses School, Book #1

Release Date: 9/24/2018

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

Glasgow, Scotland 
April, 1684

Evelyn Worthington escapes an unwanted arranged marriage to Englishman, Lord Philip Sotheby. Even though her horrid father, deceased Benjamin Worthington, Third Viscount of Lincoln, had arranged this and still dictating from the grave! If Evelyn breaks the contract she will end up penniless, and her siblings will inherit her share of the inheritance. If any of her siblings help her financially-they too will suffer the consequences of their dead fathers wishes! Her brother and sister will end up in financial ruins and penniless too.

Though her brother was giving her a chance at independence. All she had to do was prove this castle and the surrounding lands could be successful and lucrative. As Evelyn has been planning this ladies school for the past seven years and Nathaniel had ideas for a new sheep business too. This would make her an independent woman and her brother would break the betrothal contract her father arranged. Evelyn had to achieve this in three months and she could help others with all her intelligence and education she had acquired.

Instead of being some mans bloodmare giving heirs, leading a boring life of doing needle point, arranging dinner menus and never voicing an opinion. Evelyn is determined on making a ladies school in her brothers newly obtained castle in Scotland. Teaching women of all classes to read and write. Except there is one problem, the former owner is blocking her entrance, plus the castle has been ignited by fire with his people in it! The former owner is swoon worthy, Scottish Clan Chief, Greyson “Grey” Campbell, of the Campbells of Breadalbane and Finlarig Castle. This is his worst nightmare come to life, for filthy Sassenach to try steal his family home! No matter how bonnie the Sassenach, Evelyn Worthington might be! As Grey Campbell despises the English passionately! As the English tried to burn them out of their own castle! Even if this English Lass does have papers proving her family's ownership of the castle.

Grey Campbell plans on beating the bonnie lass at her own game, making her pay for the damages done to his castle. Especially since his people were nearly burned to death and someone needs to pay for this heinous crime and corrupt treachery that nearly killed his people! So he just lies and says he’s fine with her building a school, repairing the damages done to his family home and castle. 
Of course she doesn’t realize he does not plan to honor his word! After all she is his most hated sassenach enemy! Yet one thing leads to another. The more they fight and clash over the ownership of Castle Finlarig - their attraction only builds and grows. Plus there are outside influences whom also want this Castle. Yet both are stubborn, smart and sassy and are determined to win this battle. Neither was expecting outside influences that can put both their lives in jeopardy. Who will win and survive? Do these star crossed lovers even have a chance?

Again, Ms. McCollum pens another beautiful, bonnie and meaningful Scottish love story that readers will worship!  I am hardly a new fan, as she is one of my favorite authors. I was excited for this new “Highland Roses School” series to begin! It definitely did not disappoint as I totally loved it!  Just as I loved her “Highland Isles” series so much. This is just the tip of the iceberg as they say and I am in for the long haul. I look forward to reading each and every novel in the series. If book #1 is any indication-which was absolutely brilliant! I highly recommend “A Rose in the Highlands” by Heather McCollum, a definite delight!

The setting was absolutely breathtaking, the characters were written brilliantly , secondary characters like Scarlet and Nathaniel was just spectacular too!  The dialog was just exhilarating, in addition the masterpiece plotting had my head spinning! I was holding my breath with anticipation not knowing what could possibly happen next!  

Plus this novel has all all the elements Scottish historical romance readers love! It is a phenomenal, page turning, riveting-romantic-action-packed-adventure! It is so refreshing and so original where the heroine of this book is ahead of her time. Evelyn wants her womens independence, yet a good man she can love and will love in return. In addition, he will respect, honor and protect her too. Plus it’s filled with its share of villains, treachery, betrayal, hatred, mystery, suspense, weaving some bits of true history. In addition to the fun of Scottish festivals like Beltane and the freedom, comparing to the strict English restrictions of this time period. However the swoon worthy, honorable, hero and beautiful, intelligent, heroine come from two feuding counties. Will their love be enough as their are so many forces to keep them apart? It is a definite must read you won’t be able to put down. I read in one sitting as this phenomenal book is truly remarkable!


Pre-Order and Buy Links 

https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Highlands-Highland-Roses-School-ebook/dp/B07FS9ZSJH/ref=nodl_

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-rose-in-the-highlands

 
I received an advance reader’s copy from Entangled Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A great new series, with adventure and characters you’ll enjoy and love , some you’ll love to hate too . 
This will be another memorable series for Heather McCollum, after the success of The Hearts series and others . 
It’s really well written, keeps your attention and rolls along at a decent pace , which is  good obviously. 
The main characters are believable and interesting , there are also some great secondary characters too , with really interesting problems or lives , you can see so many more books sprouting from this . 
I really enjoyed it and would happily give it five stars . 
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review

This is a smooth, somewhat fast-paced story between an English Lady and a Highlander. If you're not a fan of reading Scottish accents, this is a good book for you, as the brogue is light to nearly nonexistent. Personally, I feel the accent adds to the story and keeps me immersed in the time frame and setting. Here, I found the personalities and conversations to be a bit too modern. 
I mentioned that this is a smooth story, and I mean that as in everything is nearly perfect. Most, if not all, situations work out very neatly, with not a lot of difficulty. Everyone seems to always be smiling, too. No dark and brooding hero here, and a very happy heroine to match. By the halfway point in the book, I was getting a bit bored and wished for a bit of conflict. Nevertheless, this is a good book for lovers of this genre, it just wasn't my favorite.
My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the opportunity to read and review A Rose in the Highlands by Heather McCollum.

I love books set in the Highlands and I especially love a good highland warrior. However, recently I read a few books from this setting that disappointed me. So much so that I didn’t really want to read this book yet, but I’m so glad I did! I loved the story of Grey and Evelyn and how their relationship progressed. Imagine arriving at a castle you think belongs to your family, only to find it inhabited. That’s what happens to Evelyn when she and her sister, each running from something (or someone), arrive in the middle of the night to Scotland. As an Englishwoman, no one wants her there. Little do they no, she really has no choice but to stay. I also enjoyed all the secondary characters and hope to see a few of them in the future. This was not my first book by this author and I have never been disappointed. Her style was exactly what I liked. Also, there was Scottish dialect throughout the book but not so much that I needed a translator. I am not one of those people who wants it to be completely accurate you have to read it over and over. I need to understand what is being said! Great book! Highly recommend! I received a free copy for my review and here it is! Get it, read it, wish you had some homemade tarts, love it!

Lady Evelyn Worthington is fleeing England and traveling to Scotland to escape an unwanted marriage.  She will set up a school for young women in the Scottish castle her brother recently acquired.  Evelyn has no idea what she is in for.  Imagine her shock when she arrives and the castle already has occupants.  Not only that, but because of her, they were almost burned to death in their own home.  

Grey Campbell, the Campbell clan chief, wants nothing to do with the English who arrive, trying to steal his home out from under him.  He will do anything he can to get them to leave, including putting up the pretense that he is okay with Evelyn rebuilding and preparing his home to be a school.  Why not, since she owes him for the damages the English did to his castle.  Neither are prepared for the battle that is about to ensue.  Who will come out the victor?

A ROSE IN THE HIGHLANDS is my first novel by author Heather McCollum.  It is the first in a new series titled HIGHLAND ROSES SCHOOL.  A ROSE IN THE HIGHLANDS is so absorbing.  I quickly ate up each word on every page and before I knew it, I was finished and left wanting more.  Grey is the perfect alpha hero.  He is strong, stubborn and fights for what he loves and cares about.  Evelyn really meets her match in him, or maybe it's the other way around, LOL!  Grey and Evelyn are surely meant to be.  Evelyn is just as headstrong and intelligent as Grey.  They get along well, but coming to a real understanding about things is a bit of a struggle and the adventure they have getting there is half the fun.  I really enjoyed their story and cannot wait to read the next addition to Ms. McCollum's HIGHLAND ROSES SCHOOL series.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I enjoyed this story and liked how the author placed the hero/heroine on opposing sides of a situation. Evelyn wasn’t my most favorite of heroines though I did grow to like her more toward the end of the story. I liked the hero, Grey, who did the best he could to handle an unexpected and unpleasant situation.  

The ending of the book had a great deal of action and interesting events occur.  The different plot threads get resolved in a satisfying manner.

I did like Evelyn’s sister, Scarlet, and am looking forward to reading her story.

The story seemed rushed. However, the first scene where the hero/heroine is very good. It sort of developed quickly, too quickly, maybe. The story overall, was a good one. I like tales of the Highlanders. 

This book was provided free from publisher through netgalley for an honest opinion. I did not have to review the book. Netgalley is a great way, i think, for new authors and readers to get their feet wet without having to spend a fortune on something and wish you could immediately get your money back.