First off, I'm reading this despite the cover. I hate covers with bare chested, kilted Scotsmen with a six pack and such overdeveloped muscles that they look like they have man-boobs. And don't get me started about the kilt he's wearing in the 1400s, several hundred years before it was developed. (In fairness to the author she never mentions kilts.)

Cover aside, did I like the book? Well, kind of. It's a decent book of its type. Deirdre MacIntyre, ignored wife of Lewis MacIntyre in more ways than one, has been given an orphan boy to raise as her own and for the last two and a half years she's poured all her love and energy into being a mother to (now) five year old Ewan. When she discovers he's the missing son of Laird Gavin MacKinnon, she's petrified that she will lose him. While her own husband is away from home (as he mostly is) Gavin and his men come for the boy and Gavin realises that Ewan is not going to go with him quietly without the only mother he remembers. Hence Deirdre becomes a more-or-less willing kidnap victim, who, after initial uncertainty, helps Gavin (a widower) and his son to gradually get to know each other again.

Gavin gradually regains the equilibrium he lost since the death of his (unsuitable) wife and the loss of his son, and, of course, falls for Deirdre – but she's another man's wife. And it looks as though the clans are about to go to war over the willing captive, or maybe there's something more sinister going on.

Wild Scottish romance seems to be a genre in its own right (since Outlander? Before Outlander?) mostly written by North Americans. I confess I haven't read a lot of them, so it would be unfair to compare this with others in the genre. Simply taking it as a one-off (I haven't read the series) this held my attention sufficiently. Deirdre fluctuates between bouts of wimpiness and moments of courage (I'm not sure how she can slide off a semi-motionless horse so many times) but she does gather strength as the book progresses. The characters are well developed and I take it that Gavin's foster brothers are each the subject of their own book. This is Book #4 in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
My only other (small) gripe is the occasional strange sideswipe at dialect when don't becomes 'doona'.

📚⚔️📚Book🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Review📚⚔️📚

Book: Highland Captive
By: Alyson McLayne

Series: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, Book #4

Release Date: July 30, 2019

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

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts

BOOK QUOTE (Gavin says to Deirdre)__
“You’re a lovely lass, for sure, but you donna stare at me with lust in your eyes. ‘Tis not a swiving you’re after.”

Gleann Moireasdan, Scotland, 1453

Laird Gavin MacKinnon, has not been the same man since his two year old son Ewan went missing two years ago. He has been mean, rude, heartless, nasty, spiteful and offensive, making those around him who care for him most-the most miserable too. He barely sleeps and just searches for his missing son, his dead wife Cristel had taken him to the fall festival when he had forbidden them to go! She didn’t even report that Ewan was missing for hours, which was par for the course! As she pretty much ignored him and only brought him with her was to impress some bloody highborn lassies!

He would have punished his cold, heartless, bitch of a wife severely, if she had not died of the Scottish plague. As this fall festival was the area where most died from the pestilence. In addition Gavin’s wife, his son’s black hearted mother, showed her true nature after giving birth to Ewan. She admitted only marrying Gavin for his title as Laird, no longer wanting Gavin touching her or even in her bed. She even had the balls to tell him to sleep with other women as long he never touched her again! Cristel felt she did her required duty of giving him the male heir that was expected of her. Gavin had been deceived thinking they were a love match like his parents and his foster father, Gregory MacLeod. It tore Gavin apart but at least he thought he had his sweet lad until he was then away from him. Crusted had ignored Ewan and now she was dead from the plague! The other thing Gavin truly hated now was liars! He was about to meet one who lied about the thing he wanted most, his missing son!

Deirdre MacIntyre’s husband had demanded she go to this gathering. Perhaps trying to make up for all the time he had been away for the past several years. Optimistically, she thought this might be a second chance and a new beginning for them. Since he told her to leave their son Ewan home. A son she accepted since he was brought him home, claiming it was his child from a former lover and the mother was dead. Deirdre would never blame a child for his parents shortcomings, plus she knows what is like to be abused both mentally and physically by ones you should trust the most. Her family gave her to Lewis to marry as a fifteen year old child. It was as if her family just wanted to be rid of her. Lewis was kind but their relationship was platonic not one of a husband and wife, more like siblings.

Now Deirdre was happy she didn’t bring Ewan, as she was in shock looking at a Highland warrior and Laird that looks exactly like her son! As Gavin was hoping she had news of his son which she denied and packed up and left only to be abducted by the highland devil himself! Furious she kept lying not realizing how much she loves Ewan. In the beginning Gavin feels only jealousy and hatred for this woman who had two years he couldn’t get back with his son. At first, Gavin is angry yet is so physically attracted to Deirdre. He now realizes how nurturing and protective she is of his son and how they love each other like a real mother and son. Now he realizes he is falling in love with a married woman he could never have! A woman he realizes who had nothing to do with his sons abduction and only loves his son, he soon realizes she’s the mother he always wanted for his son. As Ewans biological mother only ignored Ewan only caring for herself. Plus his son worships Deirdre and he soon follows his son’s foot steps, but her being married is a big obstacle. Ewan biggest 4 year old wish is for his parents could be married to each other.

As Deirdre thinks this Laird is the most handsome man in Scotland, who sometimes scares her, but is absolutely swoon worthy. She understands she has misjudged him and develops feelings she doesn’t understand. Will she ever become the brave lion she desires or always be the scared little mouse? In addition will Gavin ever find out who his true enemies are? Will he ever find out who truly wants he and his family dead? He knows if he doesn’t return Deirdre MacIntyre he may be starting a clan war. Yet she might be the one to save him and his clan as well. Can she heal his broken heart after all? Will she be worth it? Or will he return her to her husband and keep her away from the little boy who captured her heart forever?

Get your Kleenex out for this emotional roller coaster ride, in this captivating Scottish historical romance! This is Alyssa McLayne’s fourth amazing book that will absolutely blow you away. It is a book I definitely couldn’t put down and cried through quite a few chapters too! I have loved every single book in “The Sons of Gregor MacLeod” series. Honestly, this book is one of the best book I have read all year! If this were a painting people would call it a masterpiece. This novel was a total masterpiece from start to finish!

Alyson McLayne is definitely one of my favorite authors and each book is even better than the last. Don’t get me wrong as I have loved them all, yet Gavin and Deirdre’s story really pulls your heartstrings, right from the start. You can read them as a stand alone, but your giving your readers heart a disservice if you do. Readers will understand the Laird brothership to each other and their relationship to their foster father Gregory MacLeod, much better if you do. Once you read each book and understand their goal. I think it gives readers a better understanding and clearer vision of all the Lairds relationships, growing up together since they were boys and their relationship to their foster father too.

Men only seeking peace and harmony in the Highlands, though their foes and enemies are seeking quite the opposite. A fast paced, action-packed, heart pulling, riveting, page turning, romantic, adventure. The setting left me breathless, the dialogue was pure genius and the plotting was absolutely brilliant. Every time I felt I got past one hurdle another plot twist was forming. This book will definitely keep readers on their toes and a hold on their emotions. It is a phenomenal read I can’t recommend enough!

I absolutely and unequivocally recommend this exhilarating book that I imagine everyone like me will love!

The Son of Gregor MacLeod by Alyson McLayne

Highland Promise (Book 1)
Highland Conquest (Book 2)
Highland Betrayal (Book 3)
Highland Captive (Book 4) TBR 7/30/2019

I received this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca and Alyson McLayne 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.

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/HighlandCaptive
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iBooks: http://bit.ly/HighlandCaptive-iBooks
Google Play: http://bit.ly/HighlandCaptive-GooglePlay
Chapters Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/home/search/?keywords=Captive%20Highlander%20by%20Alyson%20McLayne#internal=1

Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne is brilliantly written from beginning to end.
This gripping story is edgy and delivers a deep emotional connection to the characters and their plights. I loved this book for its originality and it’s creative and complex storyline with multiple plots that surprised me and kept me guessing!
But, most of all I absolutely loved the author’s expert delivery of strong emotion and for making me literally laughing out loud with witty banter, then take in a deep breath for the steamy slow burn romance that leaves a heated blush!
This type of story is my all time favorite!
This author is new to me and I’m an instant fan! I recommend this book to everyone who loves a great Highland historical romance rich with excitement, tragedy, danger, intrigue, deception, love, vengeance, loyalty, redemption, and more.
This is one of the best romantic historical suspense novels I have read this year.

Best enjoyed with a glass of wine behind a locked door.

This book is #4 in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, although it can be read as a standalone, which is exactly how I read it.

Laird Gavin MacLeod is looking for his son who has been lost the last two years after being taken away from the site of a clan gathering following the death of his distant and cold wife from the plague. His single minded search for Ewan MacLeod has turned him into a bitter and angry man, blind to anything other than finding his heir and holding him in his arms again. Little does he know that his young son has been given to the care of Lady Deidre MacIntyre under the guise of him being a bastard son of her own husband. Lady MacIntyre has grown to deeply love the young boy who so lovingly calls her ‘mother’ and the child is the only thing in the MacIntyre estate—in her very life—that she cares about. When Laird MacLeod storms the estate for the boy, Deidre refuses to let the child go without her, and Gavin MacLeod is forced to take his son’s adoptive mother with him, albeit reluctantly.

As Gavin gets to know Deidre and sees the love she has for his son, feelings begin to stir deeply within his heart—and lower—feelings he hasn’t had for anyone in quite a few years. Feelings that Deidre’s own body echoes back in secret. However, the kidnapping of Deidre begins the stirrings of a war between the patriarch of the MacIntyre clan and that of her family, while there are also parties in the shadows who have been scheming against Gregor MacLeod and his foster sons, including Gavin. Will Deidre and Gavin’s feelings remain unrequited or will the growing feelings of love and physical attraction give them the strength to conquer all?

I really did love this story and I’ll tell you what—Alyson McLayne knows how to write a steamy love scene! Good Glory! The characterizations were deep and meaningful and the growing feelings between Deidre and Gavin weren’t instant, which I always appreciate. Both of the main characters had a lot of their own demons to overcome, both inner and outer. I also love stories where the heroine is well read and the Highland Captive delivered this, along with a fierce and protective hero who could seriously rev some engines!

The plot was fast paced and many of the characters were both relatable and likeable when they needed to be, and repulsive and unlikeable when it called for it. I had a ton of sympathy for Deidre’s life—she had it rough—but she also more than overcame it with a little encouragement from Gavin and grew to be less timid as the story went on, which is believable and often happens when someone who is pushed into the shadows is brought back into the sun.

Although I have not read McLayne’s other works, you can bet that I’ll be picking up the others in short order!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Gavin is on a rampage about his missing son. His son had been missing a couple of years. Deidre has been caring for a young boy she believed abandoned. Gavin is of the mindset punish first ask questions later. Was glad to read this book. I loved the story before it, though they are stand alone books

Highland Captive
Alyson McLayne

Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne is book four in her Sons of Gregor MacLeod historical romance series. Though part of a series this novel reads well as a standalone. However, I do plan to read the previous books in the series and any future installments.

Laird Gavin MacKinnon is one of five clan leaders previously fostered together by the great Gregor MacLeod, in order to create allies and bring peace to the Highlands. Gavin’s personality has changed for the worse since his not quite two-year-old son, Ewan, went missing two years ago. Word has reached Gavin that his son has been claimed by the wife of the heir of Clan MacIntyre.

Deidre MacIntyre, born in Clan MacColl, now wife of Lewis MacIntyre, son and heir of the ruthless Laird MacIntyre, claims Ewan is her son. Upon seeing Gavin MacKinnon, Deirdre begins to fear that she has been misled, but she loves her young son and will never leave him.

Gavin never gave up his certainty that his son was alive. He now knows where Ewan is and wastes no time retrieving him. He has to bring Deirdre along too, because she refuses to leave Ewan, claiming he is hers. Gavin and Deirdre clash but soon realize that they must put aside their differences for Ewan’s sake. Deidre’s husband, father-in-law and brother arrive, bringing the promise of war with them. Will Deirdre be returned to her family?

There’s nothing else quite like a Scottish Highlander, and I love reading about them. Highland Captive met my high standards. Ms. McLayne has acquitted herself well. I want to keep visiting with these interesting characters she’s created. I love the intense familial bonds. The plot holds the attention and has great twists. I loved the story and rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to all readers of historical romance, especially lovers of Highlander romance. There is some explicit sexual content that may be offensive to some readers.

My thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

Deirdre compared herself to both a mouse and a lion. She does in fact act like both. But one thing to remember is, even lions are afraid of mice at times. Gavin sees Deirdre as a beautiful woman and helps her to see it as well.

Heartbreak, betrayal, loyalty, love and a wee bit of geometry weave together to create a story that’s well paced, action filled and laden with lovable characters culminating in an ending for two people that very much deserve their happily ever after.

But this story is so much more than it’s main character’s love story. The friendship between Isobel and Deirdre being deserving of a mention in and of itself, it’s refreshing to see a humor-laden, supportive relationship between women in novels not designed to advance the plot (or purely talk about the men), and as a woman with „my own God-given raft“ the interactions and observations between the two had me in fits of laughter.

So grab a glass of wine, you’ll need it for the emotional rollercoaster of the beginning but it’s oh so worth it.

Highland Captive
The sons of Gregor MacLeod #4
Alyson MacLeod
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gavin MacKinnon is Laird who has changed and not for the better either. Ewan, his young son disappeared two years ago and due to this he has become very callous and bitter man. He has never given up on looking for his son and one day he meets a mysterious woman who claims that it is her son and not his even though he looks exactly like his natural father. On a split decision he decides to take the woman and the boy and ask questions later.

Deidre MacIntyre has decided to go with the brooding Laird if it will keep her young son Ewan safe. As Gavin watches and listened he decides that this beautiful lass has a special bond with her son. Then when Dedire's family comes to claim them in the name of war. Gavin has a very big descion to make. Should he let her go back to her family breaking many hearts? Or should he say forget it I want her here?

Alyson MacLeod has written another phenomenal novel. Wow I am unterly astounded. I believe this to be one of her best books yet. Ms. MacLeod you have made my day. This book is a fabulous and brilliant all at the same time.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Casablanca for this ARC.

I have been waiting forever to read this book! I am so glad that I was able to get an ARC for this book. I have been following this series by Alyson McLayne for a while now and I absolutely adore her books and her writing.

Highland Captive was everything that I had been waiting for from this character. I was really looking forward to reading about Gavin's story as the mystery surrounding the disappearance of his son was one I really wanted to unravel. I loved the character of Deirdre, she was a fierce mama-bear who would do anything for her son, even if it meant keeping him away from Gavin. This story was romantic, heartbreaking and emotional. I found myself with tears on my face more than once while reading this book. I especially like how all the characters from the previous books make an appearance in this book too, so we can still read about how the other characters are living their lives. The other mystery part of this book, which is who is causing all this chaos in these characters lives, still remains a mystery which I think will be revealed (finally) in the next installment. I cannot wait for the next book in this series! I seriously recommend this book to any of my fellow Scottish/highland romance lovers, it is sure to be one that you enjoy!

Love this book!!! I think it is the best I have read from this author!!! The characters are very well developed. The story flaws beautifully!! I can't wait for the next book of the series!

I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I LOVED this book. I have been waiting very impatiently for Gavin's story and I was not disappointed in it at all. After reading the other 3 books in this series I was worried I was getting myself too hyped up for the 4th but such was not the case.
The emotion in this book and compassion displayed just made this book so good. I loved this book and the series so much that they are for sure going into my reread pile. I highly recommend.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but I throughly enjoyed this one and don't feel like I was behind because I didn't read the other books. So many times stand-alone novels in a series feel off because I feel like I'm missing so much information that was in the previous books. I didn't feel that way at all while reading this book. I think the main thing I loved about this book was the humor. This book was a bit cheesy at times, but I feel like when you're reading romance that's to be expected to a certain degree.

Highland Captive is the 4th book in Alyson McLayne’s the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. MacLeod fosters five young boys all destined to become powerful lairds. This is Gavin MacKinnon’s story.

While this is a stand-alone book, McLayne has been painstakingly laying the foundation for Gavin’s story throughout her previous books. Gavin MacKinnon is a changed man after his wife dies and his young son disappears. He has spent years living in anguish and combing the countryside for his missing child. Readers have been waiting for Gavin Mackinnon’s story and Alyson McLayne does not disappoint!

Gavin finally finds his son, Ewan, in the care of Deirdre MacIntryre who claims the child is her own. Gavin assumes that his reunion with his son will be the end of his anguish but nothing goes according to plan. He finds himself attracted to the mysterious Deirdre and struggling to rebuild a relationship with his son.

His child was taken. She was gifted a child to raise as her own. When the Highland laird found his son and the woman he called “mother,” he had no idea that his life would change for the better or that his heart would finally be healed. But how could he trust the fiery and protective woman who refused to return his child?

HIGHLAND CAPTIVE by Alyson McLayne takes us back to the time when brawny lairds and strong women could brave harsh times and love fiercely. A tale of romance, filled with turmoil and even some incredible deceit that was riveting from the start. Ms. McLayne takes us into her world of passion for family, loyalty and bravery while heating her words with the sparks of romance.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca!

Series: The Sons of Gavin MacLeod - Book 4
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 30, 2019)
Publication Date: July 30, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Grab the tissues, I started crying the first chapter. A new author for my TBR, I was pleasantly surprised how good this book really is.
The fourth in the series (The Sons of Gregor MacCloud) is the story of Laird Gavin MacKinnon who lost his son two years ago. Though others think he's dead, Gavin knows in his heart he's still alive. Information leads him to Deirdre MacIntyre, who has raised his son, Ewan, and is the only mother he knows. When Gavin takes his son back to his castle, he takes Deirdre, too. She's a married woman and he's attracted to her, but doesn't trust her. Now he must decide if she goes or stays. Adding to this turmoil, evil forces surround them and a mysterious warrior wants all of the Sons of Gregor MacCloud dead.
Heart wrenching and very emotional I want to read more of this series.
A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

This was a true love story.
A love of a mother for her son and he for her.
A love of a father for his son.
And a love of a man, a Laird, a warrior for a woman and she for him
Of course it wasn't all that simple.
Gavin, Laird of the MacKinnons, has been looking for his son Ewan for 2 years. He was presumed dead, but Gavin knew that wasn't true. He knew he had been kidnapped.
Dierdre was given a gift. Her husband brought home, his son, a bastard. He wants her to raise him. So for 2 years she raises Ewan as her son.
When Gavin is given information leading to his son, he finds him healthy and well loved. Ewan doesn't remember him. The only parent he knows is Diedre. So Gavin takes them both with him back to his land and his keep.
That is where the adventure begins.
I started this book and couldn't put it down. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
But this series has been fantastic. If you haven't read the prior books, I encourage you to do so. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

When did I become such a sucker for historical romance novels? I'm not even going to lie, it was a challenge putting this one down. The dynamic between the great Highlander Gavin and the beautiful siren Deirdre left me wanting more, and with a cute kid thrown into the mix, this was an instant keeper. There was bubbling attraction, non-stop drama and a whirlwind romance that would leave anyone swooning for more.