Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey
A Highland Pride Novel #4

Finlay Cameron and Blair McNab have seen one another around over the years but never really SEEN one another. When Finlay comes to tell the McNab’s that Blair’s fiance died in a battle he didn’t know that he might end up married to her soon thereafter. She is someone he has admired but never really thought could be his own and she has always been the pawn of her father to sell to the highest bidder and Finlay just might be a better husband than her father or brother have offered her before.

This book includes:
* a great deal of travel
* blackmail
* mention of abuse
* treason
* theft
* arson
* political intrigue
* a mystery
* romance
* and more

Did I like the book? For the most part
What would I change? Trust sooner in the book
Do you need to read the previous books first? No – it stands alone
Did I feel Blair and Finlay belonged together? Yes – they complemented one another
Would I read more by this author? I think so

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

3-4 Stars

Book: Highland Salvation
By Lori Ann Bailey

Series: Highland Pride Series, Book #4

Release Date: April

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: I Smokin Hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Overall Rating: 5 Star & 5 Kilts


The Covenanters were a Scottish Presbyterian movement that played an important part in the history of Scotland, and to a lesser extent that of England and of Ireland, during the 17th century.

A royalist supports a particular monarch as head of state for a particular kingdom, or of a particular dynastic claim. In the abstract, this position is royalism. It is distinct from monarchism, which advocates a monarchical system of government, but not necessarily a particular monarch.



Scotland 1643

Finlay Cameron is the illegitimate son of an English Earl and Scottish mother. He is ordered to marry Blair Macnab, to certify her clan, the Macnabs, prove their loyalty to King Charles and the Crown. Blair is a woman Finlay has always admired, but she has never noticed him. She is absolute perfection to Findlay, as she is beautiful, smart and outgoing. Her only flaw is he believes she wants to murder him!

Blair Macnab is tired of people only using her for her physical appearance. Blair has always wanted her father’s affection and respect, but he only uses her for political alliances, coin and advancement. She justs wants someone to care about her, to be kind, respectful, caring yet be an equal partner, and loved. Blair just wants to be cared for for the person she is inside, finding her an asset as a partner worthy in many areas and not for her outside physical attributes. What if she can’t have babies? Her abusive fiancé dies in battle, and now hbrutal cousin Bruce, tries to blackmail her into a forced marriage-using a big ugly secret they share. This leaves Blair with little options, as she refuses to be a pawn by her father again just for other people’s advantage. She must marry her brothers brawny friend, Finlay Cameron, before it’s too late. Though she worries, as she has made bad decisions in the past when it comes to picking the right men.

Blair had never opened her eyes to see what was right in front of her. As her brothers friend Finlay Cameron, is so so handsome that he’d make any woman swoon. Finlay makes her feel so safe and secure, as she doesn’t realize her blackmailer is coming after her, to destroy and ruin her with ugly secrets. On top of that, there have been a couple attempts on Findlay’s life. He wonders if she is more like her father who switches sides between Covenants and Royalists, which would make her a traitor to the King! Findlay wonders if the wife he desires so much is a traitor and trying to murder him? Is it possible she is the Royalist she claims to be? Or is she just like her brother, her father’s heir? In addition Findlay assumes some untruths about Blair too. He has secrets of his own he has not revealed. Will this revelation destroy Blair and Findlay’s relationship and shatter their hearts and ruin their chance at future happiness? Will Blair and Findlay ever reveal the truth and be each other’s equal heart mate, and partner in all ways that matter?

I highly recommend you to read this remarkable breathtaking novel as it is absolutely both awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Another book for my keeper shelf in this action packed,quick paced, page turner that weaves true factual history with a beautiful fictional romance. This novel has also includes a riveting adventure, scheming plots, hot steaming passion, attempted murder assassinations, physical and sexual abuse, political marriage aliances, blackmail, treachery, suspense, mystery, betrayal, shameful dyslexia, illegitimate birth, unwanted life, hatred, heretics, trust, love and so much more. Yet a breathtaking setting, amazing dialogue, exhilarating characters and awe-inspiring plotting.


Could Blair be a loyal Royalist like her brother, her father's heir? Findlay wonders if the wife he desires so much is trying to murder him?

He has secrets of his own his has not revealed. Plus he assumes some untruths about Blair too. Will Blair and Findlay ever reveal the truth and be each other’s equal heart mate, and partner in all ways that matter?

I think Highland Salvation is my favorite story of the series. I have read each and every one. Although I have loved them all as this author Lori Ann Bailey is absolutely brilliant! As it is a story to get swept away in. Again it is the war between the covenants and royalists which is historically accurate plus the breathtaking fictional love story. A phenomenal book readers definitely don’t want to miss. No worries if it is your first book or your last book of the series. As you can read any of these books as stand alone books too.

Solemn League and Covenant, (1643), agreement between the English and Scots by which the Scots agreed to support the English Parliamentarians in their disputes with the royalists and both countries pledged to work for a civil and religious union of England, Scotland, and Ireland under a presbyterian–parliamentary

Again the settings are extraordinary, the dialogue is brilliant and the detailed plotting with so many surprises just blew me away. In addition it has all the elements readers love: from a fast paced, action packed,
page turning, and a riveting, romantic, adventure. Plus it’s filled with suspense, mystery, blackmail, treachery, intrigue, treason, betrayal, fear, hatred, deceit, brutality, forgiveness, joy, faith, trust and love.

It is definitely a book historical romance readers don’t want to miss. I absolutely and unequivocally highly recommend this absolute masterpiece. It is a book readers won’t be able to put down.





I received this book From Entangled publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas, thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The intrigue of conspiracy and war. Finlay is sworn to protect the British Royal crown. He marries Blair whose father is considered to have divided loyalties. There are multiple layers of deception present in the story that will keep you turning the pages. There is also the romantic relationship that grows out of the marriage which is fraught with emotional upheavals. The family dynamic of Finlay, especially between his parents, is dealt with in a very sweet way by the author. It is a book that touches on several issues that will leave you with a great experience for having read it.

Maybe 3.5

This story picks up shortly after the climatic events of Highland Temptation, Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of the English Earl of Middlesbrough and Catriona, the aunt of the Cameron laird is arriving at the McNab keep to deliver some bad news to Blair. Finlay has admired Blair from afar for years, but she was promised to Henry Graham and far above his touch. Finlay has to deliver this news and quickly ride to England and let the King know what is happening with the Covenanters in Scotland. He wouldn't even be here if his friend John (Blair's brother) hadn't convinced him that Blair would handle the news better from him.

Blair has no desire to marry Henry, he is abusive and took far more than he should have from her, but she has no say in the matter, so when she learns that he is dead, she is relieved. That is until Henry's vile cousin Bruce tries to blackmail her into marrying him. Salvation comes in the form of Finlay - he proposes marriage and she accepts. They leave the next day for the Cameron holding to get his laird's blessing and then they marry and set off for England with several Cameron retainers in tow.

Finlay is happy to marry Blair, he knows Henry ruined her and he thinks she is pregnant, he can't bear the thought that her child would be a bastard and he hopes that she can be his life partner and they can have the family he always hoped for. But when an attempt is made on his life, he wonders if Blair is trying to stop him from bringing news to the King - her father is known far and wide to support the Covenanters - could Blair be working on his behalf? For her part, Blair feels a little guilty for not telling Finlay about Bruce - especially when she spies him in the village, she worries that her marriage to Finlay may spark a clan war, but she hopes that Bruce will just give up now that she is wed. She wants to be happy with Finlay and hopes that he will let her be a partner.

But doubts, suspicions and secrets lay heavy between these two and more than one threat conspires to tear them apart.

This is the fourth book in the Highland Pride series and I would recommend reading the books in order - at minimum, read Highland Temptation before this story. The book is well written, but it is busy with numerous story lines, it is also a bit repetitious and the assumptions and doubts drag on for too long and make the ending feel rushed. Both Blair and Finlay are likable, the story lines are interesting and the epilogue ties up almost all the loose ends. I am glad I read the book, but I don't think I would re-read it.

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

Poor Finlay and Blair have a boatload of problems. England is in the midst of civil war in 1643 and they are about to drag many of the Highland clans into it. Loyalties were tested between Royalists and Covenanters. Times were very dangerous and very tense.

Finlay Cameron is the bastard son of the English Earl of Middlesbrough. He is dyslexic and has always felt very self-conscious about it – it really messed with his self-esteem. Both of his parents loved him – and each other – but they couldn’t be together because his father already had a betrothed in England. Finlay ended up spending time with both parents, but he always felt the Highlands were home.

Blair Macnab’s father is a cold unfeeling man whose only use for females is to warm his bed and produce heirs. He places no value on women and one is as good as another. Blair wants to be valued and does all she can to win his approval – except when it was time to marry, she managed to convince him to let her choose. What a wrong choice she made! Her betrothed was even worse than her father, but he hid it really well – until they were betrothed.

Finlay and John Macnab, Blair’s brother, have arrived at the Macnab castle to break the news to Blair about her betrothed’s death during a bloody melee in Edinburgh. Although she doesn’t show it, Blair isn’t particularly upset – other than to be fearful of who her father might marry her off to now – especially since her father is going to sign the Solemn League and Covenants, aligning the Macnab’s with the Covenanters.

John suggests that Finlay marry Blair – and Finlay finally agrees as long as both Blair and her father freely agree. He’s always been attracted to Blair even though she never even noticed him – at least he didn’t think she had. The real reason for him to agree to the marriage is that he believes that Blair is expecting her betrothed’s child and he can’t stand the idea of letting another child be born a bastard when he can prevent it.

Finlay and his clan are staunch Royalists and he thinks John and Blair are Royalists as well, but given their father’s plan to sign the Covenanters document, he isn’t sure. When things begin to occur on their trip to England, he wonders even more. Now, Finlay has several problems to add to being a bastard with dyslexia – now he has a wife who might be a traitor and a spy – and she might be trying to kill him as well.

At first, Blair is skittish around Finlay, but as he continuously treats her with courtesy, respect, and care she comes to think she has made a happy match. But – sometimes she sees glimpses of her father in him and she worries.

Seeing these two overcome so many odds and find their HEA was a real treat. I really enjoyed this read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book annoyed me many times over..I felt for Blair this woman went thru a lot and she honestly needed a break and there were times that it was just difficult to read, I hate when woman are treated like trash, and she went thru that. She gets blackmailed, and Finlay pissed me off to by constantly wondering about her..Finlay wasn't bad by any means and he himself has some issues that he needed to work thru, but again give this woman a break please...

Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a wife, but he suspects she may be plotting his murder. Always considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth.
A page turning, engrossing read very well written with wonderful characters, I loved it. This series continues to delight & is so accomplished that it’s hard to believe it's the authors first. I'd hoped that Finlay & Blair would have their HEAs & was thrilled to read this. This is the fourth book in the series, it could be read on its own but I always have to read a series in order so I’d recommend reading this brilliant series from the start. This book follows on from the previous one, Finlay is absolutely gorgeous, so caring & patient with Blair, he’s been smitten with her for ages & when they marry to prevent her continuing to be her father’s pawn he can’t believe his luck. Blair is a strong highland lass, intelligent but has been raped by her fiancé before he's killed, then blackmailed so marrying Finlay is a new beginning & she feels safe with him. Set at the time of the English Civil War it gives a true sense of the time & the intrigues happening. The road to Finlay & Blair’s HEA isn't smooth as both have secrets plus doubts & misunderstandings hamper their road.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

As promised, I am giving my fair and honest review for this ARC. What a great tale! The writing flows beautifully with characters that are so complex. There is love here, no doubt, but the base is a tale so rich and full. You should really get this book!

Finlay Cameron has to break the news to Blair Macnab that her fiancée has died. He has been harbouring some feelings towards her, and does not relish this task at all. Blair wasn’t too distraught to hear about the loss of her betrothed, but she was troubled by a family member of the deceased man who was blackmailing her into marrying him. So, she wisely said yes when her brother suggested she marry Finlay instead. Finlay and Blair went into their union with the best of intentions, but Finlay is worried that his new wife is trying to kill him. And Blair is worried that her blackmailer will catch up with them and cause serious harm.

I quite liked Finlay. He constantly reveals something new and different about his character, that seems to surprise Blair and make her realize there is more to him than meets the eye. Finlay takes himself and his tasks very seriously and Blair brings a different dimension into his life. In this story we see Finlay get a second chance at the relationship with his brothers.

The writing felt a bit stilted at times, like it was missing that something that would make the words flow a bit easier. But there is plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep the reader guessing and I did not see the ending coming. Finlay and Blair’s relationship unfolded very well, and I appreciated the gentle way in which he approached her.

I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, but this one stands well on it’s own.

I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is set in the time just before the English civil war. The people of the three kingdoms are deciding if they are on the side of parliament or the King.

Finlay Cameron's Laird and clan are Royalists. After a battle in Edinburgh, Finlay has news he must take to several different people. Because he has family in Scotland and England he is the obvious person to deliver it, but he wasn't expecting the traveling companions he would have.

Blair Macnab feels that she should feel sad that her betrothed was killed in the recent fighting, but all she feels is relief. That is until a man from the clan of her betrothed tries to blackmail her into marrying him instead. Will she find someone who can save her or will her problems follow her??

Our hero is the natural son of an English Earl and a Scottish woman. Both parents loved him but lived in different countries, meaning he traveled back and forth all his life. He has a problem that has always caused him embarrassment.

This is a very different Highland romance with great characters and a fascinating plot.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Highland Salvation
Highland Pride #4
By Lori Ann Bailey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blair Macnab has always been considered to be nothing more the a pretty face and a female to be bartered with. Now all she wants is to prove her worth. She absolutely refuses to be used as a pawn for a political gain in marriage, but when she is confronted by a blackmailer her only recourse is to marry and get away.

Finlay Cameron is the bastard born son of an English Earl and a Scottish Mother. He decides to marry a stunning and outgoing Blair to endure her clan's loyalty to King Charles.

For the first time in as long as she can remember Blair feels safe in Finlay's arms. Then she learns that the blackmailer is on her tail and has been following from day one. This also may have another dire consequence as secrets that are buried could now come to light.

Lori Ann Bailey pens a fantastic novel full of action, love, betrayal, disgrafulness, and the court of King Charles. It has everything a historical fiction lover will enjoy. Ms. Bailey you have a true talent and I can't wait to see with what you come up for us loyal fans in the future.

I love this series! This is Finlay’s turn to find his true love. Such a gentleman! He marries Blair thinking she is pregnant with her deceased betrothed’s child. Finlay had seen the cruel way her betrothed had treated her and wanted to put a stop to it then, but felt it was not his place to interfere. So, it did not take much to convince him to marry her once the news was given of his death. Trouble was – he kept thinking she was trying to kill him the whole time they were married!

The days after their marriage and lack of consummation of their marriage is funny, yet, sad at the same time. Cannot say they even had the opportunity!

Finlay is a unique character in that he is a Highland warrior and English, a bastard all the same. Blair marries him without really knowing him. She learns about him and his life after they marry a little at a time. Blair wants a partnership marriage, kind of unique for the day. She certainly learned from her mistakes. Blair was going to do everything she could to form that partnership.

Finlay seems to be a little too trusting of the brothers who treated him so poorly as a child. Then, to compound matters, he takes the advise of his brother’s wife on whom to hire as a steward, In addition, he cannot understand why his estate is in such financial trouble. Seems he is not a very good judge of character in some situations. Thank goodness he married Blair. He does not really realize it, but she is perfect form him having been raised to take care of a household.

One of the things I enjoy about Ms. Bailey’s books/romances is there is so much going on with the various characters, but she writes in a way that you do not have to try to keep track of the conflicts and situations that make it a good read. She pulls you right along explaining as you read. If anything, this book ended too soon. But, Ms. Bailey interconnects her characters from time to time just enough so you can keep up with them.

Highland Salvation is the fourth book in Highland Pride series although each book can be read as a standalone. I have never read any of the previous books nor anything by this author. Overall, Highland Salvation has a good storyline and was a good read, but not great. For me, what kept it from being great was how it was written. There is a lot of repetition of ideas, for example both of the character’s insecurities. Blair comes from an abusive relationship and therefore is mistrustful and insecure, Finlay thinks no woman would ever love him, especially Blair. But we don’t need this explained every chapter as it is. Also, I appreciate the writer trying to place the reader into the story by using period language but in this case, it slowed the story for me especially when it came to the word “och”. This to me, was overused, sometimes three times on a single page. It became super annoying to me after about chapter three for as many times as it was used. This book took me awhile to get through just due to the sentence structure and use of words, it did tend to drag in a few places. I recommend it but I wouldn’t read it again and it doesn’t make me want to read the other books in the series. Thank you to the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via Entangled Publishing through NetGalley. Highland Salvation is the fourth book in Highland Pride series and each book can be read as a standalone. I just absolutely loved this book and I wasn’t confused from not reading the earlier books in this series. I loved this book so much that I really want to go back and read the earlier books in the series. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

I have read tons of highlander books.
I will read another ton.
This was my first book by Ann Bailey and what I liked was the plot and character development.
What I did not like is the pace of the story. I wish things would progress faster and story would not been somehow predictable.
Still, a great and recommended read! 4/5 rating from me.

Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing.
Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’seems to be everything he’s ever wanted in a wife but is she plotting his death as he suspects ?

She has always been considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth. She refuses to be used as a pawn for political gain, but when confronted by a blackmailer, her only option for supposed safety is to marry the brawny Finlay Cameron.

While in Finlay’s arms, she feels safe until she learns that her blackmailer is hot on her trail and her secrets could soon be exposed.
Will this pair get past the subterfuge or will it be the demise of their relationship as they know it?
This is a page Turner with danger, love and attraction. I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Highland Salvation (Highland Pride #4) by Lori Ann Bailey ... This is another fantastic addition to the HIGHLAND PRIDE series. Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. I love this series and Finlay and Blair's story got me from the start.. Both of them have insecurities ...he is bastard son of an Earl with other problems I won't name with out spoilers and she doesn't want to be misused as her mother was.... It was a fast moving story with laughter, tears, danger, misunderstandings, danger, some steamy stuff and also revisiting some old friends from previous books all leading to some very HEA's and leaving me hoping for more HIGHLAND PRIDE stories.

I really enjoyed Finlay and Blair's story!

Finlay has admired Blair since they first met, but she has always ignored him. When Blair's betrothed dies in battle, her family is determined to see her quickly married. Her brother approaches Finlay with an offer of marriage and he agrees on the condition that Blair does. They are soon married and on their way to see the king...but Finlay thinks that his wife might be trying to kill him. Was his marriage a mistake or is there something else in play?

I really liked watching these two fall in love. Blair just wanted an opportunity to prove that she was more than a pretty face and Finley to prove that he was good enough for his new wife. They ended up being at cross purposes quite a bit..but eventually they got their HEA. This was a great addition to the Highland Pride series!

2,5 stars.
This book was an okay read. Maybe it's the feminist in me but I had a hard time with a lot in this book. I hate when men demean women, mistrust them and what not over stupid stuff. It just feels like the author is trying to create conflict. I have found that a lot of new romance writers nowadays try to put in a more modern view in their historical romance books. This book is more on the older side. Which I do believe many would like.

Blair the main character has been through a lot, taken a lot of shit from men. And I just I can't. The romance is fine and it is a fun quick light read. Not a book that will captivate you or bringing you out of a reading slump, but passable none the less. The love interest was fine, no real traits that made him stick out, but your run of the mill male love interest.

This book is for the avid historical romance reader and for those of the lot that love Scotland.

This is the first book ever that I have read from this author. I think the authenticity of the time period is there. However, honestly, I could not get past the first few chapters because of a trigger. Before the heroine married the hero, she was previously betrothed to a physically/sexually abusive man. Although it was not described in full graphic detail, it was something that discouraged me to read on. Maybe once I get over this I can go back and read the book again and look at the story in its entirety and maybe appreciate the plot and the characters.
I appreciate the copy Netgalley as furnished me with.