It was good to be back with the Highland Roses. Cat is a favorite character because she is fierce and unvarnished. She is the total opposite of Nathaniel who is the polished aristocrat. Sparks have been flying around them from the moment they met. Their story is especially filled with politics and intrigue. Cat is in the thick of saving the day and saving herself. Throughout it all she and Nathaniel heat up the sheets and build a strong and unshakable bond.

I loved this historical romance. It's full of mystery and adventure. A story that starts in Scotland and takes us to the Whitehall in London and then back to Scotland. The characters are all very well-developed and it is quite a well-written story. I think it's a must read for historical fiction fans.

3.5 Stars

“As long as blood courses through my body, my heart will never leave you.”

Cat Campbell has made the wilds of the Highlands her home. Cat has been caring for her younger sister since the death of their parents. When two English ladies open the doors of Finlarig Castle to the women in the area, Cat is at first skeptical. But when she sees the ladies are providing food, shelter, and teaching the girls more than just reading and writing but also the art of self-defense, Cat and her sister join the Highland Roses. Blessed with the art of healing, Cat quickly learns more of her craft as well as becoming one of the most respected students of the Roses. When the Queen summons for one of the Highland Roses to assist her at Court, it is no surprise that Cat is the one chosen to answer her request.

Nathaniel Worthington, the Fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire, has been funding his sisters Highland Rose school, and secretly yearning for a particular Rose. When Cat is summoned to Court, Nathaniel offers to assist her in her travels as well as maneuvering the many intrigues within the hierarchy of the prominent families at Court.

As the mystery of who plotted and succeeded in poisoning the King unfold, so too does the budding attraction between one very wicked Viscount and his Highland Rose.

The Wicked Viscount is the third in the Campbell series, and while it states can be read alone, I would not suggest doing so. I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. And while this was well written and an entertaining read, I missed the Highland backdrop as well as all the Highland Roses, the sisters and their husbands. Cat and Nathaniel’s romance is slow to kindle but quick to burn…and burn verra hawt! Overall, The Wicked Viscount would be enjoyed by fans of historical romance.

*Received ARC via NetGalley for honest review*

The Wicked Viscount by Heather McCollum

Cat is totally at home running through the woods, climbing trees, and taking down wild boar alone.
Her wildness, freedom and vibrant love of life has captured Nathaniel’s attention.

When a letter from the Queen summons the best healer and protector, Cat and Nathaniel travel together to London court.

This is my first Heather McCollum and I can’t help but feeling a bit, not lost necessarily, but lacking a lot of history. Quick recaps are here and there, but I was upset that apparently I missed those first kiss from a previous book. I wish there had been a flashback to it so I could feel more tension between them.

Unfortunately for me, this book had a lot of action and the romance got lost between all the running here and there. There was a scene where they played cards to exchange information about themselves and I really enjoyed that. However, it just didn’t have the tension build up I prefer.

I do think this book is well written and if you enjoy plenty of action, politics of the era, and court intrigue, this may well be a hit for you.



I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Catriona "Cat" Campbell is called to London by Queen Catherine, her husband King Charles II is deathly ill and the queen suspects foul play. Nathaniel Worthington, Viscount Worthington is tasked with taking her to London, Nathaniel dreads the task, he is intrigued by Cat and still remembers the kiss they shared months ago, but Nathaniel is not free to follow his heart. His father's will is iron-clad and Nathaniel will lose everything (and by extension so will his sisters) if he does not marry a woman of refinement and noble family.

The set out to London and they really begin to know each other, Cat has sworn to never love after seeing her mother wither away after losing her father, and she especially won't love an Englishman after her father was slain by the English in the battle of Bothwell Bridge. But the more time spent with Nathaniel, the harder it is for her to hold to that vow. But Nathaniel has secrets that would destroy that budding tenderness if she ever learned of them. When they finally reach his estate, they learn that the king is dead and his brother James is now king. Nathaniel is confronted by some of his father's cronies and is pressured to choose a side. Cat is saddened to see Nathaniel sliding back into his formal English manners and wonders who the real Nathaniel is. In an effort to find the Nathaniel she is coming to love, she gives into the passion between them, refusing to let him share his secrets.

They make their way to London and Cat is thrown headfirst into the intrigues of court life, where secrets, betrayal, deceit and lies threaten to tear our lovers apart, especially when Nathaniel's secrets are revealed. With accusations of treason and murder being thrown around and betrayal running rampant, will they find a way to happily ever after? Or will the guilt and anger festering inside tear them apart forever?

I thought this was a good read, but not something I would read again. I liked both Nathaniel and Cat, and while this was an interesting story, the book had a lot going on, so much that the "romance" seemed to be secondary. That along with the numerous title errors and slight historical errors regarding minor things (like bourbon and whist), made this a 3.5 star read for me. I rounded it up to four, because I did enjoy the story and thought the author did a good job overcoming the things keeping them apart with a plausible solution.

This is the third book in the series and does reference several events from the previous books, but I believe it could be read as a stand alone title nonetheless.

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

Heather McCollum is a first time author for me. I will definitely go back and read the first two books in the series! I enjoyed Cat and Nathaniel's story, especially the intrigue and insight into the English court. I loved the strong heroine! I received an ARC for my honest review.

The Wicked Viscount
Heather McCollum

The Wicked Viscount by Heather McCollum is book three in her Campbells series. Though this is part of a series it reads well as a standalone, as do the previous books in the series.

Heather McCollum knows her craft. This novel is thoroughly intriguing. All elements have been masterfully executed. The plot grabs and holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The characters are vibrant. The scenery is vividly detailed. I love the humor infused throughout the story. Cat, the female lead is especially witty and cunning and can best her foes with her sharp knives and her sharp tongue. The Wicked Viscount is a 5 out of 5 and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

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

Cat Campbell knows all about Nathaniel Worthington, fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire. The determined Englishman is never far from Finlarig Castle, where his sisters train women to do more than read and write.

Nathaniel knows he should keep his distance from the fierce Scottish lass, but when an urgent letter from Queen Catherine calls Cat to London, he can’t resist volunteering to escort her.

This book is a slow burn romance between Cat and Nathaniel. The plot is slow developing but once it gets going it's a rolling , rollicking read. It is, though a slower read than the previous title I read from this series.
I read book #1, The Scottish Rogue, missed book #2 of this series, The Savage Highlander. They each are standalone titles but are tied together by location and some of the characters so although not necessary I would recommend reading them all in order of publication.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline, plot and character development.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
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I will have to go back and read the second book. They aren't necessary to be read in order but I feel I may have missed out on a little something by not reading it

I do not know if was just the day of the week because I usually love highland stories. This story was way to slow for me. The writing is good and the history is interesting but I needed more action and romance in the story. I got it, but at about the 70% mark. Then I really dug my teeth into the story. I love the intrigue in the courts and how the women (and men) maneuvered around each other.

I have to admit that I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, but I loved this story of Cat Campbell and Nathaniel Worthington, so I am now have more great reading ahead of me.
Set in 1685, Nathaniel, the fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire and Cat find themselves travelling to London together on the urgent request of Queen Catherine, whose husband has been poisoned. However, he knows that the journey will prove difficult as their attraction is hard to ignore, given a passionate kiss they shared when Cate was tending to Nathaniel after an injury. Upon reaching the Queen, they soon find themselves confronting their feelings but facing danger from within the castle walls.
These were two great characters with Cat such a strong character. I loved her ability to express herself despite the consequences and I was fascinated by her skills as a Highland Rose. Her relationship with Nathaniel was so lovely to read about and I thought that his strengths was in his ability to let Cat have the freedom that she desired yet without over censuring her. He was such a great balance for Cat and I found that as the story progressed, she matured not only in her feelings for Nathaniel but in her ability to understand his past.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Wicked Viscount is the story of Cat Campbell, a Scottish warrior and healer and Nathaniel, An English Viscount. Their love story has action, intrigue, and the 1600’s court of King James. The story was a little slow at first, but the adventures became more interesting as the story progressed. 4 stars.

This is my fair and honest review in return for this ARC. What a great book. The story flows so well! The characters are so individual and really make the tale shine!. You will enjoy it!!!

It has the right blend of interesting characters, a slow-burn romance, intriguing politics and angst.

I really liked Cat. It is tough to get a fiercely independent heroine right. Most times, in the throes of showing the reader a heroine is proud, independent and a smart warrior, we end up getting an annoyingly stubborn character who says No for the sake of saying no. But here, Heather McCollum has written Cat's character arc really well. She knows when she can handle herself and when she needs to be a team player. It was a pleasure to read this.

The romance developed pretty slowly but looking at their personalities it fit the storyline. And I loved how the author portrayed the angst between the leads. It was done well without being drawn on too long.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.

This was interesting but slow. I liked the character of cat. I just wish I didn’t feel like skimming through it so much. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

This was a fun read if a bit slow at first. The second half of the novel was much more exciting and to my taste than the first. I felt that the writing was well crafted and the characters believable. All in all, a good romance. I just ish the beginning had held some more interesting pieces to get us through the back story and buildup of the novel.

Lord Nathaniel Worthington and Cat shared a kiss months ago. Nathaniel had been injured and Cat was tending to him as she had a gift as a healer. During his recovery they shared a passionate kiss that neither could forget. Cat is part of the Highland Roses School where Nathaniel's sisters help teach and instruct women in reading, writing and self defense. Nathaniel in recent months seemed to be spending a lot of time around the school.

Nathaniel is very attracted to Cat but he's an Englishmen and Cat doesn't like the English at all. There is also the problem of his fathers will that stipulate that he marry a woman who comes from a family influence and nobility so he looses his wealth and standing, which would also hurt his sisters.

Cat has fought her attraction to Nathaniel and is finding it very difficult. She's well versed not only in healing and but in self defense and weaponry. Cat has had to be strong and independent. She lost both her parents and cared for her younger sister. Cat was determined to not rely on anyone or ever fall in love as she saw what it did to her parents. A father who was a drunk and loved to battle as well as warfare. A mother who gave up her life after her husband dies in battle. It wasn't worth it, this thing called loved.

Well an important letter/missives arrives at Highland Rose with a request for Cat and her skills. The request is from Queen Catherine requesting Cat travel to London to assist in solving some dangerous and suspicious happenings. Well Nathaniel offers to take her on this journey and assist in help solve what is transpiring at court in London.

The journey for these two was filled with tension and secrets. Secrets that Nathaniel kept and was struggling in keeping from Cat. Cat was determined not to ever love but Nathaniel stirs something in her that she doesn't know if she can fight anymore. These two cannot ignore what's been simmering between them and finally give in to their mutual attraction. But they know that things are complicated and what they are about to encounter in court could be dangerous as well detrimental to fragile relationship.

In London they find themselves immersed in danger as well as keeping their relationship secret. They are each aware that their relationship is fragile and are cautious on how to proceed. But secrets slowly are revealed and trust is tested. They each realize what is really important to them and fight for each other and their relationship. They both are able to work together to reveal the truth on the treachery happening at court.

I liked this all right but found that the evolution of their relationship was lacking somewhat. Something was missing, maybe more emotion and heart was need from the two. I felt it was left too much towards the very end which was not as satisfying. The mystery and intrigue of the court was fair. It was a nice read to pass the time, but wasn't fully engaged in the story and found it hard not to skim through at times.

I enjoyed the read. It was lighthearted and easy, and for the most part incredibly escapist and fun. It was a good book, but there were so many anachronistic details, especially considering the details included that were almost painfully faithful to the period, that it was hard to believe in places. You also really need some background that is only accomplished by reading the previous Highland Rose books, although the blurb says it is a stand alone book.

Yay!! I was waiting on these two..I have to say Heather has become one of my grab as soon as it comes out author.. I hope you started from the very beginning of the series because you really need to to know who is how and how they affect the storyline. So we meet both Nathanial and Cat from the very beginning and they have a history of not liking each other. Cat is a scottish lass and hates the English for oh so many reasons and as you read the series you can understand her feeling. I loved Nate and couldn't wait for his story since I loved his sisters, I have to say that my favorite couple is still Scarlett and Aiden...My only issue was that we barely got to read about those two I kind of wanted to catch up with them a little bit more, but regardless this story is good..We have more secrets and issues with the court folks, since Cat and Nate had to go help the queen after being summoned and Cat represented the Rose's and you knew that would not have gone too well..I wont give you more just grab a copy and Enjoy!!

The Wicked Viscount by author Heather McCollum was another great addition to the series. A few unexpected twists and characters that shone through the pages made for entertaining reading. Cat’s character humanised Nate’s. Their terms of endearment were sweet and the chemistry between the two character’s was an ever present element in the narrative. A great read from start to finish that centred more in Whitehall, London than Killin, Highlands of Scotland. The contrast in setting was stark and left one missing the previous depicted Scottish hillsides already featured in the series. Nevertheless, The Wicked Viscount was another fab read by Ms McCollum.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

Cat Campbell, a Highland Rose, is asked by Queen Catherine to come to London immediately. The queen needs someone knowledgeable with healing, herbs, and can protect herself and Cat fills all the requirements. Nathaniel Worthington, fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire, cannot stop thinking about the kiss her shared with Cat and agrees to escort her to London. Nathaniel has a secret he is keeping from Cat, one that will have disastrous consequences if it gets out. Nathaniel has to deal with his father's will, and that means he has no future with Cat. However, they will have to work together to discover the traitors to the crown. Cat and Nathaniel both desire the other, which leads to passion, neither expecting marriage, yet cannot deny the attraction they have. As they get closer to the truth, there are those who are willing to keep them apart and do whatever it takes to keep their plans of treason a secret. Cat and Nathaniel will have to battle out in the English court, where words are used as weapons and nothing is as it seems. However, sometimes sword play does come in handy.