**I received a copy of Highland Conquest from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinion was not solicited in any way**

Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum is the first book of her Sons of Sinclair series. While I usually don't read Historical Romance (I read A LOT of them when I was young) the blurb for this intrigued me. I wasn't disappointed and thankfully the language dictionary was in the front thank you for putting there. The one person I loved Aunt Merida ex-wife of her father , healer and sage advisor who kept the brothers in line as well as their sister Hannah.

Cain Sinclair has always known that he'll lead the Clan Sinclair when his father passes away but what he didn't expect that it would be at the hands of Ella Sutherland his neighbor and she's very strong and opinionated. Plus very good at Archery so he takes her hostage and announces they are due to be wed in 3 weeks. Now Ella is not okay with that and shows Cain how well she can climb, escape down the tower walls, finds a secret passage etc. But they have other problems such as a MacKay's are out for blood and Ella so Cain who's fallen in love will do everything to save her from them and convince her to join their two clans together.

Ella Sutherland was raised knowing that her father was disappointed and angry or that he would be abusive. Thankfully her loyal advisor, teacher and friend Kenneth she learns very quickly how to be a defender of the Sutherland Clan and eventually chief but she also has a secret that no one knows and would die to keep it quiet. First she luckily escape a betrothal to Hew MacKay (wow the pay off Dowry is amazing), and now she's supposed to wed Cain even though he's tried to soften her up with a kitten (Aww). But she's a very strong opponent so a hunger strike, several escape attempts will lead to both Cain and Ella discovering they're actually quite a strong couple and will take on his brothers, rescue family and realize that love can conquer all.

Absolutely phenomenal! I have read several of Heather McCollum’s books, but this one is by far my favorite. Two strong main characters who are self-confident and independent come together as one in this romance. If you love Highland romances with steam, then you will love this novel! I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

This novel was a rather enjoyable read about two warring clans, whom have had years of hate between them. The Sinclair brothers were told by there father they are the Horsemen, each groomed based on conquest, war, famine, and death. Cain, the eldest, has been conquering to unite all of Scotland, as his father wants. However, Arabella Sutherland, the daughter of his enemy, is nothing like he expected. Ella is strong, a fighter, and clever, whom has her own secrets and scars. Cain has never had to woo a woman before, and Ella is not your typical female. Ella is resistant to Cain's advances and she begins to see two sides to him, but which side is who Cain Sinclair really is. Cain has always been told to conquer, and Ella is no exception to that. Love is not a conquest. Love is giving. Ella and Cain will both have to make choices that will affect the future of the clans, but will love been taken into account?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Highland Conquest is the first book in the Sons of Sinclair series. Cain is the eldest of four brothers, who have been dubbed ‘The Four Horsemen’ by their deceased father, and the leader of his clan. When Cain first sets eyes on Ella, he is immediately drawn to her. It doesn’t matter that she ordered the death of his father, Cain wants her. Unfortunately for Cain, Ella doesn’t feel the same way.

Ella does not mourn the loss of her heartless and abusive father. In fact, now for the first time in her life, she is free. She is dismayed when she realizes Cain intends to marry her and take her lands, pushing her back under the thumb of a man. She determines that this will never happen. She will die or kill Cain first. Ella doesn’t anticipate falling for Cain or his family, but that is what happens. Now Ella has to decide what is more important to her – Cain or her clan. Will she make the right choice? Will her long-held secret ruin everything?

This is an intense character-driven highland romance. Cain is a fascinating and enigmatic clan leader with a sharp tongue and fierce skills in battle. He is intent on marrying Ella and is not used to being rejected. I love his responses to Ella. It is clear from the beginning of the story that Cain is smitten and that this is a new experience for him. Ella rejects him over and over again, but he is determined to woo her. He tries everything he can think of, except offering her freedom.

Ella is as dynamically and intricately written as her love interest. She doesn’t just rush willingly into Cain’s arms. He is a warrior who has tormented her memories for years, and she will not easily succumb to his advances. I love her stubborn pride and her independent spirit. She has been maltreated and abused by her father for much of her life, she is forced into an unwanted engagement, and she is unwillingly taken by a neighboring clan. Through all of this, she shows a strength of character and resilience that is admirable. Additionally, she is intelligent. I think Cain’s respect and admiration of her intellect, her way with animals, and her fiery spirit is what sways Ella’s feelings.

Though the focus is on Cain and Ella, I found the minor characters to be just as interesting as the main couple. Cain’s brothers, his sister, and even his aunt are all dynamically developed, and I found myself wanting to learn more about them. As this is the first in the series, I assume we will learn more of their backstories (and their future) in subsequent books.

War, kidnapping, betrayal, and abuse are all prevalent in this novel, but so are messages of resilience, familial solidarity, female equality, and fighting for love.