⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5 Stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I’m not going to lie- I’m absolutely obsessed with this series rn. I went through a whole “highlander romance” phase back in October of last year and i dont know <b>how</b> I missed this author/series. I’m <i>enamored</i>, guys.

The idea that these 4 brothers are raised to believe theyre the 4 Horsemen of the apocalypse mixed with a Highlander flair is everything I didnt know I needed. The raw burning beauty and possessiveness of our MC is absolutely everything I look for not only in a romance but in a highlander romance. I had to go back and read book 1 as soon as I read book 2 (I didnt feel like that messed anything up for me, having read them out of order. I didnt even realize when I read book 2 that I had missed a first book). And I’m so freaking glad to know that theres 2 more brothers I get to read about.

I wasn’t bored for a single moment while reading this book. In fact, I could barely put it down (hence why I’m sitting at work absolutely exhausted right now lol). Theres action, beautiful romance and an amazing story. I loved both the mc’s and thought they were extremely well written. Both of them were super strong and ferocious in their own way and they just simply clicked together. I loved the idea of a Highlander and a Viking princess together, as well.

Overall, this book was a 4.5/5 stars for me... and I can’t wait to read the following books!

I loved the romance in this book. I like a lot of action and a fast paced story always works for me. This book, however had a lot going on with side plots and stories. So much so that it took away from the reading experience and how much I sank into the romance. I liked the world and love a good highlander romance, but pacing and too much going on were struggles for me.

So this is an intense read, but I enjoyed it. The story flows beautifully, full of action, romance, and drama; there isn't a single boring moment. I also loved the characters and ending was really well done. Totally expected, but in a completely unexpected way. I think that the last few chapters are the highlight of this book. I recommend this to every historical fiction fan out there, and if you love the books about fierce and loyal highlanders, then this is definitely for you.
Joshua Sinclair is a famous warrior. Everyone is afraid of him. There is a reason they call him Horseman of War. He kills without remorse so for the people of the small isle fighting for their freedom he seems like an ideal leader. Unfortunately, he refuses to fight. All he talks about is peace. In this situation, Kara decides to concoct a plan. She must keep him on the northern isle and somehow convince him to not only train her people but also lead them in a fight against their oppressor.
Joshua likes Kara, and he wants her and her people to survive. But he also can't break his oath and fight a war they are sure to lose. In the end, he must convince these people to find new homes, far from here, and live peacefully. However, fate has other things in mind and what is in store for him and for Kara is yet to be determined.
A very well-written and intense read. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed every moment of it. I hope others do too.

First off I liked the cover and Joshua actually looks like a highland warrior.
The authors description of the book tells you all about the story and what the book is about so,
I will just relay my thoughts as I read this incredible fast paced epic story that is hard to put down.
Joshua and Kara are not people you want to cross. Both determined and strong in their commitments.
The story is filled with trauma, excitement, heated passion, high tension, intimate scenes are so sensuous and
romantic that you better have your fan ready. Their kisses were so smoldering the pages were smoking.
This story has every emotion you could possible want in a book. At times it had me laughing out loud, tearing up,
sitting on the edge, hopeful, and so much more. A truly awesome book to read.
A must read part is the birthing scene. This author does an incredible job of writing so you feel like you are right
there with these people and that they actually feel real.
One of my favorite lines in the story after a conflict was when Joshua told Kara, "I will follow him to hell and kill him again".
What a terrific line that was.
I highly recommend this dynamic story and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I have not read the first story yet and I was not lost in this one. This is a stand alone story.
I did receive a copy early for my honest review.
Mature Reader:
Descriptive intimacy:

This is book 2 in the Sons of Sinclair series and you will definitely want to read them in a series like fashion. I believe you could possibly read this as a standalone but you will miss some of the back story on Joshua.

Joshua Sinclair (who is referred to as the Horseman of War) was raised by his father to love war above all else. He is training Lord Robert Stuart on how to fight but he starts to tire of the training. He wants to go back home so he leaves the training to head home.

Kara Flett finds Joshua and is desperate for him to train her people on how to defend themselves against the Stuarts. She doesn't really divulge all the information at once to Joshua as to why she is needing this.

As their time together increases you can tell the attraction is starting. Kara is attacked by Henry on Samhain and then the Stuarts take her son. Kara is a brave and fierce woman who will stop at nothing to get her son back.

When Joshua realizes what has happened he wants to help Kara save him.

The author is a master at historical romance where I felt like I was transported back in time and watching all this unfold as if I was just a passerby. The way that she has woven the world around them, talked about interactions with Kara and Joshua you feel as if you are there.

This book was excellent and just another masterpiece to add to this series. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I tried so hard to finish this one, but ultimately it wasn't for me. I found the instant relationship between Kara and Joshua a bit too much, and from there the rest of story continued to be a stop and start when it came to things being very over the top and then a lot of filler.

This was a great idea, and if people are looking for mostly romance I think they might like it. I just found it to be a bit too unrealistic.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The chemistry between Kára and Joshua was powerful from the very beginning. So much so that I was afraid that this story would be all smut and no substance. Fortunately, that wasn't the case at all. The plot is amazing! So many ups and downs and twists and turns. And oh! the emotions! My heart ached for Kára's people and I wanted them to get their vengeance. But I also love seeing characters like Joshua evolve and grow into something better. Just so happy with how this one ended. Great read!

I found this to be a unique story. Kara's clan primarily lives underground to hide from danger. Joshua comes upon the clan and is convinced to aid them in fighting off their enemies. The two have insta-lust, and their relationship grows quite fast, although I didn't I didn't feel that I got to be a part of it. There are so many forces trying to work against them that the romance seemed to take a back seat. Despite that, it is a rather enjoyable story, full of suspense, danger, and jealously.

My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the pleasure of reading and reviewing Highland Warrior by Heather McCollum.

Joshua Sinclair, known far and wide as the Horseman of War is using his expertise to teach Lord Robert Stuart's men. It doesn't take long for him to decide it's not a job he enjoys. He just cannot like or respect a man who treats people the way Robert does. On his way home he learns who Lord Robert's enemies really are.
Kara Flett has been thrust into the leadership role because of the capture of the previous one. So many of her small community of Viking descendants have been killed or captured, that there is very little chance of survival. They desperately need help and she will do anything to get it.
A great story filled with truly heroic characters and lots of action.
You can feel the desperation and frustration pour from the pages. You will not guess how it will end.
It is part of a series following all four of the Horsemen, but each book can be read on it's own. Be warned once you read one you will want to read all of them.
Very exciting, I loved it.

I've been getting right into the historical romance genre lately, and so when I saw this I knew it was something I wanted to read. I was right! This was a fun, sexy read with lots of layers and twists that I wasn't expecting. While this is technically part of a series, it's definitely one that you can read out of order as each book is based on different main characters and written well enough that you don't really feel like you are missing things.

I am new to Heather McCollum, but I must say I am impressed! I thoroughly enjoyed the style of her writing, and loved all of the different elements she was able to incorporate into this book. It was funny, sensual, serious when it needed to be, and just had a really nice overall feeling to it.

The book starts with Joshua leaving Robert Stuart's castle after training his men to fight and guard it. Joshua is on his way home when he meets Kara who decides after seeing him that she must get his help to train her people to fight Robert's tyranny. The book continues with Kara trying to convince Joshua to stay and help the people of Hillside.

I loved the sense of community we see from the people of Hillside - it felt so real and special! They were small in number, but large in heart.

Kara Flett was the main female lead in this book and I found her to be such a great character. She was fiercely loyal to her people and willing to do whatever necessary to save them from Robert Stuart's tyranny. Joshua himself was absolutely hilarious, yet also intimidating and very straightforward. I loved that he always said exactly what came to mind and didn't give a hoot what those around him thought. He was sexy and bold, ruthless when necessary yet a bit of a softie at the same time. It was a great combination and written really well.

The humor thrown into the book was really well placed - it was always at just the right time, and said in just the right way. I found myself snorting out loud in public and getting the oddest looks lol. I always love it when a book can do that, and take me completely off guard! Very interested to read other books by Heather now as I quite enjoyed this one. I will likely start with the first Sons of Sinclair book and then go from there! Definitely recommend it to anyone who loves romance with a Scottish twist xD

In my opinion, Heather McCollum is one of the top Highland romance novel authors. She seems to capture the true essence of the rugged Highlander and their way of life. I was super excited when I was given the opportunity to read Highland Warrior. After reading the first book in the series, I was really looking forward to the next story. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t do it for me. The first thing that put me off was how the characters “instantly” are enamored with each other-to the point that it was unrealistic. I also felt like McCollum was trying to add to the book by putting a bunch of plots in the story. I would have preferred her to stick to the original plot and fully develop it. I never felt as if the story came together. It saddens me to have to write a negative review on a book by one of my favorite authors, but unfortunately it was unavoidable.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. This was an enjoyable read for any highland romance fans! This could be read as a standalone. I can’t recommend this author enough! Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I didn't think I could love this book as much as the first one.. Joshua was not my favorite person at the end of the last book.. and boy was I wrong. Heather McCollum did an amazing job of turning in to a person we could all root for.

Joshua has changed alot in this book, after a battle that left him feeling hollow he has decided that fighting isn't the only option.
Joshua has recently been training Lord Roberts men on the best way to defend themselves if they are attacked.. and now hes tired of them.. all he wants to do is go home and see his family.

When he stops for the night he meets Kara, who is a strong independant woman, and the leader of her people. She recognizes who Joshua is right away and starts doing her best to convince him to lead her people againt Robert and his horrible sons.

Joshua and Kara have immediate chemistry, and when he finds out the truth about what has been happening to Karas people he decideds that he will help them stay alive.. Kara will do anything in her power to protect her family and people, and her hope is that Joshua will just lead an army against Roberts. However Joshua knows that no matter how well he trains Karas men, that alot of people will die.. Good people on both sides. All he wants to do talk Kara and her people into coming home with him to Scotland where they can be free, have plenty of food, and be protected by the Sinclair clan.
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This book has alot of really great steamy moments, and alot of action. and some really great fight scenes. it was just really wonderfully written.. There werent any moments that I wanted to skim or skip over.. I needed to read every single word, and not miss anything that was happening..
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I absolutely cant wait for Gideons book next and see the woman that he will fall in love with..
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The second book in the “Sons of Sinclair series” is filled with action, adventure, and romance.

Joshua Sinclair, the Horseman of War, who left in search of the next fight just wants to return home and find a new purpose in life that doesn’t involve bloodshed. Before he can start his journey back, he meets Kara Flett, the daughter of a Norse Clan Chief. Kara asks Joshua to teach her clan to fight against her enemy, who is protected and related by blood to the English Monarch. When he proves reluctant since starting a fight is basically bringing the wrath of the English army on all they hold dear including his clan, she uses whatever resources available to her to make him stay longer. He agrees to help her and in doing so is torn between love and his duty to his clan.

When I read the first book in the series, I wasn’t really impressed with Joshua. All he wanted to do was fight. I was curious how Heather McCollum would tell his story and she did not disappoint. Joshua’s character development is slow but amazing and fulfilling to the reader. He went from being just a warrior to being a leader who knows when to battle vs retreat.

Filled with well-written humor and action, Highland Warrior is a definite read. Fair warning, this book has lots more action (not the steamy sort, though we have that too) than the average historical romance. While sometimes it can drag the romance down, McCollum seamlessly weaves the romance and the action with a dash of humor thrown in.

My only qualms about the whole book is that Kara did not really stand out for me. She was a level-headed leader for her clan, brave and brilliant. While I liked her character, she was not as memorable as some of McCollum’s other heroines, and I felt that her character growth was overshadowed by Joshua’s.

Highland Warrior
Sons of Sinclair #2
Heather McCollum
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Joshua Sinclair is the second brother of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland, and has been raised to love war above all else. He is not happy with his eldest brother who is the new chief as his brother is bringing peace to the land so he decides to be a mercenary on Orkney Island spending months helping Robert Stuart train his men.

Kara Flett desperately needs Joshua's help. She needs his help to train her people to fight against the mighty Stuart's. Robert Stuart and his sons have taken everything from Kara's people and that includes food, horses, and women. The problem is the people don't know how to fight so if Kara can get Joshua to stay and train her people they will at least have a fighting chance.

Will Kara be able to convince the mighty Horseman of war to stay and train her people or will they forever be abused by the Stuart's?

What happens next not only shocked me it had me reading long into the night.

Heather McCollum is absolutely unmatched. This book is fabulous. I don't know another historical romance author who can do what this author does. Ms. McCollum pens a book that is rich with history yet has an air of lightness. I must tell you I was giggling from almost the start when Brenna had her baby. I could not believe what I was reading. I felt like I had traveled back through time and sat on the side lines watching the best movie I could ever have the privilege of watching. Joshua was amazing. He was strong yet light hearted. With a quick smile for those he liked. Kara was every girl's heroine. She was brave and would sacrifice herself in a flash if it meant saving one of her people. All of the characters in this book will forever hold a special place in my heart. She also had no problem drugging Joshua and stealing his clothes and weapons if it meant keeping him on Orkney to help her people. This has been the best book of the year and I can't wait to see what the next Sinclair brother gets up to. Thank you Ms. McCollum for bringing us a book that took me away from my daily life.

Highland Warrior, by Heather McCollum is an entertaining highlander historical romance with fascinating characters. This captivating storyline is focused on the introduction and consequential relationship of one warrior searching for a new way of life and another warrior searching for a way to survive.

Joshua Sinclair is a warrior from the Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland with a focus on war, yet his brother is the new clan chief with a mission for peace. With a desire to fight, Joshua leaves to live as a mercenary and works his way to Orkney Island for a Norse chief. While fighting and defeating thieves, Joshua encounters a warrior woman claiming him as her own. As a daughter of a fallen Viking chief and a young widow, Kristin Muir is dedicated to the survival of her exiled clan. She must find a way to continue the next generation, so she finds the powerful Sinclair warrior and brings him home.

This entertaining highlander story is packing with danger, passion, humor, and surprises. As the second book in the Sons of Sinclair series, it's ideal to start with the first book for background and character knowledge, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order. Highland Warrior is geared towards fans of historical romance books, especially stories involving highlanders!

Note: I received this book from NetGalley, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Despite his expertise, this horsemen does have a heart in addition to being extremely clever. Kara is a warrior in her own right so these two make a great team and also have great chemistry. Interesting and very descriptive account of the risky predicament of the people of Orkney. Their road to happiness is not easy for them however Love is powerful as they discover that Peace is priceless but both are obtainable and well worth it. Love the insights shared from "The Act of War" my favorite being "He who wishes to fight must first count the cost."

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Joshua Sinclair is leaving because he is tired of fighting. Joshua meets Kara when he visits the village. Kara needs his help but Joshua does not want to help. I enjoyed the chemistry between Joshua and Kara

Heather McCollum is a master of the highlands. She takes us on a journey of such depth and detail you feel like you live it with her. Joshua the Horseman of War has seen enough death and War. Kara wants peace for her people and is willing to fight a war to achieve it. Their journey to love is a hard road they travel. All the characters have depth and are believable. The story is not you usual romance. Well worth your time. Love both of the hero’s

LOVED this historical romance from Heather McCollum!

Joshua is a alpha warrior male, but still kind to the ones he loves. I enjoyed seeing his character growth as he comes to see the truth of what is happening to this land, and makes decisions that will alter his future forever.

I love him with Kara, and I enjoyed having a female lead that is brave and loving. She connects with him and really grows to care for him, and the steamy bits were fabulous.

It had a ton of historical detail, which is great, but I read my romance novels for the romance, so I sometimes felt like it was a bit of an info dump about kings and clans. But still a fantastic and engaging novel!

Thank you Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.