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Highland Thief

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Member Reviews

What an fantastic ending to awesome series! Gripping and Suspenseful and so much more! I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a emotional journey and it will not let you go till the very end of the book. I love visiting with characters who found a special place in my heart for from the last novels that brings this read together perfectly! Highland Thief weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, angst, and a villainous enemy who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Alyson McLayne given us a book that is well-written and well-paced, brims with tension-building twists and turns, extremely interesting characters that weaves a story that will pull you into their emotional ride, sizzling passions, witty and clever banter and one enjoyable plot. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and as the uncertainties escalates the suspense builds and danger abound which brings this read together perfectly!

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In this novel, we follow a stubborn lass named Isobel and a Kerr, noble highlander laird and foster son of Gregor McLeod.
It is now my favorite highland romance I have ever read; it was fast-paced, exciting and most of all had that romantic tension all through the book.
Kerr was always honorable towards Isobel and a beast to his enemies.
I loved the banter and adventures across the highlands. I laughed during banter, was scared during the battles, and was wholeheartedly enamored with this story.
Very well done. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves a steamy highland romance.

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Book: Highland Thief
by Alyson McLayne

Series:The Sons of Gregor MacLeod, Book #5

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blog Rating : 5/5 Saltire Flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

(Scotland 1432)
This all started twenty years ago, with Laird Madadh MacAlister leading five clans in attacking Gregor MacLeod's keep and losing. Giving his word to his deceased wife Kellie, Gregor promises to find a solution and peace among the feuding Clans. He comes up with a plan: each Laird has to give them his heir, their oldest son for fostering. Each son is destined to be the next Laird, if their fathers do not agree they will be punished by death! Each Laird reluctantly agrees, with a promise they will see their boys again and MacLeod will not harm the boys in any way. Gregor MacLeod is thinking with his head not his heart wholeheartedly agrees! He knows if they were his blood kin he would have asked the same.

(Scotland 1453)
This is the Kerr MacAlister’s story, who is the last unmarried foster son of Gregor MacLeod, obviously not his biological father, but the father of his heart! Kerr wishes Gregor was his biological father with all his heart, as his foster father’s prediction came true that Kerr’s biological father, Madadh MacAlister would one day try to kill him! Kerr recently comes home to find his sweet mother murdered, leaving her body for the livestock to gnaw on which made him sick. Madadh attempts to murder Kerr his own son, but does not succeed and in defense and for the murder of his sweet mother Kerr kills his own father In his own defense! Now Kerr is the Laird of Castle MacAlister and determined to win hIsobel (Izzy) MacKinnon, the beauty of the highlands that owns his heart! For the past four years he decides the beauty of the highlands would one day be his bride. Kerr hasn’t even touched or looked at another woman since making this earth shattering decision, he also hasn’t asked the lady in question either. A woman he does not realize when she was fifteen he had rejected and broke her heart!

Isobel (Izzy) MacKinnon has known Kerr MacAlister since she was only two months old and has loved him the majority of her life! That was until she was fifteen years old and Kerr being deep in his cups rejected her affection and broke Izzy’s tender heart! In retaliation Izzy hardened her heart and has been trying to set traps for her humiliation mostly with animal dung! Except Kerr knowing her so well can trick him! He spots the tracks just by the expression on her lovely face before she can even set her smelly trap! However since setting his sites on her he also chases off any man that shows an interest in his Izzy! After all nobody ever accused Kerr of being a nice man, but when Kerr MacAlister makes up his mind about something nothing and no one can change it!

For Izzy it is very annoying, but at the moment it is helpful since she isn’t interested in anyone else! So she doesn’t have to reject anyone herself with Kerr chasing all her would be suitors away. Plus the fact she keeps having these intimate-steamy-hot dreams about Kerr! It is also so exasperating! Another problem for Kerr is feeling he has tainted bloodlines and nowhere honorable or good enough for his highland beauty. As his father was a wicked sadistic monster which everyone in his clan feared, he was especially brutal to women and children. Now he wonders that is his future and should he let the woman of his heart go due to his bad tainted blood? Not realizing his vicious father was not capable of loving anyone but possibly himself!

On top of that someone wants to take over his clan and kill him and his people. Isobel and Kerr end up going on this journey together that puts both their lives in jeopardy. This journey will reveal their true feelings for one another, meeting new friends, including a kind wolf and it’s owner, plus enemies who want to kill them. Find out the result of Gregor MacLeod’s last unmarried son. Will he win this highland beauty or feel he will never be good enough for her highland perfection? Will his enemies tracking Kerr catch up and murder him and take over his clan ? Read and find out the conclusion of the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series.

I have read every single book in this amazing series: The Sons of Gregor McLeod and have absolutely and unequivocally loved each and every book. I enjoyed this one too even at times when Isobel made me absolutely crazy, but who likes rejection? Especially in those teenage sensitive years to your early twenties. People are not at the maturest level, myself included so I totally understood where Isobel was coming from. I am sure I wanted to throw my husband in manure while we were dating too! As far as Kerr was concerned he checked all the right boxes as he was a drool and swoon worthy, highlander hunk! You definitely felt for the man who lost his perfect mother and wicked father who tried to kill him! Yet the wonderful Gregor trained and prepared him for this day!

This author excellent take on highland adventure, as Alyson McLayne has written Highland Thief as another choice story filled with compassion, understanding human motivation and love. A book readers definitely will be dazzled by and love and a total masterpiece! I am also definitely looking forward to reading her next brand new four book series, plus a prequel called “Second Sons”! In addition even Gregor MacLeod, the savior foster father is getting his own book too which filled my heart with joy! As Alyson McLayne is definitely a favorite author of mine and one of my go to authors for sure!

You can read this as a stand alone book but I highly recommend you read every book in this spectacular series!

The Son of Gregor MacLeod by Alyson McLayne

Highland Promise (Book 1)
Highland Conquest (Book 2)
Highland Betrayal (Book 3)
Highland Captive (Book 4)
Highland Thief (Book 5)

I received this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca 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:

https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Thief-Strong-Stubborn-MacLeod-ebook/dp/B08LQX85CV

https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-thief/id1538194709

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-thief-alyson-mclayne/1137923038?ean=9781492654629

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Alyson_McLayne_Highland_Thief?id=jJkIEAAAQBAJ

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Highland%20Thief%20(Alyson%20McLayne)&ac=1&acp=Highland%20thief&ac.title=Highland%20Thief&ac.author=Alyson%20McLayne&sort=PublicationDateDesc

https://www.bookbub.com/books/highland-thief-the-sons-of-gregor-macleod-book-5-by-alyson-mclayne

https://read.sourcebooks.com/fiction/9781492654629-highland-thief-mp.html

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This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced, held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

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I really enjoyed this story. When Kerr comes back, along with his brothers, after a battle. He wants to see Isobel but she has been busy setting a trap for him. Each foster brother has been attacked, one after another and they don't know who is doing it. It is a very exciting tale and lots of action. Kerr is tall, big, fearless, and strong. he is the laird of the clan MacAlister. As with the brothers, all feel their clan is important to them and they must take care of their people, first and foremost.
Isobel MacKinnon sets traps for people if she feels they have been bad or mean to another. I can honestly say that I was disappointed in her at the start. She couldn't cook or clean. She was only good for setting those traps and being short with Kerr. He loved her but she wanted it all laid out for her with little effort on her part. I was glad to see her finally start growing up. I loved Eirik and Siv, they were an exciting addition to the story.
The battles brought you into the book and kept you there, along with the action. I loved the interaction between his brothers and his foster father. He had a terrible father and family. He became laird at a fairly young age. If you like Highlanders, mystery, and a spot of love, I think you will enjoy this wonderful novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

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Maybe 3.5 stars

If you have been following the series, you know that Kerr MacAlister has planned to marry Isobel MacKinnon, but plots against his foster brothers, war, and even Isobel herself have kept him from claiming her. But now that her brother Gavin has found his son and has married, Kerr feels it is time and sets out to win Isobel.

Years ago Isobel was infatuated with Kerr, but when he spurned her request for a kiss, she tried to quash those feelings and instead turned her attention to making him pay for his callousness. Isobel is known far and wide as the Beauty of the Highlands, but what she should be known for is her pranks, tricks, and traps that she springs on those who have wronged someone and she believes require punishment. To date, she has not been able to catch Kerr in one of her traps and that only fuels her ire towards him. So when he makes it clear that he wants to marry her, she comes up with a plan to catch him in one of her tricks, and this time she is sure he won’t figure out and she will finally have her revenge. She will trick him into thinking that she is eloping with another man and make a fool of him when he comes after her. What could go wrong?

This is a well-written, action-packed story, that picks up shortly after the end of the last book. Kerr has finally decided it is time to claim his bride, but Isobel is not going to make it easy for him. The story doesn’t really take off until after Isobel puts her plan to fool Kerr into play, but once he follows her, the story picks up speed and it is a non-stop adventure until the very end. The book has a little of everything, graphic fight scenes, great secondary characters, cameos from the other “brothers”, a villain who is finally revealed and who is dealt with accordingly, steamy love scenes, surprising revelations, and finally the long awaited HEA of Kerr and Isobel. I liked the book but there were some things that kept me from loving it, for instance, I had a really hard time liking Isobel, she was incredibly immature and I thought her “tricks” were petty, spiteful, and stupid, I don’t understand why Kerr was so crazy for her and seemed to be proud of her ridiculous plots and plans, but to each their own, I suppose. I also felt that while this story did answer the question of who has been attacking the clans, it didn’t feel like it really made sense – why attack all the other clans and fail each time before going after who you ultimately wanted all along – I don’t just don’t get it. I also wonder what happened to Eirik and Siv, they just seemed to disappear. In the end, it was an exciting, action-filled adventure that gives readers some closure and answers long-standing questions and if you have been following the series, I would highly recommend reading this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

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Isobel McAlister has a plan, well she always has a plan to even the odds. Her next victim is Laird Kerr MacAlister and it involves a pit full of manure. Kerr is pretty observant and catches on to Isobel's scheme. In love with Kerr since she kissed him at fifteen, she's never forgotten his rejection and refuses his many proposals. Kerr is not willing to give her up, especially when they spend several days alone. Ambushed by unknown warriors, forces them to confess their feelings for each other. The first part of the book tends to drag over Isobel's constant rejection of Kerr's many proposals. The second half of the book moves a lot faster. Kerr and Isobel are attacked by unknowns and running for their lives. They have to get to Kerr's castle in time to protect it from an enemy army. Granted there is an HEA, but it was not smooth sailing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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Will she realize in time what she is throwing away…

One more new author for me to discover today.
But I am not sure if the last book in a series was the best way to enter an author’s world.
I loved the hero, but the heroine …

Isobel is twenty three not a twelve something kid, yet she never really looks like a grown woman. Only thinking pranks when people might suffer around her of hunger, abuse, poverty …
Those times were harsh and people had to grow up fast, but she still acts like a spoiled child, throwing a tantrum or bullying others because this or that did not please her.
I do not mind someone who exposes people’s wrongs, if they really need to be corrected, but tricking them? What are those slights as there is a chief to administer justice, so who is she to play judge and jury if he deemed his people not deserving of punishment.
Worse, one of her last trick put herself but also her ardent suitor in danger and could be their downfall, just because she can’t act like an adult and express her feelings and sort them out. She blames him for something he has done years ago, and doesn’t even remember when she was only a girl. So instead she flees like the bratty coward she is, and drags him in her mad scheme.

So I do not know what Kerr saw outside her renowned beauty. She pushes him away again and again, she is mean and rejects his advance time and time again. Definitely he could do better.
Yet he goes after her, trying to rescue her from her own folly.
He is a man with a past, a past which left him with doubts about himself, his inner self and true worth. So he needs someone to stand by him, not some silly chit more invested in her pranks than anything else. Someone to rest with after a battle, not to poke at him because he does not want to reminisce the gruesome parts of war. Still, patiently and kindly, he follows her, listens to her, tries to make her see reason, he adapts his pace to her, teaching her what she asks about.
And she continues to reject him.

For three quarters of the story she tells him she is not ready, she is 23, she had years to accept his suits or not, but no. She is in love and he cares for her but it is not good enough because she has not caught him in one of her tricks or wants a kind of impossible freedom during those hard times.
And suddenly when he could have died protecting her, she realizes she really wants him.
To late to redeem her in my eyes.

As for the conclusion of the threat against the five foster brothers, it seemed a bit anti-climatic if it has brewed for four other stories before, it then ended a bit abruptly.
I liked Kerr, the friendship, the period details, Eirik and Siv but the heroine lacked of real persona and fortitude, 3.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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I love this series and I love this book. I have been waiting for Kerr's story and it didn't disappoint.
Kerr was the biggest and the brawniest of all the foster brothers. He was also the one who was always in trouble. The only person who challenged him and got away with it was Isobel.
Isobel, daughter and sister of a Laird is considered the beauty of the Highlands. She hates the sobriquet. She wanted to do and be known for more than her beauty.
Her relationship with Kerr is a constant battle. He knows he wants to marry her but she is fighting him.
They fight each other until they come together to fight together.
5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book

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Barbara’s Rating: 3.75 of 5 Stars
Series: The Sons of Gregor Macleod #5
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Medieval Scottish Highlands - 1453
Number of Pages: 384

I thoroughly enjoyed Kerr and the excitement of the chases and battles in this book. The descriptions of the crags, crevices, and forests made you feel as if you were right there on Diabhla’s back with him as they dashed away from their foes. I absolutely loved Eirik and Siv and would have loved to see more of them in the story rather than the small bit of page time they were allowed. I loved that we finally have a resolution to who was behind all of the attacks and threats throughout the series. What I absolutely did not love was Isobel. She was spoiled, self-centered, immature, and one of the most childish ‘heroines’ I’ve ever read. I had to slog through her childishness for 72% of the book before she finally had the epiphany that her tricks and traps were hurtful and dangerous – and that only happened after one of her tricks and subsequent temper tantrums almost got her and Kerr killed. I have absolutely no idea why Kerr would love her so much and pursue her so hard. Frankly, I was rooting for him to throw her into the manure trench she’d dug and tried to trick him into falling in it. The author only left a scant 28% of the book to manage to redeem Isobel – and frankly, that just wasn’t enough time. She was getting there, but it was too little, too late in my book.

“Isobel was not married, did not have children, and enjoyed devising elaborate plots and traps to put deserving people in their place. She was judge and jury for bad behavior, and when it wasn’t a crime that warranted her brother’s intervention, or when the offender was her brother, beloved or not, she took it upon herself to call the person out. Publicly. Nobody wanted to get on her bad side – except maybe Kerr MacAlister.”

Through each of the books of the series, we have born witness to the brother’s clans being attacked – one by one. Through their strong alliance, each attack has been thwarted. What none of them have been able to figure out is who is the mastermind behind the attacks. This book starts off with the brothers and their armies returning to MacKinnon Castle after their last battle. They are taking some rest time before the brothers leave for their own clans and keeps. Kerr MacAlister is the last unmarried brother and he hopes to remedy that before he leaves. He has long loved Isobel MacKinnon and wants desperately to make her his bride. While he doesn’t think she’s ready for marriage, he’d like to get things settled between them. But she has a bee-in-her-bonnet about something to do with him and he doesn’t know what it is or how to fix it. He loves Isobel and takes great delight in figuring out her traps and then thwarting them. Yet, then she devises one elaborate trap, and he’s sure it is a trap – but what if it isn’t? He’ll figure it out, thwart it, and then turn it to his advantage.

That trap, and what happens after, nearly gets both of them killed – but it uncovers an army massing to attack Kerr’s clan. As they are greatly outnumbered and Kerr is fearlessly fighting to save them, Isobel finally realizes her little trick could be the cause of Kerr’s death. They have to escape – Kerr can’t die – and they have to manage to save his clan.

“Pain thudded through her arm and chin, but it was dulled, muffled through heartache and sorrow, through fear that this mighty Highlander was going to die because of her. If she hadn’t left the castle, if she hadn’t insisted on staying once they were here, if she had married him two years ago, when she knew he wanted her to …”

I could easily give this story a 5-star rating if it weren’t for Isobel. If I were rating just her character, I’d give it maybe a 2-star rating. This is the last book in the series, but it doesn’t seem like a complete wrap-up. Yes, we know who the villain is – and he got his punishment, but it still seemed as if we were left hanging with the Campbell angle. Maybe we’ll get another book that features Gregor and his deceased wife’s cousin. At any rate, it was an exciting read with some wonderful characters – and one dud of a character. I would, however, read it again just to be able to spend time with Kerr, his brothers, Eirik and Siv.

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

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I will say that I have been a fan of this author and this beloved series since the very beginning with “Highland Promise” when I fell in love with all of these brothers and their adopted father that brought them all together “Gregor” (which seriously please please Alyson give us his story even if its a novella) Highland Thief I am assuming is the finale of the series and I was utterly captivated and drawn into the story pretty quickly. And while it’s not one of my favorites, it definitely somehow won my heart when in the beginning I wanted to strangle a certain character. The talent of this author never ceases to surprise me and this story was a pure delight on every page.

Highland Thief begins by taking us back to time to the Scottish Highlands to Kerr MacAlister and his brothers coming home from battle, and this time he came close to losing his life and he is determined more than ever to claim Isobel as his wife. But the battle of his life….will be winning her trust and heart. Isobel doesn’t trust easily, and she knows that as a woman there isn’t much she can do, her abilities lie in a different nature than those of her sisters. She plays tricks on those that harm others whether it’s intentional or not, and in her mind it brings balance to the clan, and is a sort of cleansing for all involved. She seems to stay one step ahead of everyone except one infuriating Scot….Kerr. He always sees the traps that she sets and she can never get one above him and she is determined more than ever to make it certain. Isobel is crafty and cunning and beautiful, and Kerr has loved her for a long while. But he knows receiving her gift of love in return will not be an easy task for him to accomplish and it might take a kidnapping, some battles, and a lady wolf to prove his devotion to his lovely lass.

Highland Thief was quite an entertaining read, and I had so much fun with this one here. I will be honest in that I was supremely anxious about the heroine. I was careful not to read reviews because I wanted to go in with a clean palette and zero expectations. I wasn’t sure how easy this book would become to be fully invested in, but why oh why did I lose faith in this author?? Because on the FIRST page I was sucked straight into the story and I loved every part of that experience. I can tell you that I loved how this author crafts her storytelling and I was hooked. Now I first want to talk about my issues with the book, which is really only one issue. The heroine. *sigh* I swear more and more I am seeing heroines that just aren’t my cup of tea and are problematic. And this heroine was a struggle for me to truly enjoy. I do not like “bully” heroines in romance. And while I found her contribution to the clan quite inventive, it just rubbed me the wrong way. And what she was going to do to her own BROTHER?? Man if it wasn’t for the talent of this author and knowing she would give me a win, I am not sure I could have kept going on with the story but alas….this author won my heart despite my protests. I had no chance haha This author definitely knows how to write a captivating read. And while it was written to suit those with modern sensibilities, it was also done with subtlety so it felt more genuine in many ways.

Highland Thief is an adventure, with a bit of a road trip adventure (kinda) and some sexy bantering, fun laughs and some sword fighting between some Scots and a Welsh with a wolf…maybe he will be getting a story. *crossing fingers* I actually had a blast with the way that the plot developed in this story and I just couldn’t get enough of seeing where this author was taking me in this book. Now, this does have some elements of the unrequited love trope, this is from the heroine. She is very resistant to the hero even though she feels the underlying chemistry between them. I think much of her resistance comes from issues she has with herself and a lack of trust in the male species. But as their chemistry builds, and they have to work together to survive, she sees Kerr as a male worthy of her trust and love. And seeing this transition was so beautiful to see. I found it utterly delightful seeing her change toward Kerr. It was slow going in some ways, but I did become in love with the heroine even though I struggled with aspects of her character in the beginning. I see her as a woman worthy of Kerr and willing to stand by his side and fight for him and their love and she won my heart in that fierce loyalty to him.

Overall I found Highland Thief to be a sensation thrill of twists and turns that kept me guessing, this author had me turning in circles wondering what the next move would be, I was stunned by the way that this author worked this story, Highland Thief is a book that will warm your heart, excite your senses and offer all the heart and beauty of the highlands!

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For all those who would like to embark on a short adventure with handsome and powerful highlanders, this author has prepared the last story of this series The Sons of Gregor MacLeod. And it does not matter if you have read the previous ones, this story can be read as a stand-alone without any problem.
They say that the line between hatred and love is really thin. Maybe what scares us the most is exactly what we need and want the most ...... Such is the story of Isobel and Kerr, two strong characters who throw sparks whenever they are in the same space ..... And maybe he manages to avoid all her perfectly planned traps, but still finds himself trapped in love that offers him both strength and fear, but will this beauty finally fall into his trap?
To be honest, I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book. The writing style is quite simple and easy to read, with enough details and descriptions to take the reader into the forests and lakes of the highlands. The idea, as well as the realization itself, are not bad at all, but somehow I cannot get rid of the feeling that the couple is not well balanced. Kerr deserves a different partner, a feisty and brave lass who will suit his greatness. He is a character who is irresistible, handsome and charming, patient and careful enough. Brave and loyal, Kerr is the true epitome of masculinity and virtue. Even the moments when he shows weakness and doubts about himself, offer insight into the complexity of his character and arouse additional sympathy among readers. In contrast, Isobel from the beginning does not look like a lady who deserves such a man, she is irritating. She reminds me of a spoiled brat who has no sense of morality and respect for other people. Her actions are disgusting, and her constant rejection of Kerr’s offers, especially the last one is so repulsive that you just do not understand how he can love her. She changed her ways toward the end, but unfortunately, I couldn’t perceive her other than as a spoiled brat. This book has a lot of sexy scenes, but I somehow failed to feel the chemistry between the characters.

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Kerr Macalister made up his mind a few years ago that the sister of his friend and Foster brother will be his wife. Unfortunately she has other ideas. There has been a lot of trouble for all the Foster brothers in recent years. Now it seems to be coming to a head. Our hero is a true Highland warrior with a tragic past.

Isobel MacKinnon is well known in her Clan for playing tricks and settling scores. Kerr humiliated her years ago and she hasn't finished with her revenge. Our heroine is intelligent and is frustrated over not being allowed to use her talents to help the Clan, just because she's a girl.

This is an action packed historical romance with lots of danger and laughs. We meet lots of great characters along the way. Even the animals are special.

This book is part of a series but easily read on it's own. If like me you've missed some of the others, you will definitely want to go and buy them as well.

Great fun.

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An enemies to lovers trope- one of my favourites and Kerr was sexy and really good on the page. My issue was Isobel. I've never dislikes a heroine so much. Just childish, I could not connect with the story. No butterflies. Nothing.

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A great end to an excellent series. Kerr has loved Isobel for years, but she craves her independence. I won't write a spoiler, but I will tell you that you'll love these two...tho sometimes I wanted to yell at Isobel. These two are courageous, kind and determined. Just loved every second of their adventure.

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While this is the last book in this series, it can be read as a standalone. I havent read any of the other books, but now I really want to.. From the glimpses I got of all the couples I definitely want to read how they all got together..
Isabelle and Kerr have been dancing around each othe for years.. She was promised to him, but when Isabelles mother on her death bed told her she had a choice, that she could marry whomever she wanted she took that seriously.. Now years later all Kerr and Isabelle seem to do is aggravate each other.. Kerr knows that the only woman for him is Isabelle even if she won't admit it.. Isabelle is terrified of her feelings for Kerr, so instead she riles him up on purpose, and lays traps for him to get back at him when hes being especially annoying.
She also lays traps for others in her clan.. anyone that has some sort of injustice done to them knows that Isabelle will get them back somehow..

When Isabelle decides that she needs to lay one last trap for Kerr, which involves going out on a moonlit night and pretendings shes running off to elope with someone else, hoping that Kerr will come after her.. Of course he does.. he has been in love with her forever.. and this leads them on an awsome adventure.. Where Isabelle learns how to do all the things she has never been allowed to do, like fishing and cooking.. She gets to talk to Kerr about all the things shes always wanted to know about his life and what its like when he goes off to war with other clans.. The different strategies, and plans he and others hes with makes to win.. Along the way they begin to really see each other in ways they didn't get to before, and realize that they have loved each other the whole time and they are RIGHT for each other.. Isabelle just needed to see Kerr in action with her to figure out what she actually knew all along.
The chemistry was amazing, a slow burn romance, where your yelling at the couple to just kiss already!
Im very happy to have discovered a new author to dive into, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

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4-4.5 Stars! This is the last book in the ‘The Sons of Gregor MacLeod’ series but the first that I’ve read and can be read as a standalone. I love a good historical Scottish romance especially when it has a strong female main character! This author is up there with the best historical Scottish romance authors, think Amy Jareck, Eliza Knight, Tanya Anne Crosby, Suzanne Enoch, Shana Galen, & Bronwen Evans. I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of the series and I highly recommend this book! It’s got action, heat, passion, adventure, sexy times, sad bits, and witty banter - the perfect balance for an awesome book. I want a brawny, sexy highland Warrior, with the Scot’s accent, to love me like Kerr loves Izzy! Anyone know a sexy Scotsman’s looking for love? Haha! Kidding, sort of!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highland Thief is a breathtaking, intriguing, sensual journey. Alyson McLayne weaves a heart-pounding, exciting escapade full of sensuality, action, and romance.

Isobel MacKinnon is the heart and soul of her clan. She has been in love with Kerr MacAlister since childhood. However, an encounter at fifteen when Kerr rejects her kiss and hardens Isobel’s heart. The only woman for Kerr is Isobel, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to secure Isobel’s hand. Through a reckless decision, Kerr and Isobel are thrust into an adventure full of danger and passion.

Isobel is feisty and passionate. She is a lovely character that enchants the reader. Kerr is a battle-hardened warrior with a heart of gold. His is a heart that belongs to Isobel. His strength and intensity are breathtaking. The couple’s connection is fire, and the push and pull between hurt and desire are palatable. Their passion burns brightly off the page; the sensuality is scorching hot. This novel is a story of a family; every character is well developed and unforgettable.

The plot takes the reader on an epic journey. There are twists and turns, fun at times, and an unforgettable ending. The story develops rapidly, following the ardent couple from mistrust and regret to electric heat and fiery love. Highland Thief is the fifth book in The Sons Of Gregor MacLeod. These novels tell the stories of each of Gregor’s sons. Kerr is the final brother; his tale reveals a series-long threat and leaves the reader feeling complete. The story is a splendid tale that excites and entices. It leaves the reader satisfied and happy with such an excellent read. I cannot recommend this novel enough!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This book was exactly what I was hoping it would be.I’ve read the while series and I love how this book turned out. The interaction between Kerr and Isobel we're so realistic. Learning the background of why Isobel treated him the way she did really explained a lot from previous books. I love how determined kerr was and how he always was honest and expressed himself. I really enjoyed this book. I'm so sad the series is over now

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isabel grew up in the highlands knowing who she wanted to marry. It was her brother's foster brother Kerr Macalister. When she was 15 she tried to kiss him he didn't return her feelings at that time. As she grew he begin to fall for her but there was a vow from her mother that Isabel was able to pick her own husband so to test him she made a plan that she was going to pick someone else and marry them she set out the night that her brother and his foster brothers come back from avenging her nephew's capture Kerr follows her and ends up kiddnapping her until she admits he's the man for her

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