This is the second book of a series, but you don’t need to read book 1 in order to enjoy and understand this one. I wasn’t a big fan of the short chapters in the beginning because they felt like the author was trying to avoid actually writing the whole story. Juliana was a bit of a frustrating character because she just wouldn’t communicate. Not that Rory was great at it either. Honestly, they just didn’t have any connection. They hardly talked to each other and even their attraction seemed lackluster. The highland setting in this was nice, but the romance wasn’t great.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a heart-warming adventurous ride that brings a couple who start as enemies to a loving, healing happily-ever-after. The slow-burn, steady pace kept it interesting. Juliana and her family are at the MacGregor’s to celebrate her sister’s wedding to the eldest MacGregor and Rory’s brother. Juliana’s sister’s story is told in the first book of this series. Another clan kidnaps Juliana; Rory, their best tracker is sent to rescue her. Juliana is a survivor of rape. There is a trigger warning concerning this at the beginning of the novel, which was appreciated.

Juliana is a rape survivor that is haunted by the trauma. She is sharp-tongued and skittish to all males, vowing never to marry. Although wary of the opposite sex, she slowly learns she can trust Rory. That trust and respect slowly build into deeper emotions. I loved Juliana’s inner strength and resourcefulness. She steps up when situations are dire when Rory is either incapable of assisting or is incapacitated. I enjoyed everything about Rory. His character stood out. He is an excellent match to Juliana. He can verbally spar as well as Juliana. He is the ultimate highlander. Although possessing charm and strength, he is so gentle and understanding with Juliana. Rory’s personality and actions shone throughout the book.

This is an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn novel. I categorize this as slow-burn, referring to the dynamic between the couple. Their feelings slowly develop throughout the storyline. This felt realistic due to their situation and Juliana’s past. What wasn’t slow-burn is the adventure the couple is on throughout the entirety of the book. Their journey home from Juliana’s escape from the rival clan is the center of the entire plot. The couple faces every obstacle that could occur. It was how they handled the troubles that made them unstoppable as a unit. Their relationship builds and builds to a fiery revelation. Through Rory’s thoughts and actions, Juliana discovers passion, belonging, and eventually love.

I loved the journey of this novel. This is a sweet, adventurous treasure of a book! I cannot wait until the other stories which will feature the other sisters and brothers. The ending gave me a feeling of contentment and completion. The epilogue introduces the reader to the next installment in the series. I love a sexy, strong highlander, and Rory didn’t disappoint. I also love an independent, strong female lead, and Juliana was the epitome. At times heart-wrenching, ultimately, it is a love story of discovery and healing.

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

I can't even imagine how hard it was to travel back then, on horseback with no roads to speak of, especially in the winter time!! Cynthia Breeding gives us a glimpse into such travels when Rory and Juliana make their escape from the antagonist of the story. I really enjoyed this book and the author did a great job with the sensitive issue of rape.

I loved both main characters and although they argue a lot, you can still sense the caring between them. Both are stubborn but both learn to give and take on their journey to safety. There's plenty of danger between the enemy and the weather to keep everything interesting!! As for what happened to Juliana when she was younger, I absolutely adore how Rory handles it, he truly is a "Highland Hero"!!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC :)

Highland Hero by Cynthia Breeding is the second book in this series. I had not read the first one, but I don’t think it took away from reading this one! Also please keep in mind the trigger warnings for rape, sexual assault, and violence if you do read this!

Juliana Caldwell is English but moves to the Highlands after her sister marries. Her new brother-in-law’s brother is Rory MacGregor, with whom she does not get along with at all. When Juliana goes missing, it Rory is the one tasked with returning her as he is the clan’s best tracker. Once he does track her down, chaos ensues which leads to having to take the long way home (during which of course even more chaos ensues lol)

For the most part I enjoyed this book. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story in an extreme-dislike-to-lovers way. Throw in some miscommunication, “there is only one bed”, and a long road trip—what’s not to like? While the writing and story was, overall, good, the pacing of the story threw me off a bit. When the book starts you really get into the plot almost immediately. However, after that there’s a long of dragging out and slow burn for the romance part. Of course, this is fine too, but it’s right before the book ends. It just felt rushed at that point because we finally got more of their relationship and then it just… ends. Essentially, I wish the story would have been paced a bit better in terms of the romance aspect.

This was a solid second book in this series. It begins with Juliana getting abducted from Emily's wedding. Rory is sent to go find her and bring her back....and a haphazard, but fun journey takes place.

I thought this was such a fun ride. Juliana and Rory were both enjoyable to follow and their slightly flirtatious antagonism was endearing most times. I, at times, did get annoyed that Rory found joy in making Juliana mad....but he is still a likable Scottish man in the end and makes for a good, if not entirely original, hero.

Overall I thought this was solid. This is primarily a story filled with travel. Everything happens on the road. I'm not a huge fan of stories that take place mostly on the road, but didn't overly mind it. I think sometimes it can feel repetitive - they run and are found and get in trouble over and over again. But, again, this is sort of the nature of traveling stories.

If you're in the mood for a classic highland romance vibe, I think this would definitely scratch that itch!!

When Juliana Caldwell is kidnapped by a rival clan member, Rory MacGregor is sent to track her. To bring her back safely, he must declare them handfasted and flee from the villain, who is intent on giving chase. Unexpected attraction develops on Rory's and Juliana's perilous journey home.

This is the second book in the Children of the Mist series. Cynthia Breeding is a new-to-me author and I felt the story could stand alone. Juliana's sister and Rory's brother married in the previous book.

First, there is a content warning at the beginning to alert readers to mentions of, and a flashback to, rape. This was considerate and appropriate. Julianna was attacked years earlier and does not plan to marry. She is kidnapped by a man who has no regard for her feelings; then she has to escape and travel alone with Rory who she somewhat trusts, but she always has her guard up. This is a slow burn romance. Juliana doesn't understand that a handfast declaration means they are bound together and Rory, despite his growing passion for her, keeps his hands to himself. The ending felt a little abrupt, though...I was left feeling like there was a chapter missing.

Enemies to Lovers, Kidnapped, Compromised, Road Trip

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HighlandHero #NetGalley

-My Thoughts

This one was definitely a quick and light read, and I couldn't put it down. The plot was extremely interesting. And the book well written.

The characters were interesting as well. The batter between Rory and Julianna really added to the story alot. Their romance was very sweet, and it was written well too. The side characters were also very well written and interesting in their own right.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who wants you read a light, quick romance. However, please keep in mind the fact that there are some topics mentioned in the book that may be triggering for some people.

Thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start this review by saying how appreciative I was that there was a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel warning about discussions of rape. This is something I have really come to respect when books disclose these things first and foremost as it allows the reader to make an informed choice on if the book is for them or not.

Highland Hero by Cynthia Breeding follows Juliana Caldwell and Rory MacGregor as travel the Scottish Highlands in order to keep Juliana out of the villainous Cameron. Along the way they but heads constantly but as their attraction begins to flare up they must both decide what they truly want. Especially for Juliana who is struggling with a memory from her past who has made her swear off ever getting married.

As far as protagonists go Juliana and Rory were not my favourite. They argue a lot. Even when they could be getting along they slip into their old habits. However, when their attraction truly blossomed and they slowly got more honest with each other I began to really like their dynamic.

I am a big fan of romances that take part during journeys and this was definitely a good one. It was really nice to have that suspense always going on in the back of your head questioning when and if the villain will catch up. And since they both had vastly different ideas at how to handle the journey it made me keep wondering who was the one making the right choice.

What unfortunately left me disappointed was the ending. Everything was going forward, things had really started happening. Action and steaminess was constantly keeping the ball rolling and then it stopped. The ending was extremely sudden. It felt like there should have been another chapter or two just finishing off the journey but instead we got an epilogue that for me personally didn't really fit with the rest of the book. The epilogue felt more like a vague set up for the next book. Which by the way I will definitely read! The glimpse at the romance we got in this one has definitely peaked my interest.

When Juliana is kidnapped by an enemy clan, she is stunned when Rory MacGregor, her sister’s brother-in-law, comes to her rescue. From the day they met, Rory and Juliana have antagonized each other, but Rory is the best tracker in his clan, and he is intent on bringing his brother’s sister-in-law home. After lying about being hand fasted to each other, and having to take the circuitous route home in order to avoid confrontation, Rory and Juliana end up on a long and difficult journey, continually stalked by the man who kidnapped Juliana. And though their trek home is dangerous, the most shocking part of their journey is the budding feelings they develop for each other. Can Rory and Juliana make it home safely? Will they admit their feelings for one another?

I absolutely love Rory! He is the perfect historical romance hero – strong, protective, intelligent, loyal, and a little bit arrogant. Rory is a good man who loves to tease, and he has a fun, optimistic personality. He is also a skilled tracker and fighter, which he proves as he saves and escapes with Juliana. However, Rory is used to women falling at his feet. He’s never really had to work for a woman’s affections until he met Juliana.

Juliana has had traumatizing experiences with men, which have led to her distrust and fear of them. This abuse has defined Juliana, who struggles with her overall feelings towards men and her conflicting feelings toward Rory. Juliana has never let a man get close to her, and none have ever made her feel the way Rory does. It’s lovely to see Rory break through the walls she has erected. Juliana and Rory have a strong connection, which only grows as the story does.

The budding romance between Rory and Juliana is fantastic. They have great chemistry, and I so enjoy their enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract relationship. They exasperate each other, and their constant battle of wits is amusing and passionate. I love how they come to know each other better throughout their journey and how they build a mutual trust and respect for each other. The more he sees past Juliana’s prickly exterior, the more Rory admires Juliana’s inner strength, intellect, and quick thinking. Juliana, in turn, sees past Rory’s cocky arrogance and finds a kind, gentle, and determined man. She admires his strength, protective spirit, patience, and honor. Of course, their relationship has many complications, including her fears, another clan hunting them, secrets, terrible weather, and more. It’s fun to see this couple as they cross the Scottish Highlands and find more than they ever bargained for.

Something else that I really like about the story is the way that Rory treats Juliana. Even when they bicker, he shows a clear admiration and respect for her, and you can tell he loves her fiery and capable spirit. He knows she is not a woman to cower and back down, which is why Rory teaches Juliana how to defend herself. Juliana refuses to be a victim, and she wants to be able to protect herself, especially considering the malicious son of the Cameron laird is intent on possessing her. Rory knows that Juliana is a strong woman capable of handling herself in precarious and dangerous situations, and he gives her the tools to defend herself. I think this says a lot about his character, and he continually treats Juliana as his equal throughout the story. He listens to her, considers her opinion and feelings, and acts accordingly. These actions make Rory even more swoon-worthy in my eyes!

An exciting and romantic story, Highland Hero is an adventure filled with kidnappings, fake betrothals, manipulative antagonists, and an epic journey. Though this is the second book in the historical romance series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, the first book is fantastic too, and I highly recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled: Amara, and Cynthia Breeding for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have really enjoyed thisnseries so far.
Juliana came to Scotland with her sister and has arguing with Rory since. When Juliana is kidnapped, Rory is sent to find her as the best tracker.
I like Juliana and Rory together. Rory was actually really sweet and his attraction to Juliana was great. Juilana's past trauma haunts her interactions with Rory but I like them together.
Can't wait for the next book.