THE REVIEW
Kerr Gordon is tasked with traveling from his home in Scotland to London to deliver a gift from Mary Stuart to Queen Elizabeth. If he is successful, Mary has offered to support a marriage between Kerr’s sister and a man she loves from a rival clan. The union would also end a long, deadly feud between the two clans.

Margaret Darby is the queens Sacrificial Lamb; she is responsible for making sure anything that would touch the queens body is free of poison. She meticulously tests the items for chemicals before she wears each item to ensure they are not dangerous.

When Kerr arrives at the castle, he stumbles upon Maggie tied to a chair and about to be raped and murdered. He saves her and thus starts their friendship. Together they uncover several plots to kill Queen Elizabeth all the while falling in love!

This was an interesting book to read; I’ve been deep in the Regency era lately and needed a break from the monotony. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story…lots of history played out with many real life characters and what castle life was like back then. Even a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming! Kerr was a big old Beta hero and just a teddy bear of a man! He was so sweet and protective of Maggie. Being the Queens ‘sacrificial lamb,’ she is not used to anyone sacrificing for her! It took her sometime to accept that she could find happiness outside of the long held duty she felt to her family and her Queen.

TROPES
Historical Romance, Tudor Era, Royal Palace, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Highland Warrior Hero, Protective Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Scientist Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Heroine in Danger, Caught Between Duty & Love, Four Star, Two Steam

Historical Romance with Mystery and Intrigue

Queen Elizabeth’s court was full of strife, mystery, and intrigue. It was a time when the Bloody Tower was used regularly, and people were executed often. It was dangerous to be at court. You were often assumed guilty, and your head rolled off before you had a chance to prove your innocence.

Maggie was the queen’s “sacrificial lamb.” She tested Queen Elizabeth’s garments for any possible poisons. When a Highlander came to court with a gift from her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, it was Maggie’s job to test the gift for any possible dangers. When Kerr arrived, he saved Maggie from an assassin. Her turn might come to save his life when the gift he brought was not as innocent as it should have been. Treachery was at hand, and Kerr was accused of treason. Maggie knew Kerr was innocent, and when he was taken to the tower, her journey to prove his innocence began. This would be a twisted tale of conspiracy, treachery, and murder. Could Maggie free Kerr from the Bloody Tower? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery and intrigue. This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

I enjoyed this historical romance. Who doesn't love a queen of scots plot line? A good historical event to build on. I loved the romance between kerr and Meggie. The chemistry was there and both parties didn't shy away from it I enjoyed the open honestly of this characters and the storyline. The one thing I may have changed is the ending was a little much. Some additional plot twists didn't need to happen.

All in all a great book

The Highlander & the Queen's Sacrifice by Heather McCollum is an Elizabethan novel about a highlander who delivers a gift from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Elizabeth R in order to secure Mary's support for his sister's marriage into another clan, no only making his sister happy, but hopefully stopping the bloodshed between the two clans. By the time the queen agrees to see him he has already met Maggie Darby who served the queen by betting all apparel, first by chemical testing, and then by wearing it herself for an hour. Well, it turns out the gloves in the package were booby-trapped. He knew he hadn't done it and he knew Maggie hadn't although someone had gone to lengths to make sure it looked like one or both of them. It was the tower for him and she was let go from her position.

This was an interesting piece of historical fiction. I knew Elizabeth had food testers, but I had no idea about clothing testers. Maggie was clever and she was not about to let him be hanged, or herself, for that matter. So, she broke him out. Where it went from there is beyond amazing, although it is fiction. They were both clever and interesting people with good friends, some of long standing, some new. Being Elizabeth was not easy deal with people surrounding her wanting her dead so her crown could be theirs. That was not Kerr or Maggie. They were loyal and brave. Except for the part about Elizabeth wanting to execute Kerr. That did no fly with Maggie, so she did something about it. This was an entertaining and informative book. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Highlander & the Queen's Sacrifice by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #heathermccollum #thehighlanderandthequeenssacrifice

This is my first book by Ms McCollum and it definitely won't be my last. This is the first installment of The Queen's Highlander series and it is off to a wonderful start! Kerr has come to London with a message and a gift from Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots to her cousin Queen Elizabeth. Upon his arrival he witnesses the almost rape of Maggie, who is the Queen's clothing tester. He rescues her and continues to protect her while at the palace. Together they discover a plot to kill the Queen and they somehow find themselves right in the middle of it. Evidence mounts up against Kerr and he is labeled a traitor and thrown in the tower. Maggie knows he is innocent and it's up to her to clear his name and keep herself safe in the process.
This was an excellent story with an exciting plotline that caught my interest from the start and held it all the way through. Surprising twists and turns kept me glued and turning the pages anxious to see what happens next. I found this to be a very entertaining and enjoyable read. The characters were nicely developed and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining an intriguing series!
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing, the author, and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

The Highlander & The Queen’s Sacrifice by Heather McCollum
The Queen’s Highlanders #1

Treason and Treachery with a healthy dose of Love are provided in this book as Kerr Gordon and Maggie Darby try to save a queen as they fall in love.

What I liked:
* Maggie: strong, focused, knowledgeable, queen’s protector, in the family business of thwarting assassination of queen’s and kings
* Kerr: highland warrior, next in line to be laird of his clan, loves his sister and family, falls hard for Maggie
* Learning about then considering what Maggie’s job might have entailed
* Maggie’s father and brother – in the family business
* A glimpse into the past
* That Kerr and Maggie did find a way to be together
* That those bent on doing evil were thwarted

What I didn’t like:
* Exactly what and whom I was meant not to
* Thinking about the times and how difficult they must have been

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

In a turbulent period of history, this novel is filled with suspense, romance, and drama. Kerr Gordon rescued Maggie Darby just after his arrival in London and is shocked that she turns on him when it is discovered that her would-be attacker is dead. Kerr cannot help himself when it comes to protecting Maggie but that only puts the light of suspicion on him when a plot against the Queen is discovered. The plot is fast-paced and romantic with danger around every corner. Interesting details about the era also emerged, not the least of which is the constant vigilance required to protect the Queen from being poisoned. Considering Elizabeth I's long reign, her “sacrificial lambs” did a very good job! I really enjoyed the main characters with Kerr's burly, protective stance and Maggie's resourcefulness. The attraction between the couple is obvious from the beginning and only increases as they come to rely and depend upon one another. The novel does come to a good conclusion, but not without one last suspenseful moment. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Such an exciting start to a new series, which was no surprise due to this author's fabulous combination of history, adventure and romance!!

Set during a time of political unease, Kerr Gordan of the Gordan Clan is tasked to take a gift to Queen Elizabeth from Mary Queen of Scots to help in building peace. Of course on his way in, he rescues Maggie, tester for the Queen.

Let the journey begin! Secrets, treason, plots, and a building romance bring these two together!
But it is not easy, trying to ferret out the traitor! As always enjoyed from beginning to end!

Book: The Highlander & The Queen’s Sacrifice
Author: Heather McCollum
Series:The Queen’s Highlanders, Book 1
Publisher: Dragonblade
Print Length: 241
Release Date: May 19, 2022
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating:5/5 Saltire Flags

Whitehall Palace
London, England
February 1571

Kerr Gordon comes to Whitehall Palace in London and first thing he spots in the stables, is a woman tied up and gagged and being threatened by this cutthroat who plans to sample her goods before he cuts her throat! The innocent is the Queen’s clothing tester Maggie Darby, as shen is the one who makes sure there are no poison or threats on any of her garments. As she wears the clothing before the Queen lets anything touch her skin! Of course Kerr rescues the beautiful poison tester and discovers someone had also ransacked her room! Kerr being an honorable protector and warrior discovers ways to keep Maggie safe, it seems the security at Court was next to nothing for the maidens in the Queen’s service.

This absolutely frustrated Kerr so he showed Maggie some tricks of being able to tell if any intruder enters her private domain. He also includes added protection to protect Maggie from unwanted and unknown visitors. Now Maggie is more than just flattered-as no-one ever inquired about her safety or how she felt about anything! It was another thing she admired about this Catholic highlander from Scotland. The attraction and chemistry between Maggie and Kerr was instant and intense, therefore Maggie even felt pangs of jealousy when other women admired this handsome Scot!

Now Kerr is in London in a place filled with traitors and vipers and just the odors alone at the English court could kill a man! He was there to hopefully end an ongoing clan war between the Gordon’s and the Hays. Plus the fact it could end the clan war that has been going on forever. Yet they needed Mary Queen of Scot’s permission and to get it he had to read a letter ans give a gift to Queen Elizabeth I. He is doing this for his sister Rhona who fell in love with Percy Hay, the lad who she wants to marry and whose father is their fathers biggest enemy! Also so this ongoing clan war will finally end, as Kerr wants peace between the two clans. Especially since he will be the next Chieftain after his father. Furthermore, Kerr also had to get permission by Queen Elizabeth I prisoner, Mary Queen of Scots!The only way Queen Mary will give permission for this marriage between Rhona and Percy, is if Kerr reads Mary’s letter to the virgin Queen with a gift.

The Darbys have been clothing for the royal family for many years, as her father was tester for King Henry, her brother was one for his son, young Prince Edward, as this is their family legacy. The Queen even had a nickname for Maggie, her Sacrificial Lamb. Yet Maggie was confident with mixing potions and checking all the clothing with absolute certainty, so she also would never be infected with any poisons. Afterall she had to wear them for a few hours before the Queen wore them-which included gowns, gloves, chemise’s, etc.

Now it turns out there are Catholic spies in the English court posing as Elizabeth supporters, but really want the English Queen dead and to put Mary Queen of Scots on the English, Scottish and Irish throne. Kerr thinks the English court is full of vipers, scheming and cutting throats. Except some traitors want this highlander and Maggie to take the fall for their scheming crimes! What will Kerr and Maggie do? Does their new friendship even have a chance with so much treachery and plotting at every corner? Will they make plans to escape or discover the real traitors? Read and find out in this brilliantly written novel.

Again, Heather McCollum pens another extraordinary tale! Bravo! It kept this reader up very late into the night with a box of tissues! What an awesome story with so much true historical facts about Queen Elizabeth I and her inner court circle and Mary Queen of Scots pain and suffering. The fictional love story between Kerr and Maggie was beautiful and emotional, I could really feel their love and their difficulties too. This was a breathtaking beautifully, written book! I highly recommend The Highlander and The Queen’s Sacrifice, a brilliant start to an exceptional new series. I definitely can’t wait for Lucy’s book next!

The Queen’s Highlanders Series

1.The Highlander & The Queen’s Sacrifice
2.
The Highlander & the Counterfeit Queen
3.The Highlander & the Lady of Misrule

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from Dragonblade publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

https://www.amazon.com/Highlander-Queens-Sacrifice-Highlanders-Book-ebook/dp/B09XPXJD5K/

4.5 Stars
Kerr Gordon, next in line to be chief of the Gordon Clan, is tasked by Mary, Queen of Scots to bring to bring a gift to her cousin and jailer Queen Elizabeth of England. When he arrives at Whitehall Palace to find a courtly woman tied up in the stables, he acts to save her, only to be rebuked for dispatching an assassin before she could hear his confession. Queen Elizabeth calls Maggie Darby her sacrificial lamb: Maggie's job is to try on all of the queen's gowns and accessories before she wears them—just in case they’re poisoned. Trained by her father, Maggie has no intention of dying in the line of duty. She's learned all about poisons and how to test for them. When the handsome Highland warrior who saved her in the stables is accused of treason, Maggie’s instincts tell her that he’s been framed. So they work together to find the true traitors in Queen Elizabeth’s court.
The first in a new series & what a starter, it had intrigue & romance, which I love. It was fast paced with strong believable characters. I loved both Kerr & Maggie & I loved how they worked together to find the villain whilst all the time falling in love. A romance with a difference & I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the first book by this author and shows us how different it was in Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Always on guard for someone trying to kill her by using poison in her food or clothing. She finds so many different characters playing court in her life, that she hires a young woman to be her poison finder. Young Maggie has been hired in the position of finding poison hidden in her clothes and food. However, a handsome Scottish Highlander arrives from Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, things begin to change. This is an interesting story line and one that is not read about very often.

OH THE ROMANCE… OH THE MYSTERY!!! The Highlander & The Queen’s Sacrifice by Heather McCollum is the first book in the new series The Queen’s Highlanders and oh what a way to start a new series!!! What I like most about this story was the mystery, the slow burn romance and the war between Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots. Heather has such a unique way of writing history and romance all in one… what a talent. This one had me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. Bravo Heather Bravo. This book is easy to read, original, have the real feel of the Elizabethan era, and just a great read. Heather never ceases to amaze me. This story has a servant to the queen who checks her clothes for poisons, a sacrificial lamb, a soon to be Laird who wants peace for his clan, attempted rape & murder, rescue, needing to gift Queen Elizabeth a gift from Mary Queen of Scots so his sister can marry for love, treason, being set up, a clever way to see if someone has entered their room, being imprisoned in the Bloody Tower of England, escape, an explosion, putting oneself in from of the queen to protect her, a mother who is not what she seems to be, being knighted and falling in love. This book has it all and I am highly recommending you read it!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

I definitely didn't know being a poison tester was a thing! I enjoyed this book from the rescues to the romance.

This book definitely deals with an interesting set of historical details. It makes sense that Queen Elizabeth would have needed all kids of security including checking/wearing her garments for poison.

I really liked the characters in this book, from Maggie showing tons of bravery and Kerr putting himself in a very difficult situation for the sake of his family. Of course they both get accidentally pulled into acts of treason brewing against the queen and find some steamy romance.

As much as I enjoyed the plot and romance, the one extra thing I had hoped for was a little more of the science details on.the poison testing. That would have given the book that little extra historical detail. This series is definitely interesting and I'm curious to see how different the next book is!

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Be careful when you arrive in London. You can easily be arrested, thrown into the Bloody Tower, tortured, then off with your head. Suspicion is always there if you're Catholic. Kerr Gordon has a gift and a letter from Mary Stuart, the queen of Scotland, for her cousin, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth
Kerr enters Whitehall Palace and saves Maggie Darby from rape and death in the stables. Responsible for testing the Queen's garments for poisons, Maggie is known as the Queen's Sacrificial Lamb. Maggie and Kerr find themselves in the middle of a plot to kill the Queen. Evidence mounts up that Kerr is involved in the plot, but Maggie knows he is innocent. When he is thrown into the Bloody Tower, it is up to Maggie to get him out. Together with her family they piece the details of the plot to save the queen. At what price will Kerr and Maggie pay to be together?
This book goes at a fast pace with a lot of intrigue and romance.
First book in a new series.
Heat level 3 🔥🔥🔥

The Highlander & The Queen’s Sacrifice by Heather McCollum is the first book of the Queen’s Highlanders series. Kerr Gordon is next in line to be the chief of the Gordon clan. He is tasked by Mary, Queen of Scots to bring a gift from her cousin/jailer Queen Elizabeth of England. Upon arrival at Whitehall Palace, Kerr discovers a woman tied up in the stables and rescues her. Maggie Darby is Queen Elizabeth’s sacrificial lamb. Her job is to try on all the gowns and accessories meant for the Queen in case they have been poisoned. Maggie has a vast knowledge of poisons and how to detect them. She has no intention of dying. When Kerr is accused of treason, Maggie just knows he has been framed. The two work together to find the real traitor in the Queen’s court and soon find themselves unable to resist the attraction between each other.

This is a really unique historical romance. I liked the courtly intrigue. I was also very intrigued by Maggie’s occupation.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Maggie was an interesting character to get to know, especially being so close to Queen and playing such an important role within the court.

The book starts following Kerr on his way to present Queen Elizabeth with items from Queen Mary. He happens upon Maggie and it all goes from there. I enjoyed the twists in the story and the challenges both Maggie ans Kerr face from the start.

I thought there were sections of the book that had a slower pace but overall, I think the book was well written. A good plot with a lot of history involved, strong characters, situations you wouldn’t expect- making the book entertaining.


I received an eARC through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Amazingly realistic story!

Wow! What an adventure! Maggie is in charge of Queen Elizabeth's clothing, which means she puts herself at risk making sure nothing reaches the queen that isn't perfectly safe. As such, she's caught up in a conspiracy to poison the queen. Kerr is trying to get a message to Queen Elizabeth from her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, in order to curry Mary's favor in order to save his clan. He stumbles across Maggie in obvious danger, but rescuing her brings on a whole new set of trouble that threatens his original mission and even his life.

Kerr is everything we want in a heroic Highlander, full of honor and integrity and a man who doesn't hesitate to stand up for what's right. Maggie is a plucky heroine in her own right, fashioning her position as a form of bodyguard for the queen, and she's determined to protect her sovereign regardless of the risk. I really loved these two together, how they believed in each other and worked to set things right all while falling in love, despite the risk such a relationship could pose for each of their lives.

This author neatly wove her fictional characters with known history and historical figures. It's a fascinating look at the 16th century monarchy with all its religious and family struggles. The attention to detail is amazing, and I absolutely loved the final resolution. If you're a fan of history you're going to love this romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋

My first by this author, and much as I enjoyed it, i found it relatively slow in places.
That’s didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment.

It had some great characters, the best of which was Kerr, and Maggie was pretty strong too.
It was different in being about a poison detector, Maggie’s job for her Queen.

The whole premise was interesting and entertaining, I look forward to more in the series.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

This is a new series from the fabulous Heather McCollum with a great concept! The Queen's Highlanders series focuses on life at court. In this first novel, the heroine, Maggie Darby, is tasked with protecting the queen by being her sacrificial lamb, which means sampling everything because it touches the queen. Highlander Kerr Gordon visits court to present the queen with a gift from her cousin Mary, which is where he meets Maggie and falls into danger. The book is entertaining and a good escape.

I only wish it were a little longer so that Kerr's character and his relationship with Maggie could be a little more developed. I've noticed that recent HRs are shorter, and while many HRs, in the past, could be a lot shorter, current HRs would be more satisfying with a few more details. Still, I loved this and am excited for the rest of the series!

Wow! Started off with a bang & never slowed down. Really connected with the characters. Was sleep deprived at work today because I just couldn't put it down.