This book is gooood. I think there’s a certain learning curve that comes with reading historical fiction, and yes, that even includes historical romance. You’re introduced to a world completely different than your own. It’s the mark of a great story to draw a reader into that world and make her become truly entrenched; Never Cross a Highlander was that story, and Lisa Rayne is that writer.

Ailsa has been held captive in the King’s castle working as a slave to the princess, when she was born a free woman. After two failed attempts at escaping, she has the perfect plan to reunite with her clan. She’s only thwarted by the Shepherd, an unknown underground rebel who helps slaves get to freedom. Of course, Ailsa is incensed, but maybe that anger will turn into something just as passionate.

The characters are great. Our heroine, Ailsa, is a tough woman who refuses to let anyone reduce her into being less than the Highland woman she is. She never goes down without a fight. The hero, Kallum, is a mean guy who strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies, and sometimes his allies too. Their stubbornness with each other is wonderful, and it’s fun to see them be so hard headed. The minor characters were so fun to read too. I loved seeing relationships grow and develop in different ways. I want a book for all the MacNeill family members. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

If you want a story with some tension, lots of edge of your seat moments, and a grumpy and even grumpier pairing, this is it. I am still a little shocked by how much I loved it, and I can’t wait to read more by Lisa Rayne!

I really loved reading Never Cross a Highlander! The story follows Ailsa, a woman who was born and raised in the highlands but three years ago was enslaved by the king. She plans her escape, but is instead aiding in a different escape by Kallum MacNeill, who has been working to free enslaved people covertly.

This has all the action, adventure, and romance from a classic Scottish romance but with the added bonus of a two black main characters who navigate through the world as outsiders to their respective clans. The chemistry between Ailsa and Kallum sizzles on the page and crackles even when they are fighting against each other, each as stubborn as the other. I loved both of their characters a lot. Ailsa is fierce, brilliant, and kind, while Kallum is headstrong, loyal, and honestly just a swoon-worthy lead.

The ending feels a bit quick with lots of plot happening all at once, but even that is so engrossing that I was happy to be pulled along for the ride.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Highlander romances aren’t usually my thing, but did you see this cover?? Of course I had to read it. Plus medieval romance with POC? Sign me up.

Ailsa Connery has waited years to escape her enslavement. But her plans are destroyed by the arrival of the Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil.

Kallum MacNeill has a double life of freeing enslaved captives. When he kidnaps Ailsa by accident he must accompany her home or risk her exposing his true identity.

The first third felt too drawn out for me, with a lot of backstory in the beginning. Things picked up once they were on their way to MacNeil Castle. Some sections were heavier on telling than I like, but this was a fun slow burn. I’m on board for the next in the series.
3.5 stars

Kallum's secret identity is at risk when Ailsa tries to escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle. On a road trip across the Highlands to return to both of their clans, the very stubborn pair try not to fall in love with each other--she wants to go back home to become the clan healer, and he's got his own role as the MacNeill warrior in his clan. But he also wonders why her clan never searched for her when she was enslaved and if it's safe for her to return to her home.

This felt slow to me until they got to MacNeill land, but it's a great slow-burn with some interesting plot twists. I've been wanting to read this since I saw the cover a year ago (because look at that cover!), and having two POC as the main characters in a medieval romance is doing necessary work in historical romance (especially medieval) to show that POC existed at the time and don't have to be side characters. Rayne does a beautiful job of constructing what the world would be like for these characters, without a historical precedent to work from (as she mentions in the author note). I'd love to see more POC as main characters in histrom and more from Lisa Rayne in the future.

This was another entertaining read with lots of drama and heat. The story was well written and the characters were interesting. Definitely would recommend.