The Horseman of Death, Bas, possibly has the hardest life of the brothers due to being blamed by his father for killing his mother. His father claimed that Bas’ first execution was upon his birth by killing his mother. What a horrible legacy! Shana falls into his life with her little nephew as she is trying to save the baby’s life. And, she may have the hardest time of the females who fall in love with the Sons of Sinclair as she is convincing Bas he is not responsible for his mother’s death.

As each book of the series is a stand-alone, each one is entirely different. This romance occurs mostly at Bas’ cabin that is supposed to be hidden in the woods. Yet, he has more visitors than ever before due to Shana, her sister and the sweet little boy they are trying to save. The contrast between Shana being a midwife bringing new life into the world and Bas being the one carries out the death sentences also seems to bring them together. I was a bit disappointed that Bas was not a virgin which would have fit well into his lonely life and the idea that everyone was afraid of him. I loved that he loved and respected all animals using the care of them as a sort of character factor.

Shana’s love for her sister and baby was to be admired. She truly would do anything for them, almost giving her life to try to save them. Ms. McCollum writes a strong story around the sister, the baby and the crazy husband, as well as, the sister’s lover to make you want the sister’s to be able to have her HEA, too.

I love that all of the Sinclair men and wives are part of the book. Each has a part that continues their legacy and romances. Now, finally, on to sweet, shy Hannah, who really is not the sweet, shy sister!

3.2 sad stars. I wanted this to be better.
I love a tortured, misunderstood hero. A sweet on the inside man who is forced by cruel outside forces to be a killer against his nature. Bás was this hero in spades and his story had the potential to be epic and heartbreaking but sadly, I spent much of it being bored and frustrated. This author just did not get there for me, she got close and had some good elements to make this work but the story was too bogged down in convoluted intrigue and various side characters that the romance was lacking and the redemption for the horseman of death was slightly underwhelming.
I’m disappointed.
I liked Shana, as a heroine, she was great and strong and the idea of her being a midwife helping bring forth life and who balanced out Bás was a great one, but the execution did not culminate in a satisfying way. The chemistry between these two could have been hotter and I really think the author made a huge error not making Bás a virgin. She almost made him a virgin, why didn’t she go the whole way and make him completely inexperienced? It fit with his story and his background and his whole entire personality to have avoided and waited so why didn’t the author do it? It’s like she was too afraid to make him seem less manly so had to throw in a one time, previous sex partner and it was terrible. Bás wouldn’t have slept with someone who had been given as a gift to him. That’s just distasteful. I wanted him to be too noble to accept such a gift. Gah!
Anyway other than that the beginning was really slow and the couple was hardly together in the book. I needed more from the romance and less from the intrigue. The whole plot with her sister and her husband and child had little to do with these two as a couple and I found it very uninteresting.
Ugh I’ll say it again, this could have been better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mixed feelings about this book. Mainly for the fact that like the author couldn't decide when to use ye and you. Like it kind of threw me off when in one sentence she would use ye, in the next you. To me, it was hard to picture that the characters were actually scottish at times. BUT , and its a big but....the story itself made me kind of emotional. The author invoked my sadness for a kid that was abused, used. It pulled forth feeling of empathy when it came to child loss. So it definitely made me feel. The writing style just kind of triggered me.

Highland Beast by author Heather McCollum is another great story in the Sons of Sinclair series. Bas was a constant strength and presence in the narrative, despite displaying fragility. The multiple personas displayed often contrasted one another making for compelling reading. The morphing and shifting of his character in the narrative alongside Shana’s was a joy to read. Shana’s character was somewhat prickly, however displayed strength all her own. It was good revisiting the Sinclair’s story window and the shenanigans within, always entertaining read.

The series as a whole has been wonderful reading, with each instalment a must to reread. Cannot wait for Hannah’s story arc reveal!
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

I without a doubt believe that this heart warming story deserves high ratings. Bad and Shana stories is not what I expected as a plot. After reading the story, I totally loved the version of this romantic story, about family, love loss and the duty and honor. The romance is the one that I loved the most. I believe that the stories plot was very logical for the time period that the characters are in.
The motivation that Bas, Shana faced was the most interesting, intriguing, emotional and powerful situation to find one’s self in. Chief Erskine, I thought was introduced to the story perfectly. His character had me so drawn into the book. I so wanted Bas and him to come to clashing. Erskine ran through this book without a care for anyone or anything.
His accountability was stacked very high against him. Here’s come’s a Midwife by the name of Shana who had the Will and determination to make Erskine is held to those accounts. Favorite character was Becky. No one saw her coming and the was simply fantastic. All the characters were terrific and contributed to the story so well. The action was perfect and was explained in great detail.
The story moved in time with the romance of Bas and Shana’s love story. I give this book two snaps and a, Becky stop throwing walnuts at Beo! Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book: Highland Beast
Author: Heather McCollum
Series: Sons of Sinclair, Book #4
Publisher: Entangled
Book Length: 334 pages
Release Date: April 25, 2023
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Book Reviews

They were two halves that together created a magical whole….Dick Button

This story is set around Chieftain George Sinclair’s fourth son who he named after Bàs, after his wife died in childbirth. This Sinclair Chieftain was filled with grief and became very eccentric, abusive and insane. He renamed all his sons from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse plus ignoring his fourth child who was a female named Hannah, as his fourth son was actually his wife’s fifth birth. He decided his fourth son would be the clan's executioner back when he was a boy of five summers. A gentle kind boy who loved picking flowers and animals fiercely, now he forced him to wear a skull mask made from a human enemy. It was a severe case of child abuse and George Sinclair was absolutely wicked and insane calling the wife he lost in childbirth his first execution and beating the boy for not killing animals he asked him to kill as practice. Now the boy wishes he was beastie like his animal friends as he could no longer have human friends as they were all afraid of him. Therefore when he became a man he never had any female friends or companionship until he met Shana Drummond. A midwife who is about to change his life, his total opposite, yet so were the sun and the moon. This bonnie lass shows him his true worth however she doesn't know his role as Death. Will she despise him if she finds out the truth? Now see how this clan role affected Bàs and how this ginger haired Scottish beauty changes his life. Therefore as a man, this is the story of The Horseman of Death, also known as Bàs Sinclair, as the Sons of Sinclair saga continues…

Scotland, 1591

Bàs Sinclair discovers a woman who he saves from a pack of wolves ready to devour Shana Drummond and her newborn nephew Edward. It turns out she meets this gentle giant who cares for animals. However if he names the beasties/animals which means he will never kill or eat them and they will be under his care forever. Especially a wolf named Beò, dogs named Artemis and Apollo, horse named Dòchas, cat named Banshee, hawk named Bruce, Highland coo’s named Ilsa and her calf Iona and the newest member a squirrel named Betty. Shana assumes his name is short for Sebastian not Death. So when she goes back to save her sister Ivy from her abusive cruel brother-in-law, Chieftain Erskine Oliphant is caught!

Bàs the sword of justice is called to execute Shana for murders she did not commit, as this is the kind midwife who brings life into the world and Bàs’s heart had shared his first kiss with. Of course he knows this Chieftain Oliphant who is Shana’s cruel brother-in-law is lying, claiming she killed his wife and son. When the son was at Bàs home and Shana’s sister who had just delivered Edward only days before was with fever in her husband's cold, dirty, smelly dungeon! Of course Bàs refuses to execute Shana wearing his skull mask and holding his hammer in one hand and sword in another and threatens the Chieftain when he claims he will kill Shana himself. This is when Bàs threatens Oliphant with civil war if he touches a hair on Shana! However, he does it without speaking to his brothers. Needless to say for not being honest with Shana and threatening a possible civil war without speaking to his elder brothers first-Bàs Sinclair is definitely in a heap of trouble!

Even though Bàs saved Shana’s life and is trying to find a solution for Shana’s troubles she feels very betrayed and hurt. Afterall she had developed feelings for this warrior not knowing he was a killer! This also questions Bàs wondering if he had killed other innocents without questioning or asking for proof of their crimes. This was the first time he refused an execution and now he wonders if anyone else he had killed had truly committed those crimes. As Bàs is a person who ends life and Shana is a person who brings life into the world. Can this man and woman be any more different? Can they be any more different and still have a future together? Shall Shana hate this man she had started to love feeling the ultimate betrayal? Will she be burned for witchcraft by King James due to her brother-in-law’s lies? Will there be a clan war started by the Sinclair’s to protect innocent lives? Read and find out in this captivating action packed, awe-inspiring, page-turning, heart pulling, romantic adventure with multi-dimensional characters and detailed plot lines that absolutely draw readers in!

Heather McCollum continues to be my go to author as she has for many years. She is definitely the master of her genre, as her gripping tales touch my soul in a way not many books can accomplish! On a personal note: I am a devout animal lover and as a young girl I brought home a goat, nine kittens, countless puppies, bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters etc. Okay maybe I did not own a wolf but I grew up with german shepherds that looked and howled like wolves. I also have a love for highland coos which I fed in Scotland at a coo farm in the Highlands.

Needless to say, how can your heart not feel for this young boy who had been both mentally and physically abused by his own father and forcing him to wear a human skull mask! Plus beating him as a child for not killing the animals he loves so much. It was absolutely so abusive and despicable on so many levels! If it was this century the father would have been taken away and put in a mental facility, plus their sweet Aunt Merida would have gotten full custody of all of her brother's children. My heart has always gone out for Bàs since “Highland Conquest” in book one, so I was very excited and impatiently waiting for Bàs Sinclair’s story to come out. I must say this is definitely my favorite book of the “Sons of Sinclair” series, but definitely have a box of Kleenex nearby-as this breathtaking story was also very emotional for me. For me that only means how phenomenal and brilliant the story is to touch my heart and soul that much, that I am that emotionally involved to make me sob. It just shows how real the story is and what a phenomenal storyteller Ms. McCollum is! I definitely recommend this book and looking forward to Hannah’s story next, the ignored daughter.

As a lover of Scottish history: I also love how this author weaves true historic facts in her fictional stories as her research is always on target. For example King James VI of Scotland and I of England who was the son of Mary Queen of Scots yet the heir of Queen Elizabeth I of England. This eccentric King blamed witches for trying to kill the King and Queen Anne as they were caught in a bad storm in the sea. This started his royal obsession with witches that started brutal witch hunts and tortured and killed thousands of innocent women that spread all over Europe. Midwives, and healers were some of the biggest targets for these horrendous witch hunts.

This is definitely my favorite book of the “Sons of Sinclair” series, but I definitely have a box of Kleenex nearby-as this breathtaking story was also very emotional for me. For me that only means this book is absolutely brilliant and a total masterpiece from start to finish. To touch my heart and soul that much that I am that emotionally involved in a story to make me sob is just amazing. It just shows how real the story is to me and what a dazzling storyteller Ms. McCollum is! I definitely highly recommend this book and the entire series and look forward to the ignored daughter, Hannah’s story next!

Sons of Sinclair series that can be read as a stand alone or in series order. I have read each book as I am obsessed with back stories and family connections.

SONS OF SINCLAIR SERIES
by Heather McCollum

1)Highland Conquest - Cain

2) Highland Warrior - Joshua

3)Highland Justice - Gideon

4)Highland Beast - Bàs TBR 4/25/2023
5)Title unknown - Hannah TBR my guess is April 2024

Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy from Entangled publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.

Buy Links:

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-beast-heather-mccollum/1141363831;

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https://www.entangledpublishing.com/books/highland-beast

3.75/5. Releases 4/25/2023.

For when you're vibing with... hard on the outside, soft on the inside heroes, healer heroines, babies babies babies, and historical romance with a good dose of old school vibes.

Bas Sinclair, the youngest of the Sinclair brothers, was raised by his maddened father to be an embodiment of death--the literal Horseman of Death, in fact. As an adult, he abhors his role as the executioner of the land, but fulfills it anyway, living isolated and lonely. That is, until, he discovers a mysterious young woman named Shana in the woods, with a newborn baby that isn't hers...

I liked a lot about this one. I also had some issues. While I would say that I enjoyed it, and I'm totally gonna read the final book in the series, I wanted a little more for Bas.

Quick Takes:
--First off, I loved Bas. I'd been looking forward to his book through the first three installments of the series, and he didn't disappoint. He's huge and scary and trained to dispatch people easily... But he really just wants to plant bluebells and carve his little sculptures and tend to literally every animal that could come across his path. He's threatening and intimidating, but he's also a deeply awkward and shy precious angel who never did anything wrong, in his life ever. And I hated how he'd clearly been traumatized from literal birth... But I did also kind of deeply enjoy how that trauma manifested itself.

--The thing about this series is that you will not enjoy it if you don't enjoy... a bit of cheese. I say that affectionately; it's not a bad thing to me. It reads very old school. The heroes are hulking big men who almost pass out when their wives are in labor because they're too stressed. They throw around weird little jokes that sometimes make you go "a weird moment to make that comment, but okay". There's a big emphasis on FAMILY. The heroes recite apocalyptic Bible passages before killing people. Normal historical romance shit.... but maybe not so common today?

--I kind of love the unusual setting of late sixteenth century Scotland. It ain't medieval, it ain't Regency/Victorian. You get references to King James (who was, like, a supporting character in the third book). This book is more of a true insular Scottish romance, but the setting still feels very different in today's market.

--There is a lot of childbearing in this novel, and honestly, in the series in general. Shana is a midwife, and I do enjoy a midwife heroine. Two of the heroines of previous books are pregnant; one gives birth in this book, which gives you a lot of my series-favorite couple, Joshua and Kara (of Highland Warrior). There's discussion of birthing animals, and to be honest? The first book had a horse birth, the second book had a human birth, and the third involved a woman who'd just given birth (not the heroine). So maybe Heather just likes that, and that's okay. Normally I feel like that would annoy me, but for some reason the general vibe of this series make me... okay with it?

--What bothered me more was how Shana reacted to Bas. Her being scared of him in the beginning? Totally real and normal. Then they have this lovely romance, they have sex, there's a lot of emotional intimacy, and a Thing happens. And it's like... kind of obvious. Why it happens. And Shana is suddenly acting like this man she's fallen in love with could be a monster again? It just felt cheap and out of character, considering how common-sensical she'd been in the entire novel. To me, it read as a last minute attempt to inject drama. And I'm all about drama; but the drama has to make sense. A lot of the drama in this book did. That bit didn't.

The Sex Stuff:
There are a couple of sex scenes in this book, and they're good. Nothing crazy. I actually think that we could've gone further, as Bas, while not a virgin, is very inexperienced. I would've liked to see him try some other stuff. Also, to be fair to all the birthing scenes and pregnancies in this series--the Sinclair brothers NEVER pull out ever.

Mixed feelings, but I did enjoy it, and I really love Bas as a hero. Just keep all of this in mind if you decide to read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!
I found a new series and a new author! Heather McCollum!

Bàs Sinclair is the Horseman of Death and a true warrior. But his life turns upside down when he meets the intriguing midwife, Shana.

Highland Beast is the 4th book of the Sons of Sinclair Series by Heather McCollum and the woooooonderful love story of Bàs and Shana!
When I started this book I knew I needed to read the other books as well!
Instantly one-clicked them in a few seconds! LOL
Soooo... handsome Highlander warriors? Brothers with a strong family bond? Strong women? Awesome storyline?
YES! YES! YES! YES!
I got hooked from the beginning!
FELL TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH BÀS and won't let him go! ❤️
He's the Horseman of Death and everyone is scared of him... but OMG! This guy! He has so many animals he takes care of! Awwww!
What could be cuter than this?
Well, his personal development was even better! I fell even more in love with him along their story. ❤️
Meeting Shana and protecting her! Awwww! Who would do this? Of course if it's someone who's important!
I absolutely loved this book!!!
So many love and drama and suspense!
PERFECTION!

Highland Beast has it all and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read the beautifullove story Bàs and Shana!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing and Heather McCollum for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.

An enjoyable Highlander romance with some subversions of the genre I didn't expect. I love the conceit of the gentle giant forced to be something he's not and would have loved to spend more time with that. The way the two leads were meant to embody life and death, opposite to each other, didn't work quite so well for me in execution, but the concept there was nice, too, and added an extra ideological conflict I appreciate in a romance. My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A rough looking warrior with the heart of a sweetheart? Yes, please.
If James Fraser is one of your book boyfriends, then you’re going to love Bàs.
From the get-go, reading the blurb, I knew this book was my cup of tea but I didn’t expect to love it this much.
“Highlander beast” is a story set in 16th century Scotland and it’s about injustice and prejudice and shedding chains induced by them so that you can finally grow into yourself.
I loved Bàs’ journey. The way he was so inherently good and managed not to loose that even when forced to become everything he abhorred speaks of his resilience. He was such a sweetheart, I swear you won’t help fall in love with him.
““As long as ye let me stay with ye, Shana, ye can call me anything ye want.” PLEASE.
I loved his devotion to Shana, the way he was going to fight for her, even to the death, without expecting anything from her. the way he always asks for consent, multiple times, he always takes into consideration her wants and desires which I know is nothing special by our standards but we’re talking about a 16th century man. So…
However, I have to mention that at times, it does feel as if it’s a bit anachronistic but I didn’t mind too much.
As for Shana, I was so relieved and appreciative of having a FMC who, despite the setting, wasn’t exactly a damsel in distress. Yes, she is a damsel and she finds herself in distress (multiple times) but she’s always resourceful and proactive. Bàs is such a bonus.
Plot wise, I liked the political and war strategy aspects. The way the author drew from historical sources, even with all the little informative quotes before every chapter, made this story feel even more real. Like it could have really existed a Sinclair clan formed by 4 brothers named after the Horsemen.
It was also surprisingly funny. The brother’s relationship was amusing to read and I loved how it evolved throughout the book.
I hadn’t read the previous books in the series but now i’m certainly adding them to my tbr!

I really do love this series with my whole heart.

This book follows Bas, the youngest of the siblings, who has been assigned the moniker of "death" after his mother died giving birth to him. Even his brothers tend to give him a wider berth because of the way they all were raised and what Bas' job within the family is. The only things that don't judge him or fear him are animals, which he raises and heals alone. But once he meets Shana, everything begins to change. While Bas has been taught to be death for his entire life, all Shana has done has turned towards life, becoming a midwife to help bring life into the world. I loved these two and how their differences were the main cause of conflict between them. It all stemmed from a very natural place and my heart broke for Bas the more you learn about his upbringing and his internal monologue of who he thinks he is.

I also loved Shana as a character. She was kind and loving but stood up when she believed something was wrong. Unlike some of the past love interests, she isn't as upfront or combative, but I loved her sense of righteousness and her acceptance of who Bas is and why. But most of all, I love the way that death is actually portrayed in the novel. Bas represents all facets of death, from the violent to the peaceful and the aspects involving Hamish were some of my favorite of the book.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars! Heather McCollum has absolutely killed it yet again! I read this book in less then 2 days! This entire series is amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you like historical Scottish romance. This book is number 4 in the ‘Sons of Sinclair’ series and can be read as a standalone but is better if you read the series in order. I’ve been waiting for this brothers story and I’m not a patient person! This books main characters are Bás & Shana. I always felt bad for Bás, being the executioner and Horseman of Death. Shana was a wonderful, strong female main character, exactly what Bás needed and I easily fell in love with both of them. The last book in this series is the often forgotten sister Hannah and I can’t wait!! Sexy, powerful, strong Scottish warriors. Smart, strong and capable Scottish women. Fighting, battles, babies, animals, witches, hot ‘sexy times’, brotherly love, with a smile inducing HEA ending. 100% MUST READ SERIES!! Trust me, you’ll thank me!

This Scottish Highlands historical romance is the fourth in a series about four brothers who were named after the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. This book focuses on the youngest, Bas Sinclair, referred to as the Horseman of Death. Bas wields an ax and sword while wearing a human skull mask and is his clan’s executioner. Shannon, accused of being a witch and murderess, flees from her brother-in-law with her infant nephew, is injured and is found by Bas. What follows is a true opposites attract and that you can’t’ always judge someone by looks alone. This book will sweep you away as you follow two broken people discover that they weren’t really broken at all. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Heather McCollum and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Publication date: 4/25/2023

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC copy!

This book was a fun adventure! History, action, romance, and suspense - all packed in a quick read. I will be the first to admit a book cover like this would've turned me off a few years ago as a fluff romance book. I am so glad I have changed my tune! This is the fourth book in the series and I plan to go back and read the first three before book five comes out.

Bàs Sinclair and his brothers are known as the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Bàs himself is the "Horseman of Death", a title that has haunted him since his mother died in his birth. To the world, he is the bringer of death with his skull mask and axe. But underneath, he has big heart and soft spot for his loved ones and animals. Shanna is a fiery heroine and midwife by trade. While on a mission to save her sister and newborn nephew from her abusive brother-in-law, she is rescued by Bàs. These two could not be any more different on the outside, but their paths become intertwined and an epic story follows!

These two had instant chemistry and it was a joy to read from dual POVs. Their journey together was beautiful as they learn to open themselves up to each other. While the love story was perfect, this book also had lots of action with twists and suspense. The pace moved along quickly and kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the Scottish atmosphere described as well. The author did a great job incorporating Scottish history, language, and beliefs to fully immerse the reader in this setting.

TW: childhood trauma, domestic abuse, loss of a child, death of a parent, death of a spouse, animal abuse, infidelity

This book was so, SO good. I read hundreds of books a year, and it is not often that I find myself sitting back with a smile at how well one is written. The topics covered in the book are heavy, but it just is written so well that it still feels comforting. Bas is Death, but he's so much more, and he needs Shana to help him see that. There's sex, intrigue, and some gore, but if you're looking for something to draw you in - this is your book. If you need to get things done in between chapters, this might not be for you. LOL! I couldn't put it down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wonderful for Highland Readers.

I'm absolutely in love with this series. I've read the first book which is about Cain on Scribd and I just can't not read the next series of the book. Thank goodness, I've got the opportunity to read this book.

This book is definitely excruciatingly wonderful. The author are able to write scenes of dying in such a beautiful way. I never read story like this before. It's feel like I'm watching a beautiful movie when reading this book.

I loved Shana and Bas. They really complete each other. Also, I really love the bond between Sinclair's brother and sisters by marriage. They really support each other no matter what. There's everything I've ever wanted to read in this book. I really appreciate the opportunity to read this beautiful story. I hope we will get to read a story about Hannah. I really looking forward to it.

Bas Sinclair is the horseman of Death. From a young age he has thought of himself as death. Until he meets Shana Drummond in the forest trying to save her nephew. I enjoyed reading about how Shana sees the good in Bas. Together they are meant for each other. This is my first book I’ve read my Heather McCollum and I will go back and read more.

I would tell anyone who love historical romance to read this book.

Loved it! Nothing like the way Heather McCollum describes the surroundings of the beautiful land. I love the tug of war of death and life between Bas and Shana in this book. She sees so much good in everything, while he would rather put his faith in animals. The two both struggle to trust their feelings until it was undeniable.

Every Sinclair book has been adventurous, suspicious and full of love. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!

Summary:
Bàs Sinclair is the executioner of Clan Sinclair. He was trained from a young age to be a merciless warrior and literally portray himself as death personified. But when he's faced with executing Shana, the woman he kissed the other day, he finds he can't do it. Now, the Sinclairs are on the verge of war with another clan, all while Bàs and Shana's relationship continues to blossom.

Review:
It's been a hot minute since I read a Scottish book, and I was even more exited to read this as it's set in the late 1500s. James VI is King, and much of Scotland is still controlled by powerful clans like the Sinclairs. The time period really shows because there is, uh, a significant witchcraft plot.

You know, despite the pretty intense content (parental trauma, murderous brother-in-laws, birth, clan wars, etc.) this book felt like a warm hug. A lot of it had to do with Bàs being the least threatening threatening man ever. His dad basically brainwashed him into thinking he killed his mom when she gave birth to him (Bàs literally means "death"), and that he must be a warrior and an unrepentant killer if necessary, but despite this, Bàs is actually a really nice guy. Like sure, he acts like he's basically death personified and will fuck you up if you cross him, but also, he takes care of babies (but will not hold them for fear of killing them because he is Death Personified)! He heals animals (who he names unless he's gonna eat them) like a jacked tatted Scottish Snow White! He carved a memorial for his late mother! he learned where the clitoris is from his big brothers! He's very much the gruff, strong and silent type. So no wonder his relationship with Shana is really sweet and romantic.

Shana's characterization might actually be one of the weak spots in the book. We know she's a midwife with a strong sense of familial duty (she risks her neck for her sister and nephew multiple times in the story), and that she helps Bàs realize that his self-perception about him being a ruthless monster is incorrect and genuinely harmful, but beyond that, I never felt like I really got her as a character. Maybe it's because Bàs was so unique (and troubled) in comparison... idk. I really liked what Shana stood for, as well as the her relationship with Bàs, but I just couldn't get a sense of who she was.

The sex:
Speaking of their relationship, my personal take on the sex in this book is that because of all the external turmoil (and there's A Lot in this book), sex for Bàs and Shana is kind of their safe space? If that makes sense? So it's very tender and affirming, but maybe a *little* sparse.

Overall:

I didn't mention this earlier but if you like family-forward stories, then you'll enjoy this book. At this point, all of Bàs's brothers have coupled off, and them and their wives (and their aunt) play a pretty big role in the plot. Heck, Shana even helps birth Bàs's nieces, a process described in semi-graphic detail. Plus, they're all involved in the clan skirmishes and rescue missions.

Overall, if you're a fan of Scottish romances, this is the book for you! I'm sure I'll feel even more strongly about this after I read through the rest of the series. Highland Beast has all the hallmarks of the sub-genre while subverting it in a sense because despite Bàs being a big, brawny warrior, he's actually really sensitive and genuinely a nice man. Heather McCollum managed to write him like this without sacrificing the heat or the chemistry with Shana, so kudos to her for that.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Entangled Publishing for this ARC.

*Note: This ARC review will be posted on my blog on March 25th, a month before the book is published

I received an ARC copy from netgallery for an honest review. All the opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone.

I am still reeling from this amazing book! Who doesn't love Scottish men? The characters are well rounded and seeing this romance blossom will make you believe in true love. This author creates the most beautiful places and these characters, that you will never want to let go!