Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me access this book!

This started out strong with great dialogue and battle scenes, but quickly fell apart with the story diverging from the initial plot to several others that were increasingly messy and were never resolved. There were at least 3 times I thought the book was ending based on what was happening and the way things seemed to be wrapping up only for a new dilemma to arise. Also the main character’s personal strength/steadfastness (best words I can think of) seemed to decrease consistently with her losing faith in herself and seemingly doing nothing to solve the problems she was ending up in.

A typical Scottish love story with strong women and even stronger but vulnerable men. The story was paced well, but what did not resonate with me was the overly descriptive language that was used. It almost felt like page fillers. It made reading a bit slow and tedious. The romance was sweet and deep, with Alisdair being the first to take the leap for his lady love Fiona.

Overall an okay read Grade C

This first book in the Brides of the Highlands series is a captivating and sweet Scotish medieval romance. I enjoyed both characters' determination and strength to fight for their love. I look forward to the next book.

Let’s be honest—any book that starts with a fierce woman outshooting men at the Highland Games has already won us over. Fiona McAfee is exactly the kind of heroine we love: bold, brave, and totally uninterested in fitting into society’s dainty little box. She’s got a bow in her hand and fire in her heart.

Enter Alisdair McClain—charming, loyal, and smitten the moment he lays eyes on her. He’s not your typical Highland alpha, but he is the kind of man who sees Fiona’s strength and wants to stand beside it—not overshadow it. Their romance? Equal parts tender and thrilling, with just the right amount of stolen glances and heart-pounding danger.

When Fiona’s kidnapped (cue the gasps), everything gets turned upside down. Her father’s trust is shattered, and the budding relationship between our star-crossed couple is put to the test. But Fiona and Alisdair aren’t about to let tradition—or a little kidnapping—stand in their way.

This story has all the Highland romance goodness: sweeping landscapes, family drama, forbidden love, and a heroine who can hit the bullseye with both arrows and emotions.

Rating: 4.5/5 kilts.
Come for the Highland Games, stay for the love story that fights for its happy ending.

I have read many of Kirsten Osbourne's Mail Order Bride books. I always enjoy when an author I read steps out of their usual writing niche to tackle a different time and place.
While Fiona & Alisdair's love story appeared slow in a couple reviews, I interpreted it more as setting the scene for Fiona's two sisters and their stories that will be coming. Kirsten included some points not usually mentioned at that time in history. For example, Alisdair's younger brother will inherit the role of Chief in their clan, but a normal practice for that clan. Also Fiona and her sisters are trained in the bow, knife, and sword. Also not usual at that time. However I have read many historical romance stories of bright athletic women training along with the men.
I encourage you to read this story!

A sweet story written by an author who has a love for Merida from Brave. Fiona is a Laird's daughter with a powerful archer skill. Alisdair, a Laird's son from a different clan is immediately enthralled. The pace is a bit slower than it needs to be, yet the overall plot was captivating. Great characters and ending. It will be interesting to see how the next book plays out.

I could imagine a bard relating the tale of Fiona McAfee and Alisdair McClain, sitting alongside the hearth in a medieval manor in this romance, as the narration has a lyrical cadence. It is the story of a strong-willed maiden and a young man determined to win her as his wife. Unfortunately, there are other contenders for the hand of the lass who are less honorable than the McClain Laird's son. Fiona is a skilled archer and is determined to only marry and man who is willing to accept her prowess and allow her to stand shoulder to shoulder with him. The course of true love never did run smooth, and when Fiona is kidnapped, her father blames Alisdair for not protecting her. The novel, fortunately, does come to a sweet conclusion. This book will resonate with someone who has a poetic soul, otherwise, the reader may find themselves bogged down in prose. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a wonderful written historical romance book which I enjoyed reading and i highly recommend it .

I saw this book nestled in the catalog and immediately requested it. I can never resist a kilt-ripper romance, so why start now? Highland Heart features the slow-burn courtship between two clans of the Highlands: the McAfee and McClains. There's no better opportunity to unify two hot singles than the Highland Games. Fiona is fierce with a bow and an arrow, just like me favorite Scottish princess Merida. Alisdair already had his eye on her and her archery adroitness further solidifies his attraction to her. I did like certain aspects of Highland Heart, but their relationship moved slow as molasses. I swear he was part snail by how long it took for him to bend the knee.

Fiona and Alisdair were very sweet together, despite their slow motion courtship. He was all in from the start, but it took some serious convincing for Fiona to accept his offer. I wished the story moved faster although I can appreciate Fiona's reservations. She wanted to be married on her merit, not her clan's reputation. The side plot was unnecessary and I wished the relationship was the main focus. I also liked the wedding night. It was tastefully done and very intimate. I felt like I was interrupting something special as a reader. It may have taken a verra verra long time to get there, but wedding bells were ringing!

Highland Heart was a sweet Scottish romance, but I don't believe I'll continue with the series. I prefer my books to be a bit faster paced. At least I did get my Caledonian fix with all the lilts and burrs of the Scottish brogue I love so much. These McAfee sisters aren't my particular cup of tea, but I know they will be for other readers. I'm grateful for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to my next historical romance. This book didn't win my Highland Heart, but there's always next Highland Games!

I have read so many historical romances that take place in Scotland. I had high hopes for this book since it had a strong female lead, but I was a little let down by the book. It was a very basic storyline with just skimming the surface and not really getting into much detail about things. The relationship was a sweet one but I also missed more of the strength of the male. It had a great foundation but I think it just needed to have more detail so you could really connect with the characters and story. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was beautifully written. I love Scottish highland books, this was wonderfully done. Main character is likable

I was able to geg this through NetGalley. This story takes place in 1555 in the Highlands. Fiona is a strong woman in line to lead her clan. Will her marriage be one of love or duty? The events of the story involve clans, marriage, and a kidnapping.

A pretty solid read. Love the Scottish backdrop. And the main characters are likely as is their love story.

a good highland romance overall between Fiona and Alisdair. Enjoyed it, but must admit that I skimmed over the clan politics and boys acting like boys. Still though, if you like highland stories you will like this one. Reminded me a bit of the movie "Brave" and would recommend.