Where Highland Thistles Bloom

A Scottish Historical Romance

by Paula Quinn

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Book 1 of Where Heaven and Earth Collide

Pub Date Feb 01 2026 | Archive Date Feb 04 2026

Dragonblade Publishing

Historical Fiction | Romance

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Description

Love grows quietly, stubbornly, like thistles in winter.

In the wild Highlands of Lochaber, Constantine Cameron reigns as Lochiel, warrior, leader, and legend. Merciless in battle and moody in spirit, he is a force few dare challenge. When a mysterious young woman, disguised as a lad, stumbles onto his land, he saves her. But he doesn’t know that she carries secrets darker than the Highland nights. Secrets that can start another war.

Ismay MacPherson has spent her life running from cruelty, from chains, and from the truth that could destroy her. Yet under Constantine’s watchful eyes, she finds a sanctuary that feels impossibly safe, even as she weeps into her supper, her pain unspoken but not unnoticed. Can she dare to trust the Cameron Lochiel with the secret she has carried all her life? And will her past finally catch her in its merciless grip?

In a land where loyalty and vengeance collide, Constantine and Ismay must navigate the treacherous path between love and survival, where the greatest danger may be opening one’s heart.

Tropes you'll love: Runaway bride, brooding hero, feuding clans, Highland setting, slow burn, secrets, tragic loss, protective hero, healing through love, emotional rescue, trust, redemption, resilience.

Where Heaven and Earth Collide

Book 1 - Where Highland Thistles Bloom

Book 2 - Where Mountains Pierce the Highland Heart

Book 3 - Where Stars Rule the Highland Night

Love grows quietly, stubbornly, like thistles in winter.

In the wild Highlands of Lochaber, Constantine Cameron reigns as Lochiel, warrior, leader, and legend. Merciless in battle and moody in spirit...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	01122026WHTB1
PRICE	$2.99 (USD)
PAGES	284

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Additional Information

Average rating from 16 members

Featured Reviews

Caitlin G, Reviewer

Oh wow—I am officially a fan! 😍 This is my first time reading this author, and I am *so* impressed. The Highland setting is absolutely gorgeous, and I could feel the misty mountains and wild lochs as I read. Constantine is the ultimate brooding hero, and Ismay’s pain and strength had me rooting for her from the very first page.

The slow-burn romance and the tension between loyalty, vengeance, and trust kept me completely hooked. Every secret and revelation landed with so much emotional weight, and the way the story blends danger, passion, and healing is just brilliant. 💖🏴

If you love Highland romances with brooding heroes, slow-burn love, and deeply emotional storytelling, this one is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store! 🌄✨

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saniya b, Reviewer

Where highland thistles bloom is a beautifully written historical romance, and I genuinely enjoyed immersing myself in its world.

Constantine is everything I love in MMC - hot, broody, grumpy, and carrying storms within him. A man hardened by battles and loss, having already lost much while he was on battlefield, love is no longer easy for him. yet, the moment he sees Ismay, His storms being to quiet, and that contrast was one of my favorite parts of story.

Ismay is a strong and resilient FMC, shaped by the grief of losing her father and by secret she has carried her entire life. Her struggle to trust men in positions pf power felt raw and realistic, especially given the time period. I admired HER strength, survival instincts, and emotional depth.

The historical settings was done very well- The old English tone and language added authenticity and truly made it feel like England in the 17th century. the plot was engaging, emotional, and steady, with a good balance between romance and character development.
Although sometime it feels like some story was missing in between some chapters.

Overall, this was a solid and enjoyable read with depth, pain, healing, and a slow-burning romance that felt earned. I'd happily recommend it to fans of historical romance who love broody heroes and strong heroines.