How to Lose a Highlander

How to Lose a Highlander

The MacGregor Lairds #1

Michelle McLean

★★★★★

When the King decides that the best way to find peace between the MacGregor and Campbell clans is to marry them together, Malcolm and Sorcha find themselves married two hours later! Although there is definitely attraction between them, they are centuries old enemies and both are trying to make the other miserable. Malcolm tries bad manners and indifference, while Sorcha tries being rude and annoying. But, since they are both stubborn Scots, neither won concedes and they find themselves enjoying each other’s company and getting past their family feud. But when their castle is attacked, it will put their love and trust to the ultimate test.  

"His breath was faster, more erratic. As was hers. When her hand slid to his thigh, he reached down and stopped her, covering her hand with his own. “Ye might want to stop there, lass. Unless ye’ve decided to explore the benefits of married life after all.” Her gaze shot to his and then back down to where the kilt he wore no longer lay straight across his lap and jumped to her feet, her heart pounding. “My apologies,” she stammered. He grinned at her. “Nay apologies necessary, lass. That was the best part of my day.”

“Let it bide, love. We have our whole lives to explore each other. Rest now. Ye’ll need it.” “Will I?” “Oh, aye. I dinna plan on letting ye out of this bed for at least a week.” That sounded heavenly to her.

The plot was really well done; the circumstances were believable and the characters played into it perfectly. I didn’t get annoyed with either Malcolm or Sorcha with their many attempts to push the other away. There were enough secondary characters to move the story along, some of which became integral parts in the overall plot! Having Malcolm and Sorcha, unknowingly, kiss the night before their forced wedding allowed them to both realize they were attracted to each other regardless of their feud which made it harder for them to hate each other!

The Heroine

Sorcha Campbell is Scottish, buy grew up in the British court, so after being married and journeying far away to the Scottish highlands with no friends or family to an unfamiliar place, she is rightfully nervous. She adapts quickly and finds she enjoys a simpler life and their traditions and she starts to see it as her home.  She has been so brainwashed by her fathers hate for the MacGregors that she is even slower to trust him than Malcolm is of her! 

The Hero

Malcolm MacGregor is a typical Scot, tall, muscular and red-haired, feared by everyone, but he is an honest, gentleman who has a sweet side once you get past his exterior. Even being forced to marry, he promises Sorcha’s father to look after her safety which he does on several occasions. His admiration and care for Sorcha is just so sweet and he truly does want their marriage to work because he would love to have a family and she also softens him. 

The Steam

There is one bedroom scene but, honestly, the romance and adventure was so well written and swoon that I didn’t mind at all! 

Stand Out Moment

Several scenes come to mind, but when Malcolm canes back from fighting and she stitches him up is probably my favorite!

Who Would Like This

If you are looking for a romantic adventure set in the Scottish highlands, you can’t go wrong picking this gem up!

Final Thoughts

I love when I am sad at the end of a book such as this one, so I am going to immediately start on book two!

Tropes

Steam warm, Scotland highlands, Titled Hero, Beta Hero, Virgin heroine, New Girl in Town, Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Stuck Together, Scotland, Highland Warrior