The Savage Highlander

A Protector in the Highlands by Heather McCollum Highland Roses School #2 Scarlet has been left in charge of The Highland Roses School in the Highlands of Scotland while her sister Evelyn heads to England with her new husband. Aidan Campbell has been put in charge of security and he is rightly worried about the English coming in to create upheaval again after all that happened in book one of this series. We learned that Scarlet is leery of men, with good reason as it turns out, but in spite of this leeriness she finds herself drawn to Aidan. This book continues with the idea that a plot is in play to assassinate the King of England and as the story progresses we learn who the villains are, hear what happened to make Scarlet run to Scotland and what court life is like for those at the top of the royal hierarchy as well as those on the periphery. A woman is often considered a possession to be used and abused by husbands and those of higher station as well as by fathers and brothers thinking to use them as collateral. A woman is weaker than a man so has little recourse. That said…the women in The Highland Roses School are taught more than how to serve tea and how to read and write – they are taught to defend themselves and work together to thwart the villains before the end of the book. Fun romance that at times seemed a bit unbelievable BUT my daughter, a historian, did set me straight and told me that women did fight and did do most jobs men did and have done so through the ages even though not as much is mentioned about them as should be. Did I enjoy this book? Yes Do I want to read more in this series? Yes Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars

I was looking through the books on my kindle and gasp, found a few by Heather McCollum that I haven't read yet!! This author is definitely a "must read" if you're a Highlander fanatic like I am:) One can tell she writes from the heart and has really done her research. I loved Aiden and Scarlet's story and not only do I want to become a Highland Rose student, I also want Aiden! lol A tale of women wanting to be able to protect themselves, a man whose secrets consume him, a King with no morals and an evil man intent on getting Scarlet. Put all that together and you have a story that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night!! A heartfelt story that will have you wanting more!

Scarlet Worthington flees from her home in England to the wild Highlands of Scotland to help her sister run a school for ladies. There, Scarlet begins to rebuild her own shattered confidence by recruiting a fierce Campbell warrior to teach her and the students how to protect themselves from villains and scoundrels. The intimidating Aiden Campbell both infuriates Scarlet and ignites a fire inside her as she works closely with him to hone her new skills. Burned in a fierce fire, set by English soldiers, Highland warrior, Aiden Campbell, has finally healed enough to take temporary command of his clan whilst his brother & new wife travel to London. That's where his focus should be instead of dealing with the feisty, beautiful Sassenach who asks him to teach her students. This is the second book in the series &whilst it could easily be read on its own it does follow on very well from the first book. We of course met both Scarlet & Aidan in the previous book & I was delighted that they had their story. There are plenty of secrets which are gradually revealed but it’s the gradual falling in love which is such a delight added with humour & this book was an engaging riveting read. Aidan is gorgeous but very dour so seeing him smile was lovely, Scarlet is feisty but her confidence has been shaken, but gradually she does gain confidence & then is a force to be reckoned with. Their attraction is there from the start but both fight it for a time. I look forward to more books in the series My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read