Really liked this one! A Highland Historical with a bit of paranormal thrown in too. ( )

Author: Heather McCollum
Published by: Entangled Select
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:

"Captured Heart" by Heather McCollum is book 1 of 2 in the Highland Hearts (McCollum) series. I love reading this story of a Scottish Historical 'Highlands'Romance and its Intrigue. We find that Meg Boswell who is a 'healer' is on the run because her father thinks she is a witch and is going to have her examined. Meg doesn't want the same fate that happen to her mother so she heads for Scotland to find her aunt but before she arrives Meg comes upon a fight between some Highlands and English soldiers and she saves Macbain who was the clan chief. Then Meg enlists his help to get to her aunts place, however unbeknown to her Chief Caden Macbain was planning to kidnap her for ransom for a peace settlement with her aunt's clan. Will their be a attraction between the two? Now, the story will really take off from here where you will see many twist and turns all over the place. Be ready for much conflict such as "Caden's subterfuge, Meg's untrained magical powers, jealous lovers, feuding clansmen and others with their own agendas"...all to be found in this 'Highlander' story but only to bring you a incredible climax. I found the characters all well developed and interesting.

If you are looking for a good well written historical romance with some paranormal, you have come to the right place for "Captured Heart" would be the read I would recommend to you. ( )

Read for Review (NetGalley)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

First Thought when finished: Captured Heart was a fantastic historical romance that made me swoon several times. I think all historicals should make you do that at least once :)

Quick Thoughts: Captured Heart is probably my 2nd favorite historical read this year. It contained all the elements I love: strong man, stronger woman, great setting, evil villain, swoon-worthy moments, strong family, and a touch of magic. The story was well paced and the characters were really well done. I fell in love immediately with all of the McBains and loved how they treated Meg (with the exception of a few). Caden was made of pure hotness and he was the kind of man you would want to have on your side. Caden and Meg together were just sizzling hot and their romance made me smile.

Final Thought: Captured Heart swept me away and made me smile! ( )

Meg Boswell has always known she was different. Meg is a healer. She lost her mother, who was burned because she was believed to be a witch, as a young child and has been raised by her aunt and uncle. When she receives word that her estranged father is coming to get her, have her tested for witchcraft, and then marry her off, she decided to run. Taking off on her horse Pippin with her wolf Nikkum, she set off towards the Highlands of Scotland where her mother's sister lives. With a few provisions, her mother's journal, and her trusty bow, Meg desperately tries to avoid the men who are chasing her. As fate would have it, she stumbles upon a battle between some Scottish and the English. In the midst of the battle she spots the most beautiful man she has ever seen, who just happens to be Caden Macbain, chief of the Macbain Clan. She ends up saving him, and he in turn ends up saving her. Meg agrees to travel back to the Highlands with Caden and his men, acting as their healer, while they agree to be her guide and protector. Everyone begins to really like Meg, especially Caden, but Caden has a secret that he and his Clan are keeping from Meg, a secret that could backfire on them and destroy any promise of relationship.

Caden seeks peace between the Clans, and whether she knows it or know, Meg is a crucial part of that peace. She faces death on more than one occasion, as do the members of the Clan that she has come to know and love. In the process, she falls in love with Caden, who truly cares for her, but a series of events unfold revealing the truth about why she is there, and she isn't sure anymore if what she has with Caden is real, or is it just part of a sacrifice and ploy to attain peace. She also learns some things about herself, her true heritage, her mother, and her gift that completely change her life. In the meantime, her father is still in pursuit of her and has enlisted the help of a rival Clan, as well as a spy within the Macbain Clan, and even the English army. Will the Clan stand behind Meg and protect her, or will the threats made against the people and their lives be more than they are willing to risk, and more than Meg is willing to let them risk on her behalf?

I normally do not read a great deal of historical romance, but when I saw the description for this book and was given the opportunity to participate in the tour, I was intrigued, and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this story. The book is set in 16th century Scotland and McCollum has done an outstanding job painting a picture of the place and time in which this novel takes place. I haven't read about many Scottish men, but Heather McCollum's Scottish men are really hot, and I wouldn't mind having one for myself, kilt, accent, and all. Meg is quite the heroine and I really liked her character. She is tough and fearless when she needs to be, while being loving and caring, with a yearning to help people, and a fierce sense of loyalty and desire to protect the people she loves. Caden is one hot Scotsman. He is the leader of his Clan, he's protective, loyal, and determined, and pretty badass. I really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters, and the secondary characters were all so well written that I felt like I got to know them also. The story is fast paced and filled with romance, action, and drama. There is never a dull moment, with kidnapping, fierce battles, family conflict, drama, and the element of the paranormal all found in this novel. Not to mention, the relationship and romance between Caden and Meg is endearing and intense, and the chemistry between the two is sizzling. If you are a fan of historical romance, this is one book you will want to check out, and even if you're not, this book is one that is well worth making the time to read. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. ( )

Read for Review (NetGalley)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

First Thought when finished: Captured Heart was a fantastic historical romance that made me swoon several times. I think all historicals should make you do that at least once :)

Quick Thoughts: Captured Heart is probably my 2nd favorite historical read this year. It contained all the elements I love: strong man, stronger woman, great setting, evil villain, swoon-worthy moments, strong family, and a touch of magic. The story was well paced and the characters were really well done. I fell in love immediately with all of the McBains and loved how they treated Meg (with the exception of a few). Caden was made of pure hotness and he was the kind of man you would want to have on your side. Caden and Meg together were just sizzling hot and their romance made me smile.

Final Thought: Captured Heart swept me away and made me smile! ( )