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Highland
Wishes
Reviews
"England
and Scotland Unite!"
Victoria Blackstone is about to be married to Lord
Bothington, a notoriously brute to women. The year is 1296
and such treatment is automatically bypassed when political
and financial benefits accrue through such arranged
marriages. But what does one do with an independent-minded
woman like Victoria who is refusing to cooperate and whose
beloved grandmother's protection cannot help her here?
Indeed Lord Blackstone treats his own mother brutally, so
little hope hearkens there.
Unbeknownst to the Blackstones, Grant Drummond is about to
avenge the death of his father, as well as numerous others
slaughtered by Blackstone on the orders of King Edward.
Grant is raging with revenge and attacks, afterward
kidnapping Victoria. While initially she fears being raped
by him, he scorns the notion that he would soil his family's
Scottish bloodline with her English children and is
frustrated later with his increasing attraction to her and
she to him. Both of their lives are about to change as they
wed and must adjust to their passion and overcome their
painful distrust fashioned from years of historical
animosity.
Misunderstandings frequently fraught their relationship such
as the secrets Grant hides and will not tell her, which
causes tremendous and unnecessary sorrow. More than one
character is living with a history of being unwanted, and
this novel goes a long way to depicting the healing that can
occur, at the same time that Grant is joining William
Wallace in the fight for Scottish freedom. Irony indeed that
laces the history of England and Scotland.
Very nicely done, Leanne Burroughs!
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on June 26, 2004
www.thebestreviews.com
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Wonderful Medieval Debut Novel
Highland Wishes is a first time Historical Romance by a new
writer Leanne Burroughs. As with all first writers, you see
the small things she will learn to polish in time. However,
what hits the reader immediately is her true love for the
romance of the period. As a Scot and someone who has dealt
with the history of the country a big chunk of my life, it
takes a lot to impress me. Burroughs does. First off she
knows who Andrew de Moray is - big points for that, lass!
Burroughs has written a wonderful Scottish Medieval full of
heart and adventure.
It's set in the period just before the rising of William
Wallace. Her tale uses the Scottish struggle for
independence against Edward Longshanks, Edward I of England.
Grant Drummond vows revenge against the English man who
killed his father, and in the quest for vengeance, he
kidnaps Victoria Blackstone to use against her father.
Little does he know, Victoria has long born the hatred and
indifferences of Blackstone.
Victoria is a gentle woman, long hurt by her father's
coldness, promised in marriage to a disgusting man. Despite
her fear what her father will do, she is determined not to
be another of the poor women who have wedded her betrothed,
only to die an early death. She has suffered, often harshly
under her father's tyrannical control; she is determined
this will not be repeated in a husband. As she plots her
escape, she little knows that fate is conspiring to play a
role in her life.
Grant is a dashing hero, though he definitely is an alpha
warrior, willing to do what he must. Naturally, Grant and
Victoria get off to a rough beginning, but slowly he breaks
through Victoria's reserve. Burroughs writes in prose that
touches the reader, makes them feel as they watch the
struggles of this couple. Soon, the Captor turns into
Protector, as Grant vows Victoria's father will never harm
her again.
Burroughs has done a thorough job researching the book in an
effort to tell a story that is strong, memorable. She shows
promise of being a very delightful writer of this genre. Her
next book Her Highland Rogue is in the works, so I am sure
everyone will be looking forward to another heartfelt saga
from this wonderful writer.
DeborahAnne MacGillivray
The Best Reviews
10/31/04
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Highland Wishes is every reader's dream of the perfect
story! Author Leanne Burroughs has penned a majestic tale
filled with romance, history and adventure.
Set against the background of the Scottish War for
Independence against England, a young laird avenges his
father's brutal death and kidnaps his enemy's daughter. He
takes her back to his castle in the Scottish Highlands,
where they both learn a lot about love, forgiveness, and
trust.
Wonderfully written, with vibrant characters, this story is
a masterpiece of historical fiction. Readers will be
impressed with the amount of research the author has done.
She has creatively mixed actual people with fictitious ones,
thereby allowing the reader to enter into this momentous
period of history. The anguish and adventure of this war
becomes very real, as it provides the reasoning behind the
characters' words and actions.
This reviewer especially enjoyed the Scottish words and
phrases, which will cause readers to "hear" this Gaelic lilt
in their minds. The stubbornness and superstitions of these
people are told with a touch of humor and wonder.
It was a brilliant stroke to bring together a Scotsman and
an Englishwoman during this time of war. Readers will come
to a fuller understanding of their differences, and hope
they can be overcome through love. Grant Drummond is the
epitome of a hero, while the plight of Victoria Blackstone
will tenderly touch readers' hearts.
It's this reviewer's opinion that the author truly enjoys
writing and pleasing her audience. Readers will sincerely
appreciate the creative touches in this book. At the start
of each chapter, there is a quote from a famous writer or
leader, which provides the essence of that part of the
story. Each quote seemed to have been chosen with care, and
is an additional treasure to the story.
Readers will also be delighted to learn that a sequel, The
Highlander, is planned.
Highland Wishes will fulfill the reading desires of all
lovers of historical fiction!
- Joyce Handzo, In The Library Reviews
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Victoria Blackstone is determined not to follow in the
footsteps of her betrothed's previous wives. Having suffered
abuse at the hands of her father, she doesn't intend to
suffer at the hands of her husband too. She plots to escape
her fate knowing if caught, she would be punished severely.
Grant Drummond wants revenge. He was told that his father
was murdered by Victoria's father and has come to avenge
him. Grant captures Victoria not knowing who she is and
takes her Scotland. What will happen when Grant finds out
who she is? Can Victoria survive in Scotland? All these
questions will be answered by the end of the book.
Victoria is an amazing girl. Her spirit still remains strong
even with the punishments meted out by her unloving and
uncaring father. She is resilient but protective of her
heart and body. Grant is a wonderful hero who is capable of
extreme patience. A warrior on the outside, but he has a
heart of gold. Although they get off to a rough start, Grant
becomes her protector, lover and savior. He is able to break
through her shell. It was extremely touching to watch him
reassure her that he won't turn into her father. After so
many years of cruel treatment, it takes a very long time
before Victoria feels secure in her new home and her role as
wife. These two characters are the focal point of the book
and their love story drives the plotline. They are ably
assisted by the many secondary characters who appear within
the pages. The backdrop of Scotland and her inhabitants
appear throughout this book and the author imparts her
knowledge to the reader.
This story feels like an honest portrayal. The violence and
hatred between the Scots and English is vivid. The reader
can feel the deep emotions simmering below the surface. The
author has shown throughout this book the depth of research
she must have done. The author uses apt descriptions of
people, places and language to pull the reader into the
story. Ultimately, it is the characters that keep the reader
turning the pages. Highland Wishes is a great Scottish
historical romance with memorable characters. This is the
first book this reader has read by this author and I hope it
won't be the last. We look forward to Ms. Burrough's next
book, the sequel to Highland Wishes.
Susan,
Fallen Angel Reviews
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When
Scotland is in the middle of their war of independence, a
young laird kidnaps his sworn enemy’s daughter to avenge his
father’s death. Despised by her father, Victoria loathes the
man she is told to marry, but fate steps in. Being kidnapped
by Grant, she ends up finding the love she gave up on. Grant
finds that Victoria isn’t like anyone he has ever met, and
he finds the other half of his soul. These two remarkable
people find love and happiness in the middle of war, and
find that by overcoming their fears, torments and sorrows,
they can claim their love for all time.
This reviewer found that this book was a wonderful story set
in a time when tension was high between England and
Scotland. She writes a well-crafted story, with
multidimensional characters and exquisite backdrops of
Scotland. The storyline is a fast-paced tale with much
detail to specific areas of history. The reader can feel
this author’s love for Scotland and its many wonderful
heroes.
The characters connect immediately and don’t stop until the
end. At the end of the book, the reader wonders what happens
next. The interplay between characters was smoothly done and
helped the story along. It was a very smoothly told story.
This reviewer was easily captivated by the story and was
enthralled by it until the end. The reader will laugh and
cry as you read this wonderful story. The reader feels all
the pain, torment and disillusionment felt by both main
characters, but also the joy and love they felt. Ms.
Burroughs has crafted a well-researched story that gives a
glimpse into Scotland during a time when there was upheaval
and war for independence. This reviewer is anxiously
awaiting her next novel in this series and commends her for
a wonderful job done.
Dawn Roberto
Love Romances
www.loveromances.com
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The year is 1296. Grant Drummond has just become the new
Laird to Clan Drummond following the brutal death of his
father. Grant knows one thing; he will avenge his father's
death. He and his clansmen head to Blackstone Manor to exact
their revenge.
Lady Victoria Blackstone realizes fleeing Blackstone Manor
is her only chance to escape her father's abusive control,
as well as her betrothal to a man that she is certain
fatally beat his previous wives. When she is kidnapped in
the midst of her escape, she becomes uncertain of her fate.
Though Grant has taken a young woman hostage, he believes
his quarry is a servant. Soon, he finds himself falling in
love with the girl. When the truth of her identity is
discovered, will the knowledge seal her fate or lead to a
love to last the ages?
HIGHLAND WISHES is a meaty, Scottish historical romance.
Topping 650 pages, it is obvious that Leanne Burroughs has
painstakingly researched her setting. This is not a quick
read. Instead, the author transports you to a new place, a
new time, and holds your attention from beginning to end.
Despite its length, I found my attentions wandering back to
it. I ended up forgetting about more pressing needs.
Instead, I curled up with one goal - to find out what
happened in the end.
Tracy Farnsworth
Roundtable Reviews
www.roundtablereviews.com
April 2004
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With the news of her unwanted betrothal, once again
Victoria's father has shown how much he really hates her.
She goes to talk to one of the two people in her home that
actually cares for her, her grandmother. After crying on her
grandmother's shoulder, Tory tells her grandmother she must
get out, for if she has to marry the man her father has
betrothed her to, she will truly die. She tells her
grandmother of her prayers to escape the place, and her
grandmother, being the wise woman she is, tells Tory to be
careful what she wishes for since we do not always get our
wishes answered in the way we plan.
Grant is called home to his Scottish castle after learning
about the death of his father. Finding the man who killed
his father is his first priority, and finding him, he sets
off toward the England-Scotland border to kill the man.
After the attack on the Englishman's lands, he discovers a
young woman and takes her to his home, without ever
realizing that he actually has the daughter of his sworn
enemy. Moreover, never realizing how much his people will
take their hatred of the English out on the girl.
Tory is afraid for her life as she is taken deep into the
Scottish lands by the warriors who look at her with pure
hatred. After meeting the unfriendly people in Grant's
castle, she is sure that she has been taken there to be
killed. Grant does nothing to help these feelings since he
makes it a point to prove to everyone that she is just his
prisoner, and gives her all the worst jobs to do around the
keep. Little does she know, Grant is trying to keep his true
feelings hidden, for he has sworn never to love and this
slip of a girl is causing him to feel strange things. After
the continuous cruelty from his people to Tory, he is
devastated when she is almost killed, and though this
changes his behavior toward her, he is still feeling
protective of his heart. Many obstacles lie in the way of
true love, and Grant and Tory must face them together.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It is one book that
cannot be put down once you begin. From cover to cover, you
are drawn into the story. Through the laughter and the
tears, you will finish this book wishing it would not end.
Leanne Burroughs has truly written a wonderful Scottish
historical and the research that must have gone into this
book is just wonderful. I would recommend this book to
anyone who loves to read Historical romance. If I were going
to compare this author and book to anyone, it would have to
be Julie Garwood and her Scottish historical romances.
Tangela William
The Romance Readers Connection
www.romancereadersconnection.com
April 2004
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The author conveys easily her love for Scotland throughout
this book and weaves an interesting story of a woman who
attracts trouble and the man trying to protect her from
herself. I found it an enjoyable read. The plotting is well
done, and while the story seems familiar, to lovers of
Scottish romance, this offers a pleasant interlude. Ms.
Burroughs shows strong writing skills in this, her debut
novel, and shows promise of good things to come.
Karla Lang, The Road to Romance
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England and Scotland, March 1296
When Grant Drummond finds out his father has been murdered
by the butchering English, he decides to take his revenge in
kind. After the carnage, Grant kidnaps his enemy's daughter,
whisking her away to his Highland castle, where they begin
to wage their own war -- a battle of wills and emotions.
Victoria Blackstone, Tory to the only two people who truly
love her, decides that instead of marrying the wretched old
lord as her father ordered, she is going to run away.
Dressed in the stable boy's old clothes, Tory is stunned
when she hears the sounds of battle outside in the courtyard
and hides, only to be discovered and kidnapped by a brutish
Scot, who, it seems is determined to torture her very soul.
But the tide slowly turns and Tory is no longer the captive,
but the captor of Grant's heart. Can the two ever overcome
the differences between their countries, and the darkness of
Tory's past, which seems to rear its ugly head at the most
inopportune moments?
Well written, HIGHLAND WISHES had me turning each page
anticipating what would happen next. Tory is a vulnerable,
sweet heroine, haunted by the insecurities and abuse of her
past, but with an inner strength that leaks out whenever she
is backed into a corner. Grant is a great hero, determined
to prove his love to Tory; without actually admitting it, he
does everything in his power to prove her worth to him.
I do have to say that the dialogue was the best I have ever
seen in regards to the Scottish words and pronunciation. It
was refreshing to actually read words as they are truly
spoken in Scotland, and in my own family's homes. Secondary
characters are true to the Scottish form in their hatred of
the English...even to this day, if my uncle is anything to
go by. I enjoyed the visits by William Wallace, and his open
distrust of Tory is, I imagine, exactly how he would have
reacted.
For a really good Scottish story with secrets, love,
insecurities, evil, battles, and laughter, HIGHLAND WISHES
fills the bill. Kudos to Ms. Burroughs for a true to form
read that kept me entertained and wanting more. I look
forward to her sequel, HIGHLAND DREAMS.
Catherine McHenry, Romance Reviews Today
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