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Highland Fae Chronicles #1

To Steal a Highlander's Heart

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All he wants is revenge. All she wants is to protect her clan. They never expect a second chance at love...Alana sets eyes on Morgann for the first time in several years and what does he do? He captures her! But Alana refuses to go meekly with the sexy Highland warrior. Her kidnapping will reignite the rift that’s existed between the two clans since her father accused Morgann of theft and she doesn’t want to see her father harmed in the inevitable war that will ensue.Morgann has his own reasons for taking Alana and they are nothing to do with marriage or war. He wants to use her to reveal a secret from the past, the one that had him accused of theft. If only he didn’t find his childhood friend so attractive. When circumstances force them together, Alana’s life is threatened and war is imminent. Can Morgann reveal the truth without losing Alana?To Steal a Highlander's Heart is a steamy Scottish medieval romance read with plenty of heat and two fiery Scots determined to get their own way.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2013

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About the author

Samantha Holt

215 books693 followers
Samantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.

Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.

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5 stars
200 (33%)
4 stars
192 (32%)
3 stars
123 (20%)
2 stars
60 (10%)
1 star
17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,223 reviews508 followers
October 2, 2013
4.5

It has been so long since I’ve read a historical romance. I had almost forgotten how much I loved them.

But this had everything I wanted in a historical romance…hot Scottish Highlander, a spunky highland lass, intrigue, murder plots and enemy clans.

The starts out when Alana and Morgann are young. They’re good friends but Morgann knows something that Alana doesn’t…her dad is up to no good and after the MacRae lands. Morgann is branded a thief (literally) and thrown off the Campbell lands, sparking a feud between the two families. My one issue with this part of the book was that it jumps 8 years into the future and you don’t see anything of the feud. No raids, battles, antagonism…nothing.

But, we do meet the very nice and interfering faery Tèile. She was there when Morgann was thrown off Campbell lands and decided that now was time to repay a debt to the Campbell family. Apparently, Alana’s mother helped a Fae give birth and Tèile was the one responsible for repaying the debt. I thought this was an interesting part of the book. I wish I’d had more information or seen the actual deal go down, but I liked Tèile. She definitely provided some funny moments. And I can’t wait for Finn’s story to see more of Tèile’s meddling.

My only complaint is that the book could have been longer. It was still a great book and kept me engaged but I couldn’t help but feel like Morgann and Alana should have spent more time with his family or even by themselves…or both. And there were definitely threats to them (specifically Alana) but they happened to close together. I was kind of hoping that they would be spaced out so that they were lulled into a false sense of security and let their guard down.

But overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from the author.
2,087 reviews21 followers
June 7, 2020
This was an entertaining read and the story moved along at a good pace. Alana and Morgann had been friends since childhood but clan wars meant they hadn’t seen each other for many years. That is, until circumstances give Morgann a chance to change things. There is a villain in the story who will stop at nothing to get to her goal. There are a number of dangerous moments and a few mystical ones. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. However, I did purchase my own copy.
Profile Image for Lori D.
3,879 reviews111 followers
July 30, 2020
There is always a little magic in stories of romance but this time Alana and Morgann have more than most! This is a wonderful story of two people who knew each other as children but had not seen each other in years. Mogann, a highlander was thrown off Alana's land by her property. Eight years later he kidnaps her and Alana sees how much he has changed and tries to escape. But forces and some fae faery's have a different idea and the adventure begins! So charming and loved it!
Profile Image for Blondie.
262 reviews30 followers
September 4, 2013
There is nothing I love more then a great historical romance and Ms Holt is a very good writer. This book was a wonderful read a bit of a new twist on an old idea. I found this book to be cute and in some ways a little funny. I just had to keep reading, I was up late then back at the book first thing in the morning :) I love to read books like this.

A little fairie named Tèile is in charge of bringing Morgann and Alana back together after an 8 yr family fued. Morgann and Alana grew up as friends but before they were old enough to know what love was their families were ripped apart because of Morgann's evil step mother Margot. Margot is a bitter woman who plotted to gain money, position, and power, but Morgann always knew who and what she was when no one else saw through her scheming.

So maybe with a little magic and their own personal Fairie these two can find their way to an HEA they all deserve.
Profile Image for Suzette.
2,897 reviews18 followers
June 10, 2020
Everyone could use a little bit of the fae. Morgann and Alana need an intervention from the faeries to get th lives on track. Samantha Holt weaves a magical tale where good wins over evil and love rules the day. It is a fun and delightful story as Alana tries to escape from Morgann using risky measures that only seem to put her in danger. As the fairy has to resort to extreme measures to ensure that her task is completed and get them to the altar.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,017 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2020
Morgann and Alana grew up together and always thought they would end up married to each other. Then their world is torn apart by a witch, will they find their way back to each other? Fast-paced read with loads of twists and turns, drama and steam. Intriguing story and great characters. I liked it.
Profile Image for Vicki.
328 reviews
September 26, 2013
I absolutely loved everything about "To Steal a Highlander's Heart"!! It was an amazing story full of love, action and some suspense! Samantha Holt had me on the edge of my seat through the whole book! Samantha's writing was awesome! You could feel the connection immediately between Morgann and Alana and knew that they had a rough road ahead but it would be worth it, if they stuck together. Morgann is a strong, fierce Highland Warrior who has been labelled as a thief because of one evil woman. Alana is the sweet, best friend of Morgann but is the daughter of the man who marked Morgann as a thief. Alana is a very strong, brave and determined highland woman who will do everything in her power to help redeem Morgann. Samantha's ability to paint the picture of the scenery and the characters in her readers mind is wonderful. I was able to picture the characters and their surroundings as if they were in front of me. The plot twists left me reading on and in suspense as to what would happen in the next chapter. I loved the twist with the fae and really enjoyed Teile's part in the book. I was so swept away by the entire book that I was unable to put it down. Thank you so much for your wonderful story and I look forward to reading more of your work.
2,120 reviews43 followers
September 8, 2013
Samantha Holt always captures the magic and romance of Scotland. Morgann MacRae is determined to protect his father and his family lands from his stepmother, Margot. These actions caused him to be branded a thief by Laird Dougall. To prove his claim, he kidnaps the Laird's daughter, Alana. These two stubborn people are destined to be together, but neither will admit their attraction. What they need is some magical assistance. They are lucky to have the Faerie Tèile to help them. With all the evil surrounding them will they find their HEA? I love Samantha Holt's writing. Her stories are filled with true love, honor and danger. Morgann and Alana are so well matched. They are strong-minded, caring people who are deeply in love. Tèile is a perfect addition. She is a romantic who is always in trouble. I really want to know more about Finn, Morgann's best friend. I couldn't put this book down. The story pulls you in and keeps you entranced. This will go on my keeper shelf. Samantha just keeps getting better. Now I just have to be patient and wait for her next release.
Profile Image for Whitney.
597 reviews
April 21, 2015
I give it two stars for the premise of a good idea but bad execution. There were several points in the story that I was just confused about what was going on. Something happened but wait, no it didn't happen because of magic. I'm ok with fantasy elements but this was just random and cheesy.
Profile Image for Gemma.
877 reviews36 followers
January 3, 2016
Not bad, but I honestly would have enjoyed this more without the magic and faery elements. I do occasionally enjoy some paranormal stuff, but I felt the book would have worked just fine without it.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
3,983 reviews129 followers
May 18, 2020
 A Faerie🌈 Brings 💘Love to the Highlands🏰🐂🐑

ADULT Historical Highlander Romance💕, Adventure🔪, and Abduction.
Scotland🏰🐂🐑, the year of our Lord 1230, a long long time ago when Faeries🌈 freely roamed the highlands 🏰🐂🐑.
A meddling faerie🌈 helps two young people from different clans find love💘 and justice.

The injustice was done by young Morgann MacRae's stepmother, Margot👺, trying to take his inherited lands🏰🐂🐑 from him and join them with Alana's evil father, Laird Dougall Campbell👹. His stepmother👺 is trying to steal everything from him. Laird Dougall👹 is very happy to take it!
Morgann's father, the Laird isn't even dead yet! Margot👺 is poisoning💀 him somehow, but Morgann🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 has not been able to find out how.

Morgann🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 kidnaps Alana💃💋 and brings her to his castle, Glencolum Keep🏰. The Faerie's🌈 repeated attempts to get Morgann🐺🍆⛲🔪 and Alana💃💋 to fall in 💘love are frustrating. Alana💃💋 keeps thinking she must escape!

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

Most historical writers don't know that some of the reasons the highlanders wore wool🐑, was that was what they had to make their garments from and that wool🐑 is still very warm when wet💧, AND the natural lanolin in the wool🐑 helps shed water☔!
In a light, misty rain, such is common in the highlands 🏰, the wool🐑 wearer doesn't get wet at all!

The influence of the Faerie🌈 is more subtle than overwhelming, which was good in my opinion. I don't want to read a book full of magic, faeries🌈 and elves, etc.
I'm sorry there is no emoji for a faerie🌈.
436 reviews14 followers
June 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this medieval/highlander romance book by Samantha Holt. She did a good job at giving a hint to the past without enough explanation in her prologue and gradually explaining it to the characters and the reader as the story progresses. The author strikes a balance between using Scottish brogue and maintaining understandable dialog. Sometimes books in this genre seriously overdo it in a way that makes it clear that they want it to seem like the characters are using vocabulary which is distinct to Scotland without really having much clue how many of the words would truly be used in regular conversation. It is entertaining to the reader, especially with how popular and romanticized historical Scots romances are, but it often feels overdone. It wasn’t painted with a preschool brush in the case of this book, but it was still painted in a way that seemed clear that the dialogue was written that way for the reader, not because that is how the conversation would have taken place. The end was predictable, of course, but that is why we read books like this. It is reassuring sometimes to feel confident that a story will work out in the end. The main characters were likable and I think I will try to look for the book which was published after this one as I am now intrigued enough to keep going.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,178 reviews68 followers
June 17, 2020
ONE MAGNIFICENT ADVENTURE!!!
Sensational! Samantha dropped the bomb, blowing me away with this unique and refreshing spin, leaving me awed, revving up the intensity and precision, melding this baby together piece by piece flawlessly. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a churning vortex, blasting it into a frenzy with a life-altering realization. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. Observing the instant realization and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of shocking twists and stunning turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never imagined. Meting out intense, well rounded scenario's, ramping up the exuberance and adrenaline with such intensity and skill, melding this gem together flawlessly. You feel everything the characters feel, you become part of the experience instead of on the sideline. The chemistry and attraction flows from the pages, bringing the heat and magic until you feel the electrifying hum running rampant through your veins. The characters are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that blend into amazing personalities. The scenes are so colorfully detailed and descriptive it paints a thrilling backdrop for one mind-blowing culmination. Remarkable job Samantha, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
Profile Image for Nicole Normand.
1,645 reviews28 followers
May 21, 2020
I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review.
-I didn't receive an ARC so I expected the editing to be done professionally. It wasn't and it was super distracting to the point of rereading paragraph to make sense of it.
-There's one part where Morgann & Alana only think of kissing the other. One part where Alana tries to escape at each turn and Morgann is angered by her and his step-mother Margot. There's the part where they both succumbed to their desire, with the help of a faery. Then vengeance against Margot and the HEA with the wedding of M&A. It was a bit boring to say the least.
-I'm not sure why the author had to add a faery world, which I'm guessing is called "sidhe", since both M&A loved each other since they were babes.
-The description seemed really interesting but the follow through fell through. Some parts make no sense or logic, too much time spent desiring the other, too much time angered but no explanation about it, and there is no past to look upon to get more information. Also, no one believed Morgan; they all doubt him, everyone who should have believed: his father, Alana, his cousin and BFF Finn.
-The author didn't bring us exactly to who will be the subject of the next book, but the sample says it will be Finn's story.
Profile Image for Carma.
455 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2020
4 1/2 stars

Morgann knew that the way to prove his stepmother's deceit was in finding and stealing her ring from Laird Dougall’s hands. Having Laird Dougall as his best friends father placed another wrinkle in a insane plan. Getting caught and punished was inevitable.

Alana can’t believe that Morgann would become a common thief, after all, she knew him better than anyone, or did she. Listening to her father has become harder as of late but he wouldn’t lie to her, would he?

This is a whimsical story that involves first loves, deceit and a little fairy that needs to show Morgann and Alana the error of their ways. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel reading this book with a fairy popping up every so often, but it blended in quite well. I enjoyed this book very much, more than I thought I would. This book has been released previously and I don’t know if any of the storyline has changed. I enjoyed the ride, literally, we take with Morgann and Alana throughout the book. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectation for review, all opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve said in a few reviews now that Ms Holt is quickly becoming a go to author for me, and this title just solidifies that fact.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
18.7k reviews310 followers
June 12, 2020
This book has lots of different elements entering into the story line to make it even more interesting! Morgann and Alana were childhood friends. Now adults, Morgann kidnaps her because he wants to use her to reveal a secret from the past where he was falsely accused of theft. Unfortunately for Alana, another factor involves the sidhe who have a debt to repay and Tèile is the fairy who is to mend the rift between the clans for good. And that means ensuring Alana and Morgann marry! And then we have the fact that Alana’s kidnapping would probably start a war, reigniting the rift between the two clans. Everyone has reason for what they are doing, but it could be quite a mess trying to sort it all out!

Morgann is a delightful Highland hero. Renewing his friendship with Alana starts them on the pathway to romance which would actually solve all of the problems for everyone. The author does a wonderful job describing the characters and the landscape to make everything feel more real. Grab your copy and feel the growing interest between the two of them as their friendship matures into something more.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,652 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2020
Oh may what an emotional roller-coaster ride this one was! I was glued to my e-reader as I couldn't wait to discover all of the secrets and mysteries this story had. I adored the fairy, Teile, as she helped to lead these two into their great love for each other. Her task seemed so impossible at times but Teile persevered to bring about their HEA.

Morgann and Alana were childhood friends. But 8 years ago, Morgann tried to steal back a ring that was precious to him, his mother's ring. Instead he was caught and branded as a thief. It is eight years later that he kidnaps Alana while she is outside of the keep. The journey these two go through with fairy, Teile is really enchanting to me the reader as well.

I adored getting all three POVs as well. Getting their thoughts through and after a scene really helped me to understand the story-line so much better. The plot was very well written and I felt like I was right there in the middle of everything almost like a movie.

There were a few scenes that may not be appropriate for someone under the age of 18. If you adore a little bit of magic with your historical romance, then I would highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Donique Collins.
304 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2023
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Morgann MacRaes…good friend to Alana of Dunleith, desired to retrieve his mother’s stolen promise ring, branded a thief. Alana Campbell…daughter to the Laird of Dunleith, good friend to Morgann MacRae, political prisoner. Oh this should be fun, I haven’t read a Highlander book in quite some time. Ok, it opens with drama that’s always intriguing. Eight years have passed since the H and the h have seen one another, the reunion is not a happy one. Hmmm, there is more than originally portrayed do I detect a little whimsy. The H has become so desperate to secure his clans land that he has done the unthinkable and the h is paying the price. I see that lies, secrecy, and betrayal are on the menu with family. Things are getting intense now and I don’t know what is going to happen next. LOL, the h is getting to see the H in a whole new light. Oh no evil is appearing to win. Woohoo the villain is thwarted! I really enjoyed this story. The history of the MCs laid a foundation for their path to love. The language and descriptions gave authenticity to the story line. There is mild steam.
3,158 reviews16 followers
June 16, 2020
I am always excited when I pick up a novel by Ms. Holt and this one definitely did not disappoint! A very well-written story filled with intrigue and suspense, and a little magic, it had me captivated and reading well into the night. I couldn't put this book down! The characters were interesting and very well- developed with an authentic quality. Morgann and Alana were childhood friends. As adults, Morgann kidnaps her in order to reveal a secret from the past, the one that had him accused of theft and banished from the land. Two very stubborn and strong-willed people whose families are feuding against each other, yet the attraction between them is strong. Then we have a little fairie named Tèile who is in charge of bringing these two together to end the feud and save the lands. I enjoyed reading all the historical background and customs. Ms. Holt really made everything come to life with her descriptions. This is the first book in the series and I am excited to read what comes next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,712 reviews12 followers
August 19, 2019
First in the series, this one is frustrating. Fairy shenanigans also play a part, so if you don't like magical intervention in your story, pass on this one.
Hero is the son of a Scottish Laird. Heroine is the daughter of a Scottish Laird. They were separated 8 years ago when The hero tries to steal a ring that belonged to his dead mother. This ring was in the possession of the heroine's father. Basically, the hero's stepmother played his father false & the ring was what proved it. He was caught & branded & the clans feuded.
So, after 8 years he has a half baked idea to kidnap the heroine & force her father & his stepmother to own up to the deception.

Yes, it's convoluted. The fairy tries everything to get the couple together because she owes the heroine's dead mother. She screws up more than she helps. The H/h run hot & cold. The heroine acts TSTL more than one time. Just not that good IMO.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 2 books101 followers
June 27, 2020
Not Wild About the Hero

I have read a fair number of books by this author, and I tend to either really like them or be disappointed. Unfortunately, I found this one more towards the disappointing end. I feel like I didn't quite understand the hero's transition from what he was when we saw him at 15 to what we saw 8 years later. I didn't think he necessarily treated the heroine well; at times, he seemed selfish, and he certainly was not forthcoming, which I think he needed to be in order to be a good romantic hero. At least in the early stages of the book, the faerie aspect seemed tacked on and not really necessary. It became more interesting when there was another magical element, but the story I don't really think the story was enhanced by the magic parts.

2.5 rounded up to 3

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,206 reviews32 followers
May 29, 2020
What a wonderful first story in Samantha Holt's Highland Fae Chronicles series. I've always loved a bit of fae magic in historical romances:) Tèile, the green faery, is in charge of making sure Alana and Morgann end up together but little did she know how hard that would be when dealing with two very strong and stubborn people!!

Alana hasn't seen Morgann in eight years, ever since her father threw him off his land and branded him a thief. Now she's suddenly his captive and is desperate to escape, not liking the hard man he's become. Between the fae and Morgann's evil stepmother, they sure have quite the adventure ahead of them! I really enjoyed every page, from start to finish!!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
2,102 reviews34 followers
July 12, 2017
Not a great read plus the inclusion of the fae in the story is a bit too superfluous as the reason for such imperative as the union of the Campbells and the MacRaes through marriage is already a given. They already knew and are fond of each other despite Morgann being branded as a thief. Also, I am not buying Margot's reason for her nefarious deeds was because she suffered as a child and thus innocent people must pay. Her character arc was a bit nebulous~ there should have been a pattern to her behavior aside from the stolen ring and men do talk about women when in their cups so her sluttish ways would have been known long before she started poisoning her husband.
1,476 reviews20 followers
June 10, 2020
Morgann and Allana's twisted courtship!
by sewsummore

Morgann and Alanna were childhood friends, destined to marry but forced apart by the actions of a witch. However, the faeries have another plan and step in when needed to ensure that the marriage will happen and that Morgann and Alanna have their HEA. This was an enjoyable read with characters well defined and likeable. I especially like the Faerie Teile who contributed greatly to the storyline. Samantha Holt is one of my favorite authors and this story is proof of why I continue to enjoy her historical romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,866 reviews34 followers
June 17, 2020
What a whimsical tale of childhood friends torn apart by subversive powers. This story is unusual because there is the paranormal element added to it. There is a faery in the mix and her job is to bring these two young people together after being separated by eight years. From the faery's point of view, it was no easy task considering human nature is not straight forward, black and white. There is always room for the unpredictable to occur. She had her job cut out for her and more times than not she had to use a little magic to keep things moving in the right direction. A sweet entertaining tale of soulmates, villains and greed. A most enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Michelle Connolly.
250 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2019
To Steal a Highlander's Heart was a simple, light and quick romance with a touch of paranormal in it. It wasn't as short as to consider it a novella, but it was still rather short. Therefore, there wasn't much depth to the story and there wasn't a lot of time or space to really connect to the characters. I'd recommend it if you're looking for something short and easy to read to pass the time, but if you're looking for something a lot more developed and complex, this won't leave you satisfied.
321 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2020
steal a Highlanders heart.

This book has good and evil magic in the form of fairies.
Playmates that are as close as can be, with the hope of marriage, find themselves ripped apart.
After several years apart, Morgann decides to end the feuding by kidnapping and marrying his childhood sweethearts .

The book is well written and interesting.

Please read the authors blurb for more detailed information, on this unusual book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
927 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2020
Loved it! The use of the faery, Teile, is a genius touch. Morgann is every women’s Highlander fantasy, Alana is the fantasy of what most women wish they could be, and Margot is a witch. This is a well written, fun story to read. It captures your attention from the get-go, and it is easy to feel the tension between Morgann and Alana and get caught up in their relationship. This is one story not to be missed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
557 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2020
This is my first time reading Samantha Holt but it definitely won’t be my last time. It’s Jose delightfully entertaining tale woven with a bit of magic, lots of action, suspense and romance.

I enjoyed the characters, Morgann and Alana, and their interactions. The authors imagery was just wonderful as she painted the surroundings and emotions on the page. Of course, there’s an engaging plot with twists and turns to keep you turning pages until the end.

Thank you so much Samantha for such a beautifully, romantic story of love. I truly look forward to reading your other books.


Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,379 reviews
July 29, 2020
Morgann and Alana were childhood friends but as they got older his stepmother caused him I to become an outcast to Alana’s clan. Years later Morgann was determined to rectify his situation because of his evil witch of a stepmother and Alanas father. But unbeknownst to him a faery was in their debt and was trying to help him along in his plot. Alana and Morgann lead a fun, exciting and sometimes dangerous journey as they amble towards their HEA. Good read .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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