My Brave Highlander

By: Vonda Sinclair

Narrated by: Dave Gillies

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Battle-hardened warrior Dirk MacLerie isn't who everyone thinks he is. He's Dirk MacKay, heir apparent to the MacKay chiefdom and Dunnakeil Castle on the far north coast of Scotland. When he returns home after a long absence, will his clan know him, and will the duplicitous enemy that tried to murder him 12 years ago kill him in truth this time?

Lady Isobel MacKenzie is a beautiful, young widow betrothed to yet another highland chief by her brother's order. But when her future brother-in-law accosts her and threatens to kill her, she is forced to flee into a highland snowstorm. When she runs into a rugged, imposing man she thought dead, she wonders whether he will turn her over to her enemy or take her to safety.

Dirk remembers the enchanting, dark-eyed Isobel from when he was a lad, but now she is bound to another man by legal contract, an important detail she would prefer to forget. She wishes to choose her own husband and has her sights set on Dirk. But he would never steal another man's bride, would he? The tantalizing lady fires up his passions, testing his willpower and honor at every turn, even as some of his own treacherous clansmen plot his downfall.

©2012 Vonda Sinclair (P)2015 Vonda Sinclair

Brave Highlander Meets Feisty Young Widow ;-)

I was looking for a book to distract me from doing yard work and this one hit the spot.

This is book 3 of the Highland Adventure Series. It is a nicely written 4 star book where all the characters are likable. The heroine, Isobel, is a spunky and determined young woman and Dirk is a honorable, trustworthy (and yes, brave) Laird. Their love story progresses into a wonderfully sweet adventure that warms the heart.

If you are looking for a Highlander romance that's entertaining, and takes your mind off your work (or troubles) then put this book on your "to read" list. And, definitely grab it if it goes on sale! ;-)

Another amazing story!

What made the experience of listening to My Brave Highlander the most enjoyable?

I read this story and listening to it, was so much fun! It's perfect to listen in the car or at home, it gives the story another dimension!

What did you like best about this story?

It's a fast paced Scottish adventure with a beautiful heroine and a sexy highlander! Ms. Sinclair never disappoints me! Here, you will find love, action and intrigue!

What does Dave Gillies bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice is perfect for My Brave Highlander!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I got pulled into the story by the suspense that kept my interest until the end!

Any additional comments?

Ms. Sinclair is a talented storyteller and her books are amazing, so, if you haven't tried her books, maybe you should get her audio books!

Excellent Highland Tale!

This third story in the Highland Adventures Series is the best one yet. Dirk and Isobel’s story is exciting, romantic and entertaining. There were many suspenseful moments and Dirk’s evil stepmother, along with her youngest son, just wouldn’t give up trying to kill him. While listening to this book we are certainly reminded of what it must have been like for women living in that century, with many of them being treated just as chattels. Isobel knew how fortunate she was to meet such an honourable man as Dirk. I grew to respect him in the first two books in the series however fell in love with him in this one. He and Isobel made a perfect couple. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put this one down. Dave Gillies did a wonderful job of narrating. His Scottish accent added the perfect touch to making listening to this book most enjoyable.

Lovely Scottish romance with perfect narration!

Where does My Brave Highlander rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed it. It certainly held my rapt attention. Having it voiced by someone with such a delightful Scottish brogue makes it rank as one of the best Scottish romances I've listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Brave Highlander?

Following please find a snippet from a favorite scene where the couple are sharing sleeping arrangements - but not sleeping together... though Isobel's sleep-walking tries Dirk's vow not to take advantage of her:
“Isobel?" Why on earth would she open the door and allow the winter wind to blast into the cottage, especially wearing naught but her underclothing? Dirk hurried across the room, drew her back and closed the door. "What are you doing?"
Her eyes were open but she wasn't looking at him. Was she asleep?
"Go back to bed, Isobel." With his hands on her upper arms, he gently turned her toward the bed.
She resisted and reached for the door. "Going home."
He could understand that, for he wanted to go home, himself. But neither of them could do that at the moment.
Knowing she wasn't going to obey him, he lifted her into his arms. She was light as a wee thistle flower but not near as prickly. He'd helped her mount the horse a few times, but he'd never held her like this, in his arms with her curvy body leaning against him.
When he turned with her, she giggled. The playful sound wound through his body in a heated swirl of excitement. She slid her arms 'round his neck and held on tightly while he carried her back to the bed. She snuggled her face against his neck, her warm breath teasing his skin.
Arousal surged through him, but when she kissed his throat, he thought he might go up in flames. Saints! He wanted to do the same to her, trail kisses down her throat, untie her smock and… He shook his head, trying to clear it.
Standing by the bed, he remained still, though his instincts raged at him to crush her sweet body beneath his on the mattress.
He drew in a deep breath, fighting to calm his desires.
"Are you awake?" he whispered.
She hummed a sleepy sound and placed another wee kiss against his neck. Restraining a moan, he glanced down at her. In the dimness, he couldn't see if her eyes were open or closed. But she smelled heavenly, like lavender and woman.
Just put her in the bed and leave her be!
He lowered her to the mattress but she did not relinquish her hold on his neck. He knew he should simply remove her slender arms, but he couldn't seem to make himself do it. Her breath tickled his face. Her mouth, no less than an inch or two from his, tempted him, made him crave just one taste.”

What does Dave Gillies bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This story was narrated by Dave Gillies. He had the perfect Scottish brogue accent for this story and I enjoyed his voicing of the characters. I swooned every time he was Dirk. Oooh la la! He delivered a solid performance that really enhanced the story for me and I would not hesitate to listen to any other audio that he has narrated.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I swooned every time Dave Gillies voiced Dirk's character. I laughed at parts. Other times I found the story to be quite suspenseful and caught myself holding my breath.

Any additional comments?

This was a well-paced story with two wonderful leads and brimming with love, action and intrigue. This is the first book I've read by Vonda, but it won't be the last. It was so good that I plan to go back and listen to the first two books in this series as soon as I can! I would highly recommend MY BRAVE HIGHLANDER to anyone who enjoys Scottish romances. I bet you'll fall in love with Dave's narration too!

Good story, sexy lead character

What about Dave Gillies’s performance did you like?

Love it! His accents were great. Didn't care for how he did the woman's voice but it was made up for in Dirk's.

A MUST READ. You will love this book.

Which character – as performed by Dave Gillies – was your favorite?

Dave Gillies did an excellent job narrating this book. Great Scottish brogue sent shivers down my spine. I first read this book, then discovered it on Audible. Listening to Dave Gillies was a joyful experience as he brought all the characters to life.

Any additional comments?

My Brave Highlander
A Sizzling Hot & Suspenseful Adventure
Author Vonda Sinclair delivers another amazing story in book three of her Highland Adventure Series. This is the story of Dirk and Isobel. This book is an exciting, suspenseful, romantic and passionate. Another exquisite hit that stands on it's own.
From a childhood of betrayal, murder and suspicion a tall, brawny Highlander name Dirk MacKay begins his journey of fate and destiny.
A man who appears gruff and unsocial, learned early in life to watch and observe, but not to trust. As Dirk heads to the Scottish Highlands on a bitter snowy night, he finds Lady Isobel Mackenzie injured and walking with her maid. When Dirk's offers them his assistance, he realizes he's met Isobel many years ago and feels an urgent need to protect her. As they travel to Dirks home, Author Vonda Sinclair beautifully and vividly describes the Scottish scenery in such a way, I felt I was traveling with Dirk and Isobel seeing Scotland as they did. As a young girl, Isobel dreamed of romance and true love. As she travels with Dirk to his highland home, Isobel realizes she could find such a love with Dirk. Dirk however has walls around his heart and has good reason not to trust people. As Dirk and Isobel continue on this journey, Dirk tries to make sense of a comfortableness and ease growing between he and Isobel. Dirk understands attraction but has never known the friendship or companionship of a woman. Has she bewitched him, can he trust her and is she worth fighting for when he's already in the fight of his life in taking his rightful place as clan chiefdom. As Isobel and Dirk discover heated passion between them, Dirk learns more about the dreams his father had for him. Did his father see, those many years ago what Dirk himself could not see. Is Isobel the one woman he can love and trust. Has fate brought them together again to find their destiny in the arms of one another. Dirk realizes being the clan's chief isn't the only destiny he's willing to embrace. Author Vonda Sinclair has an incredible gift in writing strong, fierce characters. As the Author reveals to us the past of these characters, she allows us to become captivated in watching true love break down barriers, heal past hurts as they learn to open their heart and allow love to heal the scars of the past. A true and passionate love story of a lady who never stopped dreaming of love as she finds the one man who never dared to dream. Exquisitely written, with the characters past and present demonstrating fate is on their side and no obstacle can prevail against two hearts becoming one. Another smash hit from Author Vonda Sinclair. A thrilling, suspenseful, intriguing, beautifully romantic story. A must read.

excellent

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

A Delightful Story

What a delightful read!!! The book is filled with intrigue and romance. You know who the villain is right from the start, but figuring out how to prove it makes for an interesting read!

I liked Dirk right from the first book in the series. He seemed so deep. He wasn't a frivolous charmer like his friends. There was more to him. In this book, we finally find out his real identity and his history.

Lady Isobel MacKenzie is brave and intelligent. When she is attacked by her future brother-in-law, she flees the castle during a snow storm. Luckily, she is rescued by Dirk who takes her to his castle to keep her safe until he can return her to her brother's home.

There are all sorts of mayhem going on. Somebody is bent on killing Dirk and keeping him from his rightful place as Laird of the clan. Dirk knows who it is, but has no proof. Isobel wants to keep him safe and vows to spend time with the villain to find out their plans.

Then, aside from the attempts on Dirk's life, there is the issue of a possible clan war because of Dirk taking Isobel to his home rather than returning her to the home of her betrothed or her brother.

The book is filled with action.

I haven’t read any books by Vonda Sinclair before.

I was surprised at how much I like this book. I had waited a quite a long time before I got it. I like to stick to authors I know but I’m glad I purchased it.

The book was filled with excitement, delight, twists and turns, and a lot steamy love.

intriging

Loved it!! Good story teller. Hard to stop listening. Highly recomend. Story pulls yo6 in like your right there.

My Brave Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

Dave Gillies read this book so well with his Scottish accent which made this excellent book even better. It helped to hear the correct pronouncement of Gaelic names. I would recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

fabulous

Would you listen to My Brave Highlander again? Why?

I loved the story and have read it, now listening to it brings it more to life, and the humorous interchange is fabulous

What about Dave Gillies’s performance did you like?

I loved his voice

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried

Any additional comments?

Couldn't stop listening to it I wanted it to carry on and on