Once upon a time, Purity, of the Clan Macara, shy, plain, and with a deformed hand that everyone believes is the mark of the devil, begged handsome, charismatic, devil-may-care Arran of the Clan MacKinnon to wed her and save her from a fate she feared. He turned her down.
Five years later, Arran returns home after being taken captive by a group of mercenaries and forced to fight alongside them. He’s a far different man than he’d once been. Smiles elude him, his tongue no longer charms, and he knows what it’s like to have been touched by the devil himself. When he saves a woman in the woods from being abducted, he doesn’t realize who she is until he sees her deformed hand.
Purity has changed, confident and comfortable with herself and her life in the forest. She no longer requires a husband. Unfortunately, Purity is in danger, and Arran doesn’t intend to fail her this time. He tells her they will wed, and he will keep her safe.
It’s Purity’s turn to refuse his proposal—but not for long. It becomes clear that the only safety Purity has is in Arran’s arms as his wife.
When the couple return home, they face a challenging and dangerous situation that could tear them apart forever.
Secrets are discovered, promises are made, lies surface, and murder strikes the clan. Through it all, the couple fight to keep what they’ve found, what Purity always knew, and what Arran discovers—they’ve always been meant for each other.
This book is part of a trilogy; it is HIGHLY recommended that you read the prequel, Highland Oath , & book 1, Pledged to a Highlander , before reading book 2 as there are overarching themes and characters that recur in the later books. ***Please note that if you haven't read the earlier installments in the series, this review will contain spoilers.***
Book 2 in the trilogy features Arran MacKinnon, brother of Royden (H in book 1), and Purity Macara, daughter to the chieftain of a neighboring clan. In the prequel, we get to know Arran as the carefree second son, easy with the women and on the eyes, who always had a bright smile and a word of kindness to all. Purity, on the other hand, is almost debilitatingly shy as she was born with a deformity (missing the thumb and pinky fingers on one of her hands) that her father never lets her forget as he verbally abuses her every chance he gets. So Purity is more than happy to spend much of her time in the woods where she has always found solace and friendship with the animals she nurtures. She meets Oria (a woman betrothed to Royden) and Raven (younger sister to Royden and Arran) while seeking peace, and the three become fast friends. Purity is worried that her father will marry her to someone to gain power/connections, and she fears that person will not treat her well as her father doesn't care one way or another, so she asks Arran if he would marry her. Not really understanding what is at stake for Purity, Arran cheerfully rejects her request by insisting that he plans never to marry as he is not to become the clan chieftain and has no obligation to further the MacKinnon line. Purity is crushed as she has harbored strong feelings for Arran, but she resigns herself to an unhappy fated.
Everything changes on the day of Royden and Oria's long-anticipated nuptials. With many neighboring and powerful highland chieftains in attendance, the wedding is besieged by a heathen simply known as "Wolf." The brothers are helplessly outnumbered, but they fight to save their lands and their ladies only to fall short and be captured and sold off to mercenaries to fight for their livelihood as indentured warriors. As the battle raged, Purity fled to the woods she always found solitude in where she was able to hide herself away and avoid capture. She has happily spent 5 years there with the cat and dog she rescued that are now fiercely loyal to her and have become her protectors, and she enjoys the tranquility and the sense of worth and independence she has found for herself.
All of that changes when she is attacked by 3 men who find her in the woods, but before she is harmed, a warrior appears, and he effectively and quickly removes the threat. Though it took her a few minutes, Purity realizes that the stone faced, detached warrior who saved her is actually Arran. Arran, however, does not immediately recognize Purity as she has blossomed into a woman during the years he was gone. Purity quickly hides the hand that would reveal her identity from his sight and hopes to get him to move along quickly, but he soon recognizes that it is the shy girl he once knew and is shocked to find her all grown up... and even more shocked to find he desires her.
When more men descend on the peaceful spot in the woods that Purity has enjoyed without conflict for so long, Arran suspects that the men are specifically seeking her, though the reasons are unknown. To protect her, he insists that they wed immediately. But Purity is still hurt by his rejection years ago, and she worries that the man who was so quick with his smile is gone forever after enduring all that Arran has in his servitude. Will Purity seize the chance to be with the only man she has ever loved, or will she reject his suit and leave her fate up to her power-hungry father? Can Arran truly let Purity in and become the man she fell in love with, or is he damaged beyond repair? And what will happen when both of their lives are threatened?
What I liked: --- Both are likeable as main characters; it was nice to have the characters from the earlier books in the story as well --- When things picked up, the picked up! I liked the mystery parts of the story and the big reveals - really added to it and tied things up nicely for our MCs --- STEAMY GOODNESS (once we got there - see below)
What I didn't like so much: --- The story started off a little slower than I am used to with Ms. Fletcher's work, so it took me a little longer to get into it (but once it started rolling, I couldn't put it down!) --- SLOW BURN - I really felt like they could have gotten down to it a lot sooner in the book, especially given the circumstances
Overall, another solid story with most the elements I most appreciate in a historical romance novel: a fast-moving and enjoyable plot, likeable characters, secrets and intrigue, and steamy goodness! I am DYING to read the next one which focuses on Raven and Wolf!
Plot --- 4/5 Main Characters --- 4/5 Supporting Cast --- 4/5 Steam Level* --- 3.5/5 Violence --- nothing graphic (some battle/fight descriptions but nothing too gory) Language --- not egregious POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Please note that I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
Entrusted to a Highlander is book Two in the Highland Promise Trilogy. This is the story of Purity and Arran. I have read the previous book which of course added to my enjoyment of this one. Purity had once asked Arran to marry her but he didn't. Purity had moved on to become stronger and in no need to be dependent on anyone. Arran ended up being taken and forced to be a mercenary until he was freed. Now he has returned a totally different person then when he was forced to leave. Of course he ends up meeting Purity again who has changed also. This was a page turning read for me and I will be looking for more books by this author.
So, because I'm a masochist I decided to see if book two was as bad as book one. Just to satisfy that little nosy gremlin inside me who can't let bad books just die.
And...yeah. This author's writing style is SUPER problematic and tbh a bit lazy and unimaginative. I honestly can't even bother to figure out how one person could string together so many words that amount to nothing worth reading. No personality, depth, life, emotion... Nada. Nothing. And the repetition!
Not to forget the heroine Purity (such a stupid name) being just like Oria in book one. Oh she was basically proper and a doormat when the hero previously knew her but now she's gained a backbone and I suppose what we read is supposed to be a personality. Whose to say.
But then you have her with a one eyed dog and a arrogant cat that actually rides said dog and even attacks intruders to protect her and both animals are perfectly trained...😄
Not to mention the hero having saved an abused horse and has full on one sided conversations with her. Like, what in the Disney script reject is this?
This was SO forced to try and make these flat lifeless characters seem interesting when they weren't.
Let's not forget how innocent Purity has always loved Arran. Like, I'm sorry (no I'm not) but how does a silly teenager fall in love with the resident charmer and manwhore when she didn't seem to actually talk or interact with him? I mean other than accidentally catching him "poking" a handful or random women when she was younger. 🤣🤦🏻♀️
There was no chemistry between them. Nothing to build off of. And Arran was acting exactly like Royden in book one that I had to do a double take to make sure I wasn't reading the same book again.
I won't even touch of how poorly written the time era was and how confusing and vague it was that it made little difference in the entire plot/series.
This was lazy writing at its finest and it does not in fact get better. ✌️
This was like the first book all over again. Though, information were not repeated excessively (unlike in 1st book), it was still slightly repetitive, that in the middle I lost interest. Couldn't even bother to commit myself not to skim, cos it started to get boring around the middle part. We also didn't really get to see or read any character development between the two. It's just their lust with each other that's why they even came to be together. Plus their char devt as a person was not convincing too, and weren't really thoroughly delved into. Plus, my goodness the plot. same thing as the one in the book. I slightly like this book better becos of the mysterious appeal it gave regarding the thriller part, but still, it's like im reading the first book but only in different characters lol. Anw, I'll just read through this series. I at least still want to know about raven, although im pretty sure it'll have the same information as the previous books.
Very good! This is one of the author's better books. I so enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the hr sidekicks. I never read a story with an attack cat and dog. I'm still laughing.
Entrusted To A Highlander Highland Promise Trilogy book 2 by Donna Fletcher
Another great addition to this series, this was so worth the wait! From the beginning of the series Purity’s gentleness was there for the people she loved her soul pure. Although timid and shy her true strength is revealed in the five years she has been in hiding. Fate brings her face to face with Arran the man she’s secretly loved from the first smile he bestowed upon her. Five long years have changed Arran he’s more reserved and his presence is fearsome but what Purity noticed was the loss of his smile.
For five long years Arran has seen destruction and death, now after his release from the mercenary, his main incentive is to find his sister Raven and get back to his family as soon as possible. His lead takes him to the rescue of a woman in the forest. A woman being defended by a cat and dog, he can’t help but wonder that she’s familiar to him, until he sees her hand. He knows that Purity is in danger and the only way to protect her is to claim her as his wife! Purity isn’t the meek biddable young woman he remembers, she’s feisty and she stirs his blood like no other! There’s a villain afoot that stalks the clan and a secret that no one ever expected revealed that is totally shocking!
Raven is still missing and the brothers haven’t any new clue to her whereabouts. Purity and Arran’s journey to happiness is full of mystery and intrigue it’s a rollercoaster ride of intense emotions hooking the reader in from the get go! I love the twists that take you to the unexpected villain, the chemistry is off the charts Arran’s tragic five years were profound and I believe that author did a fantastic job in portraying the depth of pain his character went through. This series is one of the best I’ve read, but then I ADORE all of Donna Fletcher’s books, she’s a gifted writer with a magical pen! Can’t wait to read the next one! I was gifted a copy from the author, all opinions my own.
5 stars ( 5/4 stars Margaret Mallory, Julie Johnstone, Monica McCarty, Lynsay Sands, Donna Fletcher)
5 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much all my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book. my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
The development and interest in main characters progresses nicely. H/H well paired and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.
Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action filled.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.
Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 4/5 rating hotness and steam with some ‘dirty’ words thrown in 😉.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). You had characters from previous book...really enjoyed that aspect.
would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order however you’ll miss the true telling of the story for books.
Entrusted to a Highlander is book 2 in this series about the Scottish Highlands and the amazing people who live there. In Entrusted we find Purity living in the woods alone for several years after the attack on all the Clans in the area, scattering many of the clans people. When a stranger shows up at her cottage and saves her from serious harm they both recognize each other. Arran MacKinnon was the man Purity has secretly loved for years. Her father had even asked him to marry Purity but he refused because he was not the kind of man to settle for just one woman. After the clans were attacked and Arran and his brother spent time captured by an evil man he has changed and there is no love in him. However, after finding Purity alone and knowing someone was out to harm her he decided marrying her now was the only way to keep her safe. They married and headed home knowing they would find many changes. The biggest of all was their feelings for each other.
From the very beginning the reader is pulled into this story anxiously wanting to know what happens next. There are so many twists and turns, several big mysteries and nail-biting excitement as the reader “turns” each page. The story is very well put together, interesting with a great plot, as stated with twists and turns the reader won’t see coming. There are several secondary characters that add such “flavor” to the story that easily warm their way into the reader’s heart. There is much evil trying to tear our hero and heroine apart but their love is too strong for that to happen. Entrusted is a wonderful, sigh producing romance. I can’t wait for the next book in this great series.
I LOVED IT!! Gripping and Suspenseful! I love when a book grips you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in Entrusted to a Highlander. Donna Fletcher weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, secrets, and murder. It's an unforgettable Highland romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that are well thought out and you find yourself drawn into their story, great dialogue and with one fantastic plot. With the appearances of characters from the previous novels it is a enjoyable reunion to see how they are doing. Arran, such a dark brooding alpha male, has been held captive by a mercenary band and when he finally is released he comes to the rescue of Purity, shunned by her clan for her deformed hand she has always loved Arran. Arran emotionally and physically scarred from his time he'd captive has a dark soul but out of the darkness that was been his world he finally finds Purity who brings light back into his world with three words "I love you". Evil is coming for revenge spreading slowly and ominously to destroy Arran and Purity but as all the pieces slowly start falling together that solve who is lurking in the shadows waiting to strike in this story filled with drama, passion, mayhem, lies and as the tensions escalates the suspense builds and uncertainties abound that will keep you captivated until the very end. I can't wait to read Highlander Oath of the Beast!!
Typically, I am a skeptic when it comes to trilogies. I seem to notice that the second book of a trilogy is not as strong of a storyline as the first and third book. That is NOT the case in this story. I was constantly sneaking off to read a chapter or two. I had a hard time putting this story down. I think what captivated me was that this story had a heroine that was mousy when we met her in book one, and in book two she immediately starts off in a complete 180, and the fact that she conquers this mystery around the clan with a deformity that we don't see in romance books. I feel that this character is by far the most relatable that author Donna Fletcher has created. Mainly for that fact that she's not described as this raving beauty, she's Plain Jane and has a deformed hand, something that is hard to hide. Yet, this character is powerful and emanates strength with confidence. It's refreshing to see this take on a romance novel. She's someone who, in this story, comes out of the shoot swinging for those she loves.
After seeing this change in the heroine, Purity, I reread the first book thinking that I had gotten her wrong. Not the case. But this book left me curious as to how she evolved from mousy to Athena. I will definitely be re reading this story multiple times.
Entrusted to a Highlander by Donna Fletcher Highland Promise Series Book Two Arran of the MacKinnon Clan was finally released from fighting with the mercenaries the past five years after their clan had been attacked. Now, he needs to find his sister, Raven. He follows a lead into the woods...and it changes everything for his cold heart.
Purity of the Macara Clan was a shy, quiet girl at one time. Unwanted by her father, despised by her clan because of her deformed hand. After the attack at Royden and Oria's wedding, Purity stayed hidden in the woods. She became a different person living alone. Well, not quite alone. Her dog, Princess, and cat, King, were there to keep her company and protect her. They were her family.
Someone is after Purity. They have disturbed her peaceful existence, and the bossy Aaron is telling her what to do. There was a time she'd do anything for Arran to get to notice her...not now. Yet, she had no choice but to allow him to help her. Another page-turning story in this series. Looking forward to the next story, their sister, Raven's. **Sexual content within marriage https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Entrusted To A Highlander Aaron and Purity is part of the Highlander Promise Trilogy. Aaron was a captive after the big ambush at his father castle and made to fight as a mercenary and Purity is a sweet lady who loves her animals. Aaron saves a woman who has been hiding in the woods for the last 5 years and doesn't recognize that is Purity a girl he used to know from before the big ambush and really didn't pay much attention to her. Purity has a bounty on her head and this leads to a great mystery and love story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series Raven & Wolf’s adventure ***I was given this free book for an honest review ****
It was a very entertaining book but I have few issues that kept this from being a five star read for me. The character POV kept switching between Purity and Arran; the head-hopping made me confuse sometimes. I would prefer one POV per scene or per chapter. I also thought it did have a little too much of Arran’s sexual history put in. I would have liked to see Arran to work harder to show his love for Purity. In romance story, I always prefer the hero to show more love for the heroine. Nevertheless it was well-written and intriguing.
Entrusted to a Highlander is book Two in the Highland Promise Trilogy. This is the story of Purity and Arran. I have read the previous book which of course added to my enjoyment of this one. Purity had once asked Arran to marry her but he didn't. Purity had moved on to become stronger and in no need to be dependent on anyone. Arran ended up being taken and forced to be a mercenary until he was freed. Now he has returned a totally different person then when he was forced to leave. Of course he ends up meeting Purity again who has changed also. This was a page turning read for me and I will be looking for more books by this author.
Entrusted To A Highlander Aaron and Purity is the second book in Highlander Promise Trilogy. After five king years of being a mercenary, Aaron was at free by having his random paid. He’s on his way back to his family home when he helps Purity dispatch a couple of unsavory villains. It’s an action packed book that keeps you on your seat. I enjoyed reading the well thought out interaction with the two main characters. I’m so looking forward to Raven and Wolf’s story. *I was given this free copy for my honest opinion *.
I love this series! The characters are well developed, the storyline flows along smoothly, there are no plot holes, and it’s got sexy Scottish men & Northmen who will battle to the death to protect those they love...and each has a brave confident lass who knows how to bring them to their knees & lift them back up with love.
You can’t go wrong with this series and I will definitely be reading more of this authors work.
5+ Stars
P.S. The King, The Princess, and Hope are perfect supporting characters!!
I found Donna Fletcher quite by accident. The first book had me hooked. I love how this author brings the Highlands to life. You really get to know and understand her characters. And not a boring moment! Can not wait for the third installment of this series. And I love how she not only brings great memorable characters, she brings in great wonderful animals. This was a ball out of the ballpark.
Purity has come into her own strength and courage. Arron, the Highlander that she fell in love with as a girl, is back. He says that he can never love, because he feels he has become such a beast, honed from the fighting he was forced to do. Purity "grows" on him as she slowly chips away the stones surrounding his heart. Events make them feel that the enemy is out for them, but it is not who they suspect. Look forward to the next book in this series. Mysteries are still to be revealed.
Another great read by Donna. Not to be missed and does not disappoint. Loved the surly alpha and the steadfast heroine. Lots of intrigue and mystery as well. Some things still left unanswered, such as where is Raven? I believe we get to find that out in the next book as well as finally meet the notorious Wolf. Yum yum can’t wait .
The story lines are all fresh and unusual. I love it. All the books could use a good proofread. On the first page of chapter 22, you get Orvin and Quiver mixed up. Also, it seems the use of "either" should be "neither" but I may have missed that day in English class. Love the book!
On the edge of my seat nearly the entire time! Nice switcharoo making me think the day of reckoning for one bad guy was here but there was an entirely different threat at home!!! Well done!!! Anxiously awaiting Raven’s return!!
A beautiful love story. Handsome heroes Beautiful ladies. They all have a flaw which makes the story more believable and really nasty villains they keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending was a real surprise.
Purity and Arran. This book has everything you would want. Action, suspense, conflict, love. Purity is the definition of kindness and love. Arran is a hardened warrior finding his way. Together they make a great story that is well worth reading.
10/10 Another slam dunk. She is a steel magnolia, he's scarred warrior. And they work! Love these characters since the prequel 'Highland Oath' and each book has done a great job of building on the previous.