The Highlander’s Secret Son by Jeanine Englert – Review

• Title: The Highlander’s Secret Son
• Author: Jeanine Englert
• Publisher: Harlequin Historical on May 25, 2021
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Pages: 219
• Available Formats: Paperback & Digital Edition
• Rating: 4/5

Trigger Warnings: Graphic Violence, Torture, Murder

Many thanks to Jeanine Englert and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a digital copy of The Highlander’s Secret Son with a request for an honest review.

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The Highlander’s Secret Son Blurb

His first love

Now his sworn enemy…

What is Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby as well! Brandon once loved this woman with all his heart―until her family killed many of his clan. Now, as the new Campbell Laird, he must make sure she pays the price for her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true…? That her child is his son and heir!

Provided by Rachel’s Random Resources for Tour Purposes

My Review

The Highlander’s Secret Son is your classic enemies to lovers romance novel. It is one of my favorite tropes, and Jeanine Englert does it with flair. While it may be a well-loved premise, there is not usually a baby in tow. The baby added something special to this great book.

Brandon Campbell witnesses a theft on his estate, but the culprit stuns him. What he thinks is a young lad is none other than his former lover Fiona MacDonald. However, that isn’t the biggest shock Brandon faces that day. Fiona has a wee babe with her, and as it turns out, it is Brandon’s son. The Campbells and the MacDonalds are rival clans so, Brandon and Fiona’s love cannot last, or can it?

I enjoyed Brandon from the first. When he finds Fiona in the loch, his embarrassment is tangible, which caused me to laugh out loud. Fiona’s cutting remarks also brought a chuckle. But, the laughs did not last. Both Brandon and Fiona are their own worst enemy. But, the love threatens to reveal itself at every turn. The secondary characters add a lot to the story. Hugh is a special favorite, and Oric and Devlin are enjoyable as well. I love how their story unfolded. Rowan’s grief defined him but watching him gradually find himself again made me happy.

One of my favorite book settings is the Scottish Highlands. The beauty of the lochs beside the mountains and the woodland makes me certain that a kind of magic lives there. I would give anything to go back in time to revel in the beauty of the castles and grounds.

My only problem with this book is the title. I wish that the revelation of the baby came later. Knowing that there was a child involved from the title left little to the imagination. The surprise element could have been exceptional if the spoiler didn’t come before I got to the blurb.

But, even though I hate the title, the book entertained me. My emotions were all in flux (though, surprisingly, no tears from me). I award The Highlander’s Secret Son 4 out of 5 stars. This novel is a light read perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon.

About the Author – Jeanine Englert

Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a Golden Heart ® Finalist, Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers.

Author’s Contact Links: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Bookbub | Instagram

Giveaway to Win  A Bundle of Highland Treats (Open INT)

Prize contains:

• 1) One signed paperback copy of The Highlander’s Secret Son.
• 2) Bookmark and magnet book swag.
• 3) Scottish Blessing Bracelet.
• 4) Sterling Silver “Spread Your Wings and Fly” Necklace.
• 5) Red Journal.

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