The Highlander's Secret Avenger by Heather McCollum
on August 21, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Scottish
Pages: 150
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon
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Drostan Macquarie, the fierce battle-hardened Highlander, was still a young lad when his father first warned him of the ancient curse on the Macquarie clan. Should any of our kin sire a bastard, the entire clan will be cursed to die out. Drostan vowed then to live his life alone, far from the reach of the curse. But on the eve of Beltane, a sizzling kiss with a mysterious lass ignites Drostan’s blood...and threatens his vow.

Amelia MacLeod is on the run, desperate to escape her past, and an abusive family. But Wolf Isle isn’t just a place to hide, it may be her only hope of redemption—if she can doom her clan’s enemy, the Macquaries. Only, she imagined her enemy would be a hideous brute, not a big, brawny, and kind-hearted Highlander like Drostan.

Because now Amelia’s discovered a way to destroy the Macquarie Clan for good—if she can bring herself to infiltrate the clan, seduce Drostan, and bring about the Macquarie curse. Of course, she hasn’t accounted for the far-reaching consequences of her own dark past...or her traitorous desire for the Highlander she came to destroy.

Each book in the Brothers of Wolf Isle series is STANDALONE:
* The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal
* The Highlander's Pirate Lass
* The Highlander’s Tudor Lass
* The Highlander's Secret Avenger
* The Highlander's Untamed Tempest

The Brothers of Wolf Isle, Book 4

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Genre: Historical Romance | Highlander Romance | Adventure Romance

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🧾 ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Highlander’s Secret Avenger

Author: Heather McCollum

Series: The Brothers of Wolf Isle, Book 4

Genre: Historical Scottish Highlander Romance

Tropes: Secret identity, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, found family

Themes: Escape from abuse, healing through love, vengeance, redemption

Steam Level: Medium (see Steamometer below)

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YYiRjl (Affiliate link)

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📚 THE STORY

The Highlander’s Secret Avenger is a sweeping Highland adventure filled with pirates, betrayal, danger, and the kind of slow-burning romance fans of Heather McCollum love.

Lia is a fierce and determined young woman with a secret plan for vengeance. Trapped under the cruel thumb of her abusive brother, she dreams of freedom—and revenge against the Macquarie brothers of Wolf Isle. But when an unexpected attack puts her life at risk, it’s Drostan Macquarie who saves her.

Torn between her mission and her heart, Lia must decide if trusting Drostan could be her salvation—or her undoing. As the pair navigate deadly waters—both literally and emotionally—they uncover truths, build trust, and discover that love may be the most unexpected adventure of all.

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🧍‍♀️🧔 THE CHARACTERS

Lia is the kind of heroine readers cheer for: strong-willed, independent, and full of fire. Her backstory adds emotional depth and creates a compelling reason for her guarded nature. Her arc—moving from vengeance to vulnerability—is well-paced and satisfying.

Drostan is a standout Highland hero: brave, compassionate, and willing to look beyond a person’s past. His protective streak is balanced by his deep respect for Lia’s autonomy, making their slow-burn connection even more satisfying.

Supporting characters round out the cast with color and complexity, especially the Macquarie clan, who fans of the series will already love.

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🔥 STEAMOMETER

Rating: 3/5 – Warm and Tasteful

The chemistry between Lia and Drostan smolders beneath the surface for much of the novel. When the romantic tension finally comes to a head, it’s passionate without being overly explicit—perfect for readers who enjoy sensual scenes balanced with emotional connection.

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💭 OVERALL THOUGHTS

With its vibrant blend of swashbuckling danger, emotional depth, and Highland romance, The Highlander’s Secret Avenger delivers everything fans expect from Heather McCollum—and more. Pirates, secret missions, and yes, even allergies (you’ll understand when you read it) keep the plot fresh and engaging.

While some elements feel slightly familiar within the genre, the execution is solid, the pacing brisk, and the emotional payoff well-earned. It’s a must-read for historical romance fans, especially those who enjoy bold heroines and brave Highlanders.

Would I read the next book in the series?

Absolutely. This series continues to bring adventure and heart in equal measure.

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🖋️ ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather McCollum is a USA Today bestselling author of historical romance novels full of sweeping Scottish landscapes, passionate love stories, and unforgettable heroines. When she’s not writing, she’s wrangling her trio of kids, her rescue dogs, and living her own love story with her husband in North Carolina.

Visit her website: https://www.heathermccollum.com

Follow on Instagram: @heathermccollumauthor