A Warrior Chief Must Decide Between Duty and Love in Heather McCollum’s ‘Highland Justice’ [REVIEW]

He’s the new chief of a conquered clan. She’s the widowed caregiver to a house full of orphans. As he strives to bring an entire community in line, she merely wants to keep food on the table. As a series of mishaps draws the unlikely pair together, will they see love or treachery in one another’s eyes? Find out in Heather McCollum’s Highland Justice, the third installment of her Sons of Sinclair series (after Highland Warrior).

The Sinclair brothers were raised to believe they were the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by their war-loving father. Of the four siblings, however, Gideon is the one that takes their father’s teachings to heart. As the Horseman of Justice and chief of the newly conquered Clan Mackay, he feels obligated to be the ruthless warrior his father said he should be or risk losing his community’s newfound peace.

Then he meets Cait Mackay, a comely lass who requires his assistance in saving her little sister from certain death. Without hesitation, he leaps into an icy river and risks his own life to save a girl he’s never met. So when Cait steals from him before the day is done, he is shocked and appalled by her behavior, especially when he finds her in his bedchamber that very night, in disguise no less!

Will he deal with her thievery as harshly as law dictates? Or will he err on the side of kindness and attempt to discover why she would steal from him to begin with? Even if he shows her mercy, will he be able to save her from a charge of treason against the king? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

In Highland Justice, McCollum introduces us to two strong-willed characters who readily fight for what they believe to be right, no matter the consequences. While Gideon learns there are different ways to exercise his power, Cait Mackay is an impoverished young widow merely struggling to survive and raise orphaned children in her tiny two-room house just outside the castle gates. Meanwhile, Gideon actually lives in the castle! On the surface, they couldn’t be more different, so it is little wonder that these two passionate people clash, at least initially.

Yet as we come to know these characters, it becomes increasingly apparent that both Gideon and Cait are more than the sum of their parts. Behind Gideon’s muscled torso and arresting gaze is a man who dislikes being seen as a vicious, bloodthirsty tyrant. Rather, he is determined to bring unity and peace to his village, and thereby tempers his position as chief with fairness, thoughtfulness, and compassion.

Cait too, has some surprises up her sleeve, and proves herself resourceful, brave, and wise. Together, they become a force to be reckoned with, and their evolution as characters is charming, engaging, and endearing.

McCollum’s passion for Scotland, its stunning vistas and rugged people shines through in this addictive historical romance about two people struggling to exist at a time when the laws were as harsh as the untamed landscape they protected and the penalty for disobedience was just as fierce.

If you enjoy stories set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and daydream about finding your own kilted hero one day, Highland Justice is just what the doctor ordered. It is a story filled with heart, family, dignity, and honor. Heather McCollum’s writing shines!