The Highlander's Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum Book Review

 

Title: The Highlander's Pirate Lass
Author: Heather McCollum
Publish Date: August 23, 2021
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

Eliza Wentworth is no lady. After the notorious pirate Jandeau murdered her family, she vowed to spend the rest of her life at sea, saving others. She’d rather be firing cannons than embroidering pillows—or worse, bowing to the demands of a husband. But when she’s stranded on an island off the coast of Scotland, now she is the one in need of help. And, annoyingly, that help comes not only from a man, but a man she struggles to resist.

Highlander Beck Macquarie has never met a woman like Eliza. He hasn’t met many women, period, thanks to the blasted curse set upon Wolf Isle decades ago. To save the clan, he needs a wife and bairns, and rough-around-the edges Eliza is anything but wife material. She has no intention of staying once she’s able to set sail again. He should let her go. But the desire between them is impossible to ignore.

When she asks Beck to teach her the ways of the bedroom while she bides her time on his island, he can’t say no. As they learn more about each other, though, past trauma and secrets resurface. Now, Eliza must choose between the freedom and comfort of the only life she’s ever known and sacrificing it all to save the people she loves…including Beck.

Penelope's Review

This is the second book in The Brothers of Wolfe Isle series and follows Beck and Eliza. While I definitely enjoyed this book, I have to say it wasn't my favorite Highlander romance. Let's delve into the details!

So Beck is one of the Macquarie brothers and as such, is forced to endure the consequences of the curse placed on his clan. All of the Macquarie brothers have to discover what love is, get married, and have kids! No bastards allowed or the island will never be re-populated. Beck is such a great character - he's sweet and passionate, but he's not ready to settle down yet! When he meets Eliza Wentworth, he finds his attraction to her impossible to ignore. 

Eliza is a terror on the sea and has earned her badass reputation after overcoming incredible hardships. She has no filter, saying exactly what's on her mind. I found her "unladylike" commentary hilarious most of the time. I enjoyed the connections formed between Beck and Eliza, but wasn't totally in love with their relationship. It had some good points, but also some meh points. I didn't find myself grasping onto every word they said to each other and hoping that it would all work out for the two of them. It was likeable, but not loveable.

The storyline itself had some interesting elements. The pirate element was a unique take for a historical romance, and I enjoyed it. The book moved along at a steady pace, and I was able to finish it pretty quickly. I definitely liked it, but it just wasn't my favorite McCollum book. I encourage you guys to give it a try though and form your own opinions!

Rating: 3.5 Devils!