Showing posts with label Monica McCarty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monica McCarty. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

ARC Book Review-The Arrow by Monica McCarty

The Arrow
Highland Guard (9)
Monica McCarty
Ballantine Books
Published August 2014
416 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780345543950
Authors Website
Synopsis
As King Robert the Bruce of Scotland plots to retake his English occupied castles, he needs the stealth and skill of his elite soldiers, the Highland Guard. Fearless and indomitable, no men are more loyal to their king, or cherished by the women they love.
 
The talents of legendary marksman Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor are crucial now, as Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Gregor is considered the most handsome man in Scotland, and his fame as an archer is rivaled only by his reputation with the lasses as a heartbreaker. But when his infamous face is exposed during a covert mission, Gregor is forced to lay low. He returns home only to find a new battle waiting: a daring game of seduction involving his now very grown up and very desirable ward, Cate of Lochmaben.

A born fighter, Cate was clinging to life when Gregor rescued her after a vicious English raid on her village left her mother dead. But five years later, the once scrappy orphan Gregor took under his protection has become a woman. Brave, strong, and skilled in warfare, Cate is determined to lay claim to the warrior who refuses to be trapped. The heat in his eyes tells her she has his attention . . . and his desire. But will Gregor allow his heart to surrender before danger finds them, and the truth of Cate’s identity is revealed?
My Review

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Book Review-The Recruit by Monica McCarty

The Recruit
A Highland Guard (6)
Monica McCarty
Ballantine Books
Paperback
Published November 2012
405 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-52841-4
Authors Website 
Synopsis
 Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits.
 
Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed.

The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?
My Review

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Book Review-The Saint by Monica McCarty

The Saint
Highland Guard (5)
Monica McCarty
Ballantine Books
Paperback
Published March 2012
Acquired: Library
414 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-52840-7
Authors Website
Synopsis
Robert the Bruce consolidates lands and loyalty in a bold war for Scotland’s independence, as his elite team of warriors, the Highland Guard, fight for king, country . . . and love.

Magnus MacKay is the ultimate Highlander: tough, proud, able to master any terrain and to best his enemies. Called “the Saint” for his refusal to discuss women, as well as for his cool and steady leadership, Magnus hides a painful truth. It isn’t virtue or piety that keeps him silent, but a wound of love and loss that cuts so deep he cannot bear to speak of it. But when the woman who refused him is betrothed to his friend and fellow Guardsman, Magnus is tested by love’s battle cry.

A wild and innocent beauty, Helen chose family duty over her desire for Magnus. Now the anger in his eyes mirrors the tormented regret in her heart. But as deadly subterfuge stalks the King and his Guard, Helen vows to right her youthful mistakes with a woman’s determined spirit. Still, Magnus harbors secrets and an iron will not to weaken to temptation—or heartache—again. But as danger looms, it’s the kiss not of a saint, but of a sinner, that can save them.
My Review 

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Book Review-The Viper by Monica McCarty

The Viper
Highland Guard (4)
Monica McCarty
Ballantine Books
Paperback
Published October 2011
Acquired: Library
381 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-52839-1
Authors Website 
Synopsis
The war for Scotland’s sovereignty rages on as Robert the Bruce is crowned king and the Highland Guard, his elite fighting force of legendary warriors, battle for land . . . and love.

Prized for his snakelike stealth and deadly strikes, Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi is a warrior to enlist but not to trust. His only loyalty is to his purse, his indifference sealed by bitter betrayal. All that changes when Lachlan is tasked to protect and deliver Bella MacDuff to the king’s coronation and the proud, lushly sensual countess unwittingly challenges him to his greatest battle yet: to love again.

Passionate and devoted, Bella has defied Britain’s king and her own husband to place the crown on Bruce’s head, and for this she pays a terrible price: Losing her daughter and her freedom to her husband’s vengeance. Imprisoned with barbaric cruelty, she vows to reclaim her child, even if it means selling her soul and her body to a dark, lethal warrior whose eyes glint like steel, but who makes her skin tingle and her breath race. Together they embark on a rogue mission with sinister twists and turns that threatens not only Bella’s gamble to save her daughter but also her heart.
My Review 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

ARC Book Review-The Raider

The Raider
Highland Guard (8)
Monica McCarty
Ballantine Books
E Book
Published February 2014
416 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780345543936
Authors Website
Synopsis

After consolidating his gains against the enemy English, King Robert the Bruce of Scotland sends his best soldiers to fortify the lawless borders. These legendary warriors of the Highland Guard let nothing come before king and country - except the calling of their heart.
Of all Bruce’s elite warriors, Robert “Raider” Boyd is the most formidable. A true patriot whose bare hands are a deadly weapon, Robbie is the fierce enforcer of the Guard, and his hatred of the English has been honed to a razor-sharp edge. But vengeance proves bittersweet when his enemy’s beautiful sister falls into his hands and he finds himself fighting temptation - a battle he badly wants to lose.
Lady Rosalin Clifford barely recognizes the rebel prisoner she saved from execution six years ago. Though her girlish ideals for fairness have matured into a passion for justice, Rosalin believes she betrayed her brother when she helped this dangerous man escape. Now her traitorous act has come back to haunt her. But she can’t deny the longing this tormented warrior ignites in her, or deny the passion that turns sworn enemies into lovers. Is the gentle love of a true English Rose enough to free Scotland’s most brutal warrior from a path of vengeance - before it’s too late?
My Review

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Book Review-Highland Warrior


Highland Warrior
Campbell Trilogy
Monica McCarty
Ballentine Press
,359 Pages
Published Feb 2009
(Paperback)
Scottish Highlands Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-50338-1

Synopsis:
The ruthless enforcer of Scotland's most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell will use any means necessary to vanquish lawlessness and unrest among the feuding Highland clans. Seduction is a game as easily played as subterfuge, but when Jamie poses a as suitor to a rival clan's daughter in order to expose treason, the line between duty and pleasure is suddenly blurred. Ebony-haired, ruby-lipped Caitrina Lamont defies him, denies him, and arouses him like no other woman.

Caitrina has no intention of forsaking her beloved father and doting brothers for a husband -- especially a hated Campbell. But Jamie's raw, sensual strength and searing kiss melt her resistance. When her idyllic world is shattered, Caitrina's only hope to save her clan lies in the arms of Jamie Campbell, the enemy she holds accountable for its ruin. Can their tenuous truce, born in the velvet darkness of passionate nights, forge a love as strong as the sword that rules the Highlands?



My Review:
In Highland Warrior, Jamie Campbell is a enforcer of justice, and is wanting to know the location of Alistair of the MacGregor clan that are outlaws, and knows that since the Lamont Clan had close ties to the MacGregor clan, he plans on finding where Alisdair is being hidden. So he plans on wooing the sweet Caitrina who mesmerizes his body and soul. He finds himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He knows that even though there is a ulterior motive to him courting Caitrina, after tasting her sweet kisses, he knows that there is a connection between them that can't be denied. Caitrina Lamont has three brothers and a father that she loves dearly, and she knows that she doesn't want to settle down and marry. She is content until she meets the compelling highland warrior that entices her with tender embraces and a passion she finds within in that she didn't know existed. But her hopes come crashing down when her beautiful serene world falls apart and loses all of her family and her clan driven out, she knows Jamie's cousin is responsible, but will their feelings toward one another be strong enough to endure the coming challenges?

I truly loved this and had it read in a couple of hours, since I just read it non stop, without stopping. The pages flew by so fast since I was so entranced into this beautiful love story. I truly loved Caitrina and Jamie. Jamie fights for justice and hunts down outlaws, however all that he is and believes in will be challenged after he connects with his one true love. Caitrina, after losing her family and almost being killed herself, never suspected to see Jamie again. However when he proposes marriage to her in return he will help her rebuild her clan, she knows she has a duty to her people. But this arrangement hold many surprises that will teach this handsome couple the meaning and importance of loving and trusting amidst a dangerous world. I have loved reading from this author, she writes such compelling scottish romances that touch the soul. You will never be disappointed with Monica McCarty.

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Highland Outlaw
Highland Scoundrel



Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Book Review-Highland Outlaw


Highland Outlaw
Campbell Trilogy
Monica McCarty
Ballentine,
370 Pages
Published Feb 2009
Paperback 
Scottish Highland Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-50339-8

Synopsis:
Handsome and dangerous, Patrick MacGregor is a wanted man, possessing the tough, tenacious spirit of his outlawed clan. He will stop at nothing to save his people from destruction, even if it means marrying Elizabeth Campbell, the daughter of his worst enemy. Yet the flaxen-haired beauty disarms him from the start. Her sweet, unspoiled softness touches the cold depths of his ravaged soul -- and makes him want much more than revenge.

Inside the shy and dutiful Lizzie is a passionate woman longing to emerge, a woman ready for love. So when the piercing emerald eyes and searing kiss of a stranger spark in her a desperate hunger, she surrenders to Patrick's glorious seduction -- unaware that his daring deception has just found its one and only chance for redemption: a love more powerful than hate.



My Review:
Elizabeth Campbell has a sweet tempered nature, but has a inner obligation to her family: duty which she lives every day and every night of her life. She dedicated her life to her family, even though most of the time they don't take notice much of all that she does for them. She has had three past engagements, but neither pulled through to a marriage, of course the blame was not on her side. Both men thought her not up to their standards and so they left her high and dry. Lizzie has felt that she is less, that maybe there is some things that are wrong with her. She then hears word of her cousin that has land for her, but she knows that there is another man that her cousin desires for her to marry. So she goes to travel to visit him, on the way however they are severely attacked by outlaws, the MacGregors. Admist the attack, they are rescued by a band of fierce warriors, their leader claims to be Patrick Murray. Patrick, is the Laird of the MacGregors that are constantly hunted down and his people outcasts, barely able to survive. He desires his people's land that have been taken from them, so he comes up with a plan, to fall into Lizzie's good graces, to woo her, marry her so that he can obtain the land. He knows that it is necessary for both him and all that is left of his clan to survive. What he didn't plan on was the enchanting woman that he finds his cold heart softening for. He knows that if he doesn't succeed soon, that he is bound to fall in love with his worst enemy's daughter.

I found this to be such a captivating love story, and its filled with such delicate matters that at times it just breaks your heart. I just fell in love with Patrick and his duty to his people. Having watched his parents be murdered and the rest of his people driven out of their lands at threat of extinction, he has found a way to make sure that they will survive, but it will take sacrificing the happiness of the one woman he loves more than life itself. Lizzie is a charming yet sweet willed woman, who is innocent really in every way you can imagine. She doesn't believe that she is really attractive or desirable, but Patrick is the one man that makes her feel that one and the one man she finds herself falling in love with him.I think the one problem that I had, is that when the truth is revealed, Lizzie has a hard time accepting it. But one would think she would be more understanding of his situation, so that was really my only problem with the way she treats him after she finds out the whole truth, when its obvious that he truly loves her.  I also found, especially toward the end, this to be a very emotional tale that had my heart spinning with exhaustion wondering how this would turn into a happy ending. It is a very satisfying read, one that if you like a good historical romance with handsome men in kilts with swordplay, wooing and a bit of danger and romance involved, then this one you will be captivated by.
 

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Highland Warrior
Highland Scoundrel



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