Veena’s review of The Arrow (Highland Guard, Book 9) by Monica McCarty
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 26 Aug 14
The Arrow is the next book in Ms. McCarty’s continuing saga of the Highland Guard and Robert the Bruce’s battle to gain the throne of Scotland. Set during a period when the tide is turning in favor of Bruce, this story is not as compelling as some of the others in the series, though we do get to see the man behind the fame who builds a tower of stones to mark each life that he is forced to take and keeps the plate in the overflowing in penance for the same. As his story begins, the famed archer, for the first time in his history, misses his shot, to the shock of his fellow brethren. What could be causing his distraction? And what is the cure?
Six years ago Gregor saved a young girl, the only survivor of a village decimated by the English, for helping Bruce’s men. Traumatized, the girl clung to him until he became her de-facto guardian and brought her home to his mother and left her with his family. Now all grown up, Cate’s hero worship seems to have morphed into a very adult love and her desire to attract and hold his attention has caused her to constantly get into scrapes designed to catch his attention, positive or negative.
Disgusted and distracted by his lust, Gregor determines to remove the cause by getting her married off and out from under his feet and protection. It’s a hilarious tale of goldilocks and the three bears as he finds fault with every single prospective suitor and finally succumbs to his own desires. Dog in the manger much? Of course, Caty’s shenanigans in response keep things hopping until Gregor is forced to accept his defeat.
Their story, however, doesn’t end there, since there are secrets that still need to be exposed and twists and turns that still need to be taken. While it is fun to catch up with all the various members of the guard and their growing families and to see one more of the brethren find a happy ever after, this story almost feels like a filler episode and is definitely not one of my favorites in the series.
Grade: B
Summary:
The talents of legendary marksman Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor are crucial now, as Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Considered the most handsome man in Scotland, Gregor’s 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 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?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
