This just in…

Monica McCarty is kicking it up a step when it comes to those sexy Highlanders she loves to write for her fans. Are you ready for something a little different? Then read on!

~ What’s sexier than a man in a kilt? How about Special Ops in kilts?

~ The series is titled The Highland Guard.

~ The premise of the series: Scotland is fighting to free itself from English tyranny, and Robert the Bruce is fighting for a crown. To defeat the superior forces of the heavy mounted English knights, Bruce knows he needs a new kind of warrior. He looks to the barbarian lands, to the most feared warriors in Christendom, to the ultimate guerilla fighter … to the Highlander.

~ Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Bruce handpicks ten warriors with “superhero” skills to form a secret elite fighting force like the world has never seen. They are the ultimate “Special Forces,” the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills and brought together into one elite fighting force.

~ Book #1, The Chief is slated for release March 23, 2010; Book #2, The Hawk, August 31, 2010; Book #3, The Ranger, December 29, 2010, and all dates are tentative and subject to change.

~ The swordsman team leader, the seafarer/swimmer, the scout, the extraction expert, the explosives expert, the hand-to-hand combat specialist, the tracker, the sharpshooter, the climber/outdoorsman, and the spy will make up these elite Special Ops team members.

~ Vowing death before surrender, Bruce’s band of shadow warriors will stop at nothing to gain freedom from English rule. But in the midst of war, political turmoil, and treachery, these invincible warriors will face the one thing they can’t defeat: love, and the remarkable women who claim their hearts.

Consider yourself flashed.

Gwen’s review of Highland Scoundrel (The Campbell Trilogy, Book 3) by Monica McCarty
Historical romance released by Ballantine Books 24 Mar 09

This was my first reading of a Monica McCarty Highlander book.  There were some things about it that I found interesting and some I wanted to rip out of the book so it didn’t mess up what I liked.  That’s the case with almost any book, really - some parts you love and some you don’t.  I guess it’s a bit like marriage that way - the compromise is what makes it bearable.  This book balanced out for me, weighing a tad more one direction than the other, however. 

For example, I loved the historical perspective and points of reference.   McCarty gives the reader enough information to understanding motivations of what is going on around our characters.  Thankfully, this detail is not heavy-handed and serves to paint the landscape of the book so that we understand not only the main characters’ motivations, but also that of the secondary characters.  This gives a nice rounded feel to the overall story arc - we understand why the social snubs/accolades, etc., without having to delve too deeply into individual relationships.  This all allows the plot to move more quickly.

An example of what I didn’t like was the very long and complex flashback at the beginning of the book.  I like books to move forward.  I generally don’t care for flashbacks - I think they bog a story down.  Why not just tell the events in sequence?  Why bother with a flashback?  It didn’t add any tension or emotional drama to the book. The first scene of the book is one where the heroine is being TSTL - taking a swim outside of her keep’s walls with one guard (just days after a thwarted kidnapping, by the way) - and who does she run into?  You got it, the hero.  Then BLAMMO!  We flashback six years, for nearly a third of the book (long-ass flashback), to when they first meet, fall in love, and leave each other.

Yuck.  Talk about a screeching halt to the story.

And let’s talk about TSTL, shall we?  To Stupid To Live.  It’s a fascinating concept.  The heroine in this book has many TSTL moments and suffers the consequence of most of them.  Nevertheless, I feel that McCarty lets Jeannie (the heroine) off the hook too often.  Either suffer with the rest of us, or make her a tad smarter.  Which leads me to an interesting question - do we readers insist that our heroines (and heroes) be smarter than we are? Or are we content for them to be more average? I vote for smarter-is-better, but what if an author pens a less-than-smart heroine?  Would it sell?

Any how - back to the book.  (See what I just did there?  VERY SHORT flackback/diversion.)

This was a good enough story.  It had an awfully slow start with the long, long, long and complex flashback, but the last half of the book was better. Even if I wanted to regularly slap the livin’ shit out of the heroine for being such a ninny and not trusting her man or her feelings for said man.  Consequently, what resulted from my assaultive desire was that I didn’t really like the heroine.  At several points in the book I felt that neither she nor the hero acted with any maturity or honor even after they were supposedly older and knew better.  Plus I’ve decided that I really hate it when the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING is the sole plot device keeping the main characters apart.  They’re in the same geographic place, same century, speak the same language - nothing to keep them apart, except… TALK TO EACH OTHER ALREADY.

So, while this book wasn’t necessarily my cuppa tea, it wasn’t a horrible book and is probably right up someone else’s alley.  If you’re a fan of the McCarty novels, or of highlander books in general, you’ll like it.  To me it was average, plus it made me want to punch something - which is never good.

Grade: C

Read other reviews of books in this series by clicking on its tag.

Summary:

Framed for a crime he did not commit, Duncan Campbell, the illegitimate son of a chieftain, has returned to the Highlands determined to clear his name after ten years in exile. He is drawn to the unforgettable sensual beauty of Jeannie Gordon, the headstrong girl who once pledged him her love, gave him her innocence, and then betrayed him. Now, in the glow of the moonlight, she defiantly shows Duncan the bad end of a pistol.

Jeannie is stunned to discover that the broad-chested brigand she just shot is the rogue who broke her heart years ago. No longer a starry-eyed girl but a woman with dangerous secrets, Jeannie cannot forgive Duncan’s shattering mistrust of her-nor can she sign his death warrant by turning him in. Soon passion flares hotter and bolder than before, sealing a fate the onetime lovers can no longer deny. Caught up in a deadly game of murder and intrigue, Jeannie is willing to risk everything for a man and a love she vows never to lose again.

No excerpt available at the time this review was written.

Other books in the series:

Sybil’s review of Highland Warrior (The Campbell Trilogy, Book 1) by Monica McCarty
Historical Romance released by Ballantine 27 Jan 09

Highland Warrior is the first novel in Monica McCarty’s 2nd back to back Scottish trilogy. Before I do anything I must give mad props to Monica for the amount of research she has put into her tales and to Ballantine. At a time when many publishers are cutting pages, word count, and more it is beyond delightful to see Ballantine allowing an author pages to show she did her homework and provide some background to readers who would like to know more. Hell people, there are footnotes in the author’s notes! For those of you lusting for more knowledge, you can find it on Monica’s site. The Lamont has decided it is time for his daughter to marry and the Highland gathering at Ascog would be the perfect place for her to find a husband, at least that is the hope.  Argyll’s Henchman, Jamie Campbell, figures the games are the easiest way to discover if clan Lamont is hiding the outlaw Alasdair MacGregor.  Jamie knows the last thing Lamont would want is his daughter married into a clan he has been feuding with for years.  Hopefully the unease will make finding the outlaws that much easier.

Problem is after Jamie helps Caitrina out of a tight spot, they can’t get their mind off each other.  Like many long term family feuds, it is hard for them to connect their feelings for how they are suppose to feel about ‘certain’ people or actions.  As well as each character has to learn that rumor isn’t fact and to learn not judge a book by the cover.  This is much harder to do when Jamie learns that Alasdair isn’t with the Lamont Clan and rides out, only to return to a mess of mass destruction his brother creates when it turns out that Jamie was in fact correct.

I had a tough time getting into Highland Warrior for a few reasons. First because the ‘Romeo & Juliet’ theme has never been my favorite type of plots. I know given the time period being torn between clans was not at all odd but man it generally goes on forever so knowing that going in, it was tough sitting down for, because when it works it works well and when it sucks - it is HELL ON READER EARTH. And, dude, I have books to read. The first two chapters are also clunky, so it was easy for me to put the book down, but once it hit about chapter four I was into it and I liked it (Highland Outlaw is my fave).

Monica McCarty has done her homework and her history is amazing and believable. Catrina is a fully drawn character who goes from spoiled, would-be bride to would-be savor of her clan. I would love her a hella lot if it wasn’t for the really dumbass thing she does toward the end that made me want to shake her. I did understand it but thought Jamie had earned her trust by then and it seemed really just too ‘this needs to be done for the plot’. Jamie was grand. Almost too much so.  He is a yummy highlander hero all the way around but totally understanding and wants Catrina to trust him for him.  And he is good with a sword.

I have now read all three novels (can’t do a Duckies Do Series since they aren’t all out yet) and ‘THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING’ plays something of a part in each one of them (not so much the middle book). I think this has more to do with trust issue, which leads back to the feuding families and centuries of bad, bad blood. From what I understand Clan Campbell is often cast as the ‘bad’ guys in romance novels with the Lamont and MacGregor clan’s more in riding in the hero seat. McCarty does an excellent job of showing, war isn’t easy and it is rarely black and white.

Highland Warrior isn’t a perfect book but it is a great start to a fabulous trilogy and what she does well is wonderful.

Grade: B- 

Summary:

The ruthless enforcer of Scotland’s most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell is the most feared man in the Highlands. Raw physical strength coupled with cunning political acumen make him a powerful force with whom few men will dare to reckon. Determined to see the Highlands tamed of its lawlessness and unrest, Jamie’s objectives are clear: under the guise of seeking the Chief of Lamont’s daughter’s hand in marriage, discover whether the Lamonts are harboring any outlawed MacGregors. But guise turns to desire when he meets the beautiful spitfire who rules the household with a dainty iron fist. The fierce Highlander never expects that the woman he wants above all others will test his duty and loyalty to his clan to the breaking point.

Cosseted and adored by her family, Caitrina Lamont has no intention of abandoning her beloved father and doting four older brothers for a husband-especially a Campbell. But Jamie Campbell is nothing like the parade of suitors that Caitrina’s father usually traipses across their hall. His raw masculinity threatens her in a way no man ever had before. But when Caitrina’s idyllic world is shattered, could the man she blames for her tragedy become her only hope for the future?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

As I was putting together a list of books I wanted to review (not the list PamP was asking for but hey a list *g*) I noticed a few odd things

Yes first is the fact, I do plan to start reviewing again.  Well that isn’t odd to me since I had hoped to start in January, if the Topamax would let me.  (If you wonder what I mean by that look up that side effects) To borrow a phrase from my neuro more on that later…

The thing that *I* found most shocking was there are so many books coming out on January 27 (yes that is today) that I thought were rather awesome books. Since it must be in celebration of my birthday (yeah it was the 22nd but really it is close), I thought I would use the 4pm review spot to make a list! Well and because I can *g*

The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter - I was going to put this review up today at 4pm, I know isn’t it like so cool how I just change the rules for myself (generally 4pm is older book reviews ) but tis a duckies choice to change her mind and I decided to showcase all the releases today.  And it should be NO shock that I adored this book.  For historical fans you really need to get your feathers on down to the bookstore and get this, or download it or whatev.  Easterbrook demands to be read.  Trust me on this.

ETS: if you didn’t already know this… Madeline has joind the ever delightful women over @ The Goddess Blog

(almost didn’t put this summary cuz is SO doesn’t fit IMHO)

Only a desperate mission could bring Leona Montgomery face-to-face with the scoundrel whose dangerous sensuality once sent her fleeing from his arms. But she has under-estimated Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook. As irresistible as ever, his past swathed in mystery, Christian has his own plans for the woman he has waited seven years to claim. Yet once desire reignites, bringing a dangerous secret into the open, Leona will find herself bound to the seductive nobleman in ways she could never have imagined. Seven years have changed nothing: this man can tempt her to ruin with just one touch. With Leona’s reputation and hopes for her family’s salvation in tatters, she must follow the only course left to her…even as each step brings her closer to a shattering truth and a passion she can no longer live without….

Montana Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller - wasn’t sure if I should include this or not but it does show ‘in stock’ at amazon. It is the first in a back to back trilogy from HQN. I read all three books around the end of December beginning of Jan and adored them all (Dylan the next was my fave). LLM is an old fave of mine who is very hit or miss so it was a delight to read three books in a row that were really all hits. It is a contemp western trilogy with three very estranged brothers. It is a great mix of what I loved in LLM older novels and what still is wonderful in her recent work without slamming any doors. And she does some great men, Holly you really need to read these and tell me what you think  .

Descendants of the legendary McKettrick family, the Creeds are renowned in Stillwater Springs, Montana—for raising hell…

After years of wandering, Logan Creed, a cowboy with a dusty law degree, has returned home. To put down roots, to restore his family’s neglected ranch…to have kids of his own proudly bearing the Creed name.

Divorced mom Briana Grant has heard the stories about her gorgeous neighbor. So Logan’s kindness with her young boys is a welcome surprise, especially when her ex reappears. And when an unknown enemy vandalizes her home, Logan shows Briana—and the folks of Big Sky country—just what he’s made of.

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis - One of Jill’s best contemps yet and grand fun. You can step over to Book Binge and get some an awesome look at the book with some excerpts, reader questions answered by THE Jill and reviews already done by Holly and company.

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl - working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that - and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed - that part defies explanation…After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut…among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a check book is the biggest rush he’s ever felt - and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end…

Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann - OUT TODAY and I admit I have gone back and forth with reviewing this cuz you people scare me. I am a spoilerwhore. I have read like oh three of these books. I liked Dark of Night, ask holly *g* who I texted repeatedly while reading it cuz I KNEW she would lurve that heeeee. But I am guessing what happens is gonna get a whole hellalot of omg how could SUZ!?!?! And I was just too dumb to be upset cuz I wasn’t invested enough to be… ::shrug:: and uh was that a spoiler?

Badly shaken after the loss of one of their own, the men and women of Troubleshooters Inc. go up against their most deadly opponents yet —- the clandestine organization called The Agency. Blackmail, extortion, murder: The Agency’s black-ops sector will apparently stop at nothing to achieve their objective. But this time they’ve gone too far and hit too close to home.

Led by former Navy SEAL Lawrence Decker, a team of investigators —- from FBI agent Jules Cassidy and former CIA operative Dave Malkoff, to Troubleshooters Sophia Ghaffari, Tess Bailey, and even receptionist Tracy Shapiro —- band together to uncover the truth, and bring the killers to justice.

But the stakes are raised even higher when Decker barely escapes an attempt on his life. It soon becomes clear that the hunters have become the hunted —- and the Troubleshooters are no longer just solving a crime -— they’re fighting for survival.

also out today I am currently reading for review but can’t rec one way or the other cuz I am not far enough into so buy at your own risk:
Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty
Sandy’s first Duck Chat Author!

I have just started this so I can’t say much about it yet.  So no need to start worrying yet Monica  .

Night After Night by Kathryn Smith - This is the last of Brotherhood of the Blood series and I am pretty sure I have read it but the time I got the ARC hits about the time I was in the hospital so before I review it I need to reread it. Yes better living through chemicals. (this would be why I spent most of Nov and Dec rereading older romance novels but that is a list for another time)

My Man Michael by Lori Foster

I know many here do not care for Lori Fosters books but I do so have a soft spot for her.  I have loved this series and really enjoyed the last book.  I am only a chapter or so into this so can’t at all say if this one will work for me or not.

I am sure there are more books coming out today.  Like the SEP (that I really should make sure got to the reviewer it was suppose to go to… see my memory not so good) So what are you looking forward to that hit the shelves today? What have you read that you want to shout about that came out today? What did you write that comes out today? Feel free to pimp… it you know you wanna

Welcome to our very first Duck Chat!

I’ve been wanting to do author interviews for a while now, but for one reason or another life never wanted to let me get started working on the idea.  I’m happy to say things have changed and you’ll be chatting with some terrific authors every now and then from here on out.  So whenever you see our new spiked-do friends over there, you know you’re going to be in for a fun surprise and lots of chatting!

Our first Duck Chat interviewee is historical romance author Monica McCarty.  Monica has been in a constant whirlwind since her first book was released back in 2007. Read on to learn more about Monica, her life, and her books.

Monica lives in California with her family. Her husband Dave is a former professional baseball player and was part of the 2004 World Series Red Sox team. She’s a former copyright litigation attorney.  After practicing law a few years, Monica decided to take her love of research and writing in a new direction, which has been a huge gain for romance readers.  The MacLeods of Skye trilogy was Monica’s supersonic entry into romance publication.  Highlander Untamed, Highlander Unmasked, and Highlander Unchained were all hits and led to her second trilogy featuring Clan Campbell, Highland Warrior, Highland Outlaw, and Highland Scoundrel.  Warrior hits the shelves today. So after reading Syb’s review and saying hello to Monica, hop on over to Amazon.com or Borders and grab your copy hot off the presses.

Let’s chat!

Duck Chat:  If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

Monica McCarty:  LOL, I don’t think I’ve been doing this long enough to be tired of any question. But the hardest question for me to answer is the quick “what’s your book about.” You think it would be so easy, but trying to condense a 100k word book into a couple of lines in the most intriguing way isn’t easy.

DC:  I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?

MM:  Definitely. I write from a pretty well-thought-through synopsis, but it’s more like a roadmap for me. I like to know the major turning points in the story and the black moment, but I always leave room for the story to unfold on its own. I also always keep a notepad with me (especially by the bed and shower) so I can write down the scenes that come to me—it’s almost always dialogue.

DC:  Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing?

MM: It’s no use arguing: the characters are always right.

DC:  Tell us about your new trilogy featuring the bad boys of the Highlands, Clan Campbell.

MM:  The Campbell trilogy starts off with Jamie Campbell, a secondary character from Highlander Unmasked. Book #2 belongs to his sister Lizzie (also introduced in Highlander Unmasked) and the third to their half-brother Duncan. The Campbells usually get the role of the “bad guy” in romances (and in history), so I thought it would be fun to let them play hero for once. They also had a ton of enemies, which provides great fodder for an author. One of the best-known feuds with the MacGregors takes center stage in the first two books, the third is with the Gordons. Like my first series, you’ll find plenty of strapping lads in plaid and “ripped from the headlines” history (i.e. Law and Order).

DC:  Do you have a favorite bad boy?

MM:  Bad boy in romance: Kenny from Lady Be Good by SEP. Bad boy on TV: Sawyer from Lost.

DC:  What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

MM:  I suspect I’m like most writers, if I’m in the mood to be distracted just about anything will do it. The main culprits are email, the internet, and my kids (not necessarily in that order!). On the other hand, if I’m on a roll, only having to pick up the kids from school or get dinner on the table distracts me.

DC:  How do you feel your writing has evolved since your first book? Do you think you write your male or female differently now than you did when you started writing?

MM:  I hope it’s improved, LOL, not only at storytelling but with the craft of writing. I’ve learned so much through RWA it’s amazing. As far as the male/female characters…hmm. I’m not sure. I think there are probably subtle differences. For example, with the men, I’m always asking myself, “Would a guy really do (or say) that?” to try to create as authentic male characters as possible.

DC:  We know the historical genre is your forte, but is there another genre you’d like to try your hand at some day?

MM:  I’d love to do some kind of contemporary “history mystery” along the lines of The DaVinci Code or The Last Templar, but alas I don’t have any brilliant ideas.

DC:  What advice would you give to your younger self?

MM:  Try to relax a little—I’m a definite “type A” personality, LOL. For writing it would be to try to not take rejection so personally. As I’ve learned more about the industry, I realize there are so many business reasons that come into the decision about whether to buy a book.

DC:  Okay, these are the usual questions asked of authors in most every interview, but inquiring minds want to know:

MM:  Favorite Historical Author: I’ll narrow it down to authors currently writing historicals: either Lisa Kleypas or Liz Carlyle
Favorite Historical Book: Toughest question of all time, LOL. Probably either Judith McNaught’s Almost Heaven or Julie Garwood’s The Bride.
Favorite Contemporary Author: Susan Elizabeth Philips
Favorite Contemporary Book: Lady Be Good
Favorite Paranormal Author Does Time Travel count? Karen Marie Moning (I don’t read much Paranormal.)
Favorite Paranormal Book: Kiss of the Highlander
Can I do romantic suspense, too? I love Shannon McKenna . Extreme Danger has one of my all time favorite heroes ever.

DC:  If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

MM:  Probably practicing law in some fashion.

Gwen’s Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate?   milk (but I’m not much of a chocolate fan…seriously)
- smooth or chunky peanut butter?   chunky
- heels or flats?    heels
- coffee or tea?    both daily (addict anyone?)
- summer or winter?   winter
- mountains or beach?   mountains
- mustard or mayonnaise?   mustard
- flowers or candy?   candy
- pockets or purse?   purse (I have a bit of a handbag “problem” as my husband calls it)
- Pepsi or Coke?   Pepsi
- print or ebook?    print (but I love my Kindle!)

Last-minute fun stuff:

What is your favorite word? Bedtime
What is your least favorite word? “Mom…!”
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Watching a good movie or reading a good book
What sound or noise do you love? Water (i.e. streams, brooks, waterfalls)
What sound or noise do you hate? Fingernails on the chalkboard
What is your favorite curse word? I don’t curse! (Right, probably the “f” word)
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Broadway singer (unfortunately I have no voice)
What profession would you not like to do? Maid, cook, nurse and psychologist (Wait! I already do those.)
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Welcome, you sure took a long time in getting here!”

Thank you, Monica!

For those of you who have any questions or comments for Monica, she’ll be stopping by throughout the day, so this is your chance!

Sandy M’s review of Highlander Untamed (The MacLeods of Skye Trilogy, Book 1) by Monica McCarty
Historical romance released by Ballantine 31 Jul 07

This has been a year of new authors for me, and Monica McCarty is one of the few shining stars to stand above a lot of the averageness out there. She gives you strong characters, a great plot, and true love and romance in her books. Do you really need anything more in a romance novel?

Isabel is finally getting the chance to prove to her father and brothers that being born a female isn’t a waste, that she can contribute to the family in some way just as they always have. However, what her family has asked her to do is to spy on the enemy and learn his secrets in any way she can. Any way whatsoever. Isabel knows the MacDonalds and the MacLeods have been at odds ever since her uncle sent The MacLeod’s sister home in disgrace after a handfasting that he obviously never meant to go through with, and so she is willing to now handfast herself to Rory MacLeod and do the same as her uncle at the end of a year, repudiate their alliance and hopefully return home with the means to destroy the MacLeod clan once and for all.

Being forced to handfast at the order of the king is bad enough, but to a MacDonald is more than Rory can take. He will welcome his enemy only to get this sham of a marriage started and then in a year’s time, he will send the woman home so that he can get back to the business of a true alliance with another Highland family to further his clan’s standing with the king and to make them stronger — stronger to wipe out their enemy. What Rory never counted on was that Isabel MacDonald would be the most beautiful lass he’s ever seen and his reaction to her is one he’s never had for any other woman. Vowing to stay away from her as much as possible, he is certain the next year will not be too difficult to get through.

Could there be a more handsome man anywhere? No, he has to be right here in the MacLeod castle where Isabel’s snooping and eavesdropping will bring her the harshest punishment if Rory ever catches her at it. She’s had too many close calls already, but that isn’t the worst of it. Since her handfasted husband is determined to ignore her all the time, Isabel has gotten to know and made friends with Alex and Margaret, Rory’s siblings, as well as a couple of his warriors — and that particular friendship seems to irritate the laird to no end.

But Isabel is determined to make the most of the time she has with the family she’s never had, along with the love of the people around her. The longer she lives with this clan, the more she hates the reason why she’s been sent to them. She is growing to love them, and betraying them is something Isabel simply no longer wants to do. Can she get away with tricking her uncle into believing she’s given him what he’s asked for and not betraying Rory after all?

Monica McCarty’s Highlander Untamed takes you through the depths of treachery of one clan upon another, the honor of a leader to revenge his family’s disgrace, the suspicions of a man and woman from opposite sides of a feud getting to know each other, and the joys of their new-found love and then the agony and heartache of betrayal that runs so deep you can feel it to the bone.

Ms. McCarty has created a hero and heroine whom are the epitome of strength and honor. Isabel is eventually faced with betraying her clan or betraying the love she’s just found. Rory is faced with following his duty as leader of his clan or sending away the one person in the world who will love him and make him happy. I enjoyed this book and its characters immensely. The emotion from every character you meet is heart felt, and you root for a love that looks like it may not endure after all.

Grade: A

Summary:

She has a year to make him love her… Isabel MacDonald agrees to a handfast marriage with Rory MacLeod, her clan’s bitterest enemy in order to end a deadly feud. But the handfast is only a cover to gain her access to his castle—and with a little seduction, his heart. But her treacherous plans are immediately tested by the fearsome Rory, a powerful Highland chief who embodies everything she admires. Soon Isabel has found the place in the family she’s always dreamed of with the man she must betray, and her only hope of happiness is to escape her own dangerous web of lies.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer… Rory’s duty as Chief of Clan MacLeod is clear: He’ll obey the king’s directive to handfast with the MacDonald lass—but under his own terms. As a handfast is only required for a year, at that point Rory plans to return this unwanted handfast bride to her family and forge a different marriage alliance. But his plan to keep his distance from his unwanted bride is challenged by the beautiful seductive siren who proves impossible to ignore. And when he catches her snooping and removes her to his bed to watch over her, Rory finds himself wishing that the year would never end.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series: