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Lord Keeper
No man bargains for war when he chooses a bride, but when he steals her from holy ground, he can expect nothing less.
A midnight race for freedom leads Victoria Hockley, the Countess of Lansbury, to a churchyard deep in the Scottish Highlands. But not even hallowed ground can save her from the devil who’s pursued her from England, or from the furious Scot who swears to protect her.
Iain MacPherson swore he was nothing like his father, but his kidnapping of Victoria Hockley shows the same kind of obsessive jealousy that sent his mother to an early grave. Now Iain has hell to pay, and the devil may very well be the noble English lass who has bewitched his very soul…
A midnight race for freedom leads Victoria Hockley, the Countess of Lansbury, to a churchyard deep in the Scottish Highlands. But not even hallowed ground can save her from the devil who’s pursued her from England, or from the furious Scot who swears to protect her.
Iain MacPherson swore he was nothing like his father, but his kidnapping of Victoria Hockley shows the same kind of obsessive jealousy that sent his mother to an early grave. Now Iain has hell to pay, and the devil may very well be the noble English lass who has bewitched his very soul…
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2011
63 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 20, 2011
Absolutely Divine!
What a fantastic story that is passionately breath taking at every turn within the story. I was captivated from the very first page eating up every little detail about the Scottish Lord “Iain” and the English woman Victoria and knew immediately I was as in for a great read.
The writing is smooth and fast paced leaving the reader with great visions to ponder upon. I loved all the characters; they were all strongly built with feistiness and stubbornness. The characters sparked with humorous bantering (had me laughing out loud in some parts), feisty struggles (sexual tension and in denial of own feelings), and the hot passionate erotic scenes will leave your sexual mind’s appetite sated with pleasure.
Just from this one phrase I fell in love with Iain, it told me many things – LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - it told me this Scottish man “Iain” has passion, this man has a deep desire, this man would be a great lover, this man would be a gentleman when called for, and this man would kill to protect his woman “Victoria.”
"His heart stilled with the sudden blaze of auburn hair against the highland sun, and he determined to learn what color eyes matched such fire."
The drama unfolded kept me glued to the pages as every twisted plot unfolded. I have to say I got so wrapped up in the story as if I was a part of the story. My emotions throughout the whole story were happy and joyful as the climax of the story came within sight until it surprisingly turned to a shocking scenario and had me almost in tears leaving me in a WTF state, but all is good as it turned out it was just a dream.
This is my first read from this author and I just have to say that I am truly a fan now, the writing is superb and I look forward to reading more of her works.
Excellent Read!
What a fantastic story that is passionately breath taking at every turn within the story. I was captivated from the very first page eating up every little detail about the Scottish Lord “Iain” and the English woman Victoria and knew immediately I was as in for a great read.
The writing is smooth and fast paced leaving the reader with great visions to ponder upon. I loved all the characters; they were all strongly built with feistiness and stubbornness. The characters sparked with humorous bantering (had me laughing out loud in some parts), feisty struggles (sexual tension and in denial of own feelings), and the hot passionate erotic scenes will leave your sexual mind’s appetite sated with pleasure.
Just from this one phrase I fell in love with Iain, it told me many things – LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - it told me this Scottish man “Iain” has passion, this man has a deep desire, this man would be a great lover, this man would be a gentleman when called for, and this man would kill to protect his woman “Victoria.”
"His heart stilled with the sudden blaze of auburn hair against the highland sun, and he determined to learn what color eyes matched such fire."
The drama unfolded kept me glued to the pages as every twisted plot unfolded. I have to say I got so wrapped up in the story as if I was a part of the story. My emotions throughout the whole story were happy and joyful as the climax of the story came within sight until it surprisingly turned to a shocking scenario and had me almost in tears leaving me in a WTF state, but all is good as it turned out it was just a dream.
This is my first read from this author and I just have to say that I am truly a fan now, the writing is superb and I look forward to reading more of her works.
Excellent Read!
September 2, 2016
I wanted to like this but it's very choppy, disjointed, cut short. Unclear conversation and placement jumps which are very hard to track the reasons why for and in most instances I seen no reason for. I seen other comments like this on many of the books and to be honest not sure I wish to work that hard though another disjointed story. I see the rave reviews and wonder.. if I somehow got a draft of a somewhat good book. Or perhaps I'm just used to better story outline and structure. For me as I am a die-hard reader I have very few books I did not finish. Although this was not one of them I do not think I will be wasting my time with any others. With my interest being the highlands and romance love and stories... There is just too many other better options out there. The concept caught my interest but the execution failed horrendously.
June 13, 2012
Yes Yes Yes!!! This is hands down my favorite book by Tarah Scott yet, and I have enjoyed quite a few others!! It begins with our fierce but fair Lord Iain speaking with the priest. He is having a hard time concentrating on the conversation as his attention is directed to the lovely vision behind the priest. Who knew a sudden yearning to resurrect an old custom would flash into his mind? All he knew was that he had to have her. And this lovely woman was going to his for keeps!!
Trying to escape the pain of her past, Victoria seeks solace in a church. He husband is dead and her brother-in-law has plans for her that she wants no part of. After finally finding peace in the church, it is ripped from her by a savage barbarian who makes off with her. She is dragged into the into another situation that she has no control of and wants nothing to do with. But has this bold Highlander have what it takes to melt this English beauty's frost?
Who doesn't love a good Highland romance? The thought of being swept away (in this case literally) is undeniably romantic. Victoria was abused by her husband and expects all men to treat her the same. She wants nothing to do with marriage and its messy entanglements. Iain may just be the man to help her see past all the pain. But can he save her, only to lose her again? Or are second chances possible? This book was great!! It had an incredibly thickly layered plot that I was surprised by plus delightful characters and fast-moving engrossing situations. This is a must read to all highland romance lovers!!
Trying to escape the pain of her past, Victoria seeks solace in a church. He husband is dead and her brother-in-law has plans for her that she wants no part of. After finally finding peace in the church, it is ripped from her by a savage barbarian who makes off with her. She is dragged into the into another situation that she has no control of and wants nothing to do with. But has this bold Highlander have what it takes to melt this English beauty's frost?
Who doesn't love a good Highland romance? The thought of being swept away (in this case literally) is undeniably romantic. Victoria was abused by her husband and expects all men to treat her the same. She wants nothing to do with marriage and its messy entanglements. Iain may just be the man to help her see past all the pain. But can he save her, only to lose her again? Or are second chances possible? This book was great!! It had an incredibly thickly layered plot that I was surprised by plus delightful characters and fast-moving engrossing situations. This is a must read to all highland romance lovers!!
May 27, 2020
To kidnap a bride! The way of a highlander is once a female steps off holy land of a abbey they are no longer protected by the church and can be claimed by a laird for marriage. Laird MacPherson planned to do just such a thing however the person he chose to kidnap was English . She did not know of such a rule and was totally unaware that stepping off abbey property was dangerous. She was not supposed to be eligible for marriage, she was a widow. She had survived a very bad marriage and wanted no part of another. Truth of the matter, she was in hiding. She just sought to be left alone to read and study. Iain McPherson had different ideas. Although he had had a mistress for several years, as soon as he saw Victoria, he knew she would be his wife. Now how to make that happen. Kidnapping was not a great way to woo a woman. Getting her across hostile clan lands safely was another obstacle. He could do it and make her fall in love with him. Sure, all the ladies loved him. Bit a bitter English woman?
March 21, 2017
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars[ 3 of 5 stars ]4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars - This started rough for me. The setup in the beginning was abrupt. All of a sudden we are in an intense scene. As I continued to read it grabbed my attention, although there were several chapters that did not flow as well as they could have from one chapter to the next.
The positive factors were: the plot itself was very intriguing, both characters were strong and compelling. This story had so many twists and turns.
Iain MacPherson, Chieftain of his clan, kidnaps himself a bride outside of an abbey. Victoria is an English firecracker who has had a horrible previous marriage. These two butt heads time and time again. I did want more for the ending.
3.5 Stars - This started rough for me. The setup in the beginning was abrupt. All of a sudden we are in an intense scene. As I continued to read it grabbed my attention, although there were several chapters that did not flow as well as they could have from one chapter to the next.
The positive factors were: the plot itself was very intriguing, both characters were strong and compelling. This story had so many twists and turns.
Iain MacPherson, Chieftain of his clan, kidnaps himself a bride outside of an abbey. Victoria is an English firecracker who has had a horrible previous marriage. These two butt heads time and time again. I did want more for the ending.
January 23, 2017
Exciting adventure
I enjoyed this one. It seemed a bit long and rambled in a spot or two, but for the most part a great read. I didn't get the whole double outcome of the kidnapping. Was it a dream or a vision? But I did enjoy the rest.
I enjoyed this one. It seemed a bit long and rambled in a spot or two, but for the most part a great read. I didn't get the whole double outcome of the kidnapping. Was it a dream or a vision? But I did enjoy the rest.
July 13, 2020
Enjoyable! This was a fun read. I enjoyed this book. If you're looking for just a fun easy read this is your book.
January 21, 2025
Point of view of the hero, was nice. There are a lot of different theme's, like the writer couldn' t chose. The book was still great
July 15, 2012
Since the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning, I devoured every book about Highlanders! Yes I prefer my highlander stories with some paranormal creature or situation, but I love to read a good historical romance once in a while! Lord Keeper is one of those historical romances that will not disappoint you! And as his title says, I keep this one on my ''faves'' bookshelf.
The introduction was delightful! Historical romance highlander kidnapping the damsel = me in Heaven!
Iain MacPherson is using an ''old'' Scottish rule and stole Victoria Hockley from the abbey where she was seeking refuge. While she was wandering outside the Holy ground, Iain took Victoria to his castle to marry her. The young English lady will not be the calm, quiet and gentle little woman; Iain might think she would be.
Iain was the perfect representative of the hunky highlander: sexy and handsome, courageous and fear almost nothing. He cares for the ones he loves and also for the people who lives on his land. He sticks true to rules and he's a good leader. Also, good sense of humour, protector and respectful (in a way) of the woman he love. (Yeah, I know, he stole her...)
Victoria was a great character and I find it quite interesting the fact that she was cultivated for her age and her standing (with mathematic, language, calculus). I'm pretty sure that even an English countess didn't study maths in this time/era!
They were meant to be together :P
I love when characters end up into strange or unwanted situations, (and historical romance with highlanders often had the ''attempt'' rape scene (doesn't bother me at all)) but the fact that Victoria wants to run away from Iain and not become his wife: ok I understand. But everybody knows it's risky and dangerous for a woman alone to travel on these lands, and Victoria seems to think she's indestructible!? That no one will notice a woman alone on a horse on the road? I think she tried like 3 times to run and hide but at some point (for a girl who looks brilliant) I thought it was a little overused and childish from her.
It might sounds like I didn't like her, but she was funny and has the biggest heart!
The story itself was good; I like the plot around Victoria's ''brother in-law'' and all the rivalries between each clan. Iain past was the most interesting part of this book. The history around her mother and how Iain was born, what happened to his father and the war between specific clans was entertaining and well fitted.
The author: Tarah Scott has a beautiful creativity and I'm looking forward to read more stories from her skilled hand! Thanks Tarah, for giving me the opportunity to read your book and to discover your talent at the same time!
You love Historical Romance? Highlanders make your heart sing? Love a good plot and great ending? Well you need to read Lord Keeper by Tarah Scott! Buy for sure; borrow if you have no other choice :P At least put on your TBR pile!
The introduction was delightful! Historical romance highlander kidnapping the damsel = me in Heaven!
Iain MacPherson is using an ''old'' Scottish rule and stole Victoria Hockley from the abbey where she was seeking refuge. While she was wandering outside the Holy ground, Iain took Victoria to his castle to marry her. The young English lady will not be the calm, quiet and gentle little woman; Iain might think she would be.
Iain was the perfect representative of the hunky highlander: sexy and handsome, courageous and fear almost nothing. He cares for the ones he loves and also for the people who lives on his land. He sticks true to rules and he's a good leader. Also, good sense of humour, protector and respectful (in a way) of the woman he love. (Yeah, I know, he stole her...)
Victoria was a great character and I find it quite interesting the fact that she was cultivated for her age and her standing (with mathematic, language, calculus). I'm pretty sure that even an English countess didn't study maths in this time/era!
They were meant to be together :P
I love when characters end up into strange or unwanted situations, (and historical romance with highlanders often had the ''attempt'' rape scene (doesn't bother me at all)) but the fact that Victoria wants to run away from Iain and not become his wife: ok I understand. But everybody knows it's risky and dangerous for a woman alone to travel on these lands, and Victoria seems to think she's indestructible!? That no one will notice a woman alone on a horse on the road? I think she tried like 3 times to run and hide but at some point (for a girl who looks brilliant) I thought it was a little overused and childish from her.
It might sounds like I didn't like her, but she was funny and has the biggest heart!
The story itself was good; I like the plot around Victoria's ''brother in-law'' and all the rivalries between each clan. Iain past was the most interesting part of this book. The history around her mother and how Iain was born, what happened to his father and the war between specific clans was entertaining and well fitted.
The author: Tarah Scott has a beautiful creativity and I'm looking forward to read more stories from her skilled hand! Thanks Tarah, for giving me the opportunity to read your book and to discover your talent at the same time!
You love Historical Romance? Highlanders make your heart sing? Love a good plot and great ending? Well you need to read Lord Keeper by Tarah Scott! Buy for sure; borrow if you have no other choice :P At least put on your TBR pile!
March 2, 2017
3.5 Stars - This started rough for me. The setup in the beginning was abrupt. All of a sudden we are in an intense scene. As I continued to read it grabbed my attention, although there were several chapters that did not flow as well as they could have from one chapter to the next.
The positive factors were: the plot itself was very intriguing, both characters were strong and compelling. This story had so many twists and turns.
Iain MacPherson, Chieftain of his clan, kidnaps himself a bride outside of an abbey. Victoria is an English firecracker who has had a horrible previous marriage. These two butt heads time and time again. I did want more for the ending.
The positive factors were: the plot itself was very intriguing, both characters were strong and compelling. This story had so many twists and turns.
Iain MacPherson, Chieftain of his clan, kidnaps himself a bride outside of an abbey. Victoria is an English firecracker who has had a horrible previous marriage. These two butt heads time and time again. I did want more for the ending.
March 4, 2015
Victoria Hockley flees her brother-in-law by seeking sanctuary at a church. As she is walking the outside of the church she wanders from holy ground and is abruptly taken by Iain McPherson. Iain is acting on an old edict that allows taking someone if they are not on holy ground. This sounded so romantic to me when I read the blurb for the book, but there was no buildup to the relationship between Victoria and Iain before or after she was taken. Their relationship was awkward and choppy. It never seemed to be a flow from meeting to actually developing a love for each other. Even when Iain finally told Victoria that he loved her it was at the very end and everything had already been resolved by then. I never felt that there was chemistry between the two of them. I never felt like I was drawn into their story and became vested in their happiness. I just muddled through it.
The female lead character, Victoria Hockley, was independent and wickedly smart. I loved that the author allowed this woman in a historic romance to be well versed in math and science. Better still the character was able to solve an engineering dilemma that evaded the men. However, I just didn’t follow the development of this character. One moment she was fighting a former mistress, and the next she was playing childish games by withholding her name. Her actions were so disjointed I just couldn’t get vested in this character.
The male lead character, Iain McPherson, had a boat load of issues. He had daddy issues in every way possible. Unfortunately, the way the author unfolded the issues was so repetitive and convoluted that I lost interest. I don’t know how many times Iain’s character rehearsed the lines that amounted to “I don’t want to be like my father”. It made him seem whiny. He was an otherwise good guy, but this killed the alpha male thing for me.
I love Tarah Scott’s romance novels, but this one is not her best. The story was choppy and didn’t flow well. The characters weren’t well developed and bordered on irritating. I have read previous works, and I am still a Tarah Scott fan. I will continue to read her novels. She is a great novelist.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
The female lead character, Victoria Hockley, was independent and wickedly smart. I loved that the author allowed this woman in a historic romance to be well versed in math and science. Better still the character was able to solve an engineering dilemma that evaded the men. However, I just didn’t follow the development of this character. One moment she was fighting a former mistress, and the next she was playing childish games by withholding her name. Her actions were so disjointed I just couldn’t get vested in this character.
The male lead character, Iain McPherson, had a boat load of issues. He had daddy issues in every way possible. Unfortunately, the way the author unfolded the issues was so repetitive and convoluted that I lost interest. I don’t know how many times Iain’s character rehearsed the lines that amounted to “I don’t want to be like my father”. It made him seem whiny. He was an otherwise good guy, but this killed the alpha male thing for me.
I love Tarah Scott’s romance novels, but this one is not her best. The story was choppy and didn’t flow well. The characters weren’t well developed and bordered on irritating. I have read previous works, and I am still a Tarah Scott fan. I will continue to read her novels. She is a great novelist.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
September 13, 2012
“Lass,” he called
She Halted, her back to him
“What is your name?”
An instant of silence passed, then she turned.
“You should have asked Father Brennan before you stole me.” ~Page 18
This is defiantly one of my favorite Highlander books! At times it had me laughing so hard I cried, I love Victoria’s sprit she is smart, strong and takes no crap from this big sexy Highland warrior. The things she does to that poor man will have you laughing.
The Lord Keeper is a sexy, funny, action packed book that will have you laughing, crying and sometimes wanting to yell at the book, you won’t be bored reading this.
Iain MacPherson ends up at an Abby due to reports of another clan being on his land. While he is there he sees Victoria Hockley and kidnaps her as soon as she steps off holy ground.
No one told Victoria that she must stay on holy ground when visitors are around otherwise she is fair game to take home. But she put up one hell of a fight and is determined to get away and go back to the abby.
Iain wants to make her his wife and Victoria wants nothing to do with being married again. See the 1st time did not work out so great. After her husband dies she runs to the Scottish highlands to escape from the devil that’s pursued her from England. Will Iain finally win over the lass who has bewitched his very soul? Or will she be taken from him forever?
She Halted, her back to him
“What is your name?”
An instant of silence passed, then she turned.
“You should have asked Father Brennan before you stole me.” ~Page 18
This is defiantly one of my favorite Highlander books! At times it had me laughing so hard I cried, I love Victoria’s sprit she is smart, strong and takes no crap from this big sexy Highland warrior. The things she does to that poor man will have you laughing.
The Lord Keeper is a sexy, funny, action packed book that will have you laughing, crying and sometimes wanting to yell at the book, you won’t be bored reading this.
Iain MacPherson ends up at an Abby due to reports of another clan being on his land. While he is there he sees Victoria Hockley and kidnaps her as soon as she steps off holy ground.
No one told Victoria that she must stay on holy ground when visitors are around otherwise she is fair game to take home. But she put up one hell of a fight and is determined to get away and go back to the abby.
Iain wants to make her his wife and Victoria wants nothing to do with being married again. See the 1st time did not work out so great. After her husband dies she runs to the Scottish highlands to escape from the devil that’s pursued her from England. Will Iain finally win over the lass who has bewitched his very soul? Or will she be taken from him forever?
July 22, 2012
Reviewed for Booked Up
To See Review at Booked Up
What can be more wonderful than love at first sight?
Iain MacPherson sees Victoria Hockley, the Countess of Lansbury, and decides to make her his. Not knowing her name, he waits until she leave the holy ground of Montrose Abbey and he takes her. He swears that soon she will willingly agree to marry him.
Victoria is running from her brother-in-law; and although she doesn’t want to admit it, she feels safe with Iain. However, when the past and present are full of betrayal, can they defend themselves against their enemies?
I loved the main characters: Iain is a stubborn man. He sees Victoria and he takes her. And Victoria is as stubborn as him, trying to deny the connection between them. I enjoyed the sparks between them. If you are in the mood for a romantic novella, you should read this one. I gladly give it 4.5 stars.
To See Review at Booked Up
What can be more wonderful than love at first sight?
Iain MacPherson sees Victoria Hockley, the Countess of Lansbury, and decides to make her his. Not knowing her name, he waits until she leave the holy ground of Montrose Abbey and he takes her. He swears that soon she will willingly agree to marry him.
Victoria is running from her brother-in-law; and although she doesn’t want to admit it, she feels safe with Iain. However, when the past and present are full of betrayal, can they defend themselves against their enemies?
I loved the main characters: Iain is a stubborn man. He sees Victoria and he takes her. And Victoria is as stubborn as him, trying to deny the connection between them. I enjoyed the sparks between them. If you are in the mood for a romantic novella, you should read this one. I gladly give it 4.5 stars.
December 26, 2016
3.5 stars
This story had awesome potential. Tarah is a talented writer, but fell short on this book in my opinion. The plot was a good one. Love when the hero kidnaps his heroine. The characters were well written and likable. I had to reread some parts several times and felt lost. Had to go back and was asking myself what the hell happened and if I missed or somehow skipped pages or something. One paragraph would end and the next starts at something different. A new day or whatever. It was written choppy and confusing in parts. Iain's dream was confusing and almost seemed an after thought or filler. I will continue read work by this author.
This story had awesome potential. Tarah is a talented writer, but fell short on this book in my opinion. The plot was a good one. Love when the hero kidnaps his heroine. The characters were well written and likable. I had to reread some parts several times and felt lost. Had to go back and was asking myself what the hell happened and if I missed or somehow skipped pages or something. One paragraph would end and the next starts at something different. A new day or whatever. It was written choppy and confusing in parts. Iain's dream was confusing and almost seemed an after thought or filler. I will continue read work by this author.
December 12, 2015
Tarah Scott is a great author and this is one of her best books. I loved this book from the first page to the last. A lot of times it takes you a chapter or two to fall in love with the book. Not this one for me. I loved how the hero knew at first site that he wanted the heroine. It had some funny parts but mostly a real alpha male type hero that I like. The heroine was a fighter too and I enjoyed reading her interaction with the Clan.
I think this is a must read for the hard core history romance fans!!
I think this is a must read for the hard core history romance fans!!
November 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this Author, She reminds me of "Julie Garwood".
The Gypsies were a great addition to this Great Romance Story.
I love this time period. I love the highlands. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
I wanted to crawl in this book and take up residence, I didn't want to return to my everyday life.
I Highly Recommend This Book
The Gypsies were a great addition to this Great Romance Story.
I love this time period. I love the highlands. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
I wanted to crawl in this book and take up residence, I didn't want to return to my everyday life.
I Highly Recommend This Book
August 20, 2013
In this story we meet Victoria,who is kidnapped off of holy ground.Iain is the hero who steals her and takes her to his home.Victoria has secrets it takes Iain awhile to figure everything out.The attraction is mutual.Danger comes and both are willing to sacrafice themselves to save the other.A great Highlander story!
July 20, 2013
I won this book and must say I'm thrilled with it! This is my first book by Tarah Scott and I will certainly be reading more. I enjoyed the setting and the characters Iain and Vi - um, the lass, to be multifaceted and charmingly human. I will admit the plot took a different direction than I expected (which isn't a bad thing!) but left no loose end at the conclusion. I highly recommend!
December 10, 2013
Definitely a keeper, lol. This was the first book I read by this author. She won me over all the twists and turns of this complex plot. I will be reading more from this author.
May 25, 2014
I have yet to find a book by Tarah Scott that I did not love. This book was no exception. Loved it!
March 18, 2014
This is a really good book. The plot is twisty and is soooo worth reading. I can't wait to read more of her books. You will love Iain plus you wont be disappointed with this book.
historical
January 28, 2019No man bargains for war when he chooses a bride, but when he steals her from holy ground, he can expect nothing less. Iain MacPherson swore he was nothing like his father, but his kidnapping of Victoria Hockley, the Countess of Lansbury is the first step toward the same obsessive jealousy that fueled his father's life-long feud against the chief Iain's mother loved.
A kiss, a midnight race for freedom, and a royal missive force Victoria into her captor's arms. Hallowed ground can't save her from the devil that followed her from England. Yet the Scottish lord who swears to protect her is far more dangerous.
A kiss, a midnight race for freedom, and a royal missive force Victoria into her captor's arms. Hallowed ground can't save her from the devil that followed her from England. Yet the Scottish lord who swears to protect her is far more dangerous.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews