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Highland Heather and Hearts Scottish Romance #2
The Bedeviled Heart
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
Scotland, 1479
Cameron Malcolm Stewart, Earl of Lennox, had made his peace with destiny. It was not his fate to love as other men.
Each of his politically arranged marriages had ended in disaster. And though he had never touched a one of his wives, he had come to believe that sharing his name would consign a woman to an early grave. So, on the sunny spring day Cameron encounters a delightfully devious, bright-eyed lass selling charmed stones in one of Stirling's alehouses, he tosses her a shilling, thinking only to steal a kiss. But it is a kiss that will change his life forever.
To care for her ailing father, the precocious Kate Ferguson has resorted to swindling the drunkards of Stirling. But a chance meeting with a handsome and seductively mysterious outlaw named Cameron ends with a kiss that changes the course of her destiny.
But as dark times descend upon Scotland, Kate is inadvertently caught in a deadly web of court intrigue spun by the royal favorite, Thomas Cochrane. And as King James III falls prey to his fear of the Black Arts, accusations of witchcraft and treachery abound. The fate of Scotland hangs in the balance, and while Cameron vows to defy destiny itself to hold Kate forever in his arms, he must unravel the plots of nobles and commoners alike to protect the country that he loves.
Scotland, 1479
Cameron Malcolm Stewart, Earl of Lennox, had made his peace with destiny. It was not his fate to love as other men.
Each of his politically arranged marriages had ended in disaster. And though he had never touched a one of his wives, he had come to believe that sharing his name would consign a woman to an early grave. So, on the sunny spring day Cameron encounters a delightfully devious, bright-eyed lass selling charmed stones in one of Stirling's alehouses, he tosses her a shilling, thinking only to steal a kiss. But it is a kiss that will change his life forever.
To care for her ailing father, the precocious Kate Ferguson has resorted to swindling the drunkards of Stirling. But a chance meeting with a handsome and seductively mysterious outlaw named Cameron ends with a kiss that changes the course of her destiny.
But as dark times descend upon Scotland, Kate is inadvertently caught in a deadly web of court intrigue spun by the royal favorite, Thomas Cochrane. And as King James III falls prey to his fear of the Black Arts, accusations of witchcraft and treachery abound. The fate of Scotland hangs in the balance, and while Cameron vows to defy destiny itself to hold Kate forever in his arms, he must unravel the plots of nobles and commoners alike to protect the country that he loves.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2011
159 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Caine
29 books392 followersLike many of us on this planet, Carmen Caine/Madison Adler is from another world. She spends every moment she can scribbling stories on sticky notes that her kids find posted all over the car, house, and barn.
When she is not working as a software engineer, she is busy ferrying her kids to various appointments, writing lyrics for her husband's songs, taking care of the dog Tigger and his heart condition, attempting to tame her three insane cats, scratching her three Nigerian Dwarf Goats behind the horns or coddling her flock of thirty bizarre chickens from around the world.
Please follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/CarmenRomances or visit my facebook page: facebook.com/Carmen.Caine
When she is not working as a software engineer, she is busy ferrying her kids to various appointments, writing lyrics for her husband's songs, taking care of the dog Tigger and his heart condition, attempting to tame her three insane cats, scratching her three Nigerian Dwarf Goats behind the horns or coddling her flock of thirty bizarre chickens from around the world.
Please follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/CarmenRomances or visit my facebook page: facebook.com/Carmen.Caine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 7, 2016
I read this book a while ago but for whatever reason did not review it. Maybe it was part of a bundle. I don't do very well with bundles.
Cameron was cursed, or so he believed. He had been a widower again and again and again, well, sort of. Because he never really was married to any of those poor souls who died their untimely demise. Women drop dead around him, whoever became betrothed to him, died. So he somehow resolved that he would never marry because at this point, no one would betroth their daughter to him.
Enters Kate, a peasant girl, poor as dirt. She worked in taverns, selling useless charms for a living to support her sick father. OK at this point I already lost interest in Kate. I cannot connect with a heroine who isn't.....well....somehow educated. Kate was portrayed in a rather unflattering light. She seemed rather unsophisticated and was able to charm Cameron because of her...well, ruggedness. Not exactly what I aspire to be so I found her hard to connect with.
The relationship is lukewarm at best. Cameron was a rather "soft" highlander. He was not brooding, not a tall dark stranger. He was just.....unlucky. That gave him kind of a comedy flair. That made his relationship with peasant girl Kate kind of funny. Then I had to roll my eyes when Kate was hired to be the maid for Cameron's intended. I did not know how the story could progress from there. So Cameron's evil intended was going to make Kate's life miserable? Cameron already kind of fell in love with Kate but he was to travel with his future wife home with Kate in tow? The plots are distracting. I do not know what happened to the main relationship, because nothing happened. They met, they liked each other, they kind of flirted, they kind of kissed, they kind of could not be together but they kind of were trapped together somehow. Where is the romance?
As a story, the book might not be too bad. The romance is however, sorely lacking.
Cameron was cursed, or so he believed. He had been a widower again and again and again, well, sort of. Because he never really was married to any of those poor souls who died their untimely demise. Women drop dead around him, whoever became betrothed to him, died. So he somehow resolved that he would never marry because at this point, no one would betroth their daughter to him.
Enters Kate, a peasant girl, poor as dirt. She worked in taverns, selling useless charms for a living to support her sick father. OK at this point I already lost interest in Kate. I cannot connect with a heroine who isn't.....well....somehow educated. Kate was portrayed in a rather unflattering light. She seemed rather unsophisticated and was able to charm Cameron because of her...well, ruggedness. Not exactly what I aspire to be so I found her hard to connect with.
The relationship is lukewarm at best. Cameron was a rather "soft" highlander. He was not brooding, not a tall dark stranger. He was just.....unlucky. That gave him kind of a comedy flair. That made his relationship with peasant girl Kate kind of funny. Then I had to roll my eyes when Kate was hired to be the maid for Cameron's intended. I did not know how the story could progress from there. So Cameron's evil intended was going to make Kate's life miserable? Cameron already kind of fell in love with Kate but he was to travel with his future wife home with Kate in tow? The plots are distracting. I do not know what happened to the main relationship, because nothing happened. They met, they liked each other, they kind of flirted, they kind of kissed, they kind of could not be together but they kind of were trapped together somehow. Where is the romance?
As a story, the book might not be too bad. The romance is however, sorely lacking.
April 17, 2012
A really good light medieval romance with plenty of cheeky humor and intrigue. Great H/h! Steam level mild (fade to black only) but the tension and romance high. It was fun watching them fall in love around their misguided notions and beliefs of curses. 4.5 stars
May 7, 2012
Superb Love Story from 15th century Scotland!
Ever wonder what a 5 star historical romance looks like with no love scenes? Well, this is it! Oh there’s lots of kissing and wooing but we’re not shown into the bedroom when the action happens. And though I might have liked to see those scenes, I truly did not feel deprived in this case. I just loved this story from old Scotland…a true historical romance superbly told with wonderful characters, with the history of the time many layered like a rich tapestry. I highly recommend it.
Set in Scotland in 1479, it’s the second of Caine’s Scottish Medieval series and tells the story of Cameron Malcolm Stewart, Earl of Lennox. Cameron, a handsome Scottish noble, has been married and made a widower 7 times, never consummating the marriages before his brides died. So, he reasonably believes his marrying any woman condemns her to an early death. On one spring day near Stirling Castle, Cameron encounters a young woman, Kate Ferguson, who is selling charmed stones in one of Stirling's alehouses. He tosses Kate a shilling in exchange for a kiss. He is charmed by her winsome ways. Later he ends up helping her ailing father and finds he can’t stay away from the lass. She thinks he’s an outlaw, and against her better judgment, falls in love with him. Meanwhile, Kate and Cameron are caught up in the intrigue swirling around King James III’s court. As the king falls prey to his indulgence in the black arts, accusations of witchcraft and treachery abound. The fate of Scotland hangs in the balance, and Cameron attempts to unravel the plots while trying to hold together the country he loves.
The fast paced story will have you reading late into the night. It is very well done. Personally, I can’t wait to read the rest in her Highland Heather and Hearts (Scottish Medieval) Series:
The Kindling Heart
The Bedeviled Heart
The Daring Heart
The Loyal Heart
Ever wonder what a 5 star historical romance looks like with no love scenes? Well, this is it! Oh there’s lots of kissing and wooing but we’re not shown into the bedroom when the action happens. And though I might have liked to see those scenes, I truly did not feel deprived in this case. I just loved this story from old Scotland…a true historical romance superbly told with wonderful characters, with the history of the time many layered like a rich tapestry. I highly recommend it.
Set in Scotland in 1479, it’s the second of Caine’s Scottish Medieval series and tells the story of Cameron Malcolm Stewart, Earl of Lennox. Cameron, a handsome Scottish noble, has been married and made a widower 7 times, never consummating the marriages before his brides died. So, he reasonably believes his marrying any woman condemns her to an early death. On one spring day near Stirling Castle, Cameron encounters a young woman, Kate Ferguson, who is selling charmed stones in one of Stirling's alehouses. He tosses Kate a shilling in exchange for a kiss. He is charmed by her winsome ways. Later he ends up helping her ailing father and finds he can’t stay away from the lass. She thinks he’s an outlaw, and against her better judgment, falls in love with him. Meanwhile, Kate and Cameron are caught up in the intrigue swirling around King James III’s court. As the king falls prey to his indulgence in the black arts, accusations of witchcraft and treachery abound. The fate of Scotland hangs in the balance, and Cameron attempts to unravel the plots while trying to hold together the country he loves.
The fast paced story will have you reading late into the night. It is very well done. Personally, I can’t wait to read the rest in her Highland Heather and Hearts (Scottish Medieval) Series:
The Kindling Heart
The Bedeviled Heart
The Daring Heart
The Loyal Heart
June 29, 2015
4.5
I really enjoyed this one. I read the first book (The Kindling Heart) a couple years ago, but its a story that stuck with me. I remember Lord Cameron in that book and always planned on reading his story, now I'm wondering why I waited so long to do it. I really loved him in this one. And his heroine, Kate was so easy to like. She's a feisty little thing. They had such great chemistry and I loved them together.
While this is the second book in the series, it can stand on it's own. It has its own plot and while previous characters show up, they are independent enough from the story that you won't feel like you're missing anything if you read it out of order. I love that. Cameron, Kate and Julian really made the book for me. I didn't love all the political intrigue, but it was nice when you finally see Cameron start to take command, he can be intimidating when he wants to be.
Overall, a fun medieval story! I can't wait to read Julian's story, I loved him in this one.
Content
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo. Premarital, closed door intimacy.
Language: None-mild, no swearing that I remember, but some crude name calling
Violence: Mild. Some mild fighting and mild descriptions of "witches" being burned
Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Nominated for a 2014 Swoony Award.
I really enjoyed this one. I read the first book (The Kindling Heart) a couple years ago, but its a story that stuck with me. I remember Lord Cameron in that book and always planned on reading his story, now I'm wondering why I waited so long to do it. I really loved him in this one. And his heroine, Kate was so easy to like. She's a feisty little thing. They had such great chemistry and I loved them together.
While this is the second book in the series, it can stand on it's own. It has its own plot and while previous characters show up, they are independent enough from the story that you won't feel like you're missing anything if you read it out of order. I love that. Cameron, Kate and Julian really made the book for me. I didn't love all the political intrigue, but it was nice when you finally see Cameron start to take command, he can be intimidating when he wants to be.
Overall, a fun medieval story! I can't wait to read Julian's story, I loved him in this one.
Content
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo. Premarital, closed door intimacy.
Language: None-mild, no swearing that I remember, but some crude name calling
Violence: Mild. Some mild fighting and mild descriptions of "witches" being burned
Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Nominated for a 2014 Swoony Award.
April 23, 2012
Cameron Stewart (The Dreaded Earl of Death) is cursed. Every time that a marriage has been arranged for him, some disaster befalls each woman. He's convinced himself that marriage to him will mean the death of any woman, but a chance encounter with Kate Ferguson changes his whole life.
Kate is charming and Cameron is so sexy that you will cheer for them through accusations of witchcraft, and the sneakiness of the royal court, all the way to the end. If you love historical romance, then you won't be disappointed in Carmen Caine's "The Bedeviled Heart". This author obviously knows her history and her romance.
Kate is charming and Cameron is so sexy that you will cheer for them through accusations of witchcraft, and the sneakiness of the royal court, all the way to the end. If you love historical romance, then you won't be disappointed in Carmen Caine's "The Bedeviled Heart". This author obviously knows her history and her romance.
November 30, 2014
Ugh. This would of gotten more stars if it would of had a little less lust and a little more love. Less premarital relations and more chastity. Less darkness and more light.
I really liked the two main characters and totally rooted for them. It just wasn't how I like my romances written about.
I really liked the two main characters and totally rooted for them. It just wasn't how I like my romances written about.
October 4, 2012
Sometimes, someone sends you a book, and it is free, and you think "this could be fun." But it is not.
April 7, 2018
Not your average Scottish Highlander romance. Full of history, intrigue and no explicit sex scenes!
I knew I wanted to read this book when I saw it was Cameron's story. He deserved a happily ever after. I liked the contrast of Kate and Cameron in the beginning of their relationship. She saw it all as luck, and he just kept dwelling on his "curse". But she got him to see it her way...kind of...
Loved the romance! And it was clean. There were no explicit sex scenes. Plenty of kisses and desire, he's a virile highlander, but the details were left to the imagination. My only issue was that they had sex before marriage.
The intrigue was a lot to follow. But it was interesting. And historical, I think. So that was nice. I like to learn things when I read.
Also, fun to see Ruan and Bree show up and still be adorably in love!
I knew I wanted to read this book when I saw it was Cameron's story. He deserved a happily ever after. I liked the contrast of Kate and Cameron in the beginning of their relationship. She saw it all as luck, and he just kept dwelling on his "curse". But she got him to see it her way...kind of...
Loved the romance! And it was clean. There were no explicit sex scenes. Plenty of kisses and desire, he's a virile highlander, but the details were left to the imagination. My only issue was that they had sex before marriage.
The intrigue was a lot to follow. But it was interesting. And historical, I think. So that was nice. I like to learn things when I read.
Also, fun to see Ruan and Bree show up and still be adorably in love!
June 1, 2017
4.5 I really enjoyed the Earl.of Death stuff then right before the end the story loses momentum. It feels like the author had ideas to start and then was ran out or maybe her mind had already moved on from this project and she was just rushing to finish for the sake of being done. I still enjoyed it but not quite a 5 star for me.
April 26, 2023
I love this book
I've read it 3 times and go back to it as my favorite.. The story is sweet, with Kate being a happy,kind hearted girl. Just a natural people person, that sees good in everyone. The Earl is the black cloud that need sunshine. Its beautiful, entertaining, funny, heartbreak ing and joyful in one book
I've read it 3 times and go back to it as my favorite.. The story is sweet, with Kate being a happy,kind hearted girl. Just a natural people person, that sees good in everyone. The Earl is the black cloud that need sunshine. Its beautiful, entertaining, funny, heartbreak ing and joyful in one book
October 1, 2018
Historical romance
Love the writers stories with historical facts along with romance. An easier way to learn some history because it's far more interesting in this format. The author lets the reader know in the beginning what is fact and what is story
Love the writers stories with historical facts along with romance. An easier way to learn some history because it's far more interesting in this format. The author lets the reader know in the beginning what is fact and what is story
December 20, 2017
The Bedeviled Heart
I have enjoyed this book very much it was very interesting and most mysteries, I can't say when I have enjoyed a book this much. Thank you Ada G.
I have enjoyed this book very much it was very interesting and most mysteries, I can't say when I have enjoyed a book this much. Thank you Ada G.
Read
January 1, 2021I really tried to like this book, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I couldn’t get into the characters and the writing style was a little odd.
June 25, 2021
I loved this book! Kate and Cameron were so real and passionate, the setting descriptions were gorgeous and detailed, and the history and drama was fascinating.
Want to read
February 24, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/24/2022)! 🎁
May 15, 2017
What a great story--I am now starting book 3!
July 3, 2022
They had robin hood in the 15th century?
May 19, 2018
Comme le 1er, bonne structure. Dénouement positif attendu mais pas de manière simple. Des moments tristes, émouvants.
December 30, 2019
This was a pretty good story about a Earl who believes himself to be cursed. He meets Kate Ferguson who is taking care of her ill father by robbing from the rich (and drunk).
The only issue I had with the story was that it could get a bit confusing at times keeping all the characters straight in my head.
The only issue I had with the story was that it could get a bit confusing at times keeping all the characters straight in my head.
November 7, 2012
AUTHOR: If you are a true Scottish Highlander romance reader at heart, this is a book for you. Carmen Caine writes the Bedeviled Heart with an excellent balance PERIL, ACTION & ADVENTURE situations and of course L'AMOUR.
GENRE: Historical romance
SETTING: 15th century Scotland, time of King James
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTERS: Kate is a smooth talker and can guide your attention in any direction that she chooses. She does not always tell the truth but will do whatever is “reasonably” necessary for the survival of her father and herself.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Cameron believes he has been cursed. He is a good hearted down to earth man who prefers to avoid the pompous and arrogant ways of people at the King’s court. But when Cameron loves someone, Cameron loves someone.
SYNOPSIS: From the very beginning she lies and has no idea who she is talking to. He catches her in a few lies but oh for a kiss. She takes her hard earned money to provide a better place to move her father. He stumbles upon her again and helps her relocate her father. The woman who she rents the small room has suggested a serving job at the palace.
SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: Measured from Inspirational romance (not explicit) to Erotica (hot, steamy and sizzling).
Romantically and passionately “tasteful”. (Quote) “Her breath quickened and his own matched it as the kiss deepened, and he plundered her lips with a raw, urgent hunger, and then crushing her against him, he lifted her in his strong arms and carried her…… (Tasteful)
WHAT I LIKED: Her smooth talking ways (so funny). He just keeps on giving and giving and giving. What a man !!! From one job to the next she goes as he tries to avoid telling her his secret.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Absolutely nothing!!!
I give this book (5) stars because I am a true fan of Scottish Highland romance books. There is absolutely nothing that I did not like about this book.
GENRE: Historical romance
SETTING: 15th century Scotland, time of King James
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTERS: Kate is a smooth talker and can guide your attention in any direction that she chooses. She does not always tell the truth but will do whatever is “reasonably” necessary for the survival of her father and herself.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Cameron believes he has been cursed. He is a good hearted down to earth man who prefers to avoid the pompous and arrogant ways of people at the King’s court. But when Cameron loves someone, Cameron loves someone.
SYNOPSIS: From the very beginning she lies and has no idea who she is talking to. He catches her in a few lies but oh for a kiss. She takes her hard earned money to provide a better place to move her father. He stumbles upon her again and helps her relocate her father. The woman who she rents the small room has suggested a serving job at the palace.
SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: Measured from Inspirational romance (not explicit) to Erotica (hot, steamy and sizzling).
Romantically and passionately “tasteful”. (Quote) “Her breath quickened and his own matched it as the kiss deepened, and he plundered her lips with a raw, urgent hunger, and then crushing her against him, he lifted her in his strong arms and carried her…… (Tasteful)
WHAT I LIKED: Her smooth talking ways (so funny). He just keeps on giving and giving and giving. What a man !!! From one job to the next she goes as he tries to avoid telling her his secret.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Absolutely nothing!!!
I give this book (5) stars because I am a true fan of Scottish Highland romance books. There is absolutely nothing that I did not like about this book.
February 1, 2014
It is a rare day that I pick up romance novels, and even rare that I don't read them without laughing over cheesy scenes, horribly inaccurate written lovemaking, or some little sappiness in them. To say that I am not a connoisseur of romance novels is a fair statement. Still, on the rare occasion I spot a novel of interest, I might be so inclined as to read it.
The Bedeviled Heart is the second in the series (something I was unaware of when I picked up the novel for a mere 99 cent on Amazon special), and while the romance pair themselves don't exist, the novel does have a bit of truth set into it. Set in 15th century Scotland, this novel does a fairly decent job of displaying political events of the time, setting us with Cameron Stewart, a cousin to the then King James III of Scotland. Throughout the story, we're given a startling interesting view of the politics that go on at court. King James III was not a particularly liked King and Caine's book seems to be well thought out and well researched.
Upon first glance at the original cover, I was a bit wary seeing as it looks like something that could have ended up in Objectified Scotsman Thursdays. The book itself was well-written, few to no mistakes in grammar, and I applaud Caine for attempting to write out the Scottish accent. There were a few parts however that I had to reread passages two or three times in order to make sense of what was being said. I recognize it's difficult to write accents, but sometimes it become detrimental to use an accurate accent when writing. And, I'll admit I was a bit saddened at the lack of any actual scenes of a sexual nature, though sometimes it's best to just allude to those.
I'd recommend this for anyone wanting a historical romance to read, since Caine is masterful enough to blend both the mystery of romance and the stinging truth of history in this story. Now if I could get my hands onto the first and third books of this series.
The Bedeviled Heart is the second in the series (something I was unaware of when I picked up the novel for a mere 99 cent on Amazon special), and while the romance pair themselves don't exist, the novel does have a bit of truth set into it. Set in 15th century Scotland, this novel does a fairly decent job of displaying political events of the time, setting us with Cameron Stewart, a cousin to the then King James III of Scotland. Throughout the story, we're given a startling interesting view of the politics that go on at court. King James III was not a particularly liked King and Caine's book seems to be well thought out and well researched.
Upon first glance at the original cover, I was a bit wary seeing as it looks like something that could have ended up in Objectified Scotsman Thursdays. The book itself was well-written, few to no mistakes in grammar, and I applaud Caine for attempting to write out the Scottish accent. There were a few parts however that I had to reread passages two or three times in order to make sense of what was being said. I recognize it's difficult to write accents, but sometimes it become detrimental to use an accurate accent when writing. And, I'll admit I was a bit saddened at the lack of any actual scenes of a sexual nature, though sometimes it's best to just allude to those.
I'd recommend this for anyone wanting a historical romance to read, since Caine is masterful enough to blend both the mystery of romance and the stinging truth of history in this story. Now if I could get my hands onto the first and third books of this series.
July 20, 2013
The Bedeviled Heart, Review Book Two of the Highland Heather and Hearts Scottish Romance Series authored by Carmen Caine
Review by Linda Hays-Gibbs
Kate Ferguson is a spirited lass with a heart of gold. She meets a charming outlaw at one of the taverns while selling supposedly charmed rocks.
The outlaw is the famed Cameron, Earl of Lennox, the Dreaded Earl of Death. He is enchanted by Kate and falls for her charms almost immediately but since he has married seven times and lost all wives to death he vows to protect Kate. He will not have her die because he loves her.
Court intrigue with King James lll and Thomas Cochrane, the mason lead to extreme measures and Cameron tries always to protect his Kate and her endearing father. He tries to hide them away from Thomas but he finds them and takes his Kate. The Prince, John Stewart is also taken and killed by Thomas. The search for Kate is extensive but she has disappeared. Cameron is distraught and out for blood.
Finally with his nobles behind him and the help of his friend the Earl, Julian Gray he finds her at last but she is large with his child.
They still must battle this murderous Thomas Cochrane and the King but I will leave the rest of the tale. I've already gave too much away in this charming story I loved.
The characters are so real and fleshy that you feel you know them personally. The plot is exciting with just the right amount of history. You feel like you are there.
I could not put it down or stop until I had consumed it. I loved this story and must read her other books.
I give her Five Stars out of Five. It was brilliant.
Linda Hays-Gibbs
The Romance Reviews
Eternal Press Author
Review by Linda Hays-Gibbs
Kate Ferguson is a spirited lass with a heart of gold. She meets a charming outlaw at one of the taverns while selling supposedly charmed rocks.
The outlaw is the famed Cameron, Earl of Lennox, the Dreaded Earl of Death. He is enchanted by Kate and falls for her charms almost immediately but since he has married seven times and lost all wives to death he vows to protect Kate. He will not have her die because he loves her.
Court intrigue with King James lll and Thomas Cochrane, the mason lead to extreme measures and Cameron tries always to protect his Kate and her endearing father. He tries to hide them away from Thomas but he finds them and takes his Kate. The Prince, John Stewart is also taken and killed by Thomas. The search for Kate is extensive but she has disappeared. Cameron is distraught and out for blood.
Finally with his nobles behind him and the help of his friend the Earl, Julian Gray he finds her at last but she is large with his child.
They still must battle this murderous Thomas Cochrane and the King but I will leave the rest of the tale. I've already gave too much away in this charming story I loved.
The characters are so real and fleshy that you feel you know them personally. The plot is exciting with just the right amount of history. You feel like you are there.
I could not put it down or stop until I had consumed it. I loved this story and must read her other books.
I give her Five Stars out of Five. It was brilliant.
Linda Hays-Gibbs
The Romance Reviews
Eternal Press Author
January 22, 2012
This is one of my all time favorites! Cameron-The Dreaded Earl of Death- is one of those lovable, sexy, strong heroes that you can't help but love. Kate is feisty and a very likable character.
Each of his politically arranged marriages had ended in disaster. And though he had never touched a one of his wives, he had come to believe that sharing his name would consign a woman to an early grave.
So, on the sunny spring day Cameron encounters a delightfully devious, bright-eyed lass selling charmed stones in one of Stirling's alehouses, he tosses her a shilling, thinking only to steal a kiss. But it is a kiss that will change his life forever.
To care for her ailing father, the precocious Kate Ferguson has resorted to swindling the drunkards of Stirling. But a chance meeting with a handsome and seductively mysterious outlaw named Cameron ends with a kiss that changes the course of her destiny.
But as dark times descend upon Scotland, Kate is inadvertently caught in a deadly web of court intrigue spun by the royal favorite, Thomas Cochrane. And as King James III falls prey to his fear of the Black Arts, accusations of witchcraft and treachery abound.
The fate of Scotland hangs in the balance, and while Cameron vows to defy destiny itself to hold Kate forever in his arms, he must unravel the plots of nobles and commoners alike to protect the country that he loves.
I liked Kate's tenacity as well as her kindheartedness. Cameron struggles with his reputation and the fear of being cursed. Kate is able to help him overcome that.
Simply put, it is a GREAT read! Could not put it down and I'm looking forward to the next in this series! ;o)
Each of his politically arranged marriages had ended in disaster. And though he had never touched a one of his wives, he had come to believe that sharing his name would consign a woman to an early grave.
So, on the sunny spring day Cameron encounters a delightfully devious, bright-eyed lass selling charmed stones in one of Stirling's alehouses, he tosses her a shilling, thinking only to steal a kiss. But it is a kiss that will change his life forever.
To care for her ailing father, the precocious Kate Ferguson has resorted to swindling the drunkards of Stirling. But a chance meeting with a handsome and seductively mysterious outlaw named Cameron ends with a kiss that changes the course of her destiny.
But as dark times descend upon Scotland, Kate is inadvertently caught in a deadly web of court intrigue spun by the royal favorite, Thomas Cochrane. And as King James III falls prey to his fear of the Black Arts, accusations of witchcraft and treachery abound.
The fate of Scotland hangs in the balance, and while Cameron vows to defy destiny itself to hold Kate forever in his arms, he must unravel the plots of nobles and commoners alike to protect the country that he loves.
I liked Kate's tenacity as well as her kindheartedness. Cameron struggles with his reputation and the fear of being cursed. Kate is able to help him overcome that.
Simply put, it is a GREAT read! Could not put it down and I'm looking forward to the next in this series! ;o)
January 11, 2012
The Bedevilled Heart - Carmen Caine - Absolutely 5 stars!
“Surely ye can find others to corrupt. Let him free from your band of outlaws, ye onion-eyed varlet.”
With lines like these, how can one not enjoy this delightful Scottish romance, the second of the Highland Heather and Hearts Series? I love the heroine, Kate, who is poor as a church mouse and has a sick father to protect. Thinking twice had never been her way and it got her into trouble more times than not. Her warm heart and tender ways had her jumping into situations head first and that’s what happened the night she met Cameron, the Dreaded Duke of Death.
Treachery was a foot in the courts of King James who was being used as a pawn by a villain who would seek power and wealth. Keeping Scotland safe, became Cameron’s goal, and so he sent his ladylove, Kate, to safety while he remained behind to ensure the trickery being planned and the bickering and feuding between the nobles would not endanger Scotland’s fractured state.
Witchcraft and sorcery have a part in this story as Kat is captured and finds out that she’s to be burnt at the stake as a witch. A surprising enemy saves her and when they flee, Cameron, heartbroken, searches for the lady who has won his heart.
Ms. Caine - I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the Series - Daring Heart.
“Surely ye can find others to corrupt. Let him free from your band of outlaws, ye onion-eyed varlet.”
With lines like these, how can one not enjoy this delightful Scottish romance, the second of the Highland Heather and Hearts Series? I love the heroine, Kate, who is poor as a church mouse and has a sick father to protect. Thinking twice had never been her way and it got her into trouble more times than not. Her warm heart and tender ways had her jumping into situations head first and that’s what happened the night she met Cameron, the Dreaded Duke of Death.
Treachery was a foot in the courts of King James who was being used as a pawn by a villain who would seek power and wealth. Keeping Scotland safe, became Cameron’s goal, and so he sent his ladylove, Kate, to safety while he remained behind to ensure the trickery being planned and the bickering and feuding between the nobles would not endanger Scotland’s fractured state.
Witchcraft and sorcery have a part in this story as Kat is captured and finds out that she’s to be burnt at the stake as a witch. A surprising enemy saves her and when they flee, Cameron, heartbroken, searches for the lady who has won his heart.
Ms. Caine - I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the Series - Daring Heart.
December 4, 2014
Loss potential.
This author had all the ingredients for a great story, alpha h who completely loved the h and a feisty h who returned his love without the drama. Add the palace intrigue and the author had the basis for a great story; however, the author lost me when I was about 60 percent into the book. At that point the h went away and boy did she go away!; then the story centered around the H, then the H went away. Then the author introduces another set of players. Needless to say, there was not enough history on the original characters and the additional characters. And since the author compartmentalized the characters, to me, failed to keep me engaged in the story. The author failed to weave the story together, which failed to keep my interest. In addition , by summarizing the love relationship, I did not become invested in the romance. For a minute, I thought I was in a YA romance. I do not want to be "told" about hot sexual feelings, I am one of those readers who wants to be shown this aspect of a relationship.
I am curious about the next character, Julian, however, I do not wish to invest that kind of energy into a story that I think would leave me very dissatisfied at the end. The author did have all the ingredients for a great story and to me, simply failed to execute.
This author had all the ingredients for a great story, alpha h who completely loved the h and a feisty h who returned his love without the drama. Add the palace intrigue and the author had the basis for a great story; however, the author lost me when I was about 60 percent into the book. At that point the h went away and boy did she go away!; then the story centered around the H, then the H went away. Then the author introduces another set of players. Needless to say, there was not enough history on the original characters and the additional characters. And since the author compartmentalized the characters, to me, failed to keep me engaged in the story. The author failed to weave the story together, which failed to keep my interest. In addition , by summarizing the love relationship, I did not become invested in the romance. For a minute, I thought I was in a YA romance. I do not want to be "told" about hot sexual feelings, I am one of those readers who wants to be shown this aspect of a relationship.
I am curious about the next character, Julian, however, I do not wish to invest that kind of energy into a story that I think would leave me very dissatisfied at the end. The author did have all the ingredients for a great story and to me, simply failed to execute.
May 4, 2012
More love and politics in the ancient Scotland.
After reading ‘the Kindling Heart’ I had great expectations, and ‘The Bedeviled Heart’ certainly did not disappoint me.
This time the story took place in the Borderlands, rather than in the Highlands, in the court of King James - a fascinating place, judging by this novel.
The politics and the undercurrents made me turn the pages on and on, reading for hours.
This was a wonderful story of loyalty and disloyalty, of struggle, of nobles and commoners, and in the midst of all this - the delightful love of Cameron and Kate. Those two won my sympathy from the very first pages, the sweetest couple I would read about on and on.
Their adventures were very different from those of Ruan and Bree from the first book, which is a great thing. There was no repetition; this book could have freely been read on its own, and not only as a part of the series.
And having peeked into the snippet of the promised third novel, I’m waiting for this promised sequel with bated breath.
After reading ‘the Kindling Heart’ I had great expectations, and ‘The Bedeviled Heart’ certainly did not disappoint me.
This time the story took place in the Borderlands, rather than in the Highlands, in the court of King James - a fascinating place, judging by this novel.
The politics and the undercurrents made me turn the pages on and on, reading for hours.
This was a wonderful story of loyalty and disloyalty, of struggle, of nobles and commoners, and in the midst of all this - the delightful love of Cameron and Kate. Those two won my sympathy from the very first pages, the sweetest couple I would read about on and on.
Their adventures were very different from those of Ruan and Bree from the first book, which is a great thing. There was no repetition; this book could have freely been read on its own, and not only as a part of the series.
And having peeked into the snippet of the promised third novel, I’m waiting for this promised sequel with bated breath.
July 29, 2015
Amazing!
This is a wonderful book. I couldn't help but laugh or smile through some of it, yet at other times I only wished for Thomas to die. This is a story of Kate who was a fisherman's daughter, who lost her mother and sister and her father was blind. She was trying to make a living the best way she could. Lord Cameron entered a tavern a saw the wee lass and was impressed with her. Cameron felt he was cursed, he had lost 7 wives and did not want to marry again. Kate thought Cameron was a thief and feared for his head. She got hired on at the castle and eventually found out who Cameron truly was. If anyone was to learn how much Cameron cared for Kate then she would be in dire danger. There is so much adventure, heartache, and pain as well as happiness and tears th fat follow the story. A must read.
This is a wonderful book. I couldn't help but laugh or smile through some of it, yet at other times I only wished for Thomas to die. This is a story of Kate who was a fisherman's daughter, who lost her mother and sister and her father was blind. She was trying to make a living the best way she could. Lord Cameron entered a tavern a saw the wee lass and was impressed with her. Cameron felt he was cursed, he had lost 7 wives and did not want to marry again. Kate thought Cameron was a thief and feared for his head. She got hired on at the castle and eventually found out who Cameron truly was. If anyone was to learn how much Cameron cared for Kate then she would be in dire danger. There is so much adventure, heartache, and pain as well as happiness and tears th fat follow the story. A must read.
November 6, 2015
A Scottish lass, Kate, unexpectedly meets an Earl, Cameron, and thinks he's a thief and robber. As the story develops, Cameron is smitten with Kate and her kind, independent ways, but allows her to continue to think he's a person of unsavory character. When she finally finds out that he is royalty, the two have fallen for each other despite their differences. There is court intrigue as the King falls under the spell of "Thomas" who is leading him to believe there are witches and traitors abound, (Kate being one of them). While this is not great writing, it kept my attention for the most part. I was a bit disappointed towards the end when Kate is saved from being burned at the stake and simply gives up the fight to find Cameron. With her spunk, one would have thought she would have searched heaven and earth. Overall, an ok read.
April 6, 2013
The first book in the series was very good, but this is great! The Bedeviled Heart is my all time favorite Scottish Romance.
The main character Cameron is cursed! Each of his politically arranged marriages has ended in the death of the bride! Though Cameron, the Earl of Lennox has never touched any of his wives he believes his name domes a woman to her grave.
In comes precocious Kate who is peddling 'magic' stones to make money to care for her father. Cameron had only hoped to steal a kiss, but he falls for the fierce, fiesty, kind-hearty Kate.
The story line is unique and exciting. The main characters are very likable, and I was routing for them from the first moment they met. The inclusion of Kate's father is beautifully done.
The main character Cameron is cursed! Each of his politically arranged marriages has ended in the death of the bride! Though Cameron, the Earl of Lennox has never touched any of his wives he believes his name domes a woman to her grave.
In comes precocious Kate who is peddling 'magic' stones to make money to care for her father. Cameron had only hoped to steal a kiss, but he falls for the fierce, fiesty, kind-hearty Kate.
The story line is unique and exciting. The main characters are very likable, and I was routing for them from the first moment they met. The inclusion of Kate's father is beautifully done.
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