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Bride of the MacHugh
This is the story of Elspeth Lamond and the MacHugh. Elspeth is a provocative and feminine lass who lived in a turbulent time in Scotland's history, a period crowded with romance, intrigue, battles and characters that are memorable for their vitality and charm, their lust, strength and willfulness. Alexander MacHugh was head of one of Scotland's mightiest clans when the rebellious Highlanders rallied around the MacDonald banner. He was a man of massive will but gravely courteous demeanor, and he clashed with Elspeth at every encounter, his will pitted against hers, neither of them willing to surrender to an irresistible attraction.
It was early in the seventeenth century in Scotland, and the men and women who lived, loved and fought then were no less stormy and unpredictable than the violent events which caught them up and determined their fates. In these pages you will meet the corrupt and ambitious Earl of Argyll, Elspeth's wily guardian, who epitomizes an insatiable greed for power and wealth; Kate MacLachlan, the beautiful and treacherous redhead, whose passion for Alexander MacHugh would stop at nothing for fulfillment; Gavin, the grim and mysterious youth with a scar across his cheek; Elspeth's half-sister, Jeanie Lamond, as fair and fresh as a May morning, and, of course, the many brave and gallant Scottish rebels, led by the MacDonalds, who harried the Campbells and would not be subdued by England.
It seemed just another day when Elspeth Lamond rode into the wild and untameable hills and moors of the Highlands on a quiet mission from London, but within a few hours she was a captive riding in the rain toward an unknown destination. From the day of her abduction by a band of rough horsemen till the day she fled the thick walls of her guardian's castle, Elspeth's fate was irrevocably linked with the Lamonds and with their friend, the MacHugh, whose name reverberates through these pages with the vigor of a clash of arms.
It was early in the seventeenth century in Scotland, and the men and women who lived, loved and fought then were no less stormy and unpredictable than the violent events which caught them up and determined their fates. In these pages you will meet the corrupt and ambitious Earl of Argyll, Elspeth's wily guardian, who epitomizes an insatiable greed for power and wealth; Kate MacLachlan, the beautiful and treacherous redhead, whose passion for Alexander MacHugh would stop at nothing for fulfillment; Gavin, the grim and mysterious youth with a scar across his cheek; Elspeth's half-sister, Jeanie Lamond, as fair and fresh as a May morning, and, of course, the many brave and gallant Scottish rebels, led by the MacDonalds, who harried the Campbells and would not be subdued by England.
It seemed just another day when Elspeth Lamond rode into the wild and untameable hills and moors of the Highlands on a quiet mission from London, but within a few hours she was a captive riding in the rain toward an unknown destination. From the day of her abduction by a band of rough horsemen till the day she fled the thick walls of her guardian's castle, Elspeth's fate was irrevocably linked with the Lamonds and with their friend, the MacHugh, whose name reverberates through these pages with the vigor of a clash of arms.
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
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About the author
Jan Cox Speas
7 books27 followersFrom here:
Jan Cox Speas was born November 5, 1925 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She attended the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (women could not go to UNC-Chapel Hill until junior year) from1942-46, where she studied creative writing under Hiram Hayden. UNC had a special association with Jan's family: her mother, Francis Howard Cox, who had studied as a high schooler at home in tiny Richlands, NC, was the first in the family to come to the college, taking the train in 1914 to Greensboro to study to be a teacher, and years later Jan’s daughter, Cindy, attended UNC-Chapel Hill in the first year freshmen women were allowed to enroll.
Near the end of the war Jan met and married John Speas on his return from the European theater. Their first child, Cindy, was born in 1948, right after John graduated from Colorado State University.
After several years of traveling, the Speas family settled back in Greensboro in 1954 to be near Jan’s mother, who suffered from chronic ill health. During that time Jan wrote multiple short stories for the widely read “slick” magazine market, including The Post, Ladies Home Journal, McCall’s, Cosmopolitan, and others.
Cindy Speas recalls, “Mom learned to write from reading--and that's what we did as a family every night.” Jan's favorite authors included Daphne DuMaurier, Mary Stewart, Nevil Shute, Elswyth Thane, Inglis Fletcher, Helen MacInnis, Elisabeth Ogilvie, Elizabeth Goudge, Dorothy Sayer and Josephine Tey. “But the most fun Mom and I had,” Cindy confesses, “was with Georgette Heyer's Regency romances--we collected all of the original hardbacks.”
Jan's own first novel, Bride of the McHugh, was published the same month her second child, Greg, was born, in 1954. The Indiana firm Bobbs-Merrill, where her UNC mentor Hiram Hayden was an editor, was the publisher. She published two more historical novels, My Lord Monleigh in 1956, and My Love, My Enemy in 1961, before going back to graduate school in 1962, where she received her Master of Fine Arts under southern poet Randall Jarrell at UNC-Greensboro, writing The Growing Season as her thesis. The Growing Season, published in 1963, was the first thesis accepted in non-standard thesis form for the university library, and is still on their shelves as the actual published book. (UNC-Greensboro also holds the original manuscript of Bride of the MacHugh)
Jan went on to teach English and creative writing as well as American literature and poetry at Guilford College in Greensboro . Her favorite poets were T.S. Elliott and Robert Frost. Sadly, she died of a heart attack in late October 1971 while on the west coast visiting her brother who was dying from a brain tumor, a double tragedy for their mother. “None of us expected it,” says Cindy. “It was a huge personal loss, but also a loss to all her fans.”
At the time of her death, Jan was working on a novel that remains unfinished.
Jan Cox Speas was born November 5, 1925 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She attended the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (women could not go to UNC-Chapel Hill until junior year) from1942-46, where she studied creative writing under Hiram Hayden. UNC had a special association with Jan's family: her mother, Francis Howard Cox, who had studied as a high schooler at home in tiny Richlands, NC, was the first in the family to come to the college, taking the train in 1914 to Greensboro to study to be a teacher, and years later Jan’s daughter, Cindy, attended UNC-Chapel Hill in the first year freshmen women were allowed to enroll.
Near the end of the war Jan met and married John Speas on his return from the European theater. Their first child, Cindy, was born in 1948, right after John graduated from Colorado State University.
After several years of traveling, the Speas family settled back in Greensboro in 1954 to be near Jan’s mother, who suffered from chronic ill health. During that time Jan wrote multiple short stories for the widely read “slick” magazine market, including The Post, Ladies Home Journal, McCall’s, Cosmopolitan, and others.
Cindy Speas recalls, “Mom learned to write from reading--and that's what we did as a family every night.” Jan's favorite authors included Daphne DuMaurier, Mary Stewart, Nevil Shute, Elswyth Thane, Inglis Fletcher, Helen MacInnis, Elisabeth Ogilvie, Elizabeth Goudge, Dorothy Sayer and Josephine Tey. “But the most fun Mom and I had,” Cindy confesses, “was with Georgette Heyer's Regency romances--we collected all of the original hardbacks.”
Jan's own first novel, Bride of the McHugh, was published the same month her second child, Greg, was born, in 1954. The Indiana firm Bobbs-Merrill, where her UNC mentor Hiram Hayden was an editor, was the publisher. She published two more historical novels, My Lord Monleigh in 1956, and My Love, My Enemy in 1961, before going back to graduate school in 1962, where she received her Master of Fine Arts under southern poet Randall Jarrell at UNC-Greensboro, writing The Growing Season as her thesis. The Growing Season, published in 1963, was the first thesis accepted in non-standard thesis form for the university library, and is still on their shelves as the actual published book. (UNC-Greensboro also holds the original manuscript of Bride of the MacHugh)
Jan went on to teach English and creative writing as well as American literature and poetry at Guilford College in Greensboro . Her favorite poets were T.S. Elliott and Robert Frost. Sadly, she died of a heart attack in late October 1971 while on the west coast visiting her brother who was dying from a brain tumor, a double tragedy for their mother. “None of us expected it,” says Cindy. “It was a huge personal loss, but also a loss to all her fans.”
At the time of her death, Jan was working on a novel that remains unfinished.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 12, 2013
"She had never thought her name lovely until she heard him say it, his warm Scots voice lingering softly over the word."
Fair warning: I am going to ramble like a loony bin in this review. I could give this five bright shining stars on one hand, or three grumpy stars on the other. I'm settling for four because the writing and the overall tone for this story are outstanding and far outdo many of the modern books that I read today. I've rated this based on a mix of literary merit and on my enjoyment, which is what I try to do with every book I read. I've been contemplating my feelings for Bride of the MacHugh for a few days now and I'm still unsure as to how I feel. I'll try to explain but it's going to sound like I'm talking in circles...which I am, because that's how my brain is working right now.
(This gif is dedicated to Bama, because I know how she adores them
:P )
MY SYNOPSIS:
Elspeth Lamond has spent her life in London with her mother, under the guardianship of the Earl of Argyll. When her mother extracts a promise while on her deathbed that Elspeth will go to Scotland to put herself under the protection of her Campbell family, she feels honor bound to hold up that vow. Only the warring clans in Scotland could make such a mess of her life, and being a woman in that time basically meant being reduced to a bartering tool. Elspeth finds herself in that very position, tossed around between the Campbells, Lamonds, MacHughs, and MacDonalds. Only the MacHughs do this in such a bold manner, stealing her away from her family and giving her no choice but to comply.
But it is the proud and infamous Alex MacHugh who holds her reluctant interest. Their passion for each other is evident from their first meeting, but it's a fickle passion. Sometimes love and hate feel much the same. Elspeth feels lost and alone amid these wild people, and she resents the feelings that she feels for the MacHugh leader.
"It was exceedingly difficult to keep her resolve, not to feel very young and lonely and forgotten. The world had narrowed down to the melancholy sky touching the tops of the mountains, those great squat monsters shouldering one on the other as far as the eye could see, and the grim MacHughs who rode beside her as strangers."
MY THOUGHTS:
And here comes the mess...
I actually tend to like the historical novels...particularly Highlander romance novels...that add plotlines based loosely on historical characters and facts. It adds realism to the book and a gravity to the characters actions. And once I've read more than a few written about the same characters (ex: the Campbells, MacGregors, Earl of Argyll), I begin to paint a picture in my head of what might have ACTUALLY happened in real life. It's fascinating, albeit likely highly romanticized. Scotland is so rich in history, and there is so much to tell, that no matter what, it's always fascinating to me. Here is a picture of Fraoch Eilean, one of the major strongholds in the book:
That being said, this book in particular was stuffed full of politics of the day and warring clans, name dropping, history and loads and loads of political intrigue and dialogue. Too much for my taste. It pushed the romance into a corner for much of the book.
The balance between the romance and the multiple skirmishes and goings on around MacHugh and Elspeth was not actually balanced at all. There wasn't much face to face time between these two prideful lovebirds. But...and here comes the circles...what intimacy there was, was perfect.
This is a couple that not only lusts and loves but they understand each other with a look, they touch each other without physical contact. The buildup of their romance is extremely slow, and it's phenomenal how the author leads the reader to believe so completely in this passion that they feel for each other without ever actually saying it outright. It felt very natural, even though Elspeth seemed to want to fight it. MacHugh...the arrogant bastard...simply chuckles at her stubborn refusal to acknowledge their attraction. And I chuckled right along with him, shaking my head and wishing I could just give her a little whisper in her ear to stop fighting the inevitable.
The romance was wonderful, what there was of it. There really was too much history and politics for my taste, but I also believe that what is written in the pages of this book was meant to be just this way. Maybe it's a sign of modern literature that I've ventured so far into romance that my books need to be saturated with it. **Shrug** I don't really care, because I like what I like. Even with too much politics, it still didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. The love scenes are fade to black (which did not detract from my enjoyment here), and that also is somewhat of a pet peeve of mine, because I think that sex is vital to a relationship and it's very hard for me to believe in passion without reading the evidence of it. Which leads me to a huge no no that was within this book, and the reason that I couldn't give it five stars. This isn't a plot line spoiler, but I am tagging it for those who can't take minor spoilers.
I am shaking my damn head, because that seriously almost ruined this romance for me. I am, however, glad that I stuck it out. One of my favorite quotes:
"...he had heard tales of the young MacHugh Chief, related to him with respect and admiration oft-times tinged with awe. The lad was a swordsman and fighter of great repute, but his most valuable asset was his ability to lead men. The MacDonlad cause was desperately in need of leaders, men the caliber of Alexander MacHugh, whose very name would bring men flocking to his banner."
Rarely do I get to read an author as talented as this one in the genre that I adore. I find at times that I take the best of what is available rather than the best that there is. And that was not the case with this one. This is a beautiful novel, and despite my complaint, I very much recommend any historical romance lover who can set aside feminist tendencies to read this. For the era that it is written, it's one of the best I've read.
October 29, 2013
Before I start my review, I have to admit something. I loathe most Highland romances. It’s the hokey dialogue. All those ‘dinna noes’ and ‘oches’ drive me up the frickin’ wall. Every time I have to interpret what the supposedly, sexy Scott said, it pulls me right out of the story and makes me want to toss the book against the wall. I’m a firm believer that you can hint at a sexy, Scottish brogue without adding ‘dinna’ to everything the hero says. I also find most of the covers for Scottish romances annoying with their shirtless, hunky dudes wearing nothing but a kilt, a sword belt and knee high socks. All I can think of is... isn’t he freezing his ass off? Isn’t Scotland kind of cold? There seems to be a certain stereotype with Scottish heros. They’re smirky. They never get pissed, or sad, or embarrassed. They just smirk and say ‘dinna no lass’ ... and they say it a lot. A perfect example of this is Johanna Lindsey’s lame ass romance Love Me Forever. (Check out the goofy stepback!) I blame Lindsey and Karen Moning for making sure I didn’t read another Scottish romance for almost six years.
So now that I’ve admitted this, you’re probably wondering why the hell did I read Bride of the MacHugh.
It’s because I fell in love with the gorgeous Tom Hall cover. Yeah, I know it’s kind of shallow, but I have a weakness for beautiful covers. In fact, I buy books and hoard them for just for that reason alone.
So let's talk about the cover. First, I love the way the two lovers stare at each other with such a deep, intense focus. Covers today do not have that much emotion in them. They’re bland. Most are headless or have a heroine staring off into space. They also don’t include the dorkier fashion accessories of the past. For instance, I have yet to see a cover with a codpiece. Most of them rarely show the men in tights, and where did all these leather pants come from? The fact that Hall included a ruff (which as Blackadder says, made Percy look like a stork who has swallowed a plate) makes me smile, especially since Hall made the ruff look cool. That’s not easy to do. I’m sure today, any cover would feature a half-dressed Scot with rippling muscles. (I just peeked... and guess what, I was right! He’s even headless.)
So does the book have the same intensity as my cover? No. What can I say? I’m sure most books aren’t as amazing as their Tom Hall covers. But I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Jan Cox Spears writes extremely well. Her description is vivid, and she captures the time period. She also has a beautiful way with words.
Elspeth put her hand against her cheek. The heavy gold ring was warm to the touch, as if it still held the heat of his blood with the metal.
The characters were likable and had a mature romance (no annoying big misunderstandings). And Spears also hinted at a Scottish brogue without ever irritating me with it. There was only one ‘dinna’ in the whole dang book. Yay!
The book isn’t perfect though. The scenes with MacHugh plotting against the Campbells bored me and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who with all the clans. The side characters are not unique and memorable, and I still don’t know the difference between some of the MacDonalds and Donald MacPhee, nor did I care.
I like MacHugh and Elspeth though and enjoyed their romance. I believe this is one of the better Scottish romances I’ve read in a long time. I’ll give it four stars. ****
So now that I’ve admitted this, you’re probably wondering why the hell did I read Bride of the MacHugh.
It’s because I fell in love with the gorgeous Tom Hall cover. Yeah, I know it’s kind of shallow, but I have a weakness for beautiful covers. In fact, I buy books and hoard them for just for that reason alone.
So let's talk about the cover. First, I love the way the two lovers stare at each other with such a deep, intense focus. Covers today do not have that much emotion in them. They’re bland. Most are headless or have a heroine staring off into space. They also don’t include the dorkier fashion accessories of the past. For instance, I have yet to see a cover with a codpiece. Most of them rarely show the men in tights, and where did all these leather pants come from? The fact that Hall included a ruff (which as Blackadder says, made Percy look like a stork who has swallowed a plate) makes me smile, especially since Hall made the ruff look cool. That’s not easy to do. I’m sure today, any cover would feature a half-dressed Scot with rippling muscles. (I just peeked... and guess what, I was right! He’s even headless.)
So does the book have the same intensity as my cover? No. What can I say? I’m sure most books aren’t as amazing as their Tom Hall covers. But I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Jan Cox Spears writes extremely well. Her description is vivid, and she captures the time period. She also has a beautiful way with words.
Elspeth put her hand against her cheek. The heavy gold ring was warm to the touch, as if it still held the heat of his blood with the metal.
The characters were likable and had a mature romance (no annoying big misunderstandings). And Spears also hinted at a Scottish brogue without ever irritating me with it. There was only one ‘dinna’ in the whole dang book. Yay!
The book isn’t perfect though. The scenes with MacHugh plotting against the Campbells bored me and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who with all the clans. The side characters are not unique and memorable, and I still don’t know the difference between some of the MacDonalds and Donald MacPhee, nor did I care.
I like MacHugh and Elspeth though and enjoyed their romance. I believe this is one of the better Scottish romances I’ve read in a long time. I’ll give it four stars. ****
January 27, 2020
Pleasant, but the political themes and romance were underdeveloped despite the fine prose.
I finished the book feeling dissatisfied with the short screen-time Alex and Elspeth shared. I could feel the chemistry between the two, but think more passion and angst could have been added in. To be fair, the amount that existed is in line with the conservative time period the novel was published in, and the book does straddle the line between historical fiction and historical romance closely.
My other dissatisfaction lies with the lack of explanation for the clan warfare. Readers (like myself who aren't familiar with early seventeenth-century Scottish history) are left to infer that the feuding is in response to politics and the Campbell greed but it's glossed over.
There's also mention of the many different clans, titles and names that became overwhelming at first because the author dropped them into the story without giving them a context or prior explanation, if any. I eventually made sense of it all, but my reading pace slowed down as a result. It would have been helpful to have seen a list of the players and clans, and a map of the numerous castles relevant to the story.
As for the protagonists, Alex personified the quintessential and charming alpha hero, while Elspeth exemplified the quietly stubborn heroine. I liked them both well enough, with Elspeth personifying a more fully developed character than Alex. I also thought the conflicts between them resolved themselves too easily (another consequence of the author not fully developing her concepts). Speaking of conflicts, I wasn't too keen on this plot development.
Recommended if one likes historical fiction or a little romance with their political intrigue.
I finished the book feeling dissatisfied with the short screen-time Alex and Elspeth shared. I could feel the chemistry between the two, but think more passion and angst could have been added in. To be fair, the amount that existed is in line with the conservative time period the novel was published in, and the book does straddle the line between historical fiction and historical romance closely.
My other dissatisfaction lies with the lack of explanation for the clan warfare. Readers (like myself who aren't familiar with early seventeenth-century Scottish history) are left to infer that the feuding is in response to politics and the Campbell greed but it's glossed over.
There's also mention of the many different clans, titles and names that became overwhelming at first because the author dropped them into the story without giving them a context or prior explanation, if any. I eventually made sense of it all, but my reading pace slowed down as a result. It would have been helpful to have seen a list of the players and clans, and a map of the numerous castles relevant to the story.
As for the protagonists, Alex personified the quintessential and charming alpha hero, while Elspeth exemplified the quietly stubborn heroine. I liked them both well enough, with Elspeth personifying a more fully developed character than Alex. I also thought the conflicts between them resolved themselves too easily (another consequence of the author not fully developing her concepts). Speaking of conflicts, I wasn't too keen on this plot development.
Recommended if one likes historical fiction or a little romance with their political intrigue.
did-not-finish
February 12, 2015So I wanted to like this. Scotland, warrior hero, atmosphere, intrigue, what's not to love, right? but I kept thinking to myself while I was reading, all the books I would rather be reading, and well, at the halfway mark I just couldn't force myself to finish it. It does nothing for me, what else can I say?
I didn't like the characters, therefore I didn't really care what happened to them, so that's never a good sign. I did feel something for Gavin, the scarred younger brother but alas, he was not our hero. Our hero, of course, has to be an Alpha male and you all know what I think of them...
There's also a LOT of religious cussing in it and it got very tiresome...God's blood, God's foot, God's truth, God's wound, Christ, Christ, Christ til I wanted to scream.
And the grinning. Why do the men do nothing but grin? I wanted to smack their silly grins off their faces nearly every other page, it was so annoying. I don't know, the whole thing just didn't FEEL like the 1600s.
And here's something that really puzzled me: the Highland chiefs etc were schooled in Paris as youths and even traveled the continent before heading back to their highland clans to fight their battles. Really?? It seemed about 200 years off. Help me out here. This really puzzled me.
BOTTOM LINE: Turned out to be the wrong choice for me. I could have made myself finish it but like, why?
I didn't like the characters, therefore I didn't really care what happened to them, so that's never a good sign. I did feel something for Gavin, the scarred younger brother but alas, he was not our hero. Our hero, of course, has to be an Alpha male and you all know what I think of them...
There's also a LOT of religious cussing in it and it got very tiresome...God's blood, God's foot, God's truth, God's wound, Christ, Christ, Christ til I wanted to scream.
And the grinning. Why do the men do nothing but grin? I wanted to smack their silly grins off their faces nearly every other page, it was so annoying. I don't know, the whole thing just didn't FEEL like the 1600s.
And here's something that really puzzled me: the Highland chiefs etc were schooled in Paris as youths and even traveled the continent before heading back to their highland clans to fight their battles. Really?? It seemed about 200 years off. Help me out here. This really puzzled me.
BOTTOM LINE: Turned out to be the wrong choice for me. I could have made myself finish it but like, why?
August 19, 2014
A Highland Classic and an Absorbing Love Story from 17th Century Scotland!
My friends on Goodreads recommended this book to me, and I was happy to find it. A bestseller when it was first published in 1954, it has been off the market for some time. The edition I read was published in 1978, available used. It’s worth obtaining a copy, trust me. If I could give this novel more than 5 stars, I would. It’s a keeper and so well written it would be a good model for authors today. Even though there are no love scenes per se, there is a lot of sexual tension and much romance to satisfy the historical romance lover. The writing is simply beautiful.
Set in the Scottish Highlands in 1614, it tells the story of Elspeth Lamond, a beautiful young woman, the product of a handfast 20 years earlier between her Campbell mother and Lamond father, both Scots. Raised in England, she is also a favorite at Queen Anne’s court. Her uncle, the powerful Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll, has plans to marry her off to a rich, titled man. But to fulfill a promise to her dying mother, Elspeth leaves London for the western coast of Scotland to Inverary, the home of the Campbells, her mother’s clan. On the way, she is abducted by the MacHughs and held at Rathmor castle where she was born, the lair of her father Robert Lamond and his ally, Sir Alexander MacHugh, Chief of Clan MacHugh—the feared “Black MacHugh.”
From the very beginning, Alex is attracted to the strong willed Elspeth—a perfect match for him. He wants her as “his lass,” but does not speak of his love nor offer her marriage. Elspeth is exasperated by the arrogant Scots chieftain who kisses her whenever he likes. But along the way, she discovers she likes the Scots and the wilds of the Highlands—and she likes the MacHugh.
As her father tells her of the qualities than make Alex stand out as a leader, respected by all, he says, “…Scotland is a quarrelsome place at times, my dear Elspeth, and a man must look sharp to keep his head intact upon his shoulders.”
Schemes and treacheries abound in this well told tale, not only from Elspeth’s uncle, but from Alex’s mistress, the beautiful Kate who would force him to wed her by any means. Alex takes a stand with the MacDonalds in their battle for independence in the Isles against the Campbells, fighting as King James’s cats paw. The characters are compelling, the action suspenseful and the anxiety as to whether Elspeth will end up with the MacHugh will have you turning pages late into the night. I liked Alex and Elspeth so much they are going on my Favorite Heroes & Heroines list. Get this one!
My friends on Goodreads recommended this book to me, and I was happy to find it. A bestseller when it was first published in 1954, it has been off the market for some time. The edition I read was published in 1978, available used. It’s worth obtaining a copy, trust me. If I could give this novel more than 5 stars, I would. It’s a keeper and so well written it would be a good model for authors today. Even though there are no love scenes per se, there is a lot of sexual tension and much romance to satisfy the historical romance lover. The writing is simply beautiful.
Set in the Scottish Highlands in 1614, it tells the story of Elspeth Lamond, a beautiful young woman, the product of a handfast 20 years earlier between her Campbell mother and Lamond father, both Scots. Raised in England, she is also a favorite at Queen Anne’s court. Her uncle, the powerful Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll, has plans to marry her off to a rich, titled man. But to fulfill a promise to her dying mother, Elspeth leaves London for the western coast of Scotland to Inverary, the home of the Campbells, her mother’s clan. On the way, she is abducted by the MacHughs and held at Rathmor castle where she was born, the lair of her father Robert Lamond and his ally, Sir Alexander MacHugh, Chief of Clan MacHugh—the feared “Black MacHugh.”
From the very beginning, Alex is attracted to the strong willed Elspeth—a perfect match for him. He wants her as “his lass,” but does not speak of his love nor offer her marriage. Elspeth is exasperated by the arrogant Scots chieftain who kisses her whenever he likes. But along the way, she discovers she likes the Scots and the wilds of the Highlands—and she likes the MacHugh.
As her father tells her of the qualities than make Alex stand out as a leader, respected by all, he says, “…Scotland is a quarrelsome place at times, my dear Elspeth, and a man must look sharp to keep his head intact upon his shoulders.”
Schemes and treacheries abound in this well told tale, not only from Elspeth’s uncle, but from Alex’s mistress, the beautiful Kate who would force him to wed her by any means. Alex takes a stand with the MacDonalds in their battle for independence in the Isles against the Campbells, fighting as King James’s cats paw. The characters are compelling, the action suspenseful and the anxiety as to whether Elspeth will end up with the MacHugh will have you turning pages late into the night. I liked Alex and Elspeth so much they are going on my Favorite Heroes & Heroines list. Get this one!
March 15, 2010
I'm really torn on this one, as I usually love historicals with more history and less romance, but for some reason this book didn't fully deliver for me.
All the elements were certainly in place for a five star book:
- good writing style
- a writer who seemed to have a grasp of the political situation of Scotland during the early 17th century
- well fleshed characters (especially the swoon-worthy hero)
However, by the end, I couldn't rate it higher then 3 stars because it ultimately didn't "click" with me. There seemed to be too much emphasis on the clan warfare side of the plot and not enough development between the hero and heroine's relationship. Like I said, I prefer my historical romances to be heavy on the historical, but if you've got a romance to tell, then TELL IT, develop it, and make it believable (sans the heaving breasts, swollen members and icky honey pots - of which this was mercifully absent).
BotM is certainly a good book to read, it was just not a *great* book for me.
All the elements were certainly in place for a five star book:
- good writing style
- a writer who seemed to have a grasp of the political situation of Scotland during the early 17th century
- well fleshed characters (especially the swoon-worthy hero)
However, by the end, I couldn't rate it higher then 3 stars because it ultimately didn't "click" with me. There seemed to be too much emphasis on the clan warfare side of the plot and not enough development between the hero and heroine's relationship. Like I said, I prefer my historical romances to be heavy on the historical, but if you've got a romance to tell, then TELL IT, develop it, and make it believable (sans the heaving breasts, swollen members and icky honey pots - of which this was mercifully absent).
BotM is certainly a good book to read, it was just not a *great* book for me.
July 23, 2016
I almost DNF this book with only a hundred pages left to its conclusion. I am happy I gave it a chance. While it did not blow my mind and certainly will not become one of my favorite re-reads, it ended with quite a bang. Some pretty nifty plot twists and turns, an accelerated pace, and a quite satisfying conclusion almost made up for the very snail-paced, dry, ambivalent tone of the first two thirds of the book.
Almost.
That being said, Jan Cox Speas is a superior writer whose style, knowledge, and imagination combined to make The Bride of the MacHugh a real time machine allowing me to travel in time and get lost in the world she created. I don't regret reading this at all. I am just waiting to find the book by this author who can really push me over the edge from a mere "it was okay" to a truly satisfying read.
Almost.
That being said, Jan Cox Speas is a superior writer whose style, knowledge, and imagination combined to make The Bride of the MacHugh a real time machine allowing me to travel in time and get lost in the world she created. I don't regret reading this at all. I am just waiting to find the book by this author who can really push me over the edge from a mere "it was okay" to a truly satisfying read.
January 8, 2014
Another just okay read for me. I can't seem to shake this reading funk.
I really enjoyed My Love, My Enemy by Speas and I can't say I was technically disappointed by Speas in this one either. The writing is just really well done. It's so...pretty.
The first twenty pages in (as the heroine is being kidnapped by who I thought was the hero) I was so excited! I thought this was going to be a 5 star read for me.
However, it went downhill from there.
The hero turns out to be someone else and I just did not find his playboy, everyone-loves-respects-admires-him persona as endearing as I probably should have. I'm sure if I had read this plot ten years ago I would have loved this book, but I've read this same book so many times, over and over again with just the names changed that I discovered I was bored and wanting some great twist to happen. What if the heroine had run away with someone else or something? That would have really been fun!
I think also that I just finished up a book that harped on feminism and was really in a GIRL POWER mood and a bodice ripper is really not something to pick up when you're in that frame of mind. I was so annoyed by the heroine's lack of choices and her docility throughout the story, when I didn't mind that at all in My Love, My Enemy.
It just goes to show so much of a book's success is determined by the reader's moods and timing.
I would recommend this for anyone in the mood for a well written historical novel with a bit of romance thrown in. I really did enjoy the history lesson even if I wasn't as crazy about the two leads.
I really enjoyed My Love, My Enemy by Speas and I can't say I was technically disappointed by Speas in this one either. The writing is just really well done. It's so...pretty.
The first twenty pages in (as the heroine is being kidnapped by who I thought was the hero) I was so excited! I thought this was going to be a 5 star read for me.
However, it went downhill from there.
The hero turns out to be someone else and I just did not find his playboy, everyone-loves-respects-admires-him persona as endearing as I probably should have. I'm sure if I had read this plot ten years ago I would have loved this book, but I've read this same book so many times, over and over again with just the names changed that I discovered I was bored and wanting some great twist to happen. What if the heroine had run away with someone else or something? That would have really been fun!
I think also that I just finished up a book that harped on feminism and was really in a GIRL POWER mood and a bodice ripper is really not something to pick up when you're in that frame of mind. I was so annoyed by the heroine's lack of choices and her docility throughout the story, when I didn't mind that at all in My Love, My Enemy.
It just goes to show so much of a book's success is determined by the reader's moods and timing.
I would recommend this for anyone in the mood for a well written historical novel with a bit of romance thrown in. I really did enjoy the history lesson even if I wasn't as crazy about the two leads.
October 11, 2013
Wow, what a wonderful book. I am so sad it is over. I will definitely be reading this one again, just wish I owned a copy. I read the 1954 edition at open library.
I would call this a Scottish historical romance. There is hand fasting, reiving, receiving the letter of fire and sword, being put to the horn, ballads, clans and their families and castles. There are many clan and family names to keep track of. All of this rich Scottish history is brought into the story in a very natural way. There is no info dump. The author must have done a lot of research but I never felt that she was trying to overwhelm me with that research. There are also wonderful descriptions of the Highlands, complete with deep blue lochs, craggy peaks, mists, and ghostly blankets of fog. And then there are the snowy battlements! There is also a hero (or two) to swoon over, a spunky heroine with a mind of her own, an evil greedy villain and plenty of supporting characters. The only little thing there could have been more of was the romance. But what was there ended up being enough and was very well done. I loved the jingling bracelets.
I won’t recap the story because the book blurb does a very good job of that and I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Yes, there are some twists and turns along the way. I think the author did a very good job with her characters as well as the Scottish history and setting.
I would call this a Scottish historical romance. There is hand fasting, reiving, receiving the letter of fire and sword, being put to the horn, ballads, clans and their families and castles. There are many clan and family names to keep track of. All of this rich Scottish history is brought into the story in a very natural way. There is no info dump. The author must have done a lot of research but I never felt that she was trying to overwhelm me with that research. There are also wonderful descriptions of the Highlands, complete with deep blue lochs, craggy peaks, mists, and ghostly blankets of fog. And then there are the snowy battlements! There is also a hero (or two) to swoon over, a spunky heroine with a mind of her own, an evil greedy villain and plenty of supporting characters. The only little thing there could have been more of was the romance. But what was there ended up being enough and was very well done. I loved the jingling bracelets.
I won’t recap the story because the book blurb does a very good job of that and I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Yes, there are some twists and turns along the way. I think the author did a very good job with her characters as well as the Scottish history and setting.
August 5, 2014
Bride of the MacHugh, originally published in 1954, is one of those books marketed as romance, but which is actually well-written historical fiction that also happens to contain a love story. I suspect the covers chosen for the book were responsible for this erroneous pigeon-holing--the saying don't judge a book by its cover definitely applies here.
Original cover artwork for the 1954 William Morrow & Co hardback publication.
Cover art for the 1978 Avon paperback publication.
(I'm not including the picture of the 2011 Sourcebooks edition because it's too tawdry and misleading.)
In truth the novel, set in 1614, deals with some of the political maneuvering by one of the Earls of Argyll, Archibald Campbell, and skirmishes between the Campbell and MacDonald clans culminating in battle over Kintyre and the Isle of Islay. The love story played out against this background is one of substance and is beautifully written and in addition there are some truly lovely lyrical passages. My single complaint is the pacing is a tiny bit slow in spots but overall it's a wonderful reading experience. This one goes in my favorites.
Highly recommended, 4.5 stars.
Original cover artwork for the 1954 William Morrow & Co hardback publication.
Cover art for the 1978 Avon paperback publication.
(I'm not including the picture of the 2011 Sourcebooks edition because it's too tawdry and misleading.)
In truth the novel, set in 1614, deals with some of the political maneuvering by one of the Earls of Argyll, Archibald Campbell, and skirmishes between the Campbell and MacDonald clans culminating in battle over Kintyre and the Isle of Islay. The love story played out against this background is one of substance and is beautifully written and in addition there are some truly lovely lyrical passages. My single complaint is the pacing is a tiny bit slow in spots but overall it's a wonderful reading experience. This one goes in my favorites.
Highly recommended, 4.5 stars.
March 30, 2016
Loved it! It plodded along but in an interesting manner. It was nicely balanced between the developing relationship between our H&h and interesting tidbits of military strategy, which I like for some unknown reason. The h wasn't an overly pure ninny and actually gave it up before he put a ring on it. She also didn't allow the evil OW get the best of her. The H was on the beta side of life but still had enough alpha to be considered studly IMO. Books are better when you don't hate the protagonists. Definitely would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2015
I've been digging the Highlander novels lately, and I came across this old one from the 50's. They didn't have it at the library, and the reviews were good, so I took a chance on a used copy from Amazon.
I started out really liking it. The story jumped right into action and intrigue, without a long buildup. The hero was arrogant and swaggering, the heroine feisty and defiant. All good, so far.
But then the romance got completely mired in Scottish/English politics and inter-clan warfare. Some of it was interesting- I like a good historical novel- but it just wasn't interesting long-term and the romance got completely lost in it. And a lot of the time, I felt lost by how much time had past between scenes, about who was who (as the same person could be called by a lot of different names), and sometimes about just what was the significance of a statement made- that seemed plot defining- but had no follow up or explanation, and which I felt never was explained at all during the novel.
There were so many MacDougals, Douglases, Donalds, MacDonalds, MacDingle, MacDangle (just kidding on the last two, but srsly...), that it was hard to keep people straight! And I'm used to reading Regency novels with all the "Firstname Middlename Anothermiddlename Lastname, Lord So-and-So, Duke of Someplaces" that go on for one person- I know how to keep my peeps straight!
Besides all of this, because it really was sumptuously written and I wanted to like it, I found the hero quite the bastard. I pretty much despised him by the end. I think Elspeth should have slapped him more, and I definitely think she should have used her riding crop on him.
I started out really liking it. The story jumped right into action and intrigue, without a long buildup. The hero was arrogant and swaggering, the heroine feisty and defiant. All good, so far.
But then the romance got completely mired in Scottish/English politics and inter-clan warfare. Some of it was interesting- I like a good historical novel- but it just wasn't interesting long-term and the romance got completely lost in it. And a lot of the time, I felt lost by how much time had past between scenes, about who was who (as the same person could be called by a lot of different names), and sometimes about just what was the significance of a statement made- that seemed plot defining- but had no follow up or explanation, and which I felt never was explained at all during the novel.
There were so many MacDougals, Douglases, Donalds, MacDonalds, MacDingle, MacDangle (just kidding on the last two, but srsly...), that it was hard to keep people straight! And I'm used to reading Regency novels with all the "Firstname Middlename Anothermiddlename Lastname, Lord So-and-So, Duke of Someplaces" that go on for one person- I know how to keep my peeps straight!
Besides all of this, because it really was sumptuously written and I wanted to like it, I found the hero quite the bastard. I pretty much despised him by the end. I think Elspeth should have slapped him more, and I definitely think she should have used her riding crop on him.
July 12, 2014
I read this book when I was in high school (in the 70's), and re-read it at least a dozen times!!! This was the book that started my love of Scottish Historical novels (I'm there at Barnes & Noble the day that the next Monica McCarty Highland Guard book is released!!). Wish I could find a copy in good condition - I think I'd even breakdown and get this in e-format if I could find it!! Loved this book!!!!!
October 4, 2011
This was/is my all time favorite love story. I still have a tattered hard bound book on my shelf and bring it out ever so often to read it again. I've been reading it since high school and it still satisfies my yen for a love story.
July 2, 2024
I have an original copy of the 1977 edition, and I carefully read this copy at least once a year. I've since learned that this is a re-publishing of the orignal 1954 edition. And still it delights. Dark rides through the Scottish Highlands. The strong-willed English woman with Scottish roots who is to be bartered in marriage for gold. A handsome Scottish chief who risks his freedom and his life to protect his clan and bring his people peace. Secrets, politics, betrayal, loyalty, a love caught in the middle. This book has been on my keeper shelf for decades...and will remain so. Ah-h-h.
March 29, 2017
I wasn't impressed by the stereotypical characters; innocent virgin, the Man and the wicked mistress...sigh! I wanted bad things to happen to the h and H; arrogant, sanctimonious twits!
Delicious(thanks Jacob Zuma, can't help but think of u every time I say that word!) cover art.
Delicious(thanks Jacob Zuma, can't help but think of u every time I say that word!) cover art.
December 27, 2017
Really a 4.5. The romance was filled with cliches (dark, handsome hero good at everything and a terrific leader at a young age [of course]; he rides a black stallion no one else can tame that rears on cue. Heroine lifts her chin and tosses her hair constantly, Lots of spirited banter, the hero laughing in a handsome way every page ...).
On the other hand, the story is very good, the secondary characters are well-developed for the most part (the villainess is another cliche), and I didn't see the story twists coming. The history was terrific as well, and I enjoyed the machinations of the villain (Earl of Argyle) who is trying to play many people off each other, including King James I--he basically wants to set himself up as leader of Scotland by helping the king put down "rebellious" clans.
Only two clans are involved, the Campbells (led by Argyle) and the MacHughs, led by our hero, Alexander (though he gives assists to the MacDonalds and Lamonds along the way). Our heroine, Elspeth, is the daughter of a Campbell lady and now Argyle's ward. You can see the clashes coming. She's supposed to marry the man her uncle Argyle chooses for her like a good young lady of the time, but of course, by chapter one, she has met Alexander MacHugh. Cue the drama.
But in spite of the cliche elements (but then, this book was written in the mid-1950s and probably started the cliches), the novel is a good historical, fast-paced, full of action and interesting characters. I never felt lost, though a glance at a map of Scotland now and then is good for orientation.
I recommend this book for readers of historical romance and historical adventure.
On the other hand, the story is very good, the secondary characters are well-developed for the most part (the villainess is another cliche), and I didn't see the story twists coming. The history was terrific as well, and I enjoyed the machinations of the villain (Earl of Argyle) who is trying to play many people off each other, including King James I--he basically wants to set himself up as leader of Scotland by helping the king put down "rebellious" clans.
Only two clans are involved, the Campbells (led by Argyle) and the MacHughs, led by our hero, Alexander (though he gives assists to the MacDonalds and Lamonds along the way). Our heroine, Elspeth, is the daughter of a Campbell lady and now Argyle's ward. You can see the clashes coming. She's supposed to marry the man her uncle Argyle chooses for her like a good young lady of the time, but of course, by chapter one, she has met Alexander MacHugh. Cue the drama.
But in spite of the cliche elements (but then, this book was written in the mid-1950s and probably started the cliches), the novel is a good historical, fast-paced, full of action and interesting characters. I never felt lost, though a glance at a map of Scotland now and then is good for orientation.
I recommend this book for readers of historical romance and historical adventure.
October 25, 2022
I loved it as far fetched as the ending may be. My in-laws are from the Outer Hebrides and the hatred of the Campbell was alive and well in at least my mother-in-law. Any Campbell found in her house was told to leave. Some of my own ancestors are from the Highlands but a long time ago but nonetheless it is interesting to read a novel set in those tumultuous times. It is a great romance novel, the language is so vivid and appealing. Sex is in it but more discreetly than many of modern novels and I liked it better for its restraint. Too bad the author hadn’t written more historical romances. An author I admire, Susanna Kearsley, said it was the best romance novel she had read and I would agree that it is very, very good.
December 1, 2017
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I've read it more times than I can count, and just finished reading it again. And it isn't my last time! I'll read it again at some point. I love, love, love this book! The author's voice is wonderful, and she brings the Highlands to life in this historical romance. Both the hero and heroine are memorable in so many ways---clearly, as I've spent so many hours with them over the years. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
May 3, 2008
When Elspeth arrives unexpectedly in Scotland and is abducted by orders of the "Black MacHugh," the handsome laird of clan MacHugh, she takes him to task for his arrogance, and a spark ignites between these two strong-willed people.
An old fashioned and breathtaking historical romance by a talented author.
An old fashioned and breathtaking historical romance by a talented author.
July 19, 2011
4.5. This was great.
August 19, 2014
Loved this back in the day!
November 11, 2018
I was hoping that this book would be a hidden gem - something perhaps long out of print and hard to find, but worth it.
Sadly, that was not the case.
The premise is intriguing enough. A young Englishwoman, Elspeth, is sent to the Scottish Highlands to live with her deceased mother's relatives. She's promptly kidnapped by the MacHugh clan and delivered to her father. I rather liked the story of her parents. Elspeth is the product of a handfasting that ended when neither spouse wanted to continue with the marriage. She quickly develops a fondness for her little half-sister and can't help but fall for the leader of the MacHugh clan.
However, the book is less on romance and kilt p0rn than some convoluted story of warring clans and a possible plot with the English. There's an attempt to loop Elspeth into the conspiracy but it's really boring. The story just starts with Elspeth already shipwrecked and aware that she's a stranger in a stranger land. It also takes far too long to reveal the MacHugh. The idea isn't bad, but winds up very poorly executed. It's as if the publisher found a well-researched but boring AF recount of a clan war and asked an unemployed wannabe romance writer to fluff it up into a romance - or shall I say fauxmance.
February 21, 2019
A good romance novel, but you can tell that is older. Only allusions to sex and barely anything more than a few kisses on page. I absolutely loved Alex and Elspeth, but some of the attitudes were a bit old fashioned even for the historical romance genre. The writing style also focuses much more heavily on the action and rebellion aspect rather than the romance or the third act surprise twist (that wasn’t established very well). It’s an enjoyable read and well worth it for the accurate geography and more intrigue focused moments. Supporting characters were endearing but not flashed out very well due to the wide spread of secondary and tertiary characters. Reminded me of something like the original Zorro novel, with the daring and masculinity, than what is more common of the historical romance genre today.
April 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I mostly did not want to put it down. I do feel that it could have been better if the author had spent more time giving us a view into the minds of both the hero and the heroine. There was a lot of descriptive writing and a good feel for what Scotland was like for the highlanders living and fighting there. I just needed more personal character development for both Alex and Elspeth. I wanted about 100 more pages of writing focused on how they felt and what they wanted. For anyone wanting spicy sex scenes, there are none in this book. It is all closed door. This book has a space on my bookshelf though.
For anyone reading this review, I can highly recommend Bond of Blood Bond of Blood by Roberta Gellis if you want a story that is similiar in describing turbulent times in England/Scotland with larger than life characters. Cain and Leah in Bond of Blood are much better developed than are Alex and Elspeth.
For anyone reading this review, I can highly recommend Bond of Blood Bond of Blood by Roberta Gellis if you want a story that is similiar in describing turbulent times in England/Scotland with larger than life characters. Cain and Leah in Bond of Blood are much better developed than are Alex and Elspeth.
May 24, 2022
Elspeth Lamond has come to Scotland to fulfill a promise to her mother. She is taken by the MacHughs to her father’s holding of Rathmor. She meets her father, Robert, and her half-sister, Jean. The Earl of Argyll is her guardian and has plans to wed her to a wealthy English Earl, but Elpeth falls for Alexander MacHugh, Chief of Clan MacGregor. Then there is the small matter of Argyll wanting to subdue the Macdonalds.
February 6, 2023
I first read this as a teenager back in the late 60s and read it many times. Years passed....and it wasn't available but I looked it up recently and this used paperback was reasonably priced so I bought it to read again. I can't say that I'll re-read it as often as I did back then but I certainly enjoyed reading it again. I have to say a book that you remember over 50 years has something going for it and this historical novel is worth reading.
December 25, 2024
Well written, as the previous two have been. But I didn't like the plot as much. I got a bit lost, actually, and had a hard time following the details. I felt the heroine was rebellious just for the sake of bucking against all authority and didn't really have great reasons for her choices. I didn't particularly understand the draw she held for our hero. It was fine - but I'd probably actually only give it 2.5 stars if I was grading just my enjoyment of it.
September 7, 2017
I had read this book many years ago and my copy was misplaced. Early Aug. this year I wanted to read it again. (Books are my friends and I like to revisit them often.) So began the hunt for this book. Finally found a copy and reread this book. It was just as good as I remembered. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I have.
September 12, 2022
The Bride of the MacHugh-PG
Violence-sword fighting
Language-fewer than 40
Sex-yes, no details
What a rollicking fun book! I would advise having a notepad nearby to keep up with who is who as there are many Macs and even more fighting among clans. The MacHugh is a typical alpha-male, if that's your thing.
Violence-sword fighting
Language-fewer than 40
Sex-yes, no details
What a rollicking fun book! I would advise having a notepad nearby to keep up with who is who as there are many Macs and even more fighting among clans. The MacHugh is a typical alpha-male, if that's your thing.
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