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Highland Heather and Hearts Scottish Romance #4
The Bold Heart
(Scotland, 1488) - Ewan was a battle-weary warrior with haunted dreams. He no longer believed in love.
As Scotland's greatest warrior and heir to the earldom of Mull, few dared to cross swords with Ewan MacLean. But the price he paid for his fearsome reputation was a heavy one. To survive, he buried his emotions and became only the warrior, riding from battle to battle with his men to protect Scotland from threats within and without her borders and letting himself feel nothing else.
But when his right-hand man, Alec Montgomery, is caught dallying with a powerful Lord's daughter, a trap is set. And both Ewan and Alec find themselves in an English prison, their necks headed for the noose.
On the Isle of Skye, the raven-haired Merry MacLeod spends her days caring for the clan elderly and hurtling across the moors on the back of her black stallion. A high-spirited, adventurous lass, she is no longer troubled by childhood memories of the day the braw lad, Ewan MacLean, rescued her from her husband, the cruel MacDonald. But when she hears the very same Ewan is now confined in an English prison, she disguises herself as a lad and sets out to repay her debt.
After a bold, mysterious youth rescues Ewan and his men from the English, the group swiftly makes their way back to Scotland. But no sooner embarked on their journey home, a young Prince James sounds the call to arms, rises against his father, King James III of Scotland, and plunges Scotland into a dangerous civil war.
But as they journey to join the prince, both Ewan and Alec discover their rescuer's secret--and both men find themselves falling unexpectedly in love with a raven-haired beauty.
As Scotland's greatest warrior and heir to the earldom of Mull, few dared to cross swords with Ewan MacLean. But the price he paid for his fearsome reputation was a heavy one. To survive, he buried his emotions and became only the warrior, riding from battle to battle with his men to protect Scotland from threats within and without her borders and letting himself feel nothing else.
But when his right-hand man, Alec Montgomery, is caught dallying with a powerful Lord's daughter, a trap is set. And both Ewan and Alec find themselves in an English prison, their necks headed for the noose.
On the Isle of Skye, the raven-haired Merry MacLeod spends her days caring for the clan elderly and hurtling across the moors on the back of her black stallion. A high-spirited, adventurous lass, she is no longer troubled by childhood memories of the day the braw lad, Ewan MacLean, rescued her from her husband, the cruel MacDonald. But when she hears the very same Ewan is now confined in an English prison, she disguises herself as a lad and sets out to repay her debt.
After a bold, mysterious youth rescues Ewan and his men from the English, the group swiftly makes their way back to Scotland. But no sooner embarked on their journey home, a young Prince James sounds the call to arms, rises against his father, King James III of Scotland, and plunges Scotland into a dangerous civil war.
But as they journey to join the prince, both Ewan and Alec discover their rescuer's secret--and both men find themselves falling unexpectedly in love with a raven-haired beauty.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
92 people are currently reading
356 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 3, 2020
I ended up really enjoying this one! We met Merry in The Kindling Heart, as a young child she was wed to an evil Scottish Lord and her brother Ruan rescued her with the help of Ewan MacLean. Years later Merry learns that Ewan has been captured and scheduled for execution. Without giving it much thought she cuts her hair and rides to his rescue. Disguised as a boy she is able to travel the countryside and arrive in time to free Ewan and his men.
This is the last book in the series and some loose ends are tied up from previous books, but technically it could probably stand on its own.
Merry was an extremely likable heroine, she continued to surprise me. I liked her outlook on life and how she could lighten the mood. I was a little nervous about her story since we first met her under upsetting circumstances in the first book, but years have passed and she is at peace and not haunted by what had happened to her. It's barely talked about. I loved how loyal she was to Ewan and they had great chemistry. I also loved that Ewan recognized early on that she was the only one for him. He was always loyal and kind to her. We had seen him in previous books and he is a fierce warrior, so it was great being able to see a softer side of him. I also loved Alec, he was great and I was heartbroken for him!
Overall, a fun medieval series! I think The Bedeviled Heart and this one are my favorites!
Content
Romance: Clean-Pretty clean, mild innuendo. Fade to black intimacy (after marriage), just kissing.
Language: None
Violence: Mild-Moderate, some fighting nothing too detailed
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This is the last book in the series and some loose ends are tied up from previous books, but technically it could probably stand on its own.
Merry was an extremely likable heroine, she continued to surprise me. I liked her outlook on life and how she could lighten the mood. I was a little nervous about her story since we first met her under upsetting circumstances in the first book, but years have passed and she is at peace and not haunted by what had happened to her. It's barely talked about. I loved how loyal she was to Ewan and they had great chemistry. I also loved that Ewan recognized early on that she was the only one for him. He was always loyal and kind to her. We had seen him in previous books and he is a fierce warrior, so it was great being able to see a softer side of him. I also loved Alec, he was great and I was heartbroken for him!
Overall, a fun medieval series! I think The Bedeviled Heart and this one are my favorites!
Content
Romance: Clean-Pretty clean, mild innuendo. Fade to black intimacy (after marriage), just kissing.
Language: None
Violence: Mild-Moderate, some fighting nothing too detailed
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
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January 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/16/2020)! 🎁
July 25, 2016
I enjoyed this book, It was a fun read. I love highland books and they are so hard to find without sexual content. This had it's steamy moments and there was some innuendo but there was no sex scenes. The story was a fun one and I enjoyed learning a little more about this time period. Iv'e always been fascinated by these people. The characters were great and the pacing was well done.
May 19, 2014
A great finish to a wonderful Scottish Medieval Series
Another great story from the Highlands from Caine’s Highland Heather and Hearts series (see list below). This, the last, begins in Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye as Scotland is in turmoil with a looming civil war. Ewan McLean, rots in an English jail having been caught trying to free Alec Montgomery. But Merry MacLeod remembers that Ewan saved her from an abusive husband, so she decides to don a lad’s apparel and rescue him.
Both Alec and Ewan fall for the beguiling lass who can ride as well as a man and is handy with a dirk. But once she awakens Ewan’s heart from a long dark passage, he determines no one will possess her but him. There is only one little impediment: he is betrothed to Iona.
Rich in historical setting and detail with enough of the Scots accent infused into the dialog to make you feel as if you are back in 15th century Scotland, this is a grand finish for a wonderful set of stories. Ewan is a noble, compelling hero and a strong leader. Merry is just the kind of tom boy hero I like. It’s a warm, adventurous romp and a sweet love story all set upon a well-researched foundation. Many of the earlier heroes and heroines return for a cameo appearance, but you can still read it as a “stand alone.”
I loved it!
The Highland Heather and Hearts (Scottish Medieval) Series:
THE KINDLING HEART (Bree & Ruan)
THE BEDEVILED HEART (Cameron & Kate)
THE DARING HEART (Julian & Liselle)
THE BOLD HEART (Merry & Ewan)
Another great story from the Highlands from Caine’s Highland Heather and Hearts series (see list below). This, the last, begins in Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye as Scotland is in turmoil with a looming civil war. Ewan McLean, rots in an English jail having been caught trying to free Alec Montgomery. But Merry MacLeod remembers that Ewan saved her from an abusive husband, so she decides to don a lad’s apparel and rescue him.
Both Alec and Ewan fall for the beguiling lass who can ride as well as a man and is handy with a dirk. But once she awakens Ewan’s heart from a long dark passage, he determines no one will possess her but him. There is only one little impediment: he is betrothed to Iona.
Rich in historical setting and detail with enough of the Scots accent infused into the dialog to make you feel as if you are back in 15th century Scotland, this is a grand finish for a wonderful set of stories. Ewan is a noble, compelling hero and a strong leader. Merry is just the kind of tom boy hero I like. It’s a warm, adventurous romp and a sweet love story all set upon a well-researched foundation. Many of the earlier heroes and heroines return for a cameo appearance, but you can still read it as a “stand alone.”
I loved it!
The Highland Heather and Hearts (Scottish Medieval) Series:
THE KINDLING HEART (Bree & Ruan)
THE BEDEVILED HEART (Cameron & Kate)
THE DARING HEART (Julian & Liselle)
THE BOLD HEART (Merry & Ewan)
March 31, 2015
I enjoyed this one. It was a sweet romance and even had moments that made you laugh. It also had a few tear jerk moments which my heart could of done with out.
Over all I really liked Merry and Ewan. They had great chemistry. I just loved the beginning how their whole relationship unfolded. I felt like it was very creative on the authors part.
My only big critique is of Alec. I did not like how it all ended up for him. I could of done with a totally different ending for him.
This is probably a book that will roll around my head from time to time. :)
Over all I really liked Merry and Ewan. They had great chemistry. I just loved the beginning how their whole relationship unfolded. I felt like it was very creative on the authors part.
My only big critique is of Alec. I did not like how it all ended up for him. I could of done with a totally different ending for him.
This is probably a book that will roll around my head from time to time. :)
October 7, 2014
As always, Carmen Caine weaves a wonderful tale of love, honor, and intrigue. I can't wait to read the next one!
June 24, 2020
The Bold Heart
Evan was in prison and Merry had to save him as he did her years ago. Dressed as a lad she got her coins and left. She got Ewan and his friends out before they were hung. As they left for home Ewan’s best friend was killed. Catriona and Sorcha made sure Alec passed without pain. Ewan eventually killed the man responsible for his friends death. Ewan and Merry were married and went to live at Duart castle on the cliffs of Mull.
Evan was in prison and Merry had to save him as he did her years ago. Dressed as a lad she got her coins and left. She got Ewan and his friends out before they were hung. As they left for home Ewan’s best friend was killed. Catriona and Sorcha made sure Alec passed without pain. Ewan eventually killed the man responsible for his friends death. Ewan and Merry were married and went to live at Duart castle on the cliffs of Mull.
June 29, 2020
Five star romance
Finally! I have found a romance novel that truly is a delight to read! This is one of the rare romance novels that has interesting character development, no editing errors that are so terribly distracting and fast paced plot lines that keeps one reading until you sadly hit the last page. Definitely keep Carmen Caine in mind when you are looking for an author who knows how to write a solidly written romance/adventure that won’t disappoint!
Finally! I have found a romance novel that truly is a delight to read! This is one of the rare romance novels that has interesting character development, no editing errors that are so terribly distracting and fast paced plot lines that keeps one reading until you sadly hit the last page. Definitely keep Carmen Caine in mind when you are looking for an author who knows how to write a solidly written romance/adventure that won’t disappoint!
April 19, 2018
Another good one! I didn't want it to end!
I enjoyed seeing Merry and Ewan all grown up and finding a passionate, sweet romance together. It was all clean too. Still passionate and satisfying without the details.
Again, so much goes on and quite a bit of time elapses. But it's war and history. Those take time. It doesn't all happen in a week or month. Nice to see the reality.
I liked how the misunderstanding/secret didn't go on too long. The secret is revealed, at least to the major characters, in the first half of the book. It's refreshing to not have a charade, especially the one in this book, go on for an unrealistic amount of time. There was a bit of suspicion and confusion early on and it didn't drag on too much.
The author also put some historical reality in this book. I enjoyed that, even though it's quite sad. Not everyone liked full lives back then. Disease and war took people pretty frequently back then, I think. And I like how that part of history was acknowledged.
I enjoyed seeing Merry and Ewan all grown up and finding a passionate, sweet romance together. It was all clean too. Still passionate and satisfying without the details.
Again, so much goes on and quite a bit of time elapses. But it's war and history. Those take time. It doesn't all happen in a week or month. Nice to see the reality.
I liked how the misunderstanding/secret didn't go on too long. The secret is revealed, at least to the major characters, in the first half of the book. It's refreshing to not have a charade, especially the one in this book, go on for an unrealistic amount of time. There was a bit of suspicion and confusion early on and it didn't drag on too much.
The author also put some historical reality in this book. I enjoyed that, even though it's quite sad. Not everyone liked full lives back then. Disease and war took people pretty frequently back then, I think. And I like how that part of history was acknowledged.
February 3, 2024
I Had To Save The Man I Loved
With the trouble between King James III and his son Prince James (the younger), Scottish Clans had to choose a side. The times were filled with love, loyalty, deceit, secrets, betrayal and treason.
With the trouble between King James III and his son Prince James (the younger), Scottish Clans had to choose a side. The times were filled with love, loyalty, deceit, secrets, betrayal and treason.
June 14, 2021
This was ok.
October 4, 2025
Great period love story
I read the series and enjoyed them. Great heroes and how they found their match. Loved the history and intrigue. No witches or fairies, just real people.
I read the series and enjoyed them. Great heroes and how they found their match. Loved the history and intrigue. No witches or fairies, just real people.
February 29, 2016
4 1/2 stars!
Merry is this free spirited lass who is very good with a blade and bow. Ewan is a man riddled with revenge for those he's seen killed, and sorrow for those he's killed. It keeps him awake at night, hearing their death screams.
Merry owes Ewan a life debt where he saved her from certain death at the hands of her husband years ago so when she hears he's been captured by the English she packs up and goes to secure his release. Once there, she sees that another, Alec Montgomery, is set to hang soon so she knows she has to save him too. Little does she know the steps she takes for their release will send them down a road of not only discovery, mystery, pain, and revenge, but one of enduring friendship and love.
I got so wrapped up in this story that at one point, I had tears running down my face before I knew it. I fell hard for these characters and the path they walked was a hard one filled with laughter and sorrow. I love the way she blended in the Olde Ways at one point and touched on the Fey. I feel that has always been an integral part of Scotland through the ages. This was well written and left me wanting the next in the series with a craving that will not cease until I turn that first page.
Merry is this free spirited lass who is very good with a blade and bow. Ewan is a man riddled with revenge for those he's seen killed, and sorrow for those he's killed. It keeps him awake at night, hearing their death screams.
Merry owes Ewan a life debt where he saved her from certain death at the hands of her husband years ago so when she hears he's been captured by the English she packs up and goes to secure his release. Once there, she sees that another, Alec Montgomery, is set to hang soon so she knows she has to save him too. Little does she know the steps she takes for their release will send them down a road of not only discovery, mystery, pain, and revenge, but one of enduring friendship and love.
I got so wrapped up in this story that at one point, I had tears running down my face before I knew it. I fell hard for these characters and the path they walked was a hard one filled with laughter and sorrow. I love the way she blended in the Olde Ways at one point and touched on the Fey. I feel that has always been an integral part of Scotland through the ages. This was well written and left me wanting the next in the series with a craving that will not cease until I turn that first page.
July 20, 2014
Full circle.. I am going to miss all of these characters and the story line of the Hearts story's. What comfort me is knowing that the Heather series is coming out soon and it has Alec in it!!! I was hoping he wasn't dead the way they carried him off and I am glad they didn't now back to Merry and Ewan. I am glad these 2 got together. Since the very first book with Ewan saving Merry from her horrible husband I was hoping they get together. I am glad the author didn't turn Merry into the scared, timid victim. Instead she turn Merry into a very independent women and very loyal and will fight and do anything for those she loves. It had me laughing a lot while reading it. i loved how the author explained everything where it was like you where right there beside Merry and Ewan. I hope she weaves these characters in the Heather's series.
June 11, 2014
I was prepared to not enjoy this book - I normally steer clear of romances where the heroine is caught between two men. I usually get frustrated with her flighty lack of decision and feel it gives women a bad name. However, in this book, the heroine was simply being herself without encouraging the attention of multiple men. Two men fall for her but it is fairly clear which way things are going to go. Both heroes were likable and it was a bit sad to see her make a choice. For a book about one woman trying to choose between two men, this was fairly good and a sweet story. There is quite a bit of Scottish history/politics so if that is not your thing then this may not be the book for you.
September 21, 2015
Repaying a life debt
When Merry was but 8 years old Ewan helped her brother Ruan rescue her from an abusive near fatal marriage. Ewan, now one of Scotland's best warriors, is sitting in an English jail. Merry, a non-traditional maid if ever there was one, decides to repay her life debt and free Ewan herself. She cuts her hair, dresses as a lad and steals away to the rescue.
I really have enjoyed this series!!! Having read book two a few months back, I decided to read the series in proper order this time. Interesting history, characters that I can love and hate, excitement, challenges of the heart. I strongly encourage you to read the series start to finish.
When Merry was but 8 years old Ewan helped her brother Ruan rescue her from an abusive near fatal marriage. Ewan, now one of Scotland's best warriors, is sitting in an English jail. Merry, a non-traditional maid if ever there was one, decides to repay her life debt and free Ewan herself. She cuts her hair, dresses as a lad and steals away to the rescue.
I really have enjoyed this series!!! Having read book two a few months back, I decided to read the series in proper order this time. Interesting history, characters that I can love and hate, excitement, challenges of the heart. I strongly encourage you to read the series start to finish.
February 17, 2014
Carmen's best book yet! I loved the story of Ewan and Merry. Merry disguises herself as a lad to help Ewan escape from prison. Once he is free she finds him much changed from the carefree lad of his youth. Merry rides along with Ewan and his men and as such is party to the clan wars and violence of the time. There are many twists and turns along the path they take to each other. I highly recommend a read!
March 12, 2016
Riveting intrigue, betrayal and Romance
This is the last of the 4 books in the Highland Heather & Hearts Scottish Romance Series. Sad I am to see it end. Carmen Caine crafts a tale like no other. The threads of the stories weave their way through all of the books in this series, but each is a stand alone tale. This is the love story of Merry & Ewan set in the tempestuous history of Scotland centuries ago. Hard to put it down. Sigh....
This is the last of the 4 books in the Highland Heather & Hearts Scottish Romance Series. Sad I am to see it end. Carmen Caine crafts a tale like no other. The threads of the stories weave their way through all of the books in this series, but each is a stand alone tale. This is the love story of Merry & Ewan set in the tempestuous history of Scotland centuries ago. Hard to put it down. Sigh....
January 7, 2017
Awesome
Loved Merry and her spirit. She's bold and courageous and I enjoyed her story. And Ewan's story was truly sad. War didn't treat him well. And I really hated what happened to Alex. I cried so hard.
Loved Merry and her spirit. She's bold and courageous and I enjoyed her story. And Ewan's story was truly sad. War didn't treat him well. And I really hated what happened to Alex. I cried so hard.
January 28, 2017
As with the other books of this series I throughly enjoyed it. I love how the author brings out the strength of the female characters in her stories. As well as allowing the couple to fall in love without needing to bring in the bedroom scene. Well done.
February 21, 2014
I really enjoyed reading a CLEAN medieval-ish book, I like to share books with my younger sisters and this book is for sure a sharable book. Plus, it was a great read.
March 10, 2014
Love the story!
January 15, 2015
Very good read
This was avert good bit of Scottish history. And how people turn on friends and family with a blink of an eye.
This was avert good bit of Scottish history. And how people turn on friends and family with a blink of an eye.
June 2, 2015
Help
I have bought all four of these books, but can't find the next one, it had a preview in the last one I read but can't find it.
I have bought all four of these books, but can't find the next one, it had a preview in the last one I read but can't find it.
July 22, 2015
A great end to a great series really enjoyed x
April 6, 2016
I enjoyed this book
So I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author's books/ series.
So I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author's books/ series.
May 15, 2017
This was the wrap up of the series. I liked this series. It was sometimes predictable but that didn't bother me. There was a lot going on in the book besides the romance thread and I liked that. I liked the characters and that drew me to each of the books in turn. I don't think I'll read Alec Montgomery's story, though (in a different series).
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews