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The Forest Bride: A Medieval Historical Romance
He broke her heart years ago. Now she desperately needs his help...
When her escort party is ambushed, Lady Margaret Keith is desperate to rescue her young charge, the Scottish king’s daughter, and find a stolen seeing-stone. An archery contest offers the opportunity she needs. Dressed as a lad, she accidentally wounds a lord, escapes into the forest, and is caught by the local justiciar—the man who left her heartbroken years ago.
After years in English custody, Sir Duncan Campbell is now a Scottish judge. Recognizing Margaret despite her disguise, aware she knows he unlawfully hides the English king’s gyrfalcon, he spirits her away to his Highland castle. There she reveals an unbelievable tale of a missing princess and a faery stone and begs his help. Even as passion rekindles between them, forgiveness is elusive.
Yet when danger erupts, they must trust each other—and gamble that love will mend past hurts and save the future…
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Highland Secrets
Book 1 - The Scottish Bride
Book 2 - The Forest Bride
Book 3 - The Guardian's Bride
When her escort party is ambushed, Lady Margaret Keith is desperate to rescue her young charge, the Scottish king’s daughter, and find a stolen seeing-stone. An archery contest offers the opportunity she needs. Dressed as a lad, she accidentally wounds a lord, escapes into the forest, and is caught by the local justiciar—the man who left her heartbroken years ago.
After years in English custody, Sir Duncan Campbell is now a Scottish judge. Recognizing Margaret despite her disguise, aware she knows he unlawfully hides the English king’s gyrfalcon, he spirits her away to his Highland castle. There she reveals an unbelievable tale of a missing princess and a faery stone and begs his help. Even as passion rekindles between them, forgiveness is elusive.
Yet when danger erupts, they must trust each other—and gamble that love will mend past hurts and save the future…
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Highland Secrets
Book 1 - The Scottish Bride
Book 2 - The Forest Bride
Book 3 - The Guardian's Bride
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
78 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Susan King
64 books110 followersSusan King, née Longhi, is a multi-published, bestselling, award-winning author and a former art history lecturer. She holds a B.A. in art and an M.A. and most of a Ph.D. in art history, with postgraduate work in medieval studies. Her books are widely praised for historical detail and a lyrical writing style, and she has won multiple honors and awards for her novels written as Susan King, Sarah Gabriel, and Susan Fraser King. Susan visits Scotland as often as possible for research and relaxation, and lives in Maryland with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 5, 2024
I’m in love with this new-to-me author. I am a huge fan of the historical romances set in Scotland and with that medieval vibe. This story was perfect for me. Lady Margaret Keith is out to rescue her charge and with an archery contest giving her the opportunity. Sir Duncan Campbell, the man who broke her heart in the past, is now a judge. Now thrown together with circumstances can their passion rekindle. Add in some magic and a faery stone and you're in for a magical adventure. I loved the way King writes. Her characters are so fun and full of life. I loved the setting the most, I felt like I was there in Scotland with them. So detailed. You will love this story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
August 2, 2024
The Forest Bride by Susan King is a medieval romance fill with so much description and historical reality, it is worth the read just for that. Margaret Keith was just a little fey. She inherited from her grandfather who was well known for his abilities. He had left her several things when he died, one of which was a cloak brooch with a seeing stone embedded in it. Through it she could see glimpses of the future. Now in the middle of the transport taking Robert the Bruce’s oldest daughter to meet a boat that would take her to her father, it was gone, and so was Lilias. In fact so was everyone except for Andrew, a boy who had been traveling with them. Some dead. Some captured. It was up to the two of them to gt Lilias back and get her to her father. In the process of doing that, she ran across the local justicar, who was also the man who had broken her heart when he had broken their betrothal years earlier. He had been reported dead. That was obviously not the case. But it had been reported to him that she had become a nun. That was not the case either.
They had bonded, back then, over a falcon, one forbidden to anyone but the English king. It had been wounded and they had saved it. She was just thirteen and he twenty. His life had been spent in a dungeon and then fighting for the English king. But he still had the bird. He remembered Margaret but still believed he had done the right thing, breaking the betrothal when he was leaving, possibly for years. It took some convincing, but eventually he believed that Lilias was being held by his neighbor. Getting her back was troublesome. What a good book. The characters were endearing and interesting. The plot was well-thought-out and the villain was a masterpiece. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thanks Susan King!
I was invited to read The Forest Bride by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SusanKing #TheForestBride
They had bonded, back then, over a falcon, one forbidden to anyone but the English king. It had been wounded and they had saved it. She was just thirteen and he twenty. His life had been spent in a dungeon and then fighting for the English king. But he still had the bird. He remembered Margaret but still believed he had done the right thing, breaking the betrothal when he was leaving, possibly for years. It took some convincing, but eventually he believed that Lilias was being held by his neighbor. Getting her back was troublesome. What a good book. The characters were endearing and interesting. The plot was well-thought-out and the villain was a masterpiece. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thanks Susan King!
I was invited to read The Forest Bride by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SusanKing #TheForestBride
July 28, 2024
"The Forest Bride" by Susan King is the second installment in The Highland Secrets Series, but I found it captivating as a standalone read. This series revolves around sisters, with this particular book focusing on Margret's journey.
Lady Margaret Keith faces a perilous situation when her escort group is attacked. Determined to rescue the Scottish king's daughter and retrieve a stolen seeing stone, she seizes an opportunity during an archery contest. Disguised as a boy, she inadvertently injures a lord, escapes into the forest, and is apprehended by the local justice – a man who broke her heart years ago. As they reunite under his custody, their romance is reignited.
This novel mixes historical romance, peril, and faery enchantment unfolding against the rugged Scottish Highlands. Join Lady Margaret on her adventurous and risky path, delving into a narrative of love, loyalty, and redemption with magic sprinkled in.
Thank you to Susan King, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to enjoy the advance copy of "The Forest Bride" by Susan King. Scheduled for publication on August 1st, 2024.
Lady Margaret Keith faces a perilous situation when her escort group is attacked. Determined to rescue the Scottish king's daughter and retrieve a stolen seeing stone, she seizes an opportunity during an archery contest. Disguised as a boy, she inadvertently injures a lord, escapes into the forest, and is apprehended by the local justice – a man who broke her heart years ago. As they reunite under his custody, their romance is reignited.
This novel mixes historical romance, peril, and faery enchantment unfolding against the rugged Scottish Highlands. Join Lady Margaret on her adventurous and risky path, delving into a narrative of love, loyalty, and redemption with magic sprinkled in.
Thank you to Susan King, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to enjoy the advance copy of "The Forest Bride" by Susan King. Scheduled for publication on August 1st, 2024.
August 1, 2024
The Forest Bride is about a FMC named Margaret who is charged with escorting the Scottish King’s daughter to safety. She gives off Merida from Brave vibes with her vibrant and spirited attitude as well as being excellent at archery. She crosses paths with her ex betrothed whom she thought had died in combat ten years prior. There is some turmoil that they come across through the story as well as a bit of magic.
I really enjoyed the plot and the magical aspect of this book. I do however think it needs to be longer in order to really develop these characters and create more chemistry between the two main characters. Some parts were flat at times and maybe needs more dialogue added, more showing what they’re doing and less telling. Definitely needs more of a climax build up but I did like the idea of the storyline. A lot of characters are introduced but not very much dialogue happens with them besides a retelling of history or story we already know. So definitely add more of that and maybe some banter to get a feel for the side characters as well.
Thanks Dragon Blade Publishing for the ARC!
I really enjoyed the plot and the magical aspect of this book. I do however think it needs to be longer in order to really develop these characters and create more chemistry between the two main characters. Some parts were flat at times and maybe needs more dialogue added, more showing what they’re doing and less telling. Definitely needs more of a climax build up but I did like the idea of the storyline. A lot of characters are introduced but not very much dialogue happens with them besides a retelling of history or story we already know. So definitely add more of that and maybe some banter to get a feel for the side characters as well.
Thanks Dragon Blade Publishing for the ARC!
July 29, 2024
A Good Adventure with a Disappointing Romance Finale:
This was a good solid adventure story that had so much promise for a wonderful romance, but it certainly fell flat for me
The buildup of the characters magnetic relationship was so promising, and their everlasting romance could have been outstanding but to finally get to the marriage love scene that could have been wonderous was executed with a lack of feelings, no passion, no heat, a terrible intimacy scene and ever so disappointing for this unhappy reader.
This could have been a 5-star book if the author had brought in a bit of desirous sizzle. It feels like the book was written for a teenager.
The mystical parts of the adventure along with the villains made this an interesting read.
📖Book Grade for Adventure parts: A
🛏️ Grade for marriage bed scene fell flat and so did the groom😴 D-
📣Special Mention: The big dogs💖added a special treat to the story.
🧙♀️ I wish I could give the book 3 1/2 ⭐'s
🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion
This was a good solid adventure story that had so much promise for a wonderful romance, but it certainly fell flat for me
The buildup of the characters magnetic relationship was so promising, and their everlasting romance could have been outstanding but to finally get to the marriage love scene that could have been wonderous was executed with a lack of feelings, no passion, no heat, a terrible intimacy scene and ever so disappointing for this unhappy reader.
This could have been a 5-star book if the author had brought in a bit of desirous sizzle. It feels like the book was written for a teenager.
The mystical parts of the adventure along with the villains made this an interesting read.
📖Book Grade for Adventure parts: A
🛏️ Grade for marriage bed scene fell flat and so did the groom😴 D-
📣Special Mention: The big dogs💖added a special treat to the story.
🧙♀️ I wish I could give the book 3 1/2 ⭐'s
🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion
January 6, 2025
After finishing the first book in the series, I started on this, the second book, straight away and practically stayed up half the night to read it, it was so good!! This time it's Margaret and Duncan's story and what a tale it is!
After breaking their betrothal when she was 13 and he 20, Duncan leaves to prove his knighthood and as the years go by, he learns she is in a convent and she learns he has died! When they finally meet again, both are stunned and feelings are reawakened but they are not the same people they were when younger, both have responsibilities and there is no future for them. Or so they think!!
Filled with danger amidst King Edward 1's rule and Robert the Bruce's fight for Scottish independance, Margaret is charged with bringing Lilias Bruce to her father but she is taken before they set sail and Margaret will do anything to find her. Unfortunately, after an incident involving a sheriff, she is taken to a judge's home....the judge being Duncan!!
I'm really enjoying this series and now can't wait to read book 3!!!!
After breaking their betrothal when she was 13 and he 20, Duncan leaves to prove his knighthood and as the years go by, he learns she is in a convent and she learns he has died! When they finally meet again, both are stunned and feelings are reawakened but they are not the same people they were when younger, both have responsibilities and there is no future for them. Or so they think!!
Filled with danger amidst King Edward 1's rule and Robert the Bruce's fight for Scottish independance, Margaret is charged with bringing Lilias Bruce to her father but she is taken before they set sail and Margaret will do anything to find her. Unfortunately, after an incident involving a sheriff, she is taken to a judge's home....the judge being Duncan!!
I'm really enjoying this series and now can't wait to read book 3!!!!
August 13, 2024
Oh, my goodness how I enjoyed this story and it's a great addition to the series and is a standalone.
I'm a sucker when we meet them (or at least in this case one), who is a teenager. The h is almost 14 and has been in love with the H for a long time. The H is almost 8 years older than her and can't imagine having to bed someone that young. His father ends the betrothed, at the H's request, but in the process, the h is devasted.
Fast forward 10 years and they meet again. I'm not going to rehash the blurb, just know a lot happens in-between them meeting again.
Story has a touch of magic, very suspenseful, violence, smart and engaging main and secondary characters. I felt a connection to the MC and the bedroom door only partial opened - heat level 2 out of 5 and only described once.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and tad of spice. I really enjoy how this author weaves her stories. (ljb)
I'm a sucker when we meet them (or at least in this case one), who is a teenager. The h is almost 14 and has been in love with the H for a long time. The H is almost 8 years older than her and can't imagine having to bed someone that young. His father ends the betrothed, at the H's request, but in the process, the h is devasted.
Fast forward 10 years and they meet again. I'm not going to rehash the blurb, just know a lot happens in-between them meeting again.
Story has a touch of magic, very suspenseful, violence, smart and engaging main and secondary characters. I felt a connection to the MC and the bedroom door only partial opened - heat level 2 out of 5 and only described once.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and tad of spice. I really enjoy how this author weaves her stories. (ljb)
April 17, 2025
Too much description
This author had previously This author had previously rewritten a series that I read that was delightful. She had such a great way with bringing all the characters together . She rewrote it because she said it was too heavy with descriptions of everything. This story is loaded With the romance between Duncan And Margaret. That's all the story is really about and I Kept Going past all of this long narrative. I would recommend it if you want to read it for the romance of this couple but she had a powerful story that could have been written and she did not. There's only so much you can read about the landscape, the dresses, the castle, and the 2 main characters. She had great characters that she could have written a wonderful detailed story but I was very disappointed.
This author had previously This author had previously rewritten a series that I read that was delightful. She had such a great way with bringing all the characters together . She rewrote it because she said it was too heavy with descriptions of everything. This story is loaded With the romance between Duncan And Margaret. That's all the story is really about and I Kept Going past all of this long narrative. I would recommend it if you want to read it for the romance of this couple but she had a powerful story that could have been written and she did not. There's only so much you can read about the landscape, the dresses, the castle, and the 2 main characters. She had great characters that she could have written a wonderful detailed story but I was very disappointed.
April 25, 2025
A Medieval Scottish Romantic Adventure
Duncan broke their betrothal—and Margaret's heart. Ten years later, destiny brings them together again. He believed she had become a nun; she thought he was dead. Now, Margaret and her party are attacked on the road, and the Bruce’s daughter—whom she was sworn to protect—is kidnapped. The captors also steal a faery stone, a treasured family heirloom.
Margaret must now find both the king’s daughter and her brooch. Disguised as a lad, she sets out on a dangerous journey. When she injures a powerful man during an archery contest, she’s forced to flee. Duncan finds her, but can she trust him to help her this time?
Together, they embark on a thrilling journey filled with danger, adventure, and romance. I truly enjoyed this story and recommend it to fans of medieval Scottish romance. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Duncan broke their betrothal—and Margaret's heart. Ten years later, destiny brings them together again. He believed she had become a nun; she thought he was dead. Now, Margaret and her party are attacked on the road, and the Bruce’s daughter—whom she was sworn to protect—is kidnapped. The captors also steal a faery stone, a treasured family heirloom.
Margaret must now find both the king’s daughter and her brooch. Disguised as a lad, she sets out on a dangerous journey. When she injures a powerful man during an archery contest, she’s forced to flee. Duncan finds her, but can she trust him to help her this time?
Together, they embark on a thrilling journey filled with danger, adventure, and romance. I truly enjoyed this story and recommend it to fans of medieval Scottish romance. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
July 31, 2024
Lady Margaret is young, but at just 14, she's already dealing with a broken heart. Her betrothed not only calls off their wedding but then dies in battle. So, ten years later, the last person she expects to see is... him.
This novel blends historical romance, danger, and faery enchantment set against the wild backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
Margaret is independent, bold, and unafraid to stand up for those she loves. A truly spectacular historical romance that every Scottish heart will love!
This novel blends historical romance, danger, and faery enchantment set against the wild backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
Margaret is independent, bold, and unafraid to stand up for those she loves. A truly spectacular historical romance that every Scottish heart will love!
August 13, 2024
Thank you to @netgalley and @dragonbladepublishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I grew up reading historical romances and when I saw this one come available it felt like a blast from the past and I couldn’t wait to dive in. PLUS it’s set in Scotland which was my prime reading material when I was younger, so I felt like I couldn’t go wrong.
This book gives off Merida vibes from brave and I really enjoyed every time our FMC Margaret was on the page. She is such a strong character with an amazing moral compass. She is compassionate and loves with all her heart, even staying true to a man who rejected their arranged marriage when they were young despite thinking he was dead.
The pacing of the book was overall decent. It kept the story going without any unnecessary lulls. However, some parts did fall a bit flat. I’m not sure if it was the dialogue or just the overall writing, but it felt like we kept being TOLD instead of SHOWN. I feel like this is a n issue for a lot of authors so I can’t reallly fault this one.
I do like that this is technically part of a series but it’s a stand alone. You don’t have to read the one before it to understand what’s happening, but it is nice to see mentions of the previous couple. It makes the world feel more fleshed out and well rounded.
Overall, a decent read that gave major nostalgia vibes!
I grew up reading historical romances and when I saw this one come available it felt like a blast from the past and I couldn’t wait to dive in. PLUS it’s set in Scotland which was my prime reading material when I was younger, so I felt like I couldn’t go wrong.
This book gives off Merida vibes from brave and I really enjoyed every time our FMC Margaret was on the page. She is such a strong character with an amazing moral compass. She is compassionate and loves with all her heart, even staying true to a man who rejected their arranged marriage when they were young despite thinking he was dead.
The pacing of the book was overall decent. It kept the story going without any unnecessary lulls. However, some parts did fall a bit flat. I’m not sure if it was the dialogue or just the overall writing, but it felt like we kept being TOLD instead of SHOWN. I feel like this is a n issue for a lot of authors so I can’t reallly fault this one.
I do like that this is technically part of a series but it’s a stand alone. You don’t have to read the one before it to understand what’s happening, but it is nice to see mentions of the previous couple. It makes the world feel more fleshed out and well rounded.
Overall, a decent read that gave major nostalgia vibes!
August 1, 2024
A sweet book two of a series. Fast moving and engaging. Margaret is to protect and care for a Scottish Royal. She is feisty, brave and full of vigger. Her past comes along to complicate matters and a second chance presents itself. From an author who does a fantastic job writing Scottish novels, this is one for any age with a bit of magic added. Loved it.
August 22, 2024
I really loved all the notable pets in this story - dogs and falcons. You can really tell that an author has a soft heart when the fit pets into their stories. The romance between Margaret and Duncan started out slow, but in the end was sweet. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
August 23, 2024
Loved it!
The mystery and the magic is vey enticing and enlivening. And then the love that seeming has been “forgiven” but not forgotten. It all made for keeping me turning the pages in anticipation. Much appreciation 💕
The mystery and the magic is vey enticing and enlivening. And then the love that seeming has been “forgiven” but not forgotten. It all made for keeping me turning the pages in anticipation. Much appreciation 💕
July 18, 2025
Awesome adventure
So much excitement and intrigue! The lies, the deceit, and the truth all woven into an amazing adventure! The characters were amazing and funny! Loved reading about the scenery also! Thanks for sharing your story!!!
So much excitement and intrigue! The lies, the deceit, and the truth all woven into an amazing adventure! The characters were amazing and funny! Loved reading about the scenery also! Thanks for sharing your story!!!
December 24, 2024
Great story
This was the first book I have read by this author Susan King. It was well written and held my interest. I recommend reading this book.
This was the first book I have read by this author Susan King. It was well written and held my interest. I recommend reading this book.
August 1, 2024
This is a sweet historical romance with characters. Our hero made a decision years before that he has come to regret. Our heroine has grown up to be a spirited young woman . She takes her responsibilities seriously and will not let anyone stand in her way.
A difficult time with secrets galore.
Good fun.
A difficult time with secrets galore.
Good fun.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews