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The Highlander's Bride #2
The Highlander's Reluctant Bride
Determined to keep the Macrory clan’s holdings out of the clutches of the Lord of the Isles and marauding pirates, King Robert II sends his man, Lord Ranald Scott, to hold Scaurness Castle. There, Laird Macrory lays dying, awaiting word from his son who is missing on the battlefields of France. If the son is not found before the old laird dies, Ranald will take over as laird—and marry Laird Macrory’s headstrong daughter.
Lady Caitriona sees no reason she cannot rule the clan in her brother’s stead, and is bitterly disappointed with the king’s decision to send a man to oversee the castle and people. Not only is Ranald Scott only distantly related to the Macrory clan, but he was her childhood nemesis. She has little trust or like for him.
Her disappointment turns to panic when the king’s plan is completely revealed and she realizes she must wed Ranald. Pirates, treachery, and a four-year-old girl stand between her and Ranald’s chance at happiness. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other and find the love they both deserve?
Lady Caitriona sees no reason she cannot rule the clan in her brother’s stead, and is bitterly disappointed with the king’s decision to send a man to oversee the castle and people. Not only is Ranald Scott only distantly related to the Macrory clan, but he was her childhood nemesis. She has little trust or like for him.
Her disappointment turns to panic when the king’s plan is completely revealed and she realizes she must wed Ranald. Pirates, treachery, and a four-year-old girl stand between her and Ranald’s chance at happiness. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other and find the love they both deserve?
318 pages, ebook
First published March 15, 2014
468 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Cathy MacRae
71 books407 followersAmazon best-selling author Cathy MacRae enjoys weaving tales of romance in the Highland mists. Her stories feature strong heroes and feisty heroines in pursuit of their happy-ever-afters in medieval Scotland.
When not writing, Cathy can be found curled up in a chair with a book or enjoying the outdoors with a German Shepherd or two. She is currently working on another Highland romance novel and planning her next trip to Scotland.
Sign up for her newsletter here: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/con...
When not writing, Cathy can be found curled up in a chair with a book or enjoying the outdoors with a German Shepherd or two. She is currently working on another Highland romance novel and planning her next trip to Scotland.
Sign up for her newsletter here: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/con...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 6, 2016
Familiar
There was nothing terribly original about this story, and pieces felt borrowed from other, better Highlander books. Nothing reached in and grabbed me, and maybe I felt this detachment due to the familiarity. At times I skimmed, especially near the end. 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
There was nothing terribly original about this story, and pieces felt borrowed from other, better Highlander books. Nothing reached in and grabbed me, and maybe I felt this detachment due to the familiarity. At times I skimmed, especially near the end. 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
May 7, 2020
Set in the Highlands in 1377, this is the story of Lady Caitriona whose father, the laird, has just died. Unbeknownst to her, her father had asked King Robert II for help. The king sends Lord Ranald Scott to hold Scaurness Castle on Scotland’s western coast. Ranald has been told if the old king dies before his son returns from France, then he must take over as laird and marry the old laird’s daughter.
Caitriona would prefer to rule the clan in her brother’s stead and is not happy about being forced to wed her childhood friend she never liked. Added to that, she has a 4-year-old daughter, the product of a rape when she was 15, that she fears Ranald—like one of her other suitors—will reject.
This is a well-written story, albeit long at times. The author has done her research to make it authentic and that is good. I enjoyed Ranald and his friends and the castle life MacRae has created. Caitriona (“Riona” for short and pronounced “Ree-na”) is a worthy heroine who has overcome great difficulties to take her place at the head of her people, that is until Ranald arrived.
Treachery, battles, celebrations, a Highland wedding and an adorable child will keep you turning pages!
Caitriona would prefer to rule the clan in her brother’s stead and is not happy about being forced to wed her childhood friend she never liked. Added to that, she has a 4-year-old daughter, the product of a rape when she was 15, that she fears Ranald—like one of her other suitors—will reject.
This is a well-written story, albeit long at times. The author has done her research to make it authentic and that is good. I enjoyed Ranald and his friends and the castle life MacRae has created. Caitriona (“Riona” for short and pronounced “Ree-na”) is a worthy heroine who has overcome great difficulties to take her place at the head of her people, that is until Ranald arrived.
Treachery, battles, celebrations, a Highland wedding and an adorable child will keep you turning pages!
March 15, 2018
Is this another of those originally published back in the 70s novels re-written to soothe today's butt-hurt crowd?
It read that way to me.
Although not badly written and with fewer GPS issues than normal for most Romance novels, I still did not enjoy this one.
Too predictable, what with the author dropping major hints straight away, thus taking from me any chance for what-if's or an element of surprise later in the story.
Too much modern, PC-minded bull for me to become immersed in what is supposed to be 1377 Scotland Romance.
The thoroughly 21st Century thoughts, feelings, and mannerisms of the heroine, and the Metrosexual-behaving Hero who was about as flawless and thoughtful a 1377 Scottish Highlander as they came.
Adding a child to the mix made it worse, further sealing my not-interested opinion of this surprisingly well-written tale of Reluctance at every turn.
Nothing screams romance louder than a toddler running around in almost every scene to jolt the reader out of woo-hoo, eh Moms?
I'm likely to be in the minority here, but why don't authors who truly believe in feminism, modern mentality without question, and Men Just Suck Because... stick to the Contemporary Romance genre, where they are more suited to voice their personal opinion in every chapter and create characters who fully agree with everything the author believes?
Please, kindly stop cramming your modern moral outlook down my throat in your FICTIONAL ROMANCE novels!
I cannot see Fictional Romance written this way (opinion-laden and 21st Century) as being able to stand the test of time, and that is a real shame.
Or, will it still be a 'thing' in 30 years for opinionated strangers to re-write someone else's work to better suit their own moral outlook on life?
*Sigh
It read that way to me.
Although not badly written and with fewer GPS issues than normal for most Romance novels, I still did not enjoy this one.
Too predictable, what with the author dropping major hints straight away, thus taking from me any chance for what-if's or an element of surprise later in the story.
Too much modern, PC-minded bull for me to become immersed in what is supposed to be 1377 Scotland Romance.
The thoroughly 21st Century thoughts, feelings, and mannerisms of the heroine, and the Metrosexual-behaving Hero who was about as flawless and thoughtful a 1377 Scottish Highlander as they came.
Adding a child to the mix made it worse, further sealing my not-interested opinion of this surprisingly well-written tale of Reluctance at every turn.
Nothing screams romance louder than a toddler running around in almost every scene to jolt the reader out of woo-hoo, eh Moms?
I'm likely to be in the minority here, but why don't authors who truly believe in feminism, modern mentality without question, and Men Just Suck Because... stick to the Contemporary Romance genre, where they are more suited to voice their personal opinion in every chapter and create characters who fully agree with everything the author believes?
Please, kindly stop cramming your modern moral outlook down my throat in your FICTIONAL ROMANCE novels!
I cannot see Fictional Romance written this way (opinion-laden and 21st Century) as being able to stand the test of time, and that is a real shame.
Or, will it still be a 'thing' in 30 years for opinionated strangers to re-write someone else's work to better suit their own moral outlook on life?
*Sigh
July 7, 2014
Ranald the hero is sent by the King Robert of Scotland, at the request of Laird Macrory who is dying, to secure the Macory clan’s castle and marry the laird’s daughter. A marriage that is not well received by all concerned as Ranald is not of the clan.
Riona is the heroine, who has been allowed to learn about the workings of the clan and weapons by an indulgent father. Her brother has gone off to fight the English in France and is believed dead. She now becomes a pawn among the clans of the area who want to take control of the castle. When Ranald arrives he has grown into a man from the boy who used to visit on occasion and torment her life.
A story of intrigue, secrets, fighting, and love. This book keeps you wondering what is going to happen next and how the characters are going to react. They are multidimensional individuals who make mistakes in the action of the moment but then ask for forgiveness. The entwining of Riona and Ranald’s past with their present and the problems they encounter keeps you interested throughout the book.
Riona is the heroine, who has been allowed to learn about the workings of the clan and weapons by an indulgent father. Her brother has gone off to fight the English in France and is believed dead. She now becomes a pawn among the clans of the area who want to take control of the castle. When Ranald arrives he has grown into a man from the boy who used to visit on occasion and torment her life.
A story of intrigue, secrets, fighting, and love. This book keeps you wondering what is going to happen next and how the characters are going to react. They are multidimensional individuals who make mistakes in the action of the moment but then ask for forgiveness. The entwining of Riona and Ranald’s past with their present and the problems they encounter keeps you interested throughout the book.
December 30, 2016
Lord Ranald Scott comes to Scaurness Castle to hold it for the King. The old Laird Macrory, head of the clan is dying and with the strategic location of the castle at the opening of an important river and port it is important to keep it out of pirates hands and the Lord of the Isles.
He arrives to find the castle under attack and that is just the start of his troubles. He is also ordered by the kin to marry the old Laird's daughter to keep the Macrory Clan loyal to him and the king. Lady Caitriona has other idea until she finally becomes The Highlander's Reluctant Bride.
If you like strong alpha male Scottish heroes, beautiful strong women and loyal clans with an added bonus of a wee small girl full of fun and questions that add humor, this is wonderful book for you.
He arrives to find the castle under attack and that is just the start of his troubles. He is also ordered by the kin to marry the old Laird's daughter to keep the Macrory Clan loyal to him and the king. Lady Caitriona has other idea until she finally becomes The Highlander's Reluctant Bride.
If you like strong alpha male Scottish heroes, beautiful strong women and loyal clans with an added bonus of a wee small girl full of fun and questions that add humor, this is wonderful book for you.
July 15, 2014
4.5/5.0
MacRae’s beautiful writing flows easily across pages brimming with historical detailing, the lilting dialogue and rich descriptions of Scaurness and the surrounding land, really putting the reader right in the thick of Scotland.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
MacRae’s beautiful writing flows easily across pages brimming with historical detailing, the lilting dialogue and rich descriptions of Scaurness and the surrounding land, really putting the reader right in the thick of Scotland.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 14, 2016
Excellent story! I liked that Lady Caitriona was strong, despite being raped when she was 15, yet not a brat. Even when she is told she has to marry Lord Ranald Scott at the king's command, she is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and maybe learn to love him. What they don't know is that there are traitors in their midst and that an evil from the past is going to return.
November 22, 2017
Catriona takes 20% of the story to get
over her bad temper and accept that.she is a fourteenth century , rather old to be still unmarried and not a twenty first century free to choose shrew .
Anyhow , the Lairdy is " no sae bad" Good with dogs and horses and her wee accidental daughter . Not bad looking either .
So a non eventful few long days preparing for the wedding , a long long wedding , with under tones of been here said that . A standard first night bedroom scene .
So while they are putting off going back to the castle , maybe to get some peace from wee Gilda , it is taken by.pirates and the rest is worth reading , well., sort of
I admit I did a lot of speed reading.
over her bad temper and accept that.she is a fourteenth century , rather old to be still unmarried and not a twenty first century free to choose shrew .
Anyhow , the Lairdy is " no sae bad" Good with dogs and horses and her wee accidental daughter . Not bad looking either .
So a non eventful few long days preparing for the wedding , a long long wedding , with under tones of been here said that . A standard first night bedroom scene .
So while they are putting off going back to the castle , maybe to get some peace from wee Gilda , it is taken by.pirates and the rest is worth reading , well., sort of
I admit I did a lot of speed reading.
February 27, 2018
Exciting and romantic! ⭐️❤⭐❤⭐❤⭐❤⭐❤
I believe this is the most exciting book I have ever read! I could hardly bear the tension at times. I could bear to have it end but the I couldn't bear not knowing what was going to happen next! Both the hero and heroine were fantastic and deserving of the bale. Just wow! This was a reference to the previous book and it sounded very interesting so I'm reading that next.
I believe this is the most exciting book I have ever read! I could hardly bear the tension at times. I could bear to have it end but the I couldn't bear not knowing what was going to happen next! Both the hero and heroine were fantastic and deserving of the bale. Just wow! This was a reference to the previous book and it sounded very interesting so I'm reading that next.
November 2, 2021
What the Heck?
Okay, so I just really didn’t enjoy this book. It started out decently enough, even if the Scottish accent being written out so heavily is annoying. However, this book went from an interesting story to a drama fest with so many plot holes there was practically nothing that could be done to salvage it. The only reason I finished it was because I was enjoying making fun of it with my friend.
Okay, so I just really didn’t enjoy this book. It started out decently enough, even if the Scottish accent being written out so heavily is annoying. However, this book went from an interesting story to a drama fest with so many plot holes there was practically nothing that could be done to salvage it. The only reason I finished it was because I was enjoying making fun of it with my friend.
July 25, 2025
The Reluctant Bride
Ranald saves Scaurness Castle and his childhood friend Riona. Of course, we have the reluctance, she remembers him as a bedeviled youth that didn’t want her tagging along. This is the story of their betrothal, learning each other, clan battles and trust regained.
Ranald saves Scaurness Castle and his childhood friend Riona. Of course, we have the reluctance, she remembers him as a bedeviled youth that didn’t want her tagging along. This is the story of their betrothal, learning each other, clan battles and trust regained.
November 28, 2017
Reluctant Bride
For centuries, women were but pawns used by men. Riona lived in a castle which was important to both King Robert of Scotland and the King of the Isles. Who will gain the lands of her birth after her father, The Laird, dies?
For centuries, women were but pawns used by men. Riona lived in a castle which was important to both King Robert of Scotland and the King of the Isles. Who will gain the lands of her birth after her father, The Laird, dies?
January 14, 2018
The Highlander's Reluctant Bride
Castles, pirates, treachery, dictates and trust all mix together to tell the story of Ranald and Ree. It's a good story with twists and turns along the way.
Castles, pirates, treachery, dictates and trust all mix together to tell the story of Ranald and Ree. It's a good story with twists and turns along the way.
April 26, 2018
Excellent
Plenty of excitement, always something different going on. The treachery was almost to much, but it went with the times. To be pressed into marriage by you king, you forget that women were property.
Plenty of excitement, always something different going on. The treachery was almost to much, but it went with the times. To be pressed into marriage by you king, you forget that women were property.
October 10, 2024
exciting and twists n turns
I really enjoyed this novel. It had many historical elements I haven’t read before. It was, of course over the top with good guys wining, but it ended well
I really enjoyed this novel. It had many historical elements I haven’t read before. It was, of course over the top with good guys wining, but it ended well
December 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was the second time I read it. I like books about Highlanders in Scotland. This book I like because it is about a strong woman and the man who is willing to treat her as a partner in marriage.
May 27, 2017
coming soon
December 3, 2017
Romance in the Highlands
The story had much substance among the characters. It had various twists and turns which kept my attention. Always like a happy ending
The story had much substance among the characters. It had various twists and turns which kept my attention. Always like a happy ending
December 20, 2017
A Wonderful Story!
Riona and Ronald are great characters! Loved the castle by the sea and the fight scenes had me holding my breath. Couldn’t put the book down.
Riona and Ronald are great characters! Loved the castle by the sea and the fight scenes had me holding my breath. Couldn’t put the book down.
December 23, 2017
Good Parents
Good story of how a nontraditional family came into being. There could have been a little more depth presented in the clans interrelationships.
Good story of how a nontraditional family came into being. There could have been a little more depth presented in the clans interrelationships.
December 28, 2017
Great read
Well written. You will become one with the characters. Get ready to live the life of Highlander and all those around him.
Well written. You will become one with the characters. Get ready to live the life of Highlander and all those around him.
June 1, 2018
Well written, story is not very unique but it was good because of the quality of the writing
July 15, 2018
Tragedy, dislike, numerous foes, attraction, This one keeps you reading non-stop. On to the next in this series.
December 1, 2019
Interesting twists.
April 5, 2020
Love Scottish
Great love of the times of my ancestors. It is good for a love story of the time of Scotland.
Great love of the times of my ancestors. It is good for a love story of the time of Scotland.
November 24, 2024
The Highlander's Reluctant Bride The Highlander's Bride Series book 2
This book has it all!! So much action, battles, twixt, love, and romance. Hard to put down kind of book.
This book has it all!! So much action, battles, twixt, love, and romance. Hard to put down kind of book.
January 27, 2021
I like the ending better in this book but it was just a regular romance. Nice but nothing shocking.
May 15, 2014
4.25 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2014
Determined to keep the Macrory clan holdings out of the clutches of the Lord of the Isles and marauding pirates, King Robert II sends his man, Lord Ranald Scott, to hold Scaurness Castle. There, Laird Macrory lies dying, awaiting word from his son who is missing on the battlefields of France. If the son is not found before the old laird dies, Ranald will take over as laird--and marry Laird Macrory's headstrong daughter.
Lady Caitriona sees no reason she cannot rule the clan in her brother's stead, and is bitterly disappointed with the king's decision to send a man to oversee the castle and its people. Not only is Ranald Scott only distantly related to the Macrory clan, but he was her childhood nemesis. She has little trust or like for him.
Her disappointment turns to panic when the king's plan is completely revealed and she realizes she must wed Ranald. Pirates, treachery, and a 4-year-old girl stand between her and Ranald's chance at happiness. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other and find the love they both deserve?
~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the second instalment in Cathy MacRae’s Highlander historical romance series. This is Lord Ranald Scott and Lady Riona Macrory’s story. Following the death of Laird Macrory, King Robert sends Ranald to Scaurness Castle to secure and assume the position of Laird. To establish ownership, Ranald is ordered to marry Lady Macrory and is not surprise when she denies any claim of marriage. The two have a prior history that goes back a number of years.
The premise focuses on the building relationship between Ranald and Riona as well as defending the castle from would be claimants-a one time friend of the former Laird: and the head of the Laird’s guards. When treachery and treason is suspected Ranald must ensure his position of authority or lose control of the castle and the men.
The relationship between Ranald and Riona began as children but neither had seen one another in years. Their attraction to one another is immediate although both deny feelings or their emotions. But Riona hides a secret that she believes will push Ranald away and in doing so will discover that her past has come back to claim what he believes belongs to him. When Riona chooses her past over her present Ranald knows that the future he promised was never going to happen.
The world building continues with the inclusion of Laird Eaden Scott (Ranald’s brother) from the first storyline. With the backdrop of Scottish castles and the salt water ocean you can feel the moisture and dew on the misty shores. The secondary characters include family, friends and enemies all carefully placed who reveal bits and pieces about the history of the family and the guards.
Cathy MacRae pulls the reader into a romantic storyline of struggle, betrayal, heartbreak and love. The Highlander storylines are always a favorite genre for many romance readers and THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the perfect romance read for love in the afternoon.
copy supplied by the author
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2014
Determined to keep the Macrory clan holdings out of the clutches of the Lord of the Isles and marauding pirates, King Robert II sends his man, Lord Ranald Scott, to hold Scaurness Castle. There, Laird Macrory lies dying, awaiting word from his son who is missing on the battlefields of France. If the son is not found before the old laird dies, Ranald will take over as laird--and marry Laird Macrory's headstrong daughter.
Lady Caitriona sees no reason she cannot rule the clan in her brother's stead, and is bitterly disappointed with the king's decision to send a man to oversee the castle and its people. Not only is Ranald Scott only distantly related to the Macrory clan, but he was her childhood nemesis. She has little trust or like for him.
Her disappointment turns to panic when the king's plan is completely revealed and she realizes she must wed Ranald. Pirates, treachery, and a 4-year-old girl stand between her and Ranald's chance at happiness. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other and find the love they both deserve?
~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the second instalment in Cathy MacRae’s Highlander historical romance series. This is Lord Ranald Scott and Lady Riona Macrory’s story. Following the death of Laird Macrory, King Robert sends Ranald to Scaurness Castle to secure and assume the position of Laird. To establish ownership, Ranald is ordered to marry Lady Macrory and is not surprise when she denies any claim of marriage. The two have a prior history that goes back a number of years.
The premise focuses on the building relationship between Ranald and Riona as well as defending the castle from would be claimants-a one time friend of the former Laird: and the head of the Laird’s guards. When treachery and treason is suspected Ranald must ensure his position of authority or lose control of the castle and the men.
The relationship between Ranald and Riona began as children but neither had seen one another in years. Their attraction to one another is immediate although both deny feelings or their emotions. But Riona hides a secret that she believes will push Ranald away and in doing so will discover that her past has come back to claim what he believes belongs to him. When Riona chooses her past over her present Ranald knows that the future he promised was never going to happen.
The world building continues with the inclusion of Laird Eaden Scott (Ranald’s brother) from the first storyline. With the backdrop of Scottish castles and the salt water ocean you can feel the moisture and dew on the misty shores. The secondary characters include family, friends and enemies all carefully placed who reveal bits and pieces about the history of the family and the guards.
Cathy MacRae pulls the reader into a romantic storyline of struggle, betrayal, heartbreak and love. The Highlander storylines are always a favorite genre for many romance readers and THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the perfect romance read for love in the afternoon.
copy supplied by the author
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 30, 2021
Cockamamie Plot Twist Made me Quit Reading
I read book 3 in this Highlander series first and gave it a solid 5 star review so it’s hard to give only 2 stars but if I can’t make myself finish a book after reading 69% of it then that’s what it gets.
Book 2 starts with great promise and some good characters. At the start, Ranald approaches the castle he has been instructed by the king to protect because its laird is dying. He finds it under attack so he and his men quickly rout the invaders without learning who the attackers were. Curiously, he doesn’t investigate it.
We quickly learn that this castle is a valuable piece of real estate overlooking the Firth and many men, from pirates to neighboring clans, dearly want it for themselves. One of the key characters is Gilda, a delightful and precocious 4 year old, the result of her mother’s brutal rape 5 years earlier. Lady Catrionna, aka Ree, the dying lairds daughter and Gilda’s ma, has kept the rapist a secret for fear the knowledge would cause bloodshed and war and if he knew about the child he might abduct her.
The story proceeds in an enjoyable and believable manner until chapter 22 the 69% mark on Kindle Unlimited, when Ranald insists he and Ree accompany his brother (who attended their wedding) part of the way back to his estate so he and Ree can have more “alone” time (in a tent surrounded by soldiers, but I digress) then they will travel back to Gilda and their castle accompanied by some of his guards. Arghh.. This is not even remotely believable.
There is nothing romantic about riding a horse all day only to sleep on the ground after a long dusty or rainy day, they are leaving the castle with no laird, the former head of the guard, who just killed a man in front of Ranald the day before their wedding is still unpunished and free, and remember the unknown attackers at the start of the story? And precious Gilda, who’s birth father has now put 2+2 together when he saw her on the beach, is asleep in the castle and doesn’t know her mother is leaving…did I mention every man around wants to be laird of this castle and will do anything to get it?
When my eyes start rolling at a characters utterly stupid decisions which strike me as a desperate need for a plot twist, I just stop my misery right there. On to book 4, mayhap that’d be a better use of my time, aye?
I read book 3 in this Highlander series first and gave it a solid 5 star review so it’s hard to give only 2 stars but if I can’t make myself finish a book after reading 69% of it then that’s what it gets.
Book 2 starts with great promise and some good characters. At the start, Ranald approaches the castle he has been instructed by the king to protect because its laird is dying. He finds it under attack so he and his men quickly rout the invaders without learning who the attackers were. Curiously, he doesn’t investigate it.
We quickly learn that this castle is a valuable piece of real estate overlooking the Firth and many men, from pirates to neighboring clans, dearly want it for themselves. One of the key characters is Gilda, a delightful and precocious 4 year old, the result of her mother’s brutal rape 5 years earlier. Lady Catrionna, aka Ree, the dying lairds daughter and Gilda’s ma, has kept the rapist a secret for fear the knowledge would cause bloodshed and war and if he knew about the child he might abduct her.
The story proceeds in an enjoyable and believable manner until chapter 22 the 69% mark on Kindle Unlimited, when Ranald insists he and Ree accompany his brother (who attended their wedding) part of the way back to his estate so he and Ree can have more “alone” time (in a tent surrounded by soldiers, but I digress) then they will travel back to Gilda and their castle accompanied by some of his guards. Arghh.. This is not even remotely believable.
There is nothing romantic about riding a horse all day only to sleep on the ground after a long dusty or rainy day, they are leaving the castle with no laird, the former head of the guard, who just killed a man in front of Ranald the day before their wedding is still unpunished and free, and remember the unknown attackers at the start of the story? And precious Gilda, who’s birth father has now put 2+2 together when he saw her on the beach, is asleep in the castle and doesn’t know her mother is leaving…did I mention every man around wants to be laird of this castle and will do anything to get it?
When my eyes start rolling at a characters utterly stupid decisions which strike me as a desperate need for a plot twist, I just stop my misery right there. On to book 4, mayhap that’d be a better use of my time, aye?
July 29, 2016
dying and his only son, Kennon, is missing, presumed dead. Not wanting Macrory's lands to fall to the Lord of the Isles, or heaven forbid, pirates, King Robert II sends Lord Ranald Scott, to not only secure the lands but also to marry Laird Macrory's only daughter, Lady Caitriona ( Riona).
All Riona remembers of Ranald Scott is that he found her an annoying nuisance as a child and once, accidently, pushed her over a cliff! Riona does not like the man, why on earth would she want to marry him? There are other reasons why she shy's from marriage, when she was 15 she was cruelly raped. That rape resulted in a little girl, Gilda. Riona will do everything within her power to protect her daughter.
This story is so full of atmosphere. MacRae has crafted a beautiful love story set in a desperate time where treachery seems to lurk around every corner. This book had it all, a great romance, a fantastic plot and characters that were believable.
I thought the budding romance between Ranald And Riona was lovely, and I liked the way their relationship developed over the course of the novel.
There were a few historical inaccuracies that I would like not to have seen. Contrary to popular belief, the kilt didn't become a popular form of men’s wear until the late 17th Century - Braveheart has a lot to answer for! Instead, they wore brats or tartan cloaks. However, I can understand, for the sake of the romance, why the kilts were included - we all love a Scot in a kilt!
I enjoyed this novel. It was fast paced and so full of drama that it kept me turning those pages.
A well executed and engaging read.
All Riona remembers of Ranald Scott is that he found her an annoying nuisance as a child and once, accidently, pushed her over a cliff! Riona does not like the man, why on earth would she want to marry him? There are other reasons why she shy's from marriage, when she was 15 she was cruelly raped. That rape resulted in a little girl, Gilda. Riona will do everything within her power to protect her daughter.
This story is so full of atmosphere. MacRae has crafted a beautiful love story set in a desperate time where treachery seems to lurk around every corner. This book had it all, a great romance, a fantastic plot and characters that were believable.
I thought the budding romance between Ranald And Riona was lovely, and I liked the way their relationship developed over the course of the novel.
There were a few historical inaccuracies that I would like not to have seen. Contrary to popular belief, the kilt didn't become a popular form of men’s wear until the late 17th Century - Braveheart has a lot to answer for! Instead, they wore brats or tartan cloaks. However, I can understand, for the sake of the romance, why the kilts were included - we all love a Scot in a kilt!
I enjoyed this novel. It was fast paced and so full of drama that it kept me turning those pages.
A well executed and engaging read.
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