Highland Steel

Guardians of the Stone #2

by Tanya Anne Crosby

The true stone of Destiny remains hidden, but now comes a new battle to determine who will hold the sword of kings.

Defying her laird and brother, Lael of the dun Scoti clan takes up her sword to fight beside the MacKinnons to return Keppenach to its rightful heir--to Broc Ceannfhionn. She'll risk everything to keep the stronghold out of the hands of King Henry's Butcher . . . even her life.

They call him The Butcher, but not even Henry's henchman would hang a woman. Riding into the gates on winged fury, Jaime Steorling cuts the raven-haired beauty down from the gallows only to find himself a willing prisoner of her heart. In the end, only a bond of love between bitter enemies can bring healing to broken nations.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Amazon, Audiobook

335 pages, ebook

First published October 17, 2014

About the author

Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Reviews

[KatieV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kept me listening. It was nice to see Broc again (from the Highland Brides series).

The heroine decides to help Broc regain his keep from the half-English warrior installed by King David. The invasion doesn't go well and they are both nearly hanged before the hero saves them. Broc ends up in the dungeon and Lael ends up being forced to wed the hero. Basically, King David gives her the choice of her and Broc both dying or her marrying the H and giving him a child in exchange for Broc's feedom and their lives. Not much choice there.

The heroine had a chip on her shoulder and could be a bit abrasive at times. The hero was very likeable and honorable. Once again the narrator did a much better job with the male than the female voices.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 3 out of 5]

UNLIKEABLE HEROINE!!

Highland Steel is another disappointing story!! The End was good and the Epilog was good. The first 75% of the story is slow. The heroine Lael was very hard core, more man like then a sensual female warrior. Ms. Crosby I believe was going for a warrior women, but leaving out the feminine aspects of the character. Jamie aka The Butcher was more a kindly young man and not fierce or Alpha male but I did like Jamie. I didn't like Lael in bk1 when she was introduced as Aiden dun Scoti's sister and I liked her even less in her own story. But as I said the ending was very good and epilog was too, but it all came a little to late to save the storyline or to make the characters more likeable. Not enough romance between the couple to make you believe they ended up in Love.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Anne Crosby outdid herself AGAIN! This time with this exceptional read {Highland Steel} which is book two in her spectacular *The Guardians of the Stone Series*. This story continues the magical tale that started with {Highland Fire}book one in *The Guardians of the Stone Series*, which I have also 5 star reviewed. Actually if allowed I would give both books over 100 plus stars! Yes these books and this series is that magnificent! Also if you are fans of Ms. Crosby's (Highland Bride Series) like me, you will see a couple characters in this book from Clan MacKinnon as well.

Dubhtolargg, The Highlands, summer of 1126. This book starts off where Lael of Clan dun Scoti takes up the sword against her favorite brother, the Laird Aidan dun Scoti wishes. As always he does not want the clan involved or attract attention to the Clan, plus as first and foremost the dun Scoti Clan are guardians of the secret stone and have been for eons. As Lael has been asked to help her friend Broc Ceannfhionn of Clan Mackinnon. Fans of Ms. Crosby will remember Broc also know as Broc The Blond in (The Highland Bride Series). Broc whom is the true heir of Keppenach. As King Henry's demon henchman has the Butcher Jamie has been awarded the keep by Scotland's King David himself a mon Lael hates with a passion and for good reason of his past evil deeds. As for the Butcher, he has a ruthless reputation being able to remove heads with his bare hands as if he were in league with the Devil himself.

For the first time in Lael's life she defies the brother who has more or less raised Lael since she was ten years old with both of their parents deceased. Lael is perfection with her sword arm as she can best any man with her percussion sword arm. The dun Scoti her clan treats both men and women equally and train as warriors to fight and protect themselves and the Clan. Unfortunately, the plan that she and Broc had in place does not go as planned, as they are ambushed at Keppenach before the new owner has even arrived! All of Broc's men have been executed there is only Broc except for his cousin Cameron who is missing. Broc and Lael left with nooses around their neck next to be hung and executed just as The Buther enters the keep and stops their executions that the former Maddog MacLaren authorizes without even a trial. Maddog whom is the kin to the former owner. As The Butcher is furious and shouts that no one was supposed to be executed without his authorization! Maddog wanted to used his last of authority as he is worse then former evil owner Rogan, who was a ruthless muderer himself. It was actually the Butcher who stopped the executions of Lael and Broc. He puts Broc in a cell and Lael in the tower as he trying to figure out how to get her out of this mess until her temper gets the better of her and she slaps King Davis himself. Jamie sees the most beautiful women he has ever seen in his life once Lael's cleans up and is not looking forward to beheading this beautiful warrior goddess. Yet what choice does he have once King David gives the order?

Yet what else could King David decide after Lael's attack on him and is utterly shocked when the following day he orders he wants the Butcher to marry Lael dun Scoti and to have a child within the year and a day or and if Lael refuses Broc would be executed immediately. What choice does Lael have to protect her friend but the kicker was she had to be with child within the year, then they would release Broc the Blond! To Lael this is sleeping with the enemy, but has to admit The Butcher is the first man she has ever been attracted to, which also fill her twisted heart with guilt.

This book is fast moving, a real page turner, has so many twists and turns and lots of evil plots stirring too, put together by enemies. So how can a forced marriage turn out when there are are so many things that can go wrong? Jamie is very clear Lael would have to go to seduce him to sleep with him. The other problem is he does not seem to realize Lael is a virgin, due to so many untruth fabrications when it came to the wild dun Scotti Clan. Is Lael to be the pagan sacrifice or is sleeping with the handsome Jamie, The Butcher a sacrifice at all? In truth they both realize they are each other's equal. Lael also knows to escape would cause her friend, Broc Ceannfhionn certain and immediate death! So how can two enemies come together to trust, heal each other heartaches and tender hearts that can possible turn to love? You will have to read this absolutely captivating, riveting, and marvelous adventure with bits of magic and true Scottish history in it as well to find out.

If you love historic Scotland, it's people, land with a bit of mayhem, adventure and romance you will absolutely devour this book and then save it for your keeper shelf to read again and again.


As always Tanya Anne Crosby story *Highland Steel* melted my heart and left me spellbound! I can't wait for book three titled *Highland Fury* which will be the finale in this wonderful and superbly written trilogy! As I have been completely dazzled and delighted by this entire series that I will be sad to see to a close.

Yet not to worry as the wheels are always turning in this mega talented spectacular author always ready to pen her next tale. As she is already planning her next series called (The Redemption of Cameron Mackinnon) which is a spinoff of (The Guardians of the Stone Series).Yet if you want to read and find out more about Cameron and why he even needs to be redeemed? I highly recommend you read about Cameron from the beginning: in Tanya's wonderful (Highland Brides Series) which consists of four books and a novella all fabulous and exhilarating reads which I have and also previously reviewed and many I have read more then once!

You can read this book and any of Ms. Crosby's books alone or in series order. I recommend in series order as you will be able to connect the dots with both main characters and secondary characters, as a lot of the time a secondary character might become a main character in a future book. Yet you can read alone as well it is the readers choice of course.



I couldn't put this book down and it will take honors on my keeper shelf! "Highland Steel" by Tanya Anne Crosby will leave you both breathless and mesmerized a beautifully written book I know anyone would enjoy!




I absolutely loved it and highly recommend! ~ B







Guardians of The Stone

One Upon a Highland Legend (novella)
Highland Fire
Highland Steel
Highland Fury ( next to be released)

[Carole Burant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having met Lael in Book 1 of this series, I wasn't expecting to like her very much in her own story but I grudgingly started to respect her mid way in the story:) She's a tough one, that's for sure!! It's a good thing Jaime is up to the challenge!

After Jaime saves Lael from hanging, the King decides Jaime now has to marry her to learn her secrets and that will become the biggest challenge in Jaime's life! After all, at any moment she could use one of her knives on him!! She's like no woman he has ever known but the attraction is there. All Lael has on her mind is revenge but when her heart gets in the way, confusion about her path in life has her having to make decisions she never expected.

Now looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Un abito bellissimo” le sussurrò suo marito piegandosi verso di lei. “È tuo?” Per qualche motivo la domanda colpì Lael e lei si voltò per guardarlo. “Ma certo. L’ho tirato fuori dal mio stivale. Vado sempre in battaglia con un abito per festeggiare la vittoria”

RECENSITO PER RFS http://www.romanticamentefantasy.it/r...

Bentornate fenici,
oggi vi parlerò di Acciaio di Scozia, secondo capitolo della serie cult I guardiani della pietra sacra di Tanya Anne Crosby.
Questo volume è dedicato all’impavida Lael, sorella di Aiden dún Scoti, protagonista del precedente capitolo, Fuoco di Scozia. La giovane scozzese è una donna forte e orgogliosa, un’abile guerriera che decide di opporsi agli ordini di suo fratello mettendo la propria spada al servizio di Broc Ceannfhionn, considerato il legittimo erede di Keppenach. Ma la battaglia per riconquistare la fortezza non volge in favore dei ribelli guidati da Broc e così Lael si ritrova, insieme ai suoi compagni, col cappio al collo in attesa di essere impiccata.
A salvarla è Jamie Steorling, conosciuto come il Demone Macellaio, che è l’uomo a cui re David ha deciso di assegnare Keppenach. È re di Scozia in persona, in visita alla fortezza, a decretare la sorte dei prigionieri. E il sovrano cos’altro potrebbe decidere per risolvere la questione se non imporre un matrimonio? Il re ordina quindi a Jamie di sposare o uccidere Lael e il Macellaio preferisce di gran lunga la prima ipotesi, perché non può concepire di assassinare una donna. Lael, a sua volta, è assolutamente scioccata quando le viene ordinato di sposare il Macellaio e di dargli un figlio entro un anno, pena in caso di rifiuto, la morte immediata di Broc. Possiedono entrambi valori e principi che li spingono ad accettare le condizioni poste dal sovrano di Scozia e così i due nemici si troveranno a condividere lo stesso letto.
Lael si sente fortemente attratta dal suo sposo e nonostante i sensi di colpa si riscopre donna quando lui, con una scommessa, la spinge a sedurlo.
Ma nella fortezza di Keppenach c’è anche chi trama contro il nuovo signore. Tra inganni e misteri, non vi resta che leggere questo avvincente secondo volume della serie per scoprire come faranno due nemici a imparare ad amarsi.
Anche in Acciaio di Scozia, si conferma il piacevole stile della Crosby e la sua innata capacità di miscelare, dannatamente bene, miti e leggende con la vera storia scozzese.
Di questo volume ho molto apprezzato il personaggio femminile, così lontano dallo stereotipo della fanciulla indifesa. Lael non è di certo un fiore delicato, è una donna che ama la sua famiglia ed è disposta a tutto per proteggerla e per servirla come custode della pietra del destino. Il suo temperamento si infiamma facilmente come quello di qualsiasi guerriero scozzese, ma Lael imparerà presto che non è solo il sangue a poter prendere fuoco, ma anche il corpo e il cuore.
Accattivante è anche il personaggio maschile. Sin dalla sua prima apparizione mi sono resa conto che il Macellaio non era il diavolo che l’autrice voleva far credere che fosse. É un uomo che combatte con i suoi demoni sì, ma si comprende subito che in realtà è giusto e compassionevole, anche se temuto dai più.
Lael e Jamie insieme sono perfetti. Il loro percorso come coppia non è sempre facile, ma li porterà a fare una grande scoperta: forse è possibile un futuro diverso da quello immaginato.
Vi consiglio quindi di lasciarvi conquistare da questa nuova avventura nata dalla penna della Crosby. Non ve ne pentirete.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dada - per RFS
.
“Un abito bellissimo” le sussurrò suo marito piegandosi verso di lei. “È tuo?” Per qualche motivo la domanda colpì Lael e lei si voltò per guardarlo. “Ma certo. L’ho tirato fuori dal mio stivale. Vado sempre in battaglia con un abito per festeggiare la vittoria”

Bentornate fenici,
oggi vi parlerò di Acciaio di Scozia, secondo capitolo della serie cult I guardiani della pietra sacra di Tanya Anne Crosby.
Questo volume è dedicato all’impavida Lael, sorella di Aiden dún Scoti, protagonista del precedente capitolo, Fuoco di Scozia. La giovane scozzese è una donna forte e orgogliosa, un’abile guerriera che decide di opporsi agli ordini di suo fratello mettendo la propria spada al servizio di Broc Ceannfhionn, considerato il legittimo erede di Keppenach. Ma la battaglia per riconquistare la fortezza non volge in favore dei ribelli guidati da Broc e così Lael si ritrova, insieme ai suoi compagni, col cappio al collo in attesa di essere impiccata.
A salvarla è Jamie Steorling, conosciuto come il Demone Macellaio, che è l’uomo a cui re David ha deciso di assegnare Keppenach. È re di Scozia in persona, in visita alla fortezza, a decretare la sorte dei prigionieri. E il sovrano cos’altro potrebbe decidere per risolvere la questione se non imporre un matrimonio? Il re ordina quindi a Jamie di sposare o uccidere Lael e il Macellaio preferisce di gran lunga la prima ipotesi, perché non può concepire di assassinare una donna. Lael, a sua volta, è assolutamente scioccata quando le viene ordinato di sposare il Macellaio e di dargli un figlio entro un anno, pena in caso di rifiuto, la morte immediata di Broc. Possiedono entrambi valori e principi che li spingono ad accettare le condizioni poste dal sovrano di Scozia e così i due nemici si troveranno a condividere lo stesso letto.
Lael si sente fortemente attratta dal suo sposo e nonostante i sensi di colpa si riscopre donna quando lui, con una scommessa, la spinge a sedurlo.
Ma nella fortezza di Keppenach c’è anche chi trama contro il nuovo signore. Tra inganni e misteri, non vi resta che leggere questo avvincente secondo volume della serie per scoprire come faranno due nemici a imparare ad amarsi.
Anche in Acciaio di Scozia, si conferma il piacevole stile della Crosby e la sua innata capacità di miscelare, dannatamente bene, miti e leggende con la vera storia scozzese.
Di questo volume ho molto apprezzato il personaggio femminile, così lontano dallo stereotipo della fanciulla indifesa. Lael non è di certo un fiore delicato, è una donna che ama la sua famiglia ed è disposta a tutto per proteggerla e per servirla come custode della pietra del destino. Il suo temperamento si infiamma facilmente come quello di qualsiasi guerriero scozzese, ma Lael imparerà presto che non è solo il sangue a poter prendere fuoco, ma anche il corpo e il cuore.
Accattivante è anche il personaggio maschile. Sin dalla sua prima apparizione mi sono resa conto che il Macellaio non era il diavolo che l’autrice voleva far credere che fosse. É un uomo che combatte con i suoi demoni sì, ma si comprende subito che in realtà è giusto e compassionevole, anche se temuto dai più.
Lael e Jamie insieme sono perfetti. Il loro percorso come coppia non è sempre facile, ma li porterà a fare una grande scoperta: forse è possibile un futuro diverso da quello immaginato.
Vi consiglio quindi di lasciarvi conquistare da questa nuova avventura nata dalla penna della Crosby. Non ve ne pentirete.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sola Virtus Nobilitat
Virtue alone ennobles
Lael MacKinnon is no delicate Scottish rose. Her blood flows as hot as any highland warrior and her dedication to her family and clan are undiminishing. Her dedication and desire to protect and serve as a Guardian of the Stone of Destiny; as everyone in the Clan MacEanriag has vowed to do for centuries. She is a blond behemoth with an ability and fire to take care of herself in a hard and cruel world dominated by men. Without the blessing of Aidan, her older brother, indeed against his explicit orders, she sallied off to avenge her clan and soon found herself, with four other fellow warriors, bound and escorted to Keppenach Castle. Mere seconds before her life would end on the hangman’s scaffold, she and that of Broc Caennfhionn met with a sudden and unexpected reprieve.
Twenty-nine-year-old Jamie Steorling, the Demon Butcher in the service of King David mac Mail Chaluim of Scoti, parted the ropes of these two condemned prisoners’ seconds before their demise. The king orders Jamie to either wed or kill Lael and he much prefers the former as he despises the latter. Like The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, he has his work cut out for himself, Lael was a vixen that may bow to her circumstances but would never be defeated. This raven-haired virgin beauty would have to surrender at her own time on her own terms.
The Highlands of Scotland are generally a wet, overcast, windy, and cold place even today. During the heart of the Middle Ages (1126), the climate and weather conditions were the same but seriously lacking in the domestic niceties of today, making life Spartan and uncomfortable, at best. This inhospitable place, with all its shortcomings, is home to a fierce and protective race that would gladly give their lives in defence of its rocky heights. From the time I read Kidnapped by Robert Lewis Stevenson as a young and impressionable boy, I have been fascinated with these rough, barren, and desolate highlands and their proud and coarse peoples. The constant use of Scottish words and phrases is sometimes confusing, always unpronounceable, and always enlightening; leaving the reader with the feeling of learning more, even if it is just an illusion. However, it surprises me that the famed tartars of both the Scottish high and lowlands are hardly mentioned and possibly didn’t hold the clan significance as it does in later years.
Highland Steel, book number two in the Guardian of the Stone Series (Highland Fire #1 and Once Upon a Highland Legend #1.5), but the first one I have so far read. Rest assured that I will soon be reading the first two books, and possibly everything else written by this writer.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman who knows who she is to the core, fights for what she believes in, and who learns that there is room in her heart for something she never saw in her future. A man who carries his own demons, known as the Butcher, who is finding his life turned upside down by the one person he never thought could make a difference. There are moments where your heart will pull hard, and moments where you will be twisted with laughter. In between all this, Jaime and Lael will find the path not always easy but one that will make all the difference.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman who knows who she is to the core, fights for what she believes in, and who learns that there is room in her heart for something she never saw in her future. A man who carries his own demons, known as the Butcher, who is finding his life turned upside down by the one person he never thought could make a difference. There are moments where your heart will pull hard, and moments where you will be twisted with laughter. In between all this, Jaime and Lael will find the path not always easy but one that will make all the difference.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story-line - even better writing. I just didn't click with the heroine.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbee's review Oct 11, 14 · edit
5 of 5 stars
Read in October, 2014

Tanya Anne Crosby outdid herself AGAIN! This time with this exceptional read {Highland Steel} which is book two in her spectacular *The Guardians of the Stone Series*. This story continues the magical tale that started with {Highland Fire}book one in *The Guardians of the Stone Series*, which I have also 5 star reviewed. Actually if allowed I would give both books over 100 plus stars! Yes these books and this series is that magnificent! Also if you are fans of Ms. Crosby's (Highland Bride Series) like me, you will see a couple characters in this book from Clan MacKinnon as well.

Dubhtolargg, The Highlands, summer of 1126. This book starts off where Lael of Clan dun Scoti takes up the sword against her favorite brother, the Laird Aidan dun Scoti wishes. As always he does not want the clan involved or attract attention to the Clan, plus as first and foremost the dun Scoti Clan are guardians of the secret stone and have been for eons. As Lael has been asked to help her friend Broc Ceannfhionn of Clan Mackinnon. Fans of Ms. Crosby will remember Broc also know as Broc The Blond in (The Highland Bride Series). Broc whom is the true heir of Keppenach. As King Henry's demon henchman has the Butcher Jamie has been awarded the keep by Scotland's King David himself a mon Lael hates with a passion and for good reason of his past evil deeds. As for the Butcher, he has a ruthless reputation being able to remove heads with his bare hands as if he were in league with the Devil himself.

For the first time in Lael's life she defies the brother who has more or less raised Lael since she was ten years old with both of their parents deceased. Lael is perfection with her sword arm as she can best any man with her percussion sword arm. The dun Scoti her clan treats both men and women equally and train as warriors to fight and protect themselves and the Clan. Unfortunately, the plan that she and Broc had in place does not go as planned, as they are ambushed at Keppenach before the new owner has even arrived! All of Broc's men have been executed there is only Broc except for his cousin Cameron who is missing. Broc and Lael left with nooses around their neck next to be hung and executed just as The Buther enters the keep and stops their executions that the former Maddog MacLaren authorizes without even a trial. Maddog whom is the kin to the former owner. As The Butcher is furious and shouts that no one was supposed to be executed without his authorization! Maddog wanted to used his last of authority as he is worse then former evil owner Rogan, who was a ruthless muderer himself. It was actually the Butcher who stopped the executions of Lael and Broc. He puts Broc in a cell and Lael in the tower as he trying to figure out how to get her out of this mess until her temper gets the better of her and she slaps King Davis himself. Jamie sees the most beautiful women he has ever seen in his life once Lael's cleans up and is not looking forward to beheading this beautiful warrior goddess. Yet what choice does he have once King David gives the order?

Yet what else could King David decide after Lael's attack on him and is utterly shocked when the following day he orders he wants the Butcher to marry Lael dun Scoti and to have a child within the year and a day or and if Lael refuses Broc would be executed immediately. What choice does Lael have to protect her friend but the kicker was she had to be with child within the year, then they would release Broc the Blond! To Lael this is sleeping with the enemy, but has to admit The Butcher is the first man she has ever been attracted to, which also fill her twisted heart with guilt.

This book is fast moving, a real page turner, has so many twists and turns and lots of evil plots stirring too, put together by enemies. So how can a forced marriage turn out when there are are so many things that can go wrong? Jamie is very clear Lael would have to go to seduce him to sleep with him. The other problem is he does not seem to realize Lael is a virgin, due to so many untruth fabrications when it came to the wild dun Scotti Clan. Is Lael to be the pagan sacrifice or is sleeping with the handsome Jamie, The Butcher a sacrifice at all? In truth they both realize they are each other's equal. Lael also knows to escape would cause her friend, Broc Ceannfhionn certain and immediate death! So how can two enemies come together to trust, heal each other heartaches and tender hearts that can possible turn to love? You will have to read this absolutely captivating, riveting, and marvelous adventure with bits of magic and true Scottish history in it as well to find out.

If you love historic Scotland, it's people, land with a bit of mayhem, adventure and romance you will absolutely devour this book and then save it for your keeper shelf to read again and again.


As always Tanya Anne Crosby story *Highland Steel* melted my heart and left me spellbound! I can't wait for book three titled *Highland Fury* which will be the finale in this wonderful and superbly written trilogy! As I have been completely dazzled and delighted by this entire series that I will be sad to see to a close.

Yet not to worry as the wheels are always turning in this mega talented spectacular author always ready to pen her next tale. As she is already planning her next series called (The Redemption of Cameron Mackinnon) which is a spinoff of (The Guardians of the Stone Series).Yet if you want to read and find out more about Cameron and why he even needs to be redeemed? I highly recommend you read about Cameron from the beginning: in Tanya's wonderful (Highland Brides Series) which consists of four books and a novella all fabulous and exhilarating reads which I have and also previously reviewed and many I have read more then once!

You can read this book and any of Ms. Crosby's books alone or in series order. I recommend in series order as you will be able to connect the dots with both main characters and secondary characters, as a lot of the time a secondary character might become a main character in a future book. Yet you can read alone as well it is the readers choice of course.



I couldn't put this book down and it will take honors on my keeper shelf! "Highland Steel" by Tanya Anne Crosby will leave you both breathless and mesmerized a beautifully written book I know anyone would enjoy!




I absolutely loved it and highly recommend! ~ B







Guardians of The Stone

One Upon a Highland Legend (novella)
Highland Fire
Highland Steel
Highland Fury ( next to be released)

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audio version. Again too many names and players ti remember who it who. But good story

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECT ACTION PACKED SCOTTISH HIGHLAND ROMANCE!!

Tanya Anne Crosby is one of the authors at the top of my auto buy list. With this author I don’t even read the description, I just have to see her name. She has another winner with Highland Steel, book 2 of The Guardians of the Stone Series, which follows Highland Fire.

The heroine is a lady warrior with skills and honors to match any male warrior and is ready to fight to the death to defend and protect her clan and home. The hero is known as the King’s Butcher with a reputation which makes his enemies quake in their boots. Helping a friend of her clan defend and reclaim his keep, against her brother and laird’s orders, the group is captured and held prisoner until the Butcher arrives, as he is claiming the keep for his own. The Butcher rides through the gates at the same time the heroine and her friends are being hanged. The Butcher takes immediate control by cutting her down as she is actually swinging and puts a stop to the hangings; however he still holds them as captives. Can these bitter enemies overcome all and answer the sparks of passion flaring between them?

I highly recommend this book to any reader and it now has a home on my read and reread keeper shelf!!! The story flows perfectly and Tanya Anne Crosby has delivered a captivating page turner which includes a forced marriage, mysteries, hot passion, seduction, and plenty of action which holds the reader spellbound from the first page through to the last page. A thorough almost nail biting Scottish Highlander adventure which allows the reader to actually escape to the Scottish Highlands for a time.

I finished the book in one sitting and I am anxiously waiting on the next installment to this series. I highly recommend any of Tanya Anne Crosby’s series or stand alone books.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost perfect, 4.5 stars

I really enjoy Ms. Crosby's writing style. Her characters are well defined and very vivid. Her stories flow well and are perfectly paced. She writes with a passion that is evident to the reader.

That being said, I will admit that Lael was not my favorite heroine. If you have read Highland Fire, you will remember Lael as passionate, fiery, distrustful and short tempered. She is exactly the same in this book, but instead of being a secondary character, all eyes are on her as the heroine, which frankly doesn't paint her as the most lovable of heroines. And she doesn't change into a sweet, loving docile woman - she remains true to herself. Which in one hand I respect, but in the other I found annoying and thought she appeared a bit inconsistent - therefore 4.5 stars instead of 5

Now, Jaime is sigh worthy! He is everything I love in fictional men - brave, strong, loyal, brawn, fair minded and not perfect.

I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading anything else Ms Crosby adds to this series. This book is book two, but you will have no problem reading it first.

[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!!!

I expected to hate Lael as she was sooo shrewish in Highland Fire. However, she turned out to be a great heroine. I admit I wanted to give her a few shakes here and there but she was really a well developed heroine who grew and grew throughout the book. Jamie, the hero was awesome and steady (what is it about those Jamie's? I am also obsessed with Jamie Fraser from the Outlander series). He was a good guy! So chivalrous, romantic, compassionate and a warrior all in one. All I have to say is "How and where can I get me one????"

5+++++ stars for the story and narration.

P.S.
I tagged this under English Husband-Scottish Wife but he's really Scottish and English.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a page turner, almost from the beginning Lael , and her firy spirit captures you. The Butcher, Jaime had spirit but he also had a soft heart . The plot was great, with a few twists. I loved that tho faced with death Lael fought time and again and ultimately saved herself when it really mattered!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

#2 in the series, I got this as a dollar deal on Amazon. More fool me, I didn't realize I should have read the books preceding this one. I actually have Elizabet (the sweet & clean version) which is Broc's story.
Unfortunately, I found myself reading what was clearly the conclusion to a cliff hanger ending of the previous book! I was lost for a while, but eventually you can figure out what's going on.
Lael is the she wolf sister of the previous book's hero. She's not the heroine I usually like, but wow! She kicks ass!! She finds herself saved from a hanging & married to her worst enemy. Jaime is known as "The Butcher". He's a warrior through & through. He's also not a man whore which is refreshing. There's some miscommunication between them that's frustrating.
The villain has a great villain name : Maddog! Can you believe that? He's a real jerk who ends up murdering a child. He gets one of the household females to help him. She's dumber than dirt. He tells her he didn't mean to kill the child - he was cleaning his sword & it accidently went off! No, not really. He was startled by the child & killed him before he realized who it was. WOW!

So, it took me forever to finally finish this. I kept losing interest & reading other things. Although I've liked other TAC books this one seemed over the top. Like an old school romance novel. The HEA is satisfying though.

[Natward1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t finish after about 20%. It was hard to get into. There is so much explaining going on I’m not being pulled into the story. And I do not like that the points of view jump from one random person to the next at any given paragraph. It feels messy and lazy. Lazy Because it’s the easiest path to get all the information to us to have the needed characters monologuing about what’s going on. But it’s not as engaging this way. There’s no mystery really. We know what everyone is thinking and going through all the time. I also hate when the love interests are immediately lusting after the other. It gets repetitive because we have to hear it from both Jamie and lael about how they’re attracted to the other. And we have to hear Jamie immediately fantasize about doing her. Like he’s so desperate or horny that the first woman he encounters that we see he starts thinking about her sexually. It’s heavy handed and uninteresting. I want a love story that happens against all odds. One that happens even though the two characters are enemies and would never even dream of thinking of the other sexually until they begin to slowly fall for eachother over time.

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great TAC romance

As usual, Ms. Crosby has presented her readers with an outstanding story peopled with wonderful characters. Lael is from a vanishing group of highlanders who still follow the old ways and where she has trained her whole life to be a warrior. She fights with the men when they try to take a castle, she stands firm when faced with hanging, and she manages the castle resources when handed the keys. But she grows from the close-minded person of her beginnings to a much more understanding person after her forced marriage to the Butcher. It takes all of Jaime's wisdom and patience to deal properly with his unpredictable and volatile new wife. In the end, all he can do is offer her his love and hope it's enough. Recommended.

[Lee Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo to Ms. Crosby on this (2nd) story in Guardians the Stone series. Loved it from the minute I started reading it and was sad when it ended..looking forward to the next book in this series.

From the beginning we're drawn into the sister (Leal) of Aidan and a fighting, strong willed and strong tongued bonny lass who goes against her brothers wishes and helps Broc attempt to win his keep and family rights.

With awesome characters, some evil in the mix and a bit of a tricky blood line plot, I was glued!
Great history, excellent story and hard to put down. Again, loved this book!!!

[Aurora Harner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

Tanya Anne Crosby is one of my favorite authors. I have loved all the books I've read from her and Highland Steel is no exception. The characters were thoroughly entertaining and the storyline was unique and equally entertaining. If you like a strong, independent heroine, then this book is for you! Lael is the definition of a highland warrior queen and Jaime is the perfect man for her. The characters chemistry was off the charts and I loved watching their story unfold.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one even better than the first book..
The heroine is caught for hanging...she is then sentenced to marry the new lord..
She is a warrior at heart.. and fights..yet she is a woman at the core and craves for things even she didn't know she wanted..
Beautifully depicted..
The warrior spirit of the heroine...till the end..when it's not the hero who saves her, but herself..
The hero popular by name of butcher.
Is rather more kind than many..
He is a compassionate person and brave..
And finally wins the heart of his warrior woman..

[Sue Purl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guardians of the Stone

What can I say. I discovered Tanya Crosby years ago and have always enjoyed her stories. They are rich in Scottish lore and this series is no exception. Her characters are well developed and more importantly they are so believable I can clearly see them living their lives with all the joy sorrow and despair that life brings to us all no matter where or when we live. I can't wait to begin the next episode and travel back in time with Keane and revisit with all the characters that make up his story.

[Louise purfield-coak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steel for a Stolen Legacy

Excellent story that I flew through with utter enjoyment. No dragging parts to this fairy tale. Definitely an HEA at the end. The Steel of a Sword of Kings. A maiden made of steel and all tied up in this fairy tale of stolen legacies. Definitely worth five stars.

I noticed that the author is from my State's gorgeous Upper Peninsula. It makes it easy for her to write of similar landscapes. There are Scotis and then there are Upers. Lots of descendents of Culloden up there!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Steel

Lale joined the crusade with Broc against her brother Aidan’s wishes. She and Broc were caught and standing with the hang mans noose around their necks. Jamie the butcher came riding in time to stop the hanging and sent them to a cell. The King David Mac Mail Chaluim came and told Jamie he and Lale should be married and in one year to have a babe then Broc could be released. So the marriage happened and they fell in love.

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong willed woman.

I almost put the book down in the first few chapters because I couldn’t like Lael. I found her arrogant, defiant, immature and unrealistic. I do not believe a woman can have the physical strength of a man twice her size. However I did like Jamie so I kept reading. The story was a good one with family secrets, trust issues, and a love that grows in spite Lael’s strong will.

[Jas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lael’s story did not disappoint. While she’s the strong FMC archetype, she didn’t fall into the ‘not like other girls’ trope in that she turned her nose up at other women. I really loved that her character had some dimension. Jaime was also great. I would love more of Cailin and Cameron’s story. This book did have some much darker murders/deaths compared to other books in the series so far. Some descriptions were gruesome and could be triggering, especially when involving children.

[Janet Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highland tale

Another highland tale a good weekend read. The characters are strong but gentle too and romance builds. some editing or continuity errors from one book in the series to another. Illness and contaminated brook versus well! Whilst slightly annoying not detrimental to reading this series

[Jack Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highland Steel was simply captivating! I hadn't read the first book in the series, but it didn't seem to effect my enjoyment of book 2. I certainly enjoyed Ms. Crosby's character development. I loved Lael. Anyway, Highland Steel had passion, tension and was a great read. I simply couldn't put it down, with Jamie, King David's Butcher meeting his fierce warrior princess.
Jack Murphy

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Steel Guardians of the Stone book 2 by Tanya Anne Crosby

Engaging in every single page!💖 You're going to be absolutely intrigued by Tanya Anne Crosby 's ability to draw you into her characters and storylines!I'm highly recommending that you have this fantastic series by Tanya Anne Crosby!😍