What do you think?
Rate this book
Highland Dynasty #1
Knight in Highland Armor
Grieving from the death of his wife, Lord Colin Campbell listens to the cries of his newborn son whilst penning a missive to the king. With no marriage prospects, Colin petitions his majesty for help in finding a stepmother. Never again will he fall in love—the death of a woman brings more pain than losing a whole contingent of men on the battlefield.
Feisty, quick tongued and smart, Margaret Robinson is delighted when her father receives a messenger from the king…until she discovers what news he brings. In a sennight, she will wed the notorious Black Knight—her life is about to end.
Tension builds during the wedding and deteriorates from there…until an accident draws them together. Just when their love begins to blossom, a dire request arrives from the Pope. Colin must join the Crusades at once.
Their fragile love is forced to withstand the seductions of hell—Margaret tempted by a scoundrel laird—Colin courted by Satan himself. Aye, the war for Christendom could very well ruin their dreams forever.
Feisty, quick tongued and smart, Margaret Robinson is delighted when her father receives a messenger from the king…until she discovers what news he brings. In a sennight, she will wed the notorious Black Knight—her life is about to end.
Tension builds during the wedding and deteriorates from there…until an accident draws them together. Just when their love begins to blossom, a dire request arrives from the Pope. Colin must join the Crusades at once.
Their fragile love is forced to withstand the seductions of hell—Margaret tempted by a scoundrel laird—Colin courted by Satan himself. Aye, the war for Christendom could very well ruin their dreams forever.
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
924 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jarecki
118 books1,712 followersKnown for her action-packed, passionate romances, USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amy Jarecki has received reader and critical praise throughout her writing career. She won the prestigious RT Reviewers' Choice award for THE HIGHLAND DUKE and a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for Best Time Travel for her novel RISE OF A LEGEND. In addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Amy has earned the designation as an Amazon All Star Author. She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Wisconsin with her husband where she writes immersive historical and contemporary romance novels.
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 12, 2015
I do so love a Highlander romance but this whole genre can be very hit and miss for me so I can't stress how thrilled I am to have discovered an author who appears to be a really good fit for me. Amy Jarecki has given me exactly what I want and need in a highlander romance - an angsty romance, a steely hero, a feisty heroine, plenty of hot sexy scenes and a thrilling story to underpin it all. And, even better, she appears to have a fairly extensive back catalogue for me to peruse! Win Win!
We start Knight in Highland Armour in a moment of sadness. Colin Campbell, known as Black Colin for his fearsome prowess on the battlefields of the Crusades and for crushing the Douglas rebellion, loses his beloved wife in childbirth leaving him with a motherless infant son and a call up to join yet another crusade. Heartbroken but knowing he must arrange for his son's care in his absence, he petitions the King for a new wife. He expected a comely widow with an ample bosom and child-bearing hips but that was not what he got.
The King chooses Margaret Robinson, daughter of a Lord - very beautiful, very free-spirited and very happy go lucky. Not at all what he expected or wanted but he marries her anyway and, after a very inauspicious consummation, takes her to his castle to meet her new stepson and start her life as his new wife. Still besieged by grief and guilt, he doesn't want to care for Margaret but he cannot help be charmed by her enthusiasm, her joie de vivre and willingness to involve herself in every aspect of his estate.
Sigh! I just adored Colin even though he behaved badly more than once. Here is a man who has just lost his beloved but can't help his growing love for his new wife even though he badly wants to resist it. He's very conflicted and I so loved that there was no 'insta-love' here and that their love grew slowly throughout the story. He's very concerned with doing the right thing and is torn between his duties as a new husband and father an as a soldier of the crusades. He's very stoic with a steely resolve and a completely frozen heart that Margaret is slowly beginning to thaw.
Margaret was such a refreshing heroine - no shrinking violet, she's determined to help Colin build his new castle and settle his accounts. She's bright and feisty and just what he needs in his life even though he's far too obstinate to see it for a long time. I often felt very sorry for her - this must have been a lonely life, taken from her family to start afresh with a man who refused to even entertain the idea of falling in love with his new wife but she relishes the challenge and throw herself wholeheartedly into it all.
This was wonderfully written - just enough description to bring to life 15th century Scotland without overstepping the mark and turning it into purple prose. Colin, Margaret, their castles and the supporting cast all came vividly to life in my imagination and the whole thing played out like a movie to me. I was completely lost and devoured the book in less than a day. It's also very sexy and I'm happy to report that there was real passion to be seen here - something I often miss in a Highland romance when I'm far more used to reading contemporary erotic romance.
This was a highly-consuming romance full of passion, intrigue and very real characters as it's all based on true events in Scottish history. The story held me rapt through to the very end as their love is severely tested over the years as fate and villains attempt to intervene and separate them. Thoroughly engrossing, I can highly recommend this one.
Amy Jarecki - you're my new queen of the Highlands!
4 sexy scottish stars
We start Knight in Highland Armour in a moment of sadness. Colin Campbell, known as Black Colin for his fearsome prowess on the battlefields of the Crusades and for crushing the Douglas rebellion, loses his beloved wife in childbirth leaving him with a motherless infant son and a call up to join yet another crusade. Heartbroken but knowing he must arrange for his son's care in his absence, he petitions the King for a new wife. He expected a comely widow with an ample bosom and child-bearing hips but that was not what he got.
The King chooses Margaret Robinson, daughter of a Lord - very beautiful, very free-spirited and very happy go lucky. Not at all what he expected or wanted but he marries her anyway and, after a very inauspicious consummation, takes her to his castle to meet her new stepson and start her life as his new wife. Still besieged by grief and guilt, he doesn't want to care for Margaret but he cannot help be charmed by her enthusiasm, her joie de vivre and willingness to involve herself in every aspect of his estate.
Sigh! I just adored Colin even though he behaved badly more than once. Here is a man who has just lost his beloved but can't help his growing love for his new wife even though he badly wants to resist it. He's very conflicted and I so loved that there was no 'insta-love' here and that their love grew slowly throughout the story. He's very concerned with doing the right thing and is torn between his duties as a new husband and father an as a soldier of the crusades. He's very stoic with a steely resolve and a completely frozen heart that Margaret is slowly beginning to thaw.
Margaret was such a refreshing heroine - no shrinking violet, she's determined to help Colin build his new castle and settle his accounts. She's bright and feisty and just what he needs in his life even though he's far too obstinate to see it for a long time. I often felt very sorry for her - this must have been a lonely life, taken from her family to start afresh with a man who refused to even entertain the idea of falling in love with his new wife but she relishes the challenge and throw herself wholeheartedly into it all.
This was wonderfully written - just enough description to bring to life 15th century Scotland without overstepping the mark and turning it into purple prose. Colin, Margaret, their castles and the supporting cast all came vividly to life in my imagination and the whole thing played out like a movie to me. I was completely lost and devoured the book in less than a day. It's also very sexy and I'm happy to report that there was real passion to be seen here - something I often miss in a Highland romance when I'm far more used to reading contemporary erotic romance.
This was a highly-consuming romance full of passion, intrigue and very real characters as it's all based on true events in Scottish history. The story held me rapt through to the very end as their love is severely tested over the years as fate and villains attempt to intervene and separate them. Thoroughly engrossing, I can highly recommend this one.
Amy Jarecki - you're my new queen of the Highlands!
4 sexy scottish stars
December 21, 2014
Knight In Highland Armor is the first book in the newest series by this author. Now I have to say that I feel a little ashamed that I haven't read this author before now. Especially with her Highland Force series and how popular it has become among readers, librarians and bloggers of all kinds. This story was so different from other highland romances I have read...way different, but in a very positive way. This story definitely was a change for me, many authors now especially historical ones, write sweet and charming love stories...and though this one had that charm, it also had some difficult concepts but were very real ones. I loved how this story you see the history and how sometimes even if two people love each other they can be apart for quite some time.
Lord Colin Campbell has just lost his wife in childbirth, and has a son to care for. He has been called to go fight the Turks on a holy campaign, but he must find a woman suitable to caring for his son. The king sets a match with Margaret Robinson. Margaret is capable and strong, and has been involved in her family's estate since she can remember. But now she must marry a stranger out of duty. At first she doesn't think that Colin even likes her, and their first time in bed was hardly worth remembering. But soon Colin and Margaret begin to form a trust and you see how they begin to fall in love. But then Colin is called away to the crusades by the Pope...Margaret wonders if Colin will return alive to his family once again or be killed....
What I really enjoyed about this one, was the setting. I adore romances from this time period. I am a huge historical romance nut, but what we have here is a complex emotional story that really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved Margaret's fierce determination and fire, she doesn't back down and when she knows she can help she does. Colin is overcome with grief, and doesn't see that Margaret can heal him from the death of his first beloved wife. I found that this book also introduced the battles of the crusades, and how brutal it could be. We see how even though they are separated these two have a love stronger than any battles or deceptions. There is also quite a bit of intrigue that comes into play, and my heart just went out to these two...the villain of the story, is one bad guy I would like to run a sword through. Although the aspect of the villain, really adds more depth to the story and the plot tends to really thicken when he starts to play a active role in the story.
Overall a in depth romance, of passion, history, hard to win love, and a romance to fight for!! I have been won by this author, and I can't wait to try her out further. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!!
Lord Colin Campbell has just lost his wife in childbirth, and has a son to care for. He has been called to go fight the Turks on a holy campaign, but he must find a woman suitable to caring for his son. The king sets a match with Margaret Robinson. Margaret is capable and strong, and has been involved in her family's estate since she can remember. But now she must marry a stranger out of duty. At first she doesn't think that Colin even likes her, and their first time in bed was hardly worth remembering. But soon Colin and Margaret begin to form a trust and you see how they begin to fall in love. But then Colin is called away to the crusades by the Pope...Margaret wonders if Colin will return alive to his family once again or be killed....
What I really enjoyed about this one, was the setting. I adore romances from this time period. I am a huge historical romance nut, but what we have here is a complex emotional story that really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved Margaret's fierce determination and fire, she doesn't back down and when she knows she can help she does. Colin is overcome with grief, and doesn't see that Margaret can heal him from the death of his first beloved wife. I found that this book also introduced the battles of the crusades, and how brutal it could be. We see how even though they are separated these two have a love stronger than any battles or deceptions. There is also quite a bit of intrigue that comes into play, and my heart just went out to these two...the villain of the story, is one bad guy I would like to run a sword through. Although the aspect of the villain, really adds more depth to the story and the plot tends to really thicken when he starts to play a active role in the story.
Overall a in depth romance, of passion, history, hard to win love, and a romance to fight for!! I have been won by this author, and I can't wait to try her out further. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!!
January 10, 2015
Once again Amy does a very good job with this highlander romance. Great characters. I would have liked a little less of the sex scenes as they were always the same and I found myself skipping past after the first two scenes. Even so the story content and writing are great.
January 4, 2015
Amy has written a story that is packed full of excitement, suspense, romance, and danger. I was on the edge of my seat throughout!
Colin the Black needs a mother for his infant son, Duncan. After his wife died in childbirth, he sends a request to the king for a wife. Vowing never to love again, he thinks he shall get a matronly, older, widowed woman. Nothing prepared him for Margaret's youth or beauty.
Margaret is scared to learn she has been paired with the mighty Colin. She has heard tales of the Black Knight, and fears her life will be a horror. As they are finding their way to each other, and happiness, Colin is sent off to the crusades. Will Colin come back to her and his family, or will the crusades take him away forever? Can Margaret wait unfailingly for him or will she succumb to the unbeknownst treachery of someone unsuspected by her keep?
Great start to this series!
Colin the Black needs a mother for his infant son, Duncan. After his wife died in childbirth, he sends a request to the king for a wife. Vowing never to love again, he thinks he shall get a matronly, older, widowed woman. Nothing prepared him for Margaret's youth or beauty.
Margaret is scared to learn she has been paired with the mighty Colin. She has heard tales of the Black Knight, and fears her life will be a horror. As they are finding their way to each other, and happiness, Colin is sent off to the crusades. Will Colin come back to her and his family, or will the crusades take him away forever? Can Margaret wait unfailingly for him or will she succumb to the unbeknownst treachery of someone unsuspected by her keep?
Great start to this series!
January 4, 2015
Check out my other reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
I have read my fair share of historical romance novels. I usually stick to the 1800's ... I don't really have a reason, those are just the ones that I seem to gravitate towards. This one is set in the 1500's and I enjoyed it more than I thought that I would.
Just recently, I was working on our family history and we found out that our family came Scotland and we were actually related to quite a few Scottish royalty (along with probably 10 million other people!). That new-found history just made reading this all the more interesting. I mean, I know that this is fiction and all but it was neat reading about tartans and clans and all. Anyway ...
On with the review! I've never read anything by Amy Jarecki, so it was nice getting to know a new author and I was super impressed! I enjoyed the way she developed the characters and I found myself (once again) becoming attached to these amazing characters. I loved how tortured our hero was. It's amazing to watch an author introduce this damaged character and then we get to go on this journey with them while they try to make themselves better. It was cool watching that transition within the characters.
There were tons of twists and turns that were completely unexpected and the villains were really behind most of those. I love a good bad guy!! Man, I hated the bad guys so much and I loved every second of it!
Oh ... guess I should say why I gave this book 4 stars if I loved it so much ... well ... I found myself skipping pages. The sex scenes were just too long for me. It's okay though, the rest of the book was so amazing that it made up for it. And to be honest, there wasn't really all that much sex in this book but when it was there ... it dragged on and that's great for some readers, I just grew tired of reading it because I wanted to see what would happen in the story next.
I really enjoyed this author and this book and I'm excited to see what this author has up her sleeve for future novels!
April 11, 2021
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I liked the premise here, but overall it fell a little flat for me. I would’ve liked more interaction with the H’s son. I also would’ve liked more time with the H not pushing away before their separation. It was enjoyable, but I think it could’ve been better. Just an okay read for me — but good for a freebie!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Margaret and Colin’s story. Colin lost his wife in childbirth and he petitioned the king for a new mother for his son and Margaret is assigned for the job. She doesn’t meet him until their wedding day but he has a reputation as being a fierce knight. Colin is still grieving his wife and isn’t all that eager to fall for Margaret and to potentially get hurt again, so he is hesitant to invest in the relationship. There is some local drama, the crusades that Colin is called to fight in, and some sweet and sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Margaret and Colin in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Colin. I liked him but I didn’t like how he pushed away at first with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Margaret. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she used her smarts and didn’t get pushed around.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes, but only physically
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with some pretty good closure and what I would call a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: I liked the premise here, but overall it fell a little flat for me. I would’ve liked more interaction with the H’s son. I also would’ve liked more time with the H not pushing away before their separation. It was enjoyable, but I think it could’ve been better. Just an okay read for me — but good for a freebie!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Margaret and Colin’s story. Colin lost his wife in childbirth and he petitioned the king for a new mother for his son and Margaret is assigned for the job. She doesn’t meet him until their wedding day but he has a reputation as being a fierce knight. Colin is still grieving his wife and isn’t all that eager to fall for Margaret and to potentially get hurt again, so he is hesitant to invest in the relationship. There is some local drama, the crusades that Colin is called to fight in, and some sweet and sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Margaret and Colin in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Colin. I liked him but I didn’t like how he pushed away at first with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Margaret. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she used her smarts and didn’t get pushed around.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes, but only physically
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with some pretty good closure and what I would call a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
January 5, 2015
I will start off by saying that this author, Amy Jarecki, has surpassed all of her previous books, and those were great. In my opinion, she just grew leaps and bounds in her writing abilities, making me a follower of this series already with this, book 1.
This is a more edgier and descriptive story, which I happen to love and prefer. I also prefer the longer stories, as this one is. I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading how this author grabbed me and pulled me into her story. You become completely invested in her characters and in the story. She was able to stir in me, a whole array of emotions, which is a sign to me, of a great book.
Colin Campbell, Lord of Glenorcy, mostly known as the Black Knight who is feared not only in the Holy Land but beyon. He is a Knight of the Order of St. John. He has been recently widowed for the second time. This time he lost his beloved wife in childbirth after giving him his son. He is grief stricken and no longer wants love in his life. He now is being summoned to return for a third crusade and he must obtain a stepmother for his son, who is only weeks old. He seeks the help of the king in this matter to find him a bride. He no longer is wanting his heart ever involved again. He is overpowered by the guilt he feels of having to do this. He must put the well being of his son ahead of his own personal feelings in order to leave his son secure and well taken care of.
Margaret Robinson, the daughter of a wealthy Scottish Lord is very vivacious and dreams of her knight in shinning armour who will sweep her off her feet. She manages her father' accounts. She is extremely talented in an array of things because she is intelligent and very knowledgeable. A summons arrives from the King and Margaret finds out she is to be married to the feared Black Knight and will serve as stepmother to his child. She knows she must do her duty, but nevertheless she is internally terrified. In her mind she has conjured him as someone who snarls and has yellow teeth, simply a monster. She travels with her family to be married to the Black Knight and anticipates her life to be changed forever more, and not for the better.
Of course there are things a foot, but I do not like to reveal spoilers. I will tell you though, you will be wanting to make time to get further and further into this exceptional book. If I could give this book more than 5 Stars, I would defiantly do so.
This is Amy Jarecki's best work yet in my opinion. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I love the edgier books.
This is a more edgier and descriptive story, which I happen to love and prefer. I also prefer the longer stories, as this one is. I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading how this author grabbed me and pulled me into her story. You become completely invested in her characters and in the story. She was able to stir in me, a whole array of emotions, which is a sign to me, of a great book.
Colin Campbell, Lord of Glenorcy, mostly known as the Black Knight who is feared not only in the Holy Land but beyon. He is a Knight of the Order of St. John. He has been recently widowed for the second time. This time he lost his beloved wife in childbirth after giving him his son. He is grief stricken and no longer wants love in his life. He now is being summoned to return for a third crusade and he must obtain a stepmother for his son, who is only weeks old. He seeks the help of the king in this matter to find him a bride. He no longer is wanting his heart ever involved again. He is overpowered by the guilt he feels of having to do this. He must put the well being of his son ahead of his own personal feelings in order to leave his son secure and well taken care of.
Margaret Robinson, the daughter of a wealthy Scottish Lord is very vivacious and dreams of her knight in shinning armour who will sweep her off her feet. She manages her father' accounts. She is extremely talented in an array of things because she is intelligent and very knowledgeable. A summons arrives from the King and Margaret finds out she is to be married to the feared Black Knight and will serve as stepmother to his child. She knows she must do her duty, but nevertheless she is internally terrified. In her mind she has conjured him as someone who snarls and has yellow teeth, simply a monster. She travels with her family to be married to the Black Knight and anticipates her life to be changed forever more, and not for the better.
Of course there are things a foot, but I do not like to reveal spoilers. I will tell you though, you will be wanting to make time to get further and further into this exceptional book. If I could give this book more than 5 Stars, I would defiantly do so.
This is Amy Jarecki's best work yet in my opinion. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I love the edgier books.
January 2, 2015
...intriguing highlander travails
1455 Scottish highlands. Not quite the time of mail order brides but writing and asking for a bride via a letter maybe more the norm for these medieval times. Lord Colin Campbell's beloved wife Jonet has died in childbirth. Colin has been commanded back to Crusades for the third time by the grand Master of the Order of St. John. Colin is a Knight of the Order.
Colin applies to the King for a wife to be a step mother to his new bairn. The older plain woman he envisages, whom will fall in with his marriage for necessity plans, is not what Colin gets. Rather he is married to Margaret Robinson. Young, attractive, determined and talented. Margaret is hoping for someone younger and more loving. Someone who will recognize her abilities and stand by her side.
Their's is not a marriage made in heaven, but it could well end that way.
Though the trials and misunderstandings of unsolved grief, of lack of communication, of long years of enforced separation, of treachery and more litter their path, they find their way to each other.
A romantic story shines through the harsh beginnings and flowers despite the rocky conditions surrounding this particular highlander knight. Loosely based on the life of Colin Campbell, the first Lord of Glenorchy, Amy Jarecki once again gives us an intriguing novel rooted in the shrouded mists of the past.
A NetGalley ARC
1455 Scottish highlands. Not quite the time of mail order brides but writing and asking for a bride via a letter maybe more the norm for these medieval times. Lord Colin Campbell's beloved wife Jonet has died in childbirth. Colin has been commanded back to Crusades for the third time by the grand Master of the Order of St. John. Colin is a Knight of the Order.
Colin applies to the King for a wife to be a step mother to his new bairn. The older plain woman he envisages, whom will fall in with his marriage for necessity plans, is not what Colin gets. Rather he is married to Margaret Robinson. Young, attractive, determined and talented. Margaret is hoping for someone younger and more loving. Someone who will recognize her abilities and stand by her side.
Their's is not a marriage made in heaven, but it could well end that way.
Though the trials and misunderstandings of unsolved grief, of lack of communication, of long years of enforced separation, of treachery and more litter their path, they find their way to each other.
A romantic story shines through the harsh beginnings and flowers despite the rocky conditions surrounding this particular highlander knight. Loosely based on the life of Colin Campbell, the first Lord of Glenorchy, Amy Jarecki once again gives us an intriguing novel rooted in the shrouded mists of the past.
A NetGalley ARC
January 9, 2015
Knight in Highland Armor is the first book in the Highland Dynasty series by Amy Jarecki.
Lord Colin Campbell is devastated by the death of his loving wife at childbirth. Now, he’s the father of a strong boy and with the Pope’s summons to join the Crusaders again awaiting him, he knows he needs to find a mother for his child before leaving for the third time to fight against the Ottomans.
Without prospects in hand, he writes to the king requesting a wife and stepmother for his child. After the pain of losing his wife he doesn’t want to fall in love again. He doesn’t care who the king chooses; he only needs a mother for his child.
Margaret Robison has dreamt all her life of the perfect husband; a sweet, caring man to love and share her years.
She’s static when the King summons arrived, she believes she will marry a man she met previously in court, but soon after, to her great despair, she realizes she is to marry Lord Colin Campbell, the infamous Black Knight.
Colin was expecting a matronly widow as a wife, instead he got a young, beautiful, vivacious woman. Only a month has passed since the death of his beloved wife and the last thing he wants is to feel attracted to another woman, for that reason he treats his new wife with disdain and keeps his distance from her.
Margaret is unhappy with her match, but she understands Colin is grieving for his deceased wife. She also knows time and patience will help her and she is willing to do anything in her power to gain the affection of her husband.
Colin has done his best to keep away from Margaret, but her determination and loving nature is slowing crumbling his walls. Unfortunately, when they finally realized they are perfect for each other, the Pope’s summons comes again and this time Colin can’t postpone it anymore. Leaving his new wife and child behind, Colin embarks in his third crusade, not knowing if he will come back to them.
Knight in Highland Armor is not your usual historical romance, in this story the characters’ love is tested throughout the years with distance and silence, and only their strength and commitment to each other will make them overcome their trial.
One of the things I like the most about Amy Jarecki’s books is that she gives life to real characters. In this case are Colin Campbell, the first Lord of Glenorchy and his third wife, Margaret Robinson.
Read the rest of my review at The Bookaholic Cat
Lord Colin Campbell is devastated by the death of his loving wife at childbirth. Now, he’s the father of a strong boy and with the Pope’s summons to join the Crusaders again awaiting him, he knows he needs to find a mother for his child before leaving for the third time to fight against the Ottomans.
Without prospects in hand, he writes to the king requesting a wife and stepmother for his child. After the pain of losing his wife he doesn’t want to fall in love again. He doesn’t care who the king chooses; he only needs a mother for his child.
Margaret Robison has dreamt all her life of the perfect husband; a sweet, caring man to love and share her years.
She’s static when the King summons arrived, she believes she will marry a man she met previously in court, but soon after, to her great despair, she realizes she is to marry Lord Colin Campbell, the infamous Black Knight.
Colin was expecting a matronly widow as a wife, instead he got a young, beautiful, vivacious woman. Only a month has passed since the death of his beloved wife and the last thing he wants is to feel attracted to another woman, for that reason he treats his new wife with disdain and keeps his distance from her.
Margaret is unhappy with her match, but she understands Colin is grieving for his deceased wife. She also knows time and patience will help her and she is willing to do anything in her power to gain the affection of her husband.
Colin has done his best to keep away from Margaret, but her determination and loving nature is slowing crumbling his walls. Unfortunately, when they finally realized they are perfect for each other, the Pope’s summons comes again and this time Colin can’t postpone it anymore. Leaving his new wife and child behind, Colin embarks in his third crusade, not knowing if he will come back to them.
Knight in Highland Armor is not your usual historical romance, in this story the characters’ love is tested throughout the years with distance and silence, and only their strength and commitment to each other will make them overcome their trial.
One of the things I like the most about Amy Jarecki’s books is that she gives life to real characters. In this case are Colin Campbell, the first Lord of Glenorchy and his third wife, Margaret Robinson.
Read the rest of my review at The Bookaholic Cat
August 18, 2015
This tale starts out with Colin who had just lost his wife and now have an infant babe to see over. As a knight his duties lies with battle and he cannot see to the babe himself. He petitions the King to help him find a new wife, a mother for his child. He had no interest in love, only the need for a mother for his child while he is away.
Margaret is thrilled when the King’s messenger arrives, but it was short lived. She is to be wedded to the dreaded Black Knight Lord Colin. Their marriage starts off dreadful and Margaret is not happy at all. She wanted prince charming and got a caveman. As time goes by Colin finds a way into her heart and before she could stop herself she is madly in love with the knight. But when he is called away for war, their new love will be tested to the limit. Can he return safely to her? Or would their love be lost forever?
Absolutely amazing! Amy Jarecki knows how to write a juicy, heart pounding, exhilarating and most of all amazing Historical Romance. Her new series starts off with a bang just like The Highland Force Series. It’s just freaking amazing! I loved both Margaret and Colin, just like all the previous characters Amy introduced. Their relationships starts out just plain dreadful, and my heart was so broken for both of them, but soon they start finding each other and before you know it they are deeply in love. Make no mistake, it was a serious crash and burn adventure for both of them.
Amy’s talent to capture her readers and keep them glued to her novels is just out of this world. Again I was forced to endure all human emotions, from anger to sadness they were all wrapped up into this amazing novel. There were times where I wanted to throttle Colin, and there were times where I wanted to wrap him up and bring him back home. Amy’s plotting skills are incredible and you will find yourself lost in her novels. It’s just another reason why she is my top Historical Romance author, she is the goddess of Historical Romances! I can’t wait to read the next installment, and urge you to go start one of her series today, or you will be missing out on one hell of a great adventure.
Margaret is thrilled when the King’s messenger arrives, but it was short lived. She is to be wedded to the dreaded Black Knight Lord Colin. Their marriage starts off dreadful and Margaret is not happy at all. She wanted prince charming and got a caveman. As time goes by Colin finds a way into her heart and before she could stop herself she is madly in love with the knight. But when he is called away for war, their new love will be tested to the limit. Can he return safely to her? Or would their love be lost forever?
Absolutely amazing! Amy Jarecki knows how to write a juicy, heart pounding, exhilarating and most of all amazing Historical Romance. Her new series starts off with a bang just like The Highland Force Series. It’s just freaking amazing! I loved both Margaret and Colin, just like all the previous characters Amy introduced. Their relationships starts out just plain dreadful, and my heart was so broken for both of them, but soon they start finding each other and before you know it they are deeply in love. Make no mistake, it was a serious crash and burn adventure for both of them.
Amy’s talent to capture her readers and keep them glued to her novels is just out of this world. Again I was forced to endure all human emotions, from anger to sadness they were all wrapped up into this amazing novel. There were times where I wanted to throttle Colin, and there were times where I wanted to wrap him up and bring him back home. Amy’s plotting skills are incredible and you will find yourself lost in her novels. It’s just another reason why she is my top Historical Romance author, she is the goddess of Historical Romances! I can’t wait to read the next installment, and urge you to go start one of her series today, or you will be missing out on one hell of a great adventure.
January 23, 2015
Historical Romance
Scotland
Lord Colin Campbell is grieving from losing his wife. He pens a missive to the king as he listens to the cries of his newborn son. Colin needs a stepmother for his son and he has no marriage prospects so he petitions the king to help him in his endeavor. Colin is determined to never fall in love again as it just brings more pain than losing a contingent of men on the battlefield.
Margaret Robinson is smart, feisty and quick tongued. When her father receives a messenger from the king she is delighted. At least until she learns the news he brings. She is to be wed in a sennight to the notorious Black Knight. She is sure her life is about to end.
The wedding has tension and from there things just get worse. At least until an accident brings Colin and Margaret together. Just as Colin and Margaret fall in love Colin receives a request from the Pope that is dire. Colin is to join the Crusades at once.
With their new love still fragile it is going to have to withstand some formable seductions. Margaret is being tempted by a laird that is a scoundrel and Colin is courted by Satan himself. With the war for Christendom raging it just might destroy their dreams forever.
This is fantastic book that takes readers back into history and brings it alive. It has a lot of action that keeps the story moving along at a pace that readers won’t want to put it down. It paints a picture of what the Crusades where like along with the Highlands of Scotland. The description of all the different places comes to vivid life and takes the reader back into time. The characters bring the story to life and makes for a book that readers will devour. It will also have readers wanting to revisit the places again and again. Readers will want to see more from this author after reading this book.
Received a review copy
Scotland
Lord Colin Campbell is grieving from losing his wife. He pens a missive to the king as he listens to the cries of his newborn son. Colin needs a stepmother for his son and he has no marriage prospects so he petitions the king to help him in his endeavor. Colin is determined to never fall in love again as it just brings more pain than losing a contingent of men on the battlefield.
Margaret Robinson is smart, feisty and quick tongued. When her father receives a messenger from the king she is delighted. At least until she learns the news he brings. She is to be wed in a sennight to the notorious Black Knight. She is sure her life is about to end.
The wedding has tension and from there things just get worse. At least until an accident brings Colin and Margaret together. Just as Colin and Margaret fall in love Colin receives a request from the Pope that is dire. Colin is to join the Crusades at once.
With their new love still fragile it is going to have to withstand some formable seductions. Margaret is being tempted by a laird that is a scoundrel and Colin is courted by Satan himself. With the war for Christendom raging it just might destroy their dreams forever.
This is fantastic book that takes readers back into history and brings it alive. It has a lot of action that keeps the story moving along at a pace that readers won’t want to put it down. It paints a picture of what the Crusades where like along with the Highlands of Scotland. The description of all the different places comes to vivid life and takes the reader back into time. The characters bring the story to life and makes for a book that readers will devour. It will also have readers wanting to revisit the places again and again. Readers will want to see more from this author after reading this book.
Received a review copy
January 18, 2015
KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR by Amy Jarecki is an exciting and fast paced Scottish Historical Romance. #1 in the "Highland Dynasty" series and what a beginning. WOW! I love Scottish romance and this one is absolutely deliciously wicked.
Fast paced, adventure filled with a passionate storyline and to die for characters.
"Knight in Highland Armor" is the story of Lord Colin Campbell, aka The "Black Knight" and Margaret Robinson.
Margaret is bequeathed by the King to marry Lord Colin. Margaret, is Feisty, quick tongued and smart, were as Lord Colin, is serious and about to be sent to the crusades once again, leaving Margaret with his new born son.
Their marriage starts off disastrously. Can Margaret and Colin learn to find love and happiness, before he gets sent on the Crusades, where he may never return? Colin is determined to never love again, after losing two wives in child birth.
Ms. Jarecki has a way of writing that is not only amazing, deliciously wicked but captivating and fascinating.
Another MUST read Scottish Romance, that will hold you captivated as you read "Knight in Highland Armor". Well done, Ms. Jarecki! I can't wait to read the next installment in what is sure to be a captivating and tantalizing Scottish Romance series. Highly recommended to any and all Scottish Romance readers.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fast paced, adventure filled with a passionate storyline and to die for characters.
"Knight in Highland Armor" is the story of Lord Colin Campbell, aka The "Black Knight" and Margaret Robinson.
Margaret is bequeathed by the King to marry Lord Colin. Margaret, is Feisty, quick tongued and smart, were as Lord Colin, is serious and about to be sent to the crusades once again, leaving Margaret with his new born son.
Their marriage starts off disastrously. Can Margaret and Colin learn to find love and happiness, before he gets sent on the Crusades, where he may never return? Colin is determined to never love again, after losing two wives in child birth.
Ms. Jarecki has a way of writing that is not only amazing, deliciously wicked but captivating and fascinating.
Another MUST read Scottish Romance, that will hold you captivated as you read "Knight in Highland Armor". Well done, Ms. Jarecki! I can't wait to read the next installment in what is sure to be a captivating and tantalizing Scottish Romance series. Highly recommended to any and all Scottish Romance readers.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 16, 2015
This review was also posted on Chelsea's Book Obsession
Oh my.. I loved this book. I cannot put into words how much I loved this.
This was my first experience with historical romance in books. Or just historical fiction in general. I have been wanting to get into the genre for a while. The show Reign is to blame for my sudden interest in history. (Seriously, I have been on Google searching the histories of the people from Reign. Obsession much?)
This being the first novel that I read I was a little worried that I wouldn't like it as much. I ended up loving it a lot more than I thought I would.
I absolutely adore Margaret. She's innocent and sweet. She also knows how to take care of herself. She knows what she can do (like with numbers) and she will do whatever it takes to prove herself. I admire that about her. She knew that she could help and she tried her hardest to get Colin to see that she could be of more use than just as Duncan's step-mother.
Speaking of Colin.. I questioned his character at the beginning (more so after the marriage). I knew that she didn't deserve the treatment she got from him. I understood why he was being that way, but she didn't deserve it. I really loved seeing his character grow from the heartbroken man to a loving husband and father. By the end of the book, I was in love with his character.
This whole book blew me away. It left me wanting more and I have even gone back after finishing this book and read different scenes again. I just could not get enough.
I'm really excited that this will be a series. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Oh my.. I loved this book. I cannot put into words how much I loved this.
This was my first experience with historical romance in books. Or just historical fiction in general. I have been wanting to get into the genre for a while. The show Reign is to blame for my sudden interest in history. (Seriously, I have been on Google searching the histories of the people from Reign. Obsession much?)
This being the first novel that I read I was a little worried that I wouldn't like it as much. I ended up loving it a lot more than I thought I would.
I absolutely adore Margaret. She's innocent and sweet. She also knows how to take care of herself. She knows what she can do (like with numbers) and she will do whatever it takes to prove herself. I admire that about her. She knew that she could help and she tried her hardest to get Colin to see that she could be of more use than just as Duncan's step-mother.
Speaking of Colin.. I questioned his character at the beginning (more so after the marriage). I knew that she didn't deserve the treatment she got from him. I understood why he was being that way, but she didn't deserve it. I really loved seeing his character grow from the heartbroken man to a loving husband and father. By the end of the book, I was in love with his character.
This whole book blew me away. It left me wanting more and I have even gone back after finishing this book and read different scenes again. I just could not get enough.
I'm really excited that this will be a series. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
December 16, 2014
In the beginning Colin is a work in progress, "she tried to look him in the eye, but his gaze trailed to the bloody streak on the linens. Her virtue. Gone. "We'll be leaving on the morrow." He's rough around the edges, "no...I mean, aye." Leave it to her to steer him away from the subject at hand. "Dammit, woman. Your safety is my concern. How can I protect you if you're off hiking up your skirts, washing with the commoners?" Other times he's completely sweet on his woman, well once his head got out of his a**, "you want me to kiss you, wife?" He reached for her hand and tugged. "Come here." I did enjoy this book but at times I thought it went on and on like when Colin was at war, it just wouldn't end.
January 23, 2016
It wasn't was I was hoping for but it was semi decently written (considering the fact that the language was pretty much contemporary with a "henceforth" thrown in the mix for good measure) and the plot was intriguing. All in all, a solid read.
March 6, 2015
3.5-4 stars
I finished this book a little over a day ago, but decided to take time to process how I felt about it. It was interesting and fun to read at times, but others seemed to go on and on forever (like when Colin was at war, I just wanted it all to end).
Margaret was an interesting character, I liked her. She had spirit, was funny, and smart. Except at a later part of the book where I questioned her sanity and her smartness.
Colin was a work in progress for me. It took a while to warm up to him because he was a complete douchelord at first. Yes he was in mourning, but he was a bit of an idiot about it.
Things I didn't enjoy in this book weren't many, but some lines bothered me.
Margret: "Will the Turks never stop?"
Colin : "They are an evil force. The Arabs war with each other as much as they do with the Christians"
Turks are not Arab, yes there are some Arab-Turks living in the South/South-Eastern regions, where Turkey has borders with Arab countries. If the author was being historically accurate, the reference would have been to the Ottoman empire, not to Arabs or Turks. Also, as an Arab, I didn't really appreciate that political reference to Arabs because I don't need to be reminded of the issues we have in the Arab world while I'm trying to read a romantic novel.
Also "infidel Muslims" on the second page really annoyed me.
I won't claim to know how anyone was referenced in old communications during the Christian-Ottoman wars, but seeing that we are living in the present day, I would be a bit selective when it comes to referencing any religion, race, culture. We live in a global world, and a book can (and will) be picked up by people of different backgrounds, ethnicity, religions.. So why dim anyone's reading experience by making specific references that could be unpleasant for the reader?
Overall, the book was a good read if not a little too long and repetitive at parts. Worth reading if you are into historic/Highlander romances.
*This arc was kindly provided by Rapture Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I finished this book a little over a day ago, but decided to take time to process how I felt about it. It was interesting and fun to read at times, but others seemed to go on and on forever (like when Colin was at war, I just wanted it all to end).
Margaret was an interesting character, I liked her. She had spirit, was funny, and smart. Except at a later part of the book where I questioned her sanity and her smartness.
Colin was a work in progress for me. It took a while to warm up to him because he was a complete douchelord at first. Yes he was in mourning, but he was a bit of an idiot about it.
Things I didn't enjoy in this book weren't many, but some lines bothered me.
Margret: "Will the Turks never stop?"
Colin : "They are an evil force. The Arabs war with each other as much as they do with the Christians"
Turks are not Arab, yes there are some Arab-Turks living in the South/South-Eastern regions, where Turkey has borders with Arab countries. If the author was being historically accurate, the reference would have been to the Ottoman empire, not to Arabs or Turks. Also, as an Arab, I didn't really appreciate that political reference to Arabs because I don't need to be reminded of the issues we have in the Arab world while I'm trying to read a romantic novel.
Also "infidel Muslims" on the second page really annoyed me.
I won't claim to know how anyone was referenced in old communications during the Christian-Ottoman wars, but seeing that we are living in the present day, I would be a bit selective when it comes to referencing any religion, race, culture. We live in a global world, and a book can (and will) be picked up by people of different backgrounds, ethnicity, religions.. So why dim anyone's reading experience by making specific references that could be unpleasant for the reader?
Overall, the book was a good read if not a little too long and repetitive at parts. Worth reading if you are into historic/Highlander romances.
*This arc was kindly provided by Rapture Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 16, 2014
I love her vivid imagination.
So you don't want her to fall in love with you nor you fall in love with her, but you want her to like you? Men!
I predict this to come back and bite you in the butt, Colin.
If only it were so easy. Knock a man unconscious, he's yours forever.
When it rains, it pours.
Come on Colin, come home so you can go hunting.
Neither of them expected the other to be faithful? Really?
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So you don't want her to fall in love with you nor you fall in love with her, but you want her to like you? Men!
I predict this to come back and bite you in the butt, Colin.
If only it were so easy. Knock a man unconscious, he's yours forever.
When it rains, it pours.
Come on Colin, come home so you can go hunting.
Neither of them expected the other to be faithful? Really?
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2014
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I really loved it. This is a highland historical. It is not your typical love story because the two main characters are not around each other for most of the book. It was a good read though I loved watching the relationship grow. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 2, 2015
A wonderful Highland Romance that had me hooked from page one. I loved the characters and the story. Colin Campbell has seen more than his fair share of death and now is desperate for a wife to take care of his newborn son as he heads back to Rome. Lady Margaret is highly educated for a woman and hope her husband sees her abilities and allows her to help where she can. I loved it!!!
January 16, 2015
Yay!
When I think highlanders I think Amy Jarecki. This is why, she never disappoints. She makes the highland heroes swoon worthy, and the bad guys easy to hate. With beautiful writing and a well flowing tale it is another I would recommend!
When I think highlanders I think Amy Jarecki. This is why, she never disappoints. She makes the highland heroes swoon worthy, and the bad guys easy to hate. With beautiful writing and a well flowing tale it is another I would recommend!
December 31, 2014
Review to come
Want to read
July 18, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/20/2020)! 🎁
March 28, 2022
This author never disappoints me when it comes to her stories and this one was no exception, I just loved it!! My heart ached for Colin and what he's gone through and has to go through before he can have his HEA with Margaret. I thought it was so interesting to learn that this story is based on some true historical facts....added with the author's imagination, it made for quite the story!!
I also loved Margaret's character, what a feisty and determined lady!! She is just so perfect for Colin and exactly what he needs to start enjoying life again. The war for Christendom, though, definitely does play havoc with their lives!!
All in all, I loved everything about this book!
I also loved Margaret's character, what a feisty and determined lady!! She is just so perfect for Colin and exactly what he needs to start enjoying life again. The war for Christendom, though, definitely does play havoc with their lives!!
All in all, I loved everything about this book!
January 15, 2015
Knight in Highland Armor was really a nice reading and I think it's a great start to this new Historical Romance series by Amy Jarecki.
The pair is well-matched, though the beginning of their story is a bit troubled.
Lord Colin Campbell is a brave warrior, he has just lost his wife who died giving birth to their child. As if that weren't enough the man is summoned to fight another crusade in the Holy Land because of his experience and his value on the battlefield. He's forced to choose in haste a woman who can be a good stepmother for his child during his long absence. Not love or romance, but simple needs and he asks to his Queen to help him in this choice.
Margaret is certainly not the woman who would have expected, young, beautiful, smart, strong-minded and disinclined to follow his orders, if she thinks it's better behave otherwise. The young woman was accustomed always to express her ideas and to help her father due to his skill and intelligence. She is also brilliant and she always dreamed of great love and what they called the "Black Knight" is certainly not her Prince charming ideal, and at the beginning Lord Colin does everything to confirm this thought of Margaret.
I enjoyed a lot reading their bickering and I enjoyed Margaret's sharp tongue and her spirit. Despite being alone and young, involved in a arranged wedding, she isn't cowed by her husband, and she tries to help him and earn his respect and approval.
Lord Colin could be unforgivable for how he dealt with her form the very start of their wedding, but thanks to the fact that the author has given us his point of view in this story, we can realize how much he is grieving the loss of his prevoius wife and especially as he feels guilty about his attraction towards Margaret. He is in a difficult position and I liked the space that has been given him to deal with this crisis.
I also enjoyed the historical setting chosen for this story, during the Crusades and how Ms Jarecki has managed to highlight how could be difficult to live a love story in such extreme conditions. No tv or phones with news about the war, letters that could be lost and never received for years. Love stories so difficult to carry out, but for this so intense and full of passion and love.
Beautiful book, recommended for those who loves this genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and Rapture Books for the book.
RATING: 4 stars
TITLE: Highland Knight Armor
AUTHOR: Amy Jarecki
SERIES: Highland Forces #1
PUBLISHER: Rapture Books
Knight in Highland Armor è stata una lettura davvero piacevole e credo un ottimo inizio per questa nuova serie Historical Romance di Amy Jarecki.
La coppia è decisamente ben assortita, anche se l'inizio della loro storia è un po' travagliata.
Lord Colin Campbell è un guerriero valoroso, ha appena perso la moglie che è morta mettendo alla luce il loro bambino. Come se non bastasse l'uomo viene convocato per combattere un'altra crociata in Terra Santa vista la sua esperienza e il suo valore sul campo di battaglia. Si vede costretto a dover scegliere in fretta e furia una donna che possa fare da madre al figlio durante la sua lunga assenza. Non amore e romanticismo, ma semplice necessità e chiede aiuto alla sua Regina per aiutarlo in questa scelta.
Margaret non è senz'altro la donna che si sarebbe aspettato, giovane, bellissima, sveglia e poco incline a seguire i suoi ordini, se pensa sia meglio comportarsi in altro modo. La giovane donna è stata abituata da sempre a esprimere le sue idee e ad aiutare il padre grazie alla sua bravura e intelligenza. È però anche vivace e da sempre sogna il grande amore e quello che tutti chiamano il "Black Knight" non è certo il suo principe azzurro ideale, e Lord Colin sin dall'inizio fa di tutto per confermare questo pensiero di Margaret.
Mi sono divertita molto nel leggere i loro battibecchi e ho apprezzato la lingua tagliente di Margaret e il suo spirito. Nonostante sia sola e giovane, coinvolta in un matrimonio arrangiato, non si lascia intimorire dal marito, e comunque tenta di aiutarlo e guadagnare la sua stima e approvazione.
Lord Colin all'inizio sarebbe imperdonabile, ma grazie al fatto che l'autrice ci ha fornito anche il suo punto di vista in questa storia, ci si può rendere conto quanto stia soffrendo per la perdita della moglie e soprattutto come si senta in colpa per l'attrazione che prova verso Margaret. È in una posizione difficile e mi è piaciuto lo spazio che gli è stato dato per affrontare questo suo momento di crisi.
Mi è piaciuto anche l'ambientazione storica scelta per questa storia, durante le Crociate e come Ms Jarecki abbia saputo mettere in evidenza quanto potesse essere difficile vivere una storia d'amore a distanza in condizioni così estreme. Niente telefoni o tv con notizie sulla guerra, lettere che potevano andar perse e mai ricevute per anni. Storie d'amore difficili da portare avanti, ma per questo intense e piene di passione e amore.
Bel libro, consigliato a chi ama questo genere.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Rapture Books per il libro.
VOTO: 4 stelle
TITOLO: Knight in Highland Armor
AUTRICE: Amy Jarecki
SERIES: Highland Force #1
EDITORE: Rapture Books
January 26, 2023
3.75 stars
December 18, 2014
Knight in Highland Armor (Highland Dynasty Book #1) by Amy Jarecki
I’m very conflicted about this book. One on hand I adored the spunky Margaret and the love story between her and Colin, but for a huge chunk of the book they were separated by the Crusades. It’s hard for a reader to maintain love of a relationship between two characters when years and oceans separate them.
Okay so let’s start with the parts I loved. I absolutely adored Margaret. She was such a great character and was very well developed. She was given to Colin in marriage to be a mother to his newborn son. She is very intelligent and smart. She does the book keeping and keeps the manor running. She is frustrated by the role Colin wants her to play as his wife. She has so much more to offer him. She doesn’t appreciate the rough and disrespectful way he treats her. Her wedding night was not the stuff of virgin dreams. I admired her tenacity and strength in the face of Colin’s indifference and dominance.
In Colin’s defence, he adored his wife Jonet who died in childbirth. The day she died, he gets a letter commanding him back to fight in the Crusades. He needs a mother for his son. He advocates to the King to find him a suitable wife and mother, but he loved Jonet and is still grieving deeply for her. He doesn’t want to find Margaret attractive, or funny or lovely. He wants to wallow in his grief. I was torn here. Part of me really, truly understood how deeply Colin grieved for his dead wife and rightly so. It was normal to feel like he did. Wedding another woman only three weeks after his wife’s death may have been normal in those times, but now it would be seen as callous and egregious. Yet, even with it clearly articulated how Colin was feeling about the situation, I wanted him to love and adore Margaret.
Colin postpones heading for the Crusades as long as he can and during that time their relationship blossoms. They have a rocky start and I loved how sassy Margaret could be. She wasn’t a spoiled brat or a know-it-all, but rather very confident in her abilities and her desires. She was like a bright light that attracts you and entrances you with her shine. It wasn’t long until Colin falls under her spell.
But time marches on and Colin must heed his directions to get to the Holy Land. It’s a difficult separation as Margaret is expecting Colin’s baby. This is where I felt the book let me down. I know it was really realistic for the time period, but Colin is gone for SEVEN years. It was hard to continue hope that he would return. Reading about the boys growing up and passing so many milestones was hard to swallow. The author details what was happening to both of them through the years, but as the reader all I really wanted to get them back together.
I really liked the relationship between Colin and Margaret. That is what made this book worth reading. Although they only had a few months together in their marriage, it literally had to last them and the reader a lifetime (or the length of the novel). The separation of the two lovers was too long. I began to lose hope just like Colin and Margaret that they would ever be reunited. Even when they did come back together, I felt so sad for all the time and their youth that they lost. I think this book was worth reading, as some other readers may find the separation and then reunion romantic. I loved the characters and the romance was wonderful.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m very conflicted about this book. One on hand I adored the spunky Margaret and the love story between her and Colin, but for a huge chunk of the book they were separated by the Crusades. It’s hard for a reader to maintain love of a relationship between two characters when years and oceans separate them.
Okay so let’s start with the parts I loved. I absolutely adored Margaret. She was such a great character and was very well developed. She was given to Colin in marriage to be a mother to his newborn son. She is very intelligent and smart. She does the book keeping and keeps the manor running. She is frustrated by the role Colin wants her to play as his wife. She has so much more to offer him. She doesn’t appreciate the rough and disrespectful way he treats her. Her wedding night was not the stuff of virgin dreams. I admired her tenacity and strength in the face of Colin’s indifference and dominance.
In Colin’s defence, he adored his wife Jonet who died in childbirth. The day she died, he gets a letter commanding him back to fight in the Crusades. He needs a mother for his son. He advocates to the King to find him a suitable wife and mother, but he loved Jonet and is still grieving deeply for her. He doesn’t want to find Margaret attractive, or funny or lovely. He wants to wallow in his grief. I was torn here. Part of me really, truly understood how deeply Colin grieved for his dead wife and rightly so. It was normal to feel like he did. Wedding another woman only three weeks after his wife’s death may have been normal in those times, but now it would be seen as callous and egregious. Yet, even with it clearly articulated how Colin was feeling about the situation, I wanted him to love and adore Margaret.
Colin postpones heading for the Crusades as long as he can and during that time their relationship blossoms. They have a rocky start and I loved how sassy Margaret could be. She wasn’t a spoiled brat or a know-it-all, but rather very confident in her abilities and her desires. She was like a bright light that attracts you and entrances you with her shine. It wasn’t long until Colin falls under her spell.
But time marches on and Colin must heed his directions to get to the Holy Land. It’s a difficult separation as Margaret is expecting Colin’s baby. This is where I felt the book let me down. I know it was really realistic for the time period, but Colin is gone for SEVEN years. It was hard to continue hope that he would return. Reading about the boys growing up and passing so many milestones was hard to swallow. The author details what was happening to both of them through the years, but as the reader all I really wanted to get them back together.
I really liked the relationship between Colin and Margaret. That is what made this book worth reading. Although they only had a few months together in their marriage, it literally had to last them and the reader a lifetime (or the length of the novel). The separation of the two lovers was too long. I began to lose hope just like Colin and Margaret that they would ever be reunited. Even when they did come back together, I felt so sad for all the time and their youth that they lost. I think this book was worth reading, as some other readers may find the separation and then reunion romantic. I loved the characters and the romance was wonderful.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2015
My actually rating is 4.5 stars. Goodreads' rating system doesn't give the option to add half stars...it should...haha!
***I received a free copy for an honest review***
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
It has been a while since I have read any historical romances, but I am glad that I read this one. Plus, this is the first book I have read by Amy Jarecki. With that said, Knight in Highland Armor was an enjoyable, yet intense, read. I was totally blown away at how quickly I was "transported" to this era and "endured" all the hardships and obstacles these characters had to endure. It also had it's fair share of mystery and action/adventure.
Amy Jarecki had me from the first chapter! Her ability to create a setting and characters that can be "seen" so vividly in the imagination was incredible. Although the book did tend to drag on a bit, I quickly got over it as I continued reading Margaret and Colin's story. I was even intrigued when I read that this book was loosely based on the legend of Colin Campbell, the First Lord of Glenorchy. Hmmm...very interesting. Yeah, so at the end, read the Author's Note. It was very interesting, and Amy, after all her research, created this amazing love story filled with hardship and loss, betrayal and redemption.
I was definitely at the "edge of my seat" as I got closer to the end of the book. My heart raced and my breath hitched, I had to know if these characters will have the ending to their love story that they deserved...especially after enduring all those trials and obstacles in their relationship. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Visit Movies, Shows & Books on 1/29/15 during the blog tour!
***I received a free copy for an honest review***
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
It has been a while since I have read any historical romances, but I am glad that I read this one. Plus, this is the first book I have read by Amy Jarecki. With that said, Knight in Highland Armor was an enjoyable, yet intense, read. I was totally blown away at how quickly I was "transported" to this era and "endured" all the hardships and obstacles these characters had to endure. It also had it's fair share of mystery and action/adventure.
Amy Jarecki had me from the first chapter! Her ability to create a setting and characters that can be "seen" so vividly in the imagination was incredible. Although the book did tend to drag on a bit, I quickly got over it as I continued reading Margaret and Colin's story. I was even intrigued when I read that this book was loosely based on the legend of Colin Campbell, the First Lord of Glenorchy. Hmmm...very interesting. Yeah, so at the end, read the Author's Note. It was very interesting, and Amy, after all her research, created this amazing love story filled with hardship and loss, betrayal and redemption.
I was definitely at the "edge of my seat" as I got closer to the end of the book. My heart raced and my breath hitched, I had to know if these characters will have the ending to their love story that they deserved...especially after enduring all those trials and obstacles in their relationship. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Visit Movies, Shows & Books on 1/29/15 during the blog tour!
February 1, 2015
Knight in Highland Armor - Amy Jarecki
4 stars
"Black" Colin Campbell known soldier for the Christendom has seen his own fair share of death both on the battlefield and at home. He's lost two wives and the last one during childbirth. After receiving a missive that he must return to the Holy Land he writes his own missive to the King asking him to find Colin a wife, a mother to his son, not someone he fall in love with.
Margaret of Loch Rannoch was very attracted to the opposite sex and very much liked looking upon them. She always thought she might marry a good looking nobleman but when she received word of her impending nuptials she was sure she was marrying an old graying and rotund man. She was very much dreading this marriage.
To both of their surprise they were very pleased with each other's looks but what will happen when she tests Colin's patience? She's a very mouthy and opinionated lady and says what's on her mind. Colin expects her to obey in marriage and be silent and ladylike. Oh, has he met his match?
He leaves to go to The Holy Land and expects to be back in a few months. Those few months turn into seven years. What happens in those seven years? Will he make it back home? Will Margaret have married someone else? There's heartache and pain. Before Colin leaves to go to the Crusades we watch them learn about each other and slowly fall in love. But will Colin make it back home to enjoy life with her or will "Black" Colin lose his first battle?
This is now an all time favorite historical read of mine. There's defiance, determination, love, intrigues, and passion. I can't wait to read more from this author!
4 stars
"Black" Colin Campbell known soldier for the Christendom has seen his own fair share of death both on the battlefield and at home. He's lost two wives and the last one during childbirth. After receiving a missive that he must return to the Holy Land he writes his own missive to the King asking him to find Colin a wife, a mother to his son, not someone he fall in love with.
Margaret of Loch Rannoch was very attracted to the opposite sex and very much liked looking upon them. She always thought she might marry a good looking nobleman but when she received word of her impending nuptials she was sure she was marrying an old graying and rotund man. She was very much dreading this marriage.
To both of their surprise they were very pleased with each other's looks but what will happen when she tests Colin's patience? She's a very mouthy and opinionated lady and says what's on her mind. Colin expects her to obey in marriage and be silent and ladylike. Oh, has he met his match?
He leaves to go to The Holy Land and expects to be back in a few months. Those few months turn into seven years. What happens in those seven years? Will he make it back home? Will Margaret have married someone else? There's heartache and pain. Before Colin leaves to go to the Crusades we watch them learn about each other and slowly fall in love. But will Colin make it back home to enjoy life with her or will "Black" Colin lose his first battle?
This is now an all time favorite historical read of mine. There's defiance, determination, love, intrigues, and passion. I can't wait to read more from this author!
March 20, 2015
OH...MY...GOSH...this was one of the best written books I have read in a long while. The story grabbed me right from the start and my heart went out to the hero, Black Colin. The heroine is an amazing woman and I came to care about her and admire her quite quickly. Once their love became real to them after their arranged marriage, it touched my heart so much, I cried when he had to leave to go do his duty. And then he was gone for SO long, oh my stars. But she carried on so valiantly and never stopped believing he would return. The sex is a tad bit graphic, just over the line that I'm comfortable with, but not erotica by definition. The action and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus I learned so many things about Scotland and the crusades I never knew - and many new vocabulary words. I really used that Kindle feature reading this one, lol. All in all, though I got the book on sale, it would be worth full price.
March 11, 2015
"Mo leannan. You are sweeter than honey to a black-hearted knight." - Colin
KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR by Amy Jarecki is a wonderful historical Scottish romance and the first book in her brand new Highland Dynasty book series! I loved Amy's Highland Force series and was thrilled to find out that she had inaugurated a new one. I was certainly not disappointed!
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
See also: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4 1/2 Wine Glasses!!!!
KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR by Amy Jarecki is a wonderful historical Scottish romance and the first book in her brand new Highland Dynasty book series! I loved Amy's Highland Force series and was thrilled to find out that she had inaugurated a new one. I was certainly not disappointed!
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
See also: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4 1/2 Wine Glasses!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews