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Highland Guard #11
The Rock
New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty continues her Highland Guard series in this eleventh steamy historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.
The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.
420 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 29, 2015
182 people are currently reading
1769 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCarty
61 books2,967 followersWhat do you get when you mix a legal career, a baseball career, motherhood, and a love of history with a voracious reader? In my case, a Historical Romance Author.
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.
In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.
For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.
After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.
With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).
Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.
So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.
And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.
In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.
For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.
After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.
With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).
Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.
So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.
And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
November 14, 2015
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the writer and the publisher for the opportunity to read this.*
The Rock has got to be the biggest letdown of the century.
Yes, it was brilliantly written, I'll give it that. But it had very little going for it in terms of the plot and the characters. The supposed main conflict—the one that centred on Elizabeth's brother—was weakly executed and resolved very early on in the story, leaving us with the one that focused on Elizabeth and Thom's relationship. Thus, I was forced to spend a significant portion of the book watching people—led by the stupid and annoying heroine, might I add—fuck up a genuinely good guy.
This is basically the entire story:
Repeat that last scene for around 1000000000000000 times, and you've basically read about 80% of the story. And oh, how could I forget Elizabeth's memorable quotes?
And of course, her favourite tag line, which she often used throughout the story:
(Oh, so you have the balls to say that when you're the one who's running after him whenever he avoids you? You don't want him to move on, but you don't want him to love you, too? Make up your mind, you fucking dimwit!)
Isn't Elizabeth charming? Charming enough to cut open and feed to Satan's pet dogs, I mean.
GAH. I never hated a heroine as much as I hated Elizabeth. By the time I finished the book, I'd already conjured up a thousand ways of killing her in my mind. And it sucked because Monica McCarty really gave a valiant effort to try and justify her, but Elizabeth was too much of a whiny shit to be justified. Oh, let's not forget that she was TOO STUPID TO LIVE. She kept on falling into ravines and shit, and Thom had to save her every single time.
And it sucked even more because Thom was really loved her soooooooo much. My heart bled for him everytime he was rejected by the bitch. .
Ugh. I think I ranted enough. Overall, this just had a weak plot, bad execution and little to no character development. And yes, I hated this book. I only added an additional star in honour of Thom's character. Aside from Thom, his family and Jo, the rest of the people in this novel could go to hell.
P.S. Jamie Douglas was such a fucking bastard in this story. I haven't read his novella, and not even a million dollars would tempt me to do so. He could rot in hell for all I care.
The Rock has got to be the biggest letdown of the century.
Yes, it was brilliantly written, I'll give it that. But it had very little going for it in terms of the plot and the characters. The supposed main conflict—the one that centred on Elizabeth's brother—was weakly executed and resolved very early on in the story, leaving us with the one that focused on Elizabeth and Thom's relationship. Thus, I was forced to spend a significant portion of the book watching people—led by the stupid and annoying heroine, might I add—fuck up a genuinely good guy.
This is basically the entire story:
Repeat that last scene for around 1000000000000000 times, and you've basically read about 80% of the story. And oh, how could I forget Elizabeth's memorable quotes?
Only peasants thought of things like "want" and "love"...
"And the fact that you like it when I touch you? Does that have nothing to do with him either?"
His voice was huskier than he intended... But the warm sensations fired by her senses were quickly banished by her next words.
"Why should it? I'm certain I shall like it when he touches me as well."
And of course, her favourite tag line, which she often used throughout the story:
"Why are you trying to confuse me and make this so difficult?"
(Oh, so you have the balls to say that when you're the one who's running after him whenever he avoids you? You don't want him to move on, but you don't want him to love you, too? Make up your mind, you fucking dimwit!)
Isn't Elizabeth charming? Charming enough to cut open and feed to Satan's pet dogs, I mean.
GAH. I never hated a heroine as much as I hated Elizabeth. By the time I finished the book, I'd already conjured up a thousand ways of killing her in my mind. And it sucked because Monica McCarty really gave a valiant effort to try and justify her, but Elizabeth was too much of a whiny shit to be justified. Oh, let's not forget that she was TOO STUPID TO LIVE. She kept on falling into ravines and shit, and Thom had to save her every single time.
And it sucked even more because Thom was really loved her soooooooo much. My heart bled for him everytime he was rejected by the bitch. .
Ugh. I think I ranted enough. Overall, this just had a weak plot, bad execution and little to no character development. And yes, I hated this book. I only added an additional star in honour of Thom's character. Aside from Thom, his family and Jo, the rest of the people in this novel could go to hell.
P.S. Jamie Douglas was such a fucking bastard in this story. I haven't read his novella, and not even a million dollars would tempt me to do so. He could rot in hell for all I care.
November 24, 2015
2.5 stars
Sadly this book doesn't work for me. I had no issue with MacGowan most of the story; but the heroine here, Lady Elizabeth Douglas, felt like typical brainless blonde personified. Their not-romance-only-friends back and forth dragged on over three hundred fifty pages of the book that had me grit my teeth the whole time.
Monica McCarty's writing, as always, is great. She has a knack to twist a historical or legendary tale and figures into interesting fictions. She wrote the story in two POVs and each expressed inner thoughts of Thom and Elizabeth. My HUGE problem laid with the character.
Those of you have read the complete Highland Guard series must have read The Knight, featuring Elizabeth's brother James Douglas and Joanna Dicson. I didn't like that particular book, I thought Douglas was a snobbish cur. I wasn't surprised he was still a snobbish cur here. At least Douglas's story was a novella; not three times longer, full novel length as this book.
From The Knight and blurb of this book, I had an inkling of how Elizabeth and Thomas's romance might reveal - and I thought I was prepared for them. Man, I couldn't be more wrong.
I had no sympathy for Elizabeth. At all. She impressed me as a dense, naive and thoughtless lass. Yes, her background of what happened to her father and the effect were told. Still, the way she acted and spoke... truly exasperating. At least the heroine in Douglas's novella knew her own mind (though I didn't really like her). Elizabeth was... confused. And she was not exactly very young for that time (when teen girls could wed and bear child). A late-bloomer perhaps.
For me the only good point here was Thom MacGowan, who faced his former friend hostility and others's lack of regard to raise from his humble origin into a pinnacle point of his life. For a peasant he showed truer core as a knight and nobleman than most of the highborns. I HATED how Elizabeth hurt him again. And again. And again. And again.
Unintentionally my foot!!! /cue the growling sound/
Frankly, I thought Thom deserved way better than Elizabeth, and should've found other love interest instead.
Having said that, I'm still looking forward to Highland Guard series last installment, The Ghost, which would be released sometime next year. I shall just consider this the downside of the series.
ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.
Sadly this book doesn't work for me. I had no issue with MacGowan most of the story; but the heroine here, Lady Elizabeth Douglas, felt like typical brainless blonde personified. Their not-romance-only-friends back and forth dragged on over three hundred fifty pages of the book that had me grit my teeth the whole time.
Monica McCarty's writing, as always, is great. She has a knack to twist a historical or legendary tale and figures into interesting fictions. She wrote the story in two POVs and each expressed inner thoughts of Thom and Elizabeth. My HUGE problem laid with the character.
Those of you have read the complete Highland Guard series must have read The Knight, featuring Elizabeth's brother James Douglas and Joanna Dicson. I didn't like that particular book, I thought Douglas was a snobbish cur. I wasn't surprised he was still a snobbish cur here. At least Douglas's story was a novella; not three times longer, full novel length as this book.
From The Knight and blurb of this book, I had an inkling of how Elizabeth and Thomas's romance might reveal - and I thought I was prepared for them. Man, I couldn't be more wrong.
I had no sympathy for Elizabeth. At all. She impressed me as a dense, naive and thoughtless lass. Yes, her background of what happened to her father and the effect were told. Still, the way she acted and spoke... truly exasperating. At least the heroine in Douglas's novella knew her own mind (though I didn't really like her). Elizabeth was... confused. And she was not exactly very young for that time (when teen girls could wed and bear child). A late-bloomer perhaps.
For me the only good point here was Thom MacGowan, who faced his former friend hostility and others's lack of regard to raise from his humble origin into a pinnacle point of his life. For a peasant he showed truer core as a knight and nobleman than most of the highborns. I HATED how Elizabeth hurt him again. And again. And again. And again.
Unintentionally my foot!!! /cue the growling sound/
Frankly, I thought Thom deserved way better than Elizabeth, and should've found other love interest instead.
Having said that, I'm still looking forward to Highland Guard series last installment, The Ghost, which would be released sometime next year. I shall just consider this the downside of the series.
ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.
August 1, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Thom MacGowan and Elizabeth Douglas became friends as young children. What made it unusual was the difference in their status: she's the daughter of the Lord of Douglas and he's the son of the Castle's blacksmith. When Thom becomes of age and his feelings transform to something deeper, Elizabeth doesn't see things the same way and his friendship with her brother, James (The Black) Douglas fractures. Thom decides to pursue his dream of becoming a Knight, creating a path for his worthiness to ask for Elizabeth's hand.
You may remember Thom and James from The Knight where their animosity was pretty clear. I didn't like James then and it didn't get any better here. Thom continued to be so admirable, steadfast in his goals and love for Elizabeth, despite her lack of worthiness for him. If you can't tell, I wasn't a fan of Elizabeth's either.
It is historically accurate that people of different stations rarely married and that is just a fact. However, I thought Elizabeth lacked empathy for a man she'd adored as a child. And, James was just hypocritical given his marriage to Jo, a woman in a similar status as Thom.
I liked the story primarily due to my affection for Thom and his extraordinary skills. There was very little Highland Guard action here so everything fell to the romance, which came up short for me. One other wonderful highlight was the narration by Antony Ferguson. He made an average story a really good listening experience on every level. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Thom MacGowan and Elizabeth Douglas became friends as young children. What made it unusual was the difference in their status: she's the daughter of the Lord of Douglas and he's the son of the Castle's blacksmith. When Thom becomes of age and his feelings transform to something deeper, Elizabeth doesn't see things the same way and his friendship with her brother, James (The Black) Douglas fractures. Thom decides to pursue his dream of becoming a Knight, creating a path for his worthiness to ask for Elizabeth's hand.
You may remember Thom and James from The Knight where their animosity was pretty clear. I didn't like James then and it didn't get any better here. Thom continued to be so admirable, steadfast in his goals and love for Elizabeth, despite her lack of worthiness for him. If you can't tell, I wasn't a fan of Elizabeth's either.
It is historically accurate that people of different stations rarely married and that is just a fact. However, I thought Elizabeth lacked empathy for a man she'd adored as a child. And, James was just hypocritical given his marriage to Jo, a woman in a similar status as Thom.
I liked the story primarily due to my affection for Thom and his extraordinary skills. There was very little Highland Guard action here so everything fell to the romance, which came up short for me. One other wonderful highlight was the narration by Antony Ferguson. He made an average story a really good listening experience on every level. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
April 17, 2021
When I first started the book, I felt like it was going to be one I loved. The beginning started off very charming when we meet the two leads as they are children. Then they grow up and Thom, who's been in love with Elizabeth his whole stinkin' life, is finally ready to have a future with the woman he loves. Just one tiny problem, she doesn't love him and never did. All those times she said she wanted to marry him, were all silly games. Say what?
I can't tell you how much I HATED Elizabeth. I full on hated her insensitive and annoying ass. Why in the ever living hell would Thom ever want to be with someone so materialistic and dumb. Yeah, she's stupid as hell, and is basically a walking disaster. Always needing to be saved by yours truly, Thom.
These books are well written and entertaining but if you don't want to read a book about a heartless bitch, then I suggest passing this one up. Never have I ever felt such a strong reaction to a hero not picking a heroine. But I guess there's a first for everything.
I can't tell you how much I HATED Elizabeth. I full on hated her insensitive and annoying ass. Why in the ever living hell would Thom ever want to be with someone so materialistic and dumb. Yeah, she's stupid as hell, and is basically a walking disaster. Always needing to be saved by yours truly, Thom.
These books are well written and entertaining but if you don't want to read a book about a heartless bitch, then I suggest passing this one up. Never have I ever felt such a strong reaction to a hero not picking a heroine. But I guess there's a first for everything.
January 18, 2016
Monica McCarty has to be my favorite writer in the genre. Her books take me at least 4-5 hours to read (very engrossed reading too) and I always want to read every word. A great writer with superb storytelling talents. Her probes at the human condition, desires and regrets, I am again and again surprised by the poignancy in her observations of human interactions, romantic or not.
The review below concerns ONLY the story itself. It is not a reflection of the quality of the book. It is a personal reflection on the characters and their decisions.
When I was reading this book, I tried very very hard to understand Elizabeth Douglas. For one reason: I did something very similar to what Elizabeth did and I desperately wanted to make sense of her selfish behaviors.
Elizabeth and Thom went way back. They grew up together, the laird's daughter and the smithy's son. It started innocently enough and I could see it before me: guy met girl. They became friends. Guy liked girl but was waiting for the right moment to tell her. Girl was oblivious to guy's feelings, thinking the entire time that they were friends. And one day hell broke loose and they couldn't hide behind friendship anymore.
Either Monica McCarty is just that good at observing human interactions or she was writing from personal experience, I completely understood Elizabeth's confusion and denial. If a guy likes you, you kind of know, don't you? But you also kind of know whether it is going to work, or rather, how likely the relationship will succeed. So you weigh between giving it a shot and losing a dear friend, you decide: well, I'd rather have the friend.
So that was Elizabeth's decision, too. All happening on the subconscious level, of course.
Now also imagine, a guy likes you. He doesn't want to be your friend (God I wish I knew). It is either he is THE friend or nothing at all. The entire friendship has a chance because he is hoping that one day it would go to the next level. It is never his goal to maintain the status quo.
So now Elizabeth and Thom were at an impasse. What to do........what to do..........
Reading about Thom's reaction to Elizabeth's first rejection was like revisiting a rather ugly place in time for me. Now I understand what I didn't back then: He felt rejected and acted out of pride. He waited so long, biding his time and was served the "you are my friend" card. The way Thom flipped out on Elizabeth was exactly what I had experienced in my own "episode". I was shocked at how real those scenes were to me. In the fictional world, I actually respected Thom for flipping out on Elizabeth. I thought it good that he didn't mope around Elizabeth waiting for her.
But in real life, I was first confused, then I tried to diffuse the situation by joking then I got really pissed off, which incidentally, is exactly what Elizabeth did. It was like reading a page from my own book, if one was ever written. Like Elizabeth receiving an insulting retort from Thom, I was also told that "I don't have to wait on you hand and foot and entertain you whenever you want." (And this is what he said to me, verbatim.) Oh the nerves he had, I thought. Everything was twisted around in his mind. When did I ever expect such a thing from him?
Up until that point, I thought exactly what Elizabeth was thinking: why did you have to go around saying things like this and destroy everything we have?
Now we get the premise of the story. Thom was rejected. Elizabeth was mourning the loss of a dear friend, who never actually wanted to be her friend. And I get that. I really do. I had the exact same thoughts: it was never going to work. I did not want to lose him so I would rather not have him at all. I would wish him well, listen to his girl trouble and attend the wedding, taking comfort in that by giving up a relationship, I saved a friendship. And of course, it blew up in my face as it did Elizabeth.
Before I started reading this book, I mentally prepared myself. I have read reviews from GR friends and thought: oh God I think I would hate Elizabeth with a passion. And it sucks to hate the characters.
After I finished the book last night I started thinking. I love Monica McCarty's writing and storytelling. I did not hate Elizabeth as much as I thought I would. But I cannot say that I love the story. And I think I know why.
Elizabeth.
It has nothing to do with her turning down Thom, who was nothing but wonderful in the story. Thom was so in love with Elizabeth, but I thank the God that he wasn't pathetically so. He left and turned down the chance to further impress Elizabeth. Guy had backbones and wasn't led by his penis. Thank you Monica McCarty for writing Thom this way. And I didn't think it was so bad that she turned Thom down. As I said, I understand what Elizabeth did, when she believed that there was no chance
I don't dislike her, but I don't like her. While I understand her actions, I do not like the reasons why she felt that it was not to be for Thom and her. She was basically afraid of being poor. I actually commend Monica McCarty for writing a "immature" heroine. I think it was reasonable to not want to be poor, in Elizabeth's position. It was not that surprising and definitely not wrong. But it is just not attractive.
We live in a cynical, cynical world (points for anyone who knows who I am quoting?). I think that is why some of us read fiction. We are looking to identify ourselves with characters who we would like to be, whose adventures and love stories we yearn to experience. Elizabeth is not someone I would like to be, not because of what she did, but because of why she did it. It was immature and not exactly commendable. I cannot fault her though, because what she did was only human. But at the same time, I cannot say that I like her. In short, she did not have me at hello. Hell, she did not even have me at goodbye. (I should think that it is now clear who I am quoting?)
And because of the above reason, I had trouble with Thom and Elizabeth's relationship. I am not convinced that Elizabeth loved Thom. And the chemistry lost its allures because of that. I could see that Elizabeth loved Thom as a person, that she truly believed Thom to be a great human being. Someone with integrity and honor. But I am not convinced that Elizabeth loved Thom as a man. I think her feelings are not explored enough or appropriately for that purpose. Elizabeth spent too much time thinking about marrying a powerful lord and all the merriments of a glamorous political marriage. Her character suffered because of that and seemed really shallow.
Now we are almost at the end of the series. I hope with my poor romantic heart that Sir Alex Seton and Joan Comyn have one hell of a love story to blow me away in The Ghost.
The review below concerns ONLY the story itself. It is not a reflection of the quality of the book. It is a personal reflection on the characters and their decisions.
When I was reading this book, I tried very very hard to understand Elizabeth Douglas. For one reason: I did something very similar to what Elizabeth did and I desperately wanted to make sense of her selfish behaviors.
Elizabeth and Thom went way back. They grew up together, the laird's daughter and the smithy's son. It started innocently enough and I could see it before me: guy met girl. They became friends. Guy liked girl but was waiting for the right moment to tell her. Girl was oblivious to guy's feelings, thinking the entire time that they were friends. And one day hell broke loose and they couldn't hide behind friendship anymore.
Either Monica McCarty is just that good at observing human interactions or she was writing from personal experience, I completely understood Elizabeth's confusion and denial. If a guy likes you, you kind of know, don't you? But you also kind of know whether it is going to work, or rather, how likely the relationship will succeed. So you weigh between giving it a shot and losing a dear friend, you decide: well, I'd rather have the friend.
So that was Elizabeth's decision, too. All happening on the subconscious level, of course.
Now also imagine, a guy likes you. He doesn't want to be your friend (God I wish I knew). It is either he is THE friend or nothing at all. The entire friendship has a chance because he is hoping that one day it would go to the next level. It is never his goal to maintain the status quo.
So now Elizabeth and Thom were at an impasse. What to do........what to do..........
Reading about Thom's reaction to Elizabeth's first rejection was like revisiting a rather ugly place in time for me. Now I understand what I didn't back then: He felt rejected and acted out of pride. He waited so long, biding his time and was served the "you are my friend" card. The way Thom flipped out on Elizabeth was exactly what I had experienced in my own "episode". I was shocked at how real those scenes were to me. In the fictional world, I actually respected Thom for flipping out on Elizabeth. I thought it good that he didn't mope around Elizabeth waiting for her.
But in real life, I was first confused, then I tried to diffuse the situation by joking then I got really pissed off, which incidentally, is exactly what Elizabeth did. It was like reading a page from my own book, if one was ever written. Like Elizabeth receiving an insulting retort from Thom, I was also told that "I don't have to wait on you hand and foot and entertain you whenever you want." (And this is what he said to me, verbatim.) Oh the nerves he had, I thought. Everything was twisted around in his mind. When did I ever expect such a thing from him?
Up until that point, I thought exactly what Elizabeth was thinking: why did you have to go around saying things like this and destroy everything we have?
Now we get the premise of the story. Thom was rejected. Elizabeth was mourning the loss of a dear friend, who never actually wanted to be her friend. And I get that. I really do. I had the exact same thoughts: it was never going to work. I did not want to lose him so I would rather not have him at all. I would wish him well, listen to his girl trouble and attend the wedding, taking comfort in that by giving up a relationship, I saved a friendship. And of course, it blew up in my face as it did Elizabeth.
Before I started reading this book, I mentally prepared myself. I have read reviews from GR friends and thought: oh God I think I would hate Elizabeth with a passion. And it sucks to hate the characters.
After I finished the book last night I started thinking. I love Monica McCarty's writing and storytelling. I did not hate Elizabeth as much as I thought I would. But I cannot say that I love the story. And I think I know why.
Elizabeth.
It has nothing to do with her turning down Thom, who was nothing but wonderful in the story. Thom was so in love with Elizabeth, but I thank the God that he wasn't pathetically so. He left and turned down the chance to further impress Elizabeth. Guy had backbones and wasn't led by his penis. Thank you Monica McCarty for writing Thom this way. And I didn't think it was so bad that she turned Thom down. As I said, I understand what Elizabeth did, when she believed that there was no chance
I don't dislike her, but I don't like her. While I understand her actions, I do not like the reasons why she felt that it was not to be for Thom and her. She was basically afraid of being poor. I actually commend Monica McCarty for writing a "immature" heroine. I think it was reasonable to not want to be poor, in Elizabeth's position. It was not that surprising and definitely not wrong. But it is just not attractive.
We live in a cynical, cynical world (points for anyone who knows who I am quoting?). I think that is why some of us read fiction. We are looking to identify ourselves with characters who we would like to be, whose adventures and love stories we yearn to experience. Elizabeth is not someone I would like to be, not because of what she did, but because of why she did it. It was immature and not exactly commendable. I cannot fault her though, because what she did was only human. But at the same time, I cannot say that I like her. In short, she did not have me at hello. Hell, she did not even have me at goodbye. (I should think that it is now clear who I am quoting?)
And because of the above reason, I had trouble with Thom and Elizabeth's relationship. I am not convinced that Elizabeth loved Thom. And the chemistry lost its allures because of that. I could see that Elizabeth loved Thom as a person, that she truly believed Thom to be a great human being. Someone with integrity and honor. But I am not convinced that Elizabeth loved Thom as a man. I think her feelings are not explored enough or appropriately for that purpose. Elizabeth spent too much time thinking about marrying a powerful lord and all the merriments of a glamorous political marriage. Her character suffered because of that and seemed really shallow.
Now we are almost at the end of the series. I hope with my poor romantic heart that Sir Alex Seton and Joan Comyn have one hell of a love story to blow me away in The Ghost.
November 16, 2015
ARC from Netgalley/Gallery Books for honest review. Thank you!!!
Monica McCarty is one of my favorite author's and there have only been a few times that she's disappointed me. I can't say enough of how much I have enjoyed the Highland Guard series and am sad to know that there is only one more book to go, The Ghost.
So here are my thought's on The Rock. First I'll start with something I really wish that the author had done to clarify and help establish the actions of the heroine in this story at the beginning of the book. I read her Author's Note, which is at the end of the book, and she does a wonderful job of giving us a back ground on the history and other tidbits of information. McCarty shared that one of the most difficult things to write about was trying to import the rigid social structure and stigma against marrying down to modern sensibility. She tried to really stress and impart the thinking of society and how that was "not done".
I'm saying all this because I think if we had this somehow put forth in the beginning of the book we might have had more of a glimpse of what the author was trying to convey about the heroines thinking.
We start the story with the two main characters as children. Elizabeth is the daughter of a Lord and Thom a son of a the castle blacksmith. These two as children knew no distinction of their status and grew to be best of friends. Thom loved Elizabeth and believed he would marry her someday. Elizabeth really only see's Thom as a dear friend and believes she will marry someday within her social standing.
The story is pretty much the difference of how each see's the relationship. We have Thom declaring his love to Elizabeth and trying to convince her to marry him. And Elizabeth who cares for Thom and see's him just as a friend. And knowing that she couldn't marry him because of the difference in their status and her brother wouldn't allow it(I didn't like her brother too much in this book). We witness Thom again and again declaring his love and doing anything and everything in his power to become good enough for Elizabeth. Thom works with the Highland guards in hopes to become one of them. He assists them with Edinburgh Castle in climbing the "Castle Rock". His thinking and hope is he would gain some status among the men and acceptance, anything he can in hopes of winning Elizabeth. He just broke my heart at times. And then there is Elizabeth, who couldn't understand Thom's love, was confused, a lot and kept repeating what was wrong with them just being good friends. Her issue of marrying down and being excommunicated was a major fear also. Unfortunately I never came to like Elizabeth. I kept reading with hopes that would change, but sadly never transpired.
I liked all the secondary characters and pacing was good. Well written, excellent history and kept me engaged even with my issue with Elizabeth. I would really, really like to see a novel with Izzie and Randolph.I'm thinking those two would make a great romance together!!!
Now just a few thoughts on the last novel, The Ghost. I believe we will have an epic (I know high expectations, but I do believe Monica McCarty will do the last book justice) final Highland Guard book. Guessing it will be Alex as the hero and The Ghost I'm thinking is a women. I'm hoping it will be Joan, Bella's daughter. Alex always deserved his story and I never thought he was a traitor. Plus his attraction to Joan and her's to him in the Viper just jumped off the pages, so yes that story I knew needed to be told.
Monica McCarty is one of my favorite author's and there have only been a few times that she's disappointed me. I can't say enough of how much I have enjoyed the Highland Guard series and am sad to know that there is only one more book to go, The Ghost.
So here are my thought's on The Rock. First I'll start with something I really wish that the author had done to clarify and help establish the actions of the heroine in this story at the beginning of the book. I read her Author's Note, which is at the end of the book, and she does a wonderful job of giving us a back ground on the history and other tidbits of information. McCarty shared that one of the most difficult things to write about was trying to import the rigid social structure and stigma against marrying down to modern sensibility. She tried to really stress and impart the thinking of society and how that was "not done".
I'm saying all this because I think if we had this somehow put forth in the beginning of the book we might have had more of a glimpse of what the author was trying to convey about the heroines thinking.
We start the story with the two main characters as children. Elizabeth is the daughter of a Lord and Thom a son of a the castle blacksmith. These two as children knew no distinction of their status and grew to be best of friends. Thom loved Elizabeth and believed he would marry her someday. Elizabeth really only see's Thom as a dear friend and believes she will marry someday within her social standing.
The story is pretty much the difference of how each see's the relationship. We have Thom declaring his love to Elizabeth and trying to convince her to marry him. And Elizabeth who cares for Thom and see's him just as a friend. And knowing that she couldn't marry him because of the difference in their status and her brother wouldn't allow it(I didn't like her brother too much in this book). We witness Thom again and again declaring his love and doing anything and everything in his power to become good enough for Elizabeth. Thom works with the Highland guards in hopes to become one of them. He assists them with Edinburgh Castle in climbing the "Castle Rock". His thinking and hope is he would gain some status among the men and acceptance, anything he can in hopes of winning Elizabeth. He just broke my heart at times. And then there is Elizabeth, who couldn't understand Thom's love, was confused, a lot and kept repeating what was wrong with them just being good friends. Her issue of marrying down and being excommunicated was a major fear also. Unfortunately I never came to like Elizabeth. I kept reading with hopes that would change, but sadly never transpired.
I liked all the secondary characters and pacing was good. Well written, excellent history and kept me engaged even with my issue with Elizabeth. I would really, really like to see a novel with Izzie and Randolph.I'm thinking those two would make a great romance together!!!
Now just a few thoughts on the last novel, The Ghost. I believe we will have an epic (I know high expectations, but I do believe Monica McCarty will do the last book justice) final Highland Guard book. Guessing it will be Alex as the hero and The Ghost I'm thinking is a women. I'm hoping it will be Joan, Bella's daughter. Alex always deserved his story and I never thought he was a traitor. Plus his attraction to Joan and her's to him in the Viper just jumped off the pages, so yes that story I knew needed to be told.
December 9, 2015
Well this the latest addition to Ms McCartys Highland Guard series took me on a journey that at times had me not really liking the two lead characters. I will go further and say there is a supporting character who really should know better too after he nearly royally messed up his own life ! Alas no these far too stubborn Scots just keep hurting each other and you know what? Sometimes ostriches and the act of burying their heads in the sand was the thought that dominated my thoughts!
Thom is the most caring and noble male I think this author has ever written and trust me that is saying an awful lot! He may be low born but has aspirations and ambition that truly rival that of the most noble in the land. He has always loved the Lairds daughter Elizabeth but she just never saw him as he really is. Well that's not quite true as Thom is her best friend, most faithful ally and fervent confident but life and war pulls the young friends apart.
Fast forward a few years and Thom is making a name for himself in Bruce's army, determined to become a knight. Thom is so close to fulfilling his ambitions in spite of prejudice when who should return to his life but the one lassie with the power to send him to his knees. Elizabeth remembers all of Thoms strengths and his remarkable climbing skills could help save someone she loves but wil he want to help without incentive? Plus what will he do when he learns that not only does Elizabeth not see him as a suitor but she just might see someone else as far more worthy!
Elizabeth was so blinkered that I really wanted to shake her at times. I do understand that this is written about a time when class and alliances meant everything. Yes Elizabeth has a duty to her clan but she felt weak and materialistic at times. Afraid of poverty and yet unafraid to face anything else, yes a completely bewildering character. Thom from the start realises and accepts his feelings but as the story unfolds he doesn't half let her feel cornered and trapped by her station. One minute Thom loves Eluzabeth and then the next he raises barriers that push her far far away . Such burning passion between them ( sorry no way could I describe it as simmering! ) and yet the author doesn't rush the couple but let's them make mistakes until their choices finally catch up with them.
It was fun seeing this side of the Douglas clan and just how they fit around the Hghland Guard. Of course Thom impresses with his natural abilities and seeing him come into his own was a heartwarming journey. A surprising turn from Bruce's nephew who really has hidden depths but sorry I can say no more about his role! Fans of history will enjoy the unique spin this author puts on it but those seeking a story rife with romance and adventure will not be disappointed either. I've really enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what happens next
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Thom is the most caring and noble male I think this author has ever written and trust me that is saying an awful lot! He may be low born but has aspirations and ambition that truly rival that of the most noble in the land. He has always loved the Lairds daughter Elizabeth but she just never saw him as he really is. Well that's not quite true as Thom is her best friend, most faithful ally and fervent confident but life and war pulls the young friends apart.
Fast forward a few years and Thom is making a name for himself in Bruce's army, determined to become a knight. Thom is so close to fulfilling his ambitions in spite of prejudice when who should return to his life but the one lassie with the power to send him to his knees. Elizabeth remembers all of Thoms strengths and his remarkable climbing skills could help save someone she loves but wil he want to help without incentive? Plus what will he do when he learns that not only does Elizabeth not see him as a suitor but she just might see someone else as far more worthy!
Elizabeth was so blinkered that I really wanted to shake her at times. I do understand that this is written about a time when class and alliances meant everything. Yes Elizabeth has a duty to her clan but she felt weak and materialistic at times. Afraid of poverty and yet unafraid to face anything else, yes a completely bewildering character. Thom from the start realises and accepts his feelings but as the story unfolds he doesn't half let her feel cornered and trapped by her station. One minute Thom loves Eluzabeth and then the next he raises barriers that push her far far away . Such burning passion between them ( sorry no way could I describe it as simmering! ) and yet the author doesn't rush the couple but let's them make mistakes until their choices finally catch up with them.
It was fun seeing this side of the Douglas clan and just how they fit around the Hghland Guard. Of course Thom impresses with his natural abilities and seeing him come into his own was a heartwarming journey. A surprising turn from Bruce's nephew who really has hidden depths but sorry I can say no more about his role! Fans of history will enjoy the unique spin this author puts on it but those seeking a story rife with romance and adventure will not be disappointed either. I've really enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what happens next
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
December 31, 2015
I've gotta say that my stars are mostly for Thom. He was an awesome MC with a big heart and eyes only for one woman. Elizabeth was blind to what was right in front of her and did not appreciate her good fortune until it was almost too late. She is one of my least favored heroines and while I see the author's point in that "those were the times" where social status was everything, it seems that Elizabeth took a hell of along time to grow. Not my fave of the series, but I'm still glad I read it.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2015
got a copy thru netgalley
didn't like it sorry :( the heroine was really stupid and the ending kinda rushed :(
didn't like it sorry :( the heroine was really stupid and the ending kinda rushed :(
March 16, 2018
2 'irritating' stars
I'm really pissed. I barely finished The Rock, because it was so annoying. I love this author and I love this series, but this book - NOPE!!! I've not been that pissed since I've read The Duke of Sin. Ok, let's start at the beginning. It's quite hard to find good medieval romance. Middle Ages is not an exactly romantic era, so it's understandable that a lot of medieval romances are usually written more like fairy-tales with knights in shining armor etc. At least that's how I see them. And the reason why I like Highland Guard so much is that McCarty is not afraid to show the dark side of Middle Ages. The main theme of the series is the war between Scotland and England. Of course all these brave and lethal warriors are also very romantic and kind of soft on the inside, but it is a romance series after all. That's not what bothered me. Suddenly, in the eleventh book of the series, all the good stuff - like battles, spying, dramatic relationships, betrayals... you get the feeling - all those amazing things are replaced with a long and dragging non-relationship between the main couple. Also, this series has twelve books, each book for one member of the Highland Guard. However, the eleventh book introduces a new leading character. Only two books before the end and I'm supposed to be interesting in a new member of the Guard? I'm anticipating Seton's story (the last one) since book 4 and I truly don't give a shit about some new guy.
I'm gonna introduce the stars of this annoying drama.
Let's meet Elizabeth Douglas. The most spoiled and pampered lady in the history of historical romances. She is also the most clumsy woman I've ever read about. I understand how it is like if you're clumsy. I'm one of those unfortunate people who can stumble on a completely level ground. But I swear that she tripped over every single stone, branch, and hole in Scotland. It was painful to read. Anyway, Elizabeth has a childhood friend. A smith's son who is in love with her. But she just wants to be friends with him. Wtf!!!!! The story is set in the year of our Lord 1311. Back then aristocratic ladies and peasant boys were not friends. Social classes didn't mingle with each other. *screaming out loud in my head* I just couldn't stand this. Every few pages she is repeating that they are just friends. Seriously, I wanted to slap her so hard.
And that's her monologue: Thommy is my friend. Why doesn't he want to speak with me? We are friends after all. He said he loves me and now he destroyed everything. I'm gonna marry king's nephew. But Thom looks so hot. He's such a good kisser. Why does he want to marry me? I don't love him. Love is for peasants. He'll marry a rich widow. He can't do that. He loves me. But I don't love him. He is confusing me all the time. Why is he angry that I'm gonna marry someone else? But truly I'm so hot for him. It's just lust, not love. I'm engaged. But, I think I love Thom. Omg, I love him, I love him! I'm gonna force him to marry me. The End.
Charming right?
But Thom is unfortunately not much different: She is beautiful like a princess and she is so high above me. But I love her and I'm gonna marry her. She doesn't love me, yet I still love her. I want her. She doesn't want me. But she won't be happy with anyone else except me. She refused me, I don't want her anymore. She looks so beautiful naked. Of course, I love her. The End.
This storyline would be manageable on 200 or 150 pages. But the book has a little over 400 pages and I was skimming before I've even reached the half. The only good thing in the book was the appearance of the members of the Guard (too little screen time though) and Randolph and Izzy. I was not expecting that I'm gonna like them because honestly, Randolph is an asshole. But they are really sweet together. So not fair that they have just a novella. But like I said, Highland Guard is still one of my favorite series and I won't stop when there's only one book to go. So pretty please that the last book will make up for this dragging disaster of a (supposed) romance.
I'm really pissed. I barely finished The Rock, because it was so annoying. I love this author and I love this series, but this book - NOPE!!! I've not been that pissed since I've read The Duke of Sin. Ok, let's start at the beginning. It's quite hard to find good medieval romance. Middle Ages is not an exactly romantic era, so it's understandable that a lot of medieval romances are usually written more like fairy-tales with knights in shining armor etc. At least that's how I see them. And the reason why I like Highland Guard so much is that McCarty is not afraid to show the dark side of Middle Ages. The main theme of the series is the war between Scotland and England. Of course all these brave and lethal warriors are also very romantic and kind of soft on the inside, but it is a romance series after all. That's not what bothered me. Suddenly, in the eleventh book of the series, all the good stuff - like battles, spying, dramatic relationships, betrayals... you get the feeling - all those amazing things are replaced with a long and dragging non-relationship between the main couple. Also, this series has twelve books, each book for one member of the Highland Guard. However, the eleventh book introduces a new leading character. Only two books before the end and I'm supposed to be interesting in a new member of the Guard? I'm anticipating Seton's story (the last one) since book 4 and I truly don't give a shit about some new guy.
I'm gonna introduce the stars of this annoying drama.
Let's meet Elizabeth Douglas. The most spoiled and pampered lady in the history of historical romances. She is also the most clumsy woman I've ever read about. I understand how it is like if you're clumsy. I'm one of those unfortunate people who can stumble on a completely level ground. But I swear that she tripped over every single stone, branch, and hole in Scotland. It was painful to read. Anyway, Elizabeth has a childhood friend. A smith's son who is in love with her. But she just wants to be friends with him. Wtf!!!!! The story is set in the year of our Lord 1311. Back then aristocratic ladies and peasant boys were not friends. Social classes didn't mingle with each other. *screaming out loud in my head* I just couldn't stand this. Every few pages she is repeating that they are just friends. Seriously, I wanted to slap her so hard.
And that's her monologue: Thommy is my friend. Why doesn't he want to speak with me? We are friends after all. He said he loves me and now he destroyed everything. I'm gonna marry king's nephew. But Thom looks so hot. He's such a good kisser. Why does he want to marry me? I don't love him. Love is for peasants. He'll marry a rich widow. He can't do that. He loves me. But I don't love him. He is confusing me all the time. Why is he angry that I'm gonna marry someone else? But truly I'm so hot for him. It's just lust, not love. I'm engaged. But, I think I love Thom. Omg, I love him, I love him! I'm gonna force him to marry me. The End.
Charming right?
But Thom is unfortunately not much different: She is beautiful like a princess and she is so high above me. But I love her and I'm gonna marry her. She doesn't love me, yet I still love her. I want her. She doesn't want me. But she won't be happy with anyone else except me. She refused me, I don't want her anymore. She looks so beautiful naked. Of course, I love her. The End.
This storyline would be manageable on 200 or 150 pages. But the book has a little over 400 pages and I was skimming before I've even reached the half. The only good thing in the book was the appearance of the members of the Guard (too little screen time though) and Randolph and Izzy. I was not expecting that I'm gonna like them because honestly, Randolph is an asshole. But they are really sweet together. So not fair that they have just a novella. But like I said, Highland Guard is still one of my favorite series and I won't stop when there's only one book to go. So pretty please that the last book will make up for this dragging disaster of a (supposed) romance.
November 4, 2018
Well, that story just did not sit well with me. I expected more historical influence not just in political point of view but also believable relations between characters considering the society's ways at the time as it was the case in the previous books in this series.
Anyway, I had barely managed to come to an end. I only insisted because of the appearances of real members of Guard and as I want my honor of reading every single item of this series untouched.
Speaking of honor... Thom, the hero, was according to a general opinion the most honorable man in Scotland, hell, in Christendom! Nevertheless, I have not been able to notice a tiny piece of honor or respect in his attitude toward his superiors. Never following orders without talking back. Not ever satisfied with his commander whoever it was. It tells a hell of a lot about a man and his honor! Not to mention that his honor toward Elizabeth was very wavering. Almost all the time she was put on the pedestal not to be touched only honored, in the next second righteous anger was taking hold ravishing the untouchable princess. I was bothered by it! Even if Elizabeth was not.
And I cannot figure out why Thom would be considered to become a member of the Highland Guard. He was not a Highlander, he was not one of the best (seriously, he could barely manage a horse, his fighting was based basically on stubbornness rather than skills and I had a feeling he was also not so very friendly with the water). In my opinion, he would be a valuable warrior on the king's missions, he would deserve gratitude and rewards for his exceedingly skilled climbing. But that would be it.
Let's move on Elizabeth. She was also testing limits of my patience. We are friends. I need you to catch me every time my foot is misplaced (Which was waaaaaay too often!) Or when my balance is lost for whatever reason. You are so muscled. You bring me passion. BUT... I cannot marry you. I would not marry you! Why do you love me? Why you simply cannot be my friend? I need you to be by my side always - as my friend. Urghhh!!!!!!!
I admit I totally understood her reasons against marrying Thom. Jamie's reasons for planning his sister's future with the nobleman. What I could not understand is the final development of the story. Every single one of the characters (finally!) knew its place and then there it was out of the blue some kind of the revelation in our dear heroine's head. After that, well it felt like I found myself in a fucked up Cinderella story. Too much fairy-talish kind of an end. Blah!
So, to whom do these two stars belong then?
First, to the one and only Lachlan MacRuairi. Whenever he is on the scene, he is priceless. Yeah, maybe I have also a crush on him <3
Second, to all other members of Highland Guard. They kept me sane***
So, I'm looking forward to the last book Ghost. Rumour has it the glorious MacRuairi makes an appearance on the first few pages already! Yey :D
Anyway, I had barely managed to come to an end. I only insisted because of the appearances of real members of Guard and as I want my honor of reading every single item of this series untouched.
Speaking of honor... Thom, the hero, was according to a general opinion the most honorable man in Scotland, hell, in Christendom! Nevertheless, I have not been able to notice a tiny piece of honor or respect in his attitude toward his superiors. Never following orders without talking back. Not ever satisfied with his commander whoever it was. It tells a hell of a lot about a man and his honor! Not to mention that his honor toward Elizabeth was very wavering. Almost all the time she was put on the pedestal not to be touched only honored, in the next second righteous anger was taking hold ravishing the untouchable princess. I was bothered by it! Even if Elizabeth was not.
And I cannot figure out why Thom would be considered to become a member of the Highland Guard. He was not a Highlander, he was not one of the best (seriously, he could barely manage a horse, his fighting was based basically on stubbornness rather than skills and I had a feeling he was also not so very friendly with the water). In my opinion, he would be a valuable warrior on the king's missions, he would deserve gratitude and rewards for his exceedingly skilled climbing. But that would be it.
Let's move on Elizabeth. She was also testing limits of my patience. We are friends. I need you to catch me every time my foot is misplaced (Which was waaaaaay too often!) Or when my balance is lost for whatever reason. You are so muscled. You bring me passion. BUT... I cannot marry you. I would not marry you! Why do you love me? Why you simply cannot be my friend? I need you to be by my side always - as my friend. Urghhh!!!!!!!
I admit I totally understood her reasons against marrying Thom. Jamie's reasons for planning his sister's future with the nobleman. What I could not understand is the final development of the story. Every single one of the characters (finally!) knew its place and then there it was out of the blue some kind of the revelation in our dear heroine's head. After that, well it felt like I found myself in a fucked up Cinderella story. Too much fairy-talish kind of an end. Blah!
So, to whom do these two stars belong then?
First, to the one and only Lachlan MacRuairi. Whenever he is on the scene, he is priceless. Yeah, maybe I have also a crush on him <3
Second, to all other members of Highland Guard. They kept me sane***
So, I'm looking forward to the last book Ghost. Rumour has it the glorious MacRuairi makes an appearance on the first few pages already! Yey :D
December 18, 2015
You know the feeling when you fall in love with a series. You cannot wait for the next installment to come out. You may even pre-purchase it so you never miss a book. That is the feeling I am getting with the Highlander Guard series by Monica McCarty.
The author has a gift with her highly researched historical settings and fine details in this series. The Rock is no different in that you are taken away to another time and place to be thrust into a world that we cannot imagine living in. The descriptions of the times and her creation of amazing characters stand out with the riveting storytelling technique that the author has developed. I was enthralled and sucked in starting with the first page.
The story is loaded with sizzle and burning passion. You can just feel the pages simmering the further you delve into the story. I love how the author crafted Thom. Honorable and so in love with Elizabeth, he tries to stay away as he sees the truth in their relationship. She is frustrating, blind and naive. All in all, you get the HEA but they go through so much! I just could not stop reading!
I am in love with this series. The author has a magical concoction of passion, history, romance, raw power, artfully crafted characters, and unwavering skill to tell a tale that will leave you wanting more and more. Why should we resist??
The author has a gift with her highly researched historical settings and fine details in this series. The Rock is no different in that you are taken away to another time and place to be thrust into a world that we cannot imagine living in. The descriptions of the times and her creation of amazing characters stand out with the riveting storytelling technique that the author has developed. I was enthralled and sucked in starting with the first page.
The story is loaded with sizzle and burning passion. You can just feel the pages simmering the further you delve into the story. I love how the author crafted Thom. Honorable and so in love with Elizabeth, he tries to stay away as he sees the truth in their relationship. She is frustrating, blind and naive. All in all, you get the HEA but they go through so much! I just could not stop reading!
I am in love with this series. The author has a magical concoction of passion, history, romance, raw power, artfully crafted characters, and unwavering skill to tell a tale that will leave you wanting more and more. Why should we resist??
April 25, 2016
Will review soon!
January 15, 2016
The Rock by Monica McCarty is a 2015 Ballantine publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher as an XOXpert, the official street team of XOXO After Dark.
(http://xoxoafterdark.com/)
This eleventh installment in the Highland Guard series starts off like a sweet fairy tale when Thomas McGowan becomes friends with Jamie and Elizabeth Douglas as children. Although Elizabeth was only six years old, she proclaimed that one day she was going to marry Thom. But, as they grew up, Thom’s feelings toward Elizabeth became clear to her brother. The two men argued and Elizabeth was sent away.
Why? Well, Thom is the son of a blacksmith and Elizabeth is a princess. The class distinctions were too great to overcome. But, Thom always believed in Elizabeth, always knew she would return and they would have their happily ever after.
Well, Elizabeth does return, but his plans and hers couldn’t be more different. Bitter, and angry, Thomas sets out to become a Knight and better himself. His goal is to show Elizabeth he is worthy of her. But, is she worthy of him?
The Highland Guard series is one the very best Historical Highlander series in my opinion. As I have stated countless times, the attention to detail is next to none. It's as historically accurate as is possible, is well written and researched. I have yet to read a book from this series that didn’t wow me.
But, I have to confess, I struggled with this one quite a bit. Elizabeth is the most obtuse protagonist I’ve encountered in a long while. I do understand the girl knew her lot in life and can even see how it was possible she never thought of Thom in a romantic way. She even admitted she was not the romantic type, and of course, she knew all along a marriage with him was impossible, so she never entertained such notions.
But, surely she knew he was in love with her! I know young women in those days were sheltered and naïve, but I felt she toyed with his feelings, led him on, and used him. Why else would Thom be so very positive she returned his feelings?
After Elizabeth stomps all over Thom’s heart, in almost the same breath, she actually has the nerve to ask if they can go back to being the best of friends, like they were before, as though people can turn their feelings on and off like a light switch. That’s the type of thing that made it hard to warm up to her. I was outraged by her insensitivity to Thom’s feelings.
Thom on the other hand is a romantic, but maybe he was deluding himself a little too, and was partly responsible, by setting himself up for a fall. He was aware she was a princess and to believe that when push came to shove she would disobey her brother, shirk her duty as a princess, and risk poverty to marry for love, was just asking for heartbreak. Yes, it sounds romantic, but logically, it seemed impossible. Still, of the two, I admired Thom the most. The man has principles, believes in himself, in love, in right and wrong, and well, if I had been Elizabeth, and found out Thom loved me, I would go weak in the knees, and I think being poor with Thom would be a much better fate that being rich, a trophy, and never knowing real love or passion. But, that’s just me and of course times were very, very different in medieval Scotland.
So, this couple puts us on an emotional roller coaster. Elizabeth puts Thom through the ringer, constantly drawing him into her snare, then pulling back, then begging to be forgiven, making Thom love her, then hate her.
So, does Elizabeth ever redeem herself and prove she is worthy of Thom? Well, for Thom’s sake, I will give her the benefit of the doubt. She does finally wake up and the course she takes is indeed very risky and could come at a very high cost to her, and is all done in the name of love.
I have to be completely honest and say this was not my favorite book in the series, and it did take me a long time to warm up to Elizabeth, and even then it was grudgingly, but the writing and historical details are top notch as always, and I was engaged in the story, and although Thom is kind of the new kid on the block, he saved the day, and the story for me. I really liked him and am happy I got to meet him and was happy he got his happily ever after.
3.5 rounded to 4
(http://xoxoafterdark.com/)
This eleventh installment in the Highland Guard series starts off like a sweet fairy tale when Thomas McGowan becomes friends with Jamie and Elizabeth Douglas as children. Although Elizabeth was only six years old, she proclaimed that one day she was going to marry Thom. But, as they grew up, Thom’s feelings toward Elizabeth became clear to her brother. The two men argued and Elizabeth was sent away.
Why? Well, Thom is the son of a blacksmith and Elizabeth is a princess. The class distinctions were too great to overcome. But, Thom always believed in Elizabeth, always knew she would return and they would have their happily ever after.
Well, Elizabeth does return, but his plans and hers couldn’t be more different. Bitter, and angry, Thomas sets out to become a Knight and better himself. His goal is to show Elizabeth he is worthy of her. But, is she worthy of him?
The Highland Guard series is one the very best Historical Highlander series in my opinion. As I have stated countless times, the attention to detail is next to none. It's as historically accurate as is possible, is well written and researched. I have yet to read a book from this series that didn’t wow me.
But, I have to confess, I struggled with this one quite a bit. Elizabeth is the most obtuse protagonist I’ve encountered in a long while. I do understand the girl knew her lot in life and can even see how it was possible she never thought of Thom in a romantic way. She even admitted she was not the romantic type, and of course, she knew all along a marriage with him was impossible, so she never entertained such notions.
But, surely she knew he was in love with her! I know young women in those days were sheltered and naïve, but I felt she toyed with his feelings, led him on, and used him. Why else would Thom be so very positive she returned his feelings?
After Elizabeth stomps all over Thom’s heart, in almost the same breath, she actually has the nerve to ask if they can go back to being the best of friends, like they were before, as though people can turn their feelings on and off like a light switch. That’s the type of thing that made it hard to warm up to her. I was outraged by her insensitivity to Thom’s feelings.
Thom on the other hand is a romantic, but maybe he was deluding himself a little too, and was partly responsible, by setting himself up for a fall. He was aware she was a princess and to believe that when push came to shove she would disobey her brother, shirk her duty as a princess, and risk poverty to marry for love, was just asking for heartbreak. Yes, it sounds romantic, but logically, it seemed impossible. Still, of the two, I admired Thom the most. The man has principles, believes in himself, in love, in right and wrong, and well, if I had been Elizabeth, and found out Thom loved me, I would go weak in the knees, and I think being poor with Thom would be a much better fate that being rich, a trophy, and never knowing real love or passion. But, that’s just me and of course times were very, very different in medieval Scotland.
So, this couple puts us on an emotional roller coaster. Elizabeth puts Thom through the ringer, constantly drawing him into her snare, then pulling back, then begging to be forgiven, making Thom love her, then hate her.
So, does Elizabeth ever redeem herself and prove she is worthy of Thom? Well, for Thom’s sake, I will give her the benefit of the doubt. She does finally wake up and the course she takes is indeed very risky and could come at a very high cost to her, and is all done in the name of love.
I have to be completely honest and say this was not my favorite book in the series, and it did take me a long time to warm up to Elizabeth, and even then it was grudgingly, but the writing and historical details are top notch as always, and I was engaged in the story, and although Thom is kind of the new kid on the block, he saved the day, and the story for me. I really liked him and am happy I got to meet him and was happy he got his happily ever after.
3.5 rounded to 4
November 21, 2017
This heroine was such a bitch for 90% of the story. I adored the H. This guy was like a knight in shining armor and my heart broke for him so many times in the story. He's the only reason I am giving this 3 stars rather than 2. This H is the kind of man that every woman would be lucky to call hers. He loved this bitchy heroine throughout every stupid tantrum and he deserved someone who had been willing to be with him from the very beginning.
April 29, 2025
Tam sevdiğim tarzda bir tarihi aşk romanıydı. Kadın karakterin güçlü duruşu, erkek karakterin savaşçı olması, aralarındaki çekim çok güzeldi.
August 11, 2020
"Do you remember when I asked you to jump to that tree?"
She nodded. How could she forget? It was one of the most terrifying things she'd ever done in her life.
"I'm asking you to do that again. I'm asking you to believe in me--to have a little faith. I'm asking you to jump." ~~Thom MacGowan with Elizabeth Douglas
Oh, those words hit me right in the heart. Thom MacGowan is the son of a blacksmith. Elizabeth Douglas is noble and the sister of James Douglas (see The Knight, Book 7.5 of this series for his story). They've been friends since they were children Even while she lived in France for three years, he waited for her, dreaming that he could somehow be with her, despite his father's warnings that it could never be. Society would never allow such a thing. He was in love with her and always had been. Thom was convinced all he had to do was make her see she was in love with him and spent the entire book trying to get her to admit it.
But it wasn't easy at all. While he's trying to get an admission from her, he's also trying to become a knight to overcome his low birth and make a name for himself. He was an excellent climber, not much of a equestrian--his moments with horses made me laugh at times, poor guy--and was still a smithy. He was one busy man. I loved him. He was gutsy, courageous, hopeful, determined, smart (even if he couldn't speak French), handsome, honorable, and loyal to a fault. And he detested James Douglas. I share his feelings on that, not that it matters.
Elizabeth was a polar opposite. She was high born, but lived in poverty long enough for her to never want to be poor again. She was intelligent enough, but somewhat naive. She was to be betrothed to James Randolph who was incredibly wealthy and would give her the security she craved (and also the King's nephew). She was going to marry a man she didn't love for what he had to offer. I can't blame her, though. It was depicted as the times were then. People of nobility did not marry commoners and there wasn't anything more common than Thommy MacGowan. She understood that her betrothal to Randolph would hurt Thom, but it was a matter of her doing the right thing for herself and for her family.
This is an angsty book. It had me rolling on the waves of Thom's emotions, his passion, and his true love for Elizabeth while she was in denial of everything. His frustration and turmoil screamed off the pages. She wasn't exactly a sea of tranquility herself. She was going through a lot, including facing off with her a-hole brother, James Douglas...the Black Douglas...ooo.
Okay, as you can see I really dislike James Douglas and with him being Elizabeth's brother and her guardian, he played a major part in this book. I thought he would redeem himself from the way I loathed him in The Knight, but he didn't. He's just as pushy, arrogant, and egotistical in this book as he was in The Knight. And now he's running a double-standard, too. But he did two things toward the end of the story that redeemed a wee bit.
There's plenty of tension and steam as only Monica McCarty can do. It was off the charts and done so well. I've read a ton of romances in my life and I have yet to see anybody write first kiss and love scenes like she does. It isn't overdone or grotesque and as these scenes unfold, it's easy to feel the love radiating off the pages. She's just a cut above the rest when it comes to that sort of thing.
One more thing. I accidentally read The Rogue, which is the next book in the series, before I read this one. Don't do it. It took the mystery out of what was going to happen with Randolph. I wish I hadn't done that. Regardless, it was still a solid five star read.
She nodded. How could she forget? It was one of the most terrifying things she'd ever done in her life.
"I'm asking you to do that again. I'm asking you to believe in me--to have a little faith. I'm asking you to jump." ~~Thom MacGowan with Elizabeth Douglas
Oh, those words hit me right in the heart. Thom MacGowan is the son of a blacksmith. Elizabeth Douglas is noble and the sister of James Douglas (see The Knight, Book 7.5 of this series for his story). They've been friends since they were children Even while she lived in France for three years, he waited for her, dreaming that he could somehow be with her, despite his father's warnings that it could never be. Society would never allow such a thing. He was in love with her and always had been. Thom was convinced all he had to do was make her see she was in love with him and spent the entire book trying to get her to admit it.
But it wasn't easy at all. While he's trying to get an admission from her, he's also trying to become a knight to overcome his low birth and make a name for himself. He was an excellent climber, not much of a equestrian--his moments with horses made me laugh at times, poor guy--and was still a smithy. He was one busy man. I loved him. He was gutsy, courageous, hopeful, determined, smart (even if he couldn't speak French), handsome, honorable, and loyal to a fault. And he detested James Douglas. I share his feelings on that, not that it matters.
Elizabeth was a polar opposite. She was high born, but lived in poverty long enough for her to never want to be poor again. She was intelligent enough, but somewhat naive. She was to be betrothed to James Randolph who was incredibly wealthy and would give her the security she craved (and also the King's nephew). She was going to marry a man she didn't love for what he had to offer. I can't blame her, though. It was depicted as the times were then. People of nobility did not marry commoners and there wasn't anything more common than Thommy MacGowan. She understood that her betrothal to Randolph would hurt Thom, but it was a matter of her doing the right thing for herself and for her family.
This is an angsty book. It had me rolling on the waves of Thom's emotions, his passion, and his true love for Elizabeth while she was in denial of everything. His frustration and turmoil screamed off the pages. She wasn't exactly a sea of tranquility herself. She was going through a lot, including facing off with her a-hole brother, James Douglas...the Black Douglas...ooo.
Okay, as you can see I really dislike James Douglas and with him being Elizabeth's brother and her guardian, he played a major part in this book. I thought he would redeem himself from the way I loathed him in The Knight, but he didn't. He's just as pushy, arrogant, and egotistical in this book as he was in The Knight. And now he's running a double-standard, too. But he did two things toward the end of the story that redeemed a wee bit.
There's plenty of tension and steam as only Monica McCarty can do. It was off the charts and done so well. I've read a ton of romances in my life and I have yet to see anybody write first kiss and love scenes like she does. It isn't overdone or grotesque and as these scenes unfold, it's easy to feel the love radiating off the pages. She's just a cut above the rest when it comes to that sort of thing.
One more thing. I accidentally read The Rogue, which is the next book in the series, before I read this one. Don't do it. It took the mystery out of what was going to happen with Randolph. I wish I hadn't done that. Regardless, it was still a solid five star read.
December 13, 2015
Sorry to say that, but this book is unreadable: the story is boring, she is awful and mean and he is stupid, sometimes I thought too stupid to live.
Dispiace dirlo ma questo libro é proprio illegibile: lei é una stronza micidiale e lui é troppo stupido per vivere.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books FOR THE PREVIEW!
Dispiace dirlo ma questo libro é proprio illegibile: lei é una stronza micidiale e lui é troppo stupido per vivere.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books FOR THE PREVIEW!
February 18, 2019
The 3 stars are for Thom who has to be one of the best H's I came across ... too bad he was paired with the idiot h; she didn't drserve him ...
He needed to get rid of her and find another woman ... but I guess since he always loved her, he took her as she was ... lol ...
But honestly, this h is one of the whiniest h's I have come across ... and a true gold digger ...
He needed to get rid of her and find another woman ... but I guess since he always loved her, he took her as she was ... lol ...
But honestly, this h is one of the whiniest h's I have come across ... and a true gold digger ...
December 30, 2025
1314. Elizabeth Douglas and Thomas MacGowan have been friends since childhood. She's the daughter of one of the most powerful lairds, and he's the son of a blacksmith. He gets her out of scrapes and she entertains him with stories and chatter. Thom was friends with her brother for a long time, too, until they fought bitterly over the kind of friendship James Douglas thought Thom wanted with his sister. Exiled to France for a time while the English possessed their lands, Elizabeth has returned with an eye to a betrothal to Sir Thomas Randolph. Thom is determined to make something of himself as a knight rather than a mere blacksmith, and it's his climbing skills that catch the eye of the Highland Guard and keeps him in proximity to Elizabeth, who will need to choose to follow her heart or follow her head.
I love the introduction of a climber to our Highland Guard retinue, and like other Guard members we get to see that Thom is not only strong but also clever, relying on specialty skills and quick thinking. Elizabeth Douglas is all but formally betrothed to Randolph, which would grant her a level of security she craves after a childhood spent begging relatives with their father was deemed traitor and stripped of lands. She was raised knowing her marriage was to be a political alliance, so it isn't hard to understand why she's grappling with the idea of marrying for love (despite her brother having done so.) The social stratification was nearly impossible to bridge in medieval times, and it makes it all the more challenging to give Elizabeth and Thom a historical HEA. I loved how McCarty managed to play out the romance between Elizabeth and Thom while Elizabeth is negotiating a marriage contract with Randolph.
Thom MacGowan is based on a historical figure of a local man who helped Bruce's men scale Stirling Castle in March 1314. Sir Thomas Randolph took the castle mere weeks after his "friendly rival" James Douglas took Roxburgh Castle, both pivotal victories for Bruce's campaign. Elizabeth Douglas and Thom MacGowan are both invented characters from Monica McCarty, but have deep historical connections. Her author's note on this one spans the battles, class difference marriages, breaking of betrothals, and women's presence in sieges. (This author's note was not on the audiobook, so look for it in print.)
I love the introduction of a climber to our Highland Guard retinue, and like other Guard members we get to see that Thom is not only strong but also clever, relying on specialty skills and quick thinking. Elizabeth Douglas is all but formally betrothed to Randolph, which would grant her a level of security she craves after a childhood spent begging relatives with their father was deemed traitor and stripped of lands. She was raised knowing her marriage was to be a political alliance, so it isn't hard to understand why she's grappling with the idea of marrying for love (despite her brother having done so.) The social stratification was nearly impossible to bridge in medieval times, and it makes it all the more challenging to give Elizabeth and Thom a historical HEA. I loved how McCarty managed to play out the romance between Elizabeth and Thom while Elizabeth is negotiating a marriage contract with Randolph.
Thom MacGowan is based on a historical figure of a local man who helped Bruce's men scale Stirling Castle in March 1314. Sir Thomas Randolph took the castle mere weeks after his "friendly rival" James Douglas took Roxburgh Castle, both pivotal victories for Bruce's campaign. Elizabeth Douglas and Thom MacGowan are both invented characters from Monica McCarty, but have deep historical connections. Her author's note on this one spans the battles, class difference marriages, breaking of betrothals, and women's presence in sieges. (This author's note was not on the audiobook, so look for it in print.)
February 11, 2016
This is the eleventh book from the series Highland Guard, an elite band of secret warriors chosen by Robert the Bruce to lead his army and aid his bid to the Scottish throne. Infamous for their bold but dangerous missions and covert identities, they are referred to by both supporters and foes as “Phantoms”. Within themselves they call each other by nicknames, which serve as a hint to their distinctive military expertise or specialization in the area of warfare. In this story, “Rock” is the moniker given to the Highland Guard who possesses a very remarkable skill for climbing steep edifices and rocks.
Miss McCarty is a good writer—she is articulate and has a way with words. There wasn’t a chapter in this book that felt contrived or oddly disengaged from the rest; the plot is smooth-flowing and did not veer off course. The romantic conversations, thankfully, are not cheesy. I also liked that the story is set in Robert the Bruce’s time as I hold this particular period in Scottish history of great interest, and that each book tells a significant event from the Scottish War of Independence. In The Rock, for instance, its historical backdrop is the successful retaking of Roxburgh and Edinburgh Castles from the English.
However, all eleven books from the series similarly share a plot, tension and twist that at one point I was already wondering whether I was reading this book out of forbearance or only because the historical aspect of it was pushing me to keep on. Halfway through the read I even found myself wishing that one or both characters would die (they’re living in a far more dangerous time, after all) so that their tedious do-you-love-me-or-not prattles—coupled with gratuitous, no-holds barred intimacy—would stop at once. As the recent addition, I was hoping The Rock would present something fresh or ground-breaking, but other than the main male character being of low birth (which sets off the conflict in the story since the love of his life is noble-born), this book basically offers nothing new and is a rather grudging compilation of books 1 to 10.
Still, three stars. Still, I am actually looking forward for book #12. Ha-ha, talk about forbearance. :-)
Miss McCarty is a good writer—she is articulate and has a way with words. There wasn’t a chapter in this book that felt contrived or oddly disengaged from the rest; the plot is smooth-flowing and did not veer off course. The romantic conversations, thankfully, are not cheesy. I also liked that the story is set in Robert the Bruce’s time as I hold this particular period in Scottish history of great interest, and that each book tells a significant event from the Scottish War of Independence. In The Rock, for instance, its historical backdrop is the successful retaking of Roxburgh and Edinburgh Castles from the English.
However, all eleven books from the series similarly share a plot, tension and twist that at one point I was already wondering whether I was reading this book out of forbearance or only because the historical aspect of it was pushing me to keep on. Halfway through the read I even found myself wishing that one or both characters would die (they’re living in a far more dangerous time, after all) so that their tedious do-you-love-me-or-not prattles—coupled with gratuitous, no-holds barred intimacy—would stop at once. As the recent addition, I was hoping The Rock would present something fresh or ground-breaking, but other than the main male character being of low birth (which sets off the conflict in the story since the love of his life is noble-born), this book basically offers nothing new and is a rather grudging compilation of books 1 to 10.
Still, three stars. Still, I am actually looking forward for book #12. Ha-ha, talk about forbearance. :-)
November 13, 2015
I was so excited to read the latest Highland Guard book. It's background as you probably know is about Robert the Bruce and his battles against the English. He has picked the men who are known for their talents in warfare. The highlanders are a special force who are loyal to one another and always have each others back. It's so nice to read about those men and how they met their soul mates.
When I read the prologue, it was so special to see a little girl befriend a boy not of her class. She was a darling and her name is Elizabeth Douglas. She wore a pink dress and ribbons in her hair when the boy saw her thought her a "Princess". It's funny to see how children relate to one another. The boy's name is Thomas MacGowan and his father is the blacksmith to powerful Lord of Douglas.
Thom's father tells him not to hope for anything more because the girl is not of his class.
They continue their friendship, with Thom always around to help Elizabeth in her many escapades. As they grow up, Thom's feelings and love for his "Princess" seem to shatter when she doesn't return the same. Elizabeth is stunned by this admission, and is somewhat taken aback. How can her most trusted confidant tell her this when she's been raised in a higher station then him.
I can see her point, since her brother James is now Lord of Douglas, and wants her to marry someone in her class. James knows that Thom isn't the right man for her.
All Thom knows is that he can do better in life and sees himself becoming more that to which he was born. He gets the chance to belong to the Highland Guard, but will it make a difference to Elizabeth's view of him?
There is a lot more going on in this book, so you will have to read and find out if these two will have their "happy ever after".
I appreciate Net Galley and Pocket Books for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
When I read the prologue, it was so special to see a little girl befriend a boy not of her class. She was a darling and her name is Elizabeth Douglas. She wore a pink dress and ribbons in her hair when the boy saw her thought her a "Princess". It's funny to see how children relate to one another. The boy's name is Thomas MacGowan and his father is the blacksmith to powerful Lord of Douglas.
Thom's father tells him not to hope for anything more because the girl is not of his class.
They continue their friendship, with Thom always around to help Elizabeth in her many escapades. As they grow up, Thom's feelings and love for his "Princess" seem to shatter when she doesn't return the same. Elizabeth is stunned by this admission, and is somewhat taken aback. How can her most trusted confidant tell her this when she's been raised in a higher station then him.
I can see her point, since her brother James is now Lord of Douglas, and wants her to marry someone in her class. James knows that Thom isn't the right man for her.
All Thom knows is that he can do better in life and sees himself becoming more that to which he was born. He gets the chance to belong to the Highland Guard, but will it make a difference to Elizabeth's view of him?
There is a lot more going on in this book, so you will have to read and find out if these two will have their "happy ever after".
I appreciate Net Galley and Pocket Books for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
August 3, 2016
I didn’t think I could dislike a heroine in this series more than Cate, from The Arrow, but I was wrong….I absolutely hated Elizabeth the only time I liked her was the portion of the book when she was six. Unfortunately she still had the thought process of a six year old at twenty-four. She was a completely oblivious moron and she frankly ruined this book for me. I wanted Thom to have better, he sure as hell deserved better than her and it annoyed me that he had anything to do with her snooty ass at all….much less still “love” her. As I read anything from her POV or her dialogue all I could hear in my head was a high pitched annoying whiny ass voice because of the idiocy she thought in her head as well as what she let spew out of her mouth.
I ended up skimming this one and trying to skip as much of Elizabeth’s thoughts as possible, they made it clear “how Thom could confuse her” so easily, the shallow twit. I get her hardship but she ended up a shallow bubble head due to her hardship instead of figuring out that some things matter more than money.
I really felt bad for Thom and wanted him to find someone else that wasn’t a shallow twat, like Elizabeth or that horrid widow. Honestly between Elizabeth and Jamie, it’s a shame he didn’t end up with Joanna……I know, I know this was a part of history but I don’t care, I still hated them and their behavior regardless after all they are fictional and in this case I could have done without the historical accuracy.
I loved the success Thom managed to obtain but that’s about it. There just wasn’t enough going on besides Thom getting crapped on and Elizabeth being a twit to save this one for me because by the time Elizabeth stood up for him...it was just a little too late for me.
I ended up skimming this one and trying to skip as much of Elizabeth’s thoughts as possible, they made it clear “how Thom could confuse her” so easily, the shallow twit. I get her hardship but she ended up a shallow bubble head due to her hardship instead of figuring out that some things matter more than money.
I really felt bad for Thom and wanted him to find someone else that wasn’t a shallow twat, like Elizabeth or that horrid widow. Honestly between Elizabeth and Jamie, it’s a shame he didn’t end up with Joanna……I know, I know this was a part of history but I don’t care, I still hated them and their behavior regardless after all they are fictional and in this case I could have done without the historical accuracy.
I loved the success Thom managed to obtain but that’s about it. There just wasn’t enough going on besides Thom getting crapped on and Elizabeth being a twit to save this one for me because by the time Elizabeth stood up for him...it was just a little too late for me.
February 10, 2017
Tres estrellas porque me gusta toda la saga de la guardia, aunque él e ha encantado ella no, nada, y el final... apuff (pero de precipitado)
November 15, 2025
Re read. A good book. Excellent series if you’re into Alpha males, which I am. Ha ha plot 7.5 (1-1-10) steaminess 7.5(1-1-10)
October 24, 2022
I actually read this series years ago - the first that got me into historical Scottish romance. This book gets a high rating because of the backdrop and the context of the highland guard series. I love how well researched and rich in detailed historical events this series is!!! The perfect blend of cheesy and unrealistic the romance and complex dark and emotional war. The only unfortunate part of this book is the heroine. Fuck her!! She wasn’t even into the hero. I’ve loved every heroine in this series except for this one. And maybe the arrow is another one I dislike because of the weird age gap. But I can still appreciate all the books within the context of the bigger plot line. Highly recommend this series!! ** ITS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU START FROM THE BEGINNING! DONT JUMP IN TO A BOOK IN THE MIDDLE. ITS MORE ENJOYABLE TO START AT BOOK 1 **
April 15, 2018
Ok, forse non è all'altezza dei libri precedenti (la metà del tempo avrei voluto strozzare la protagonista, sebbene riuscissi a capire la sua esitazione), ma amo troppo questa serie per non dale sempre e comunque il massimo dei voti!
September 17, 2025
Audiobook. Lady Elizabeth is the fucking worst. Selfish. Entitled. A coward. And the biggest hypocrite. Her and her brother truly are my least favorite people of this entire series. Tom deserved so much better.
May 19, 2019
3.5/5
January 5, 2016
These just get better and better!
I swear each time I finish a book in in the series I am sure it's my absolute favorite, then I read the next and feel the same. I was so looking forward to reading Thom story. I can't believe McCarty managed to exceed my expectation - AGAIN.
Well, this one definitely is my favorite in the series...
.. for now
;)
Funny enough I read this right With Every Breath- and I would have told you before I started this, the two books could not be more different. One is a new adult set in Patagonia and this is a historical set in Scotland. But there are many parallels between the two books and why I liked them. First both heroes- are broody, melancholic dudes- ripped and super hot... Both are from the Highlands and both are mountaineers.
Why am I mentioning this?
Weeeeelllll... I think I got a new favorite genre: Scottish mountaineer hottie romances
I really think it's a thing. Seriously, it defo beats the usual highlander romps. Any day.
But seriously, both books are set in mountains. Both heros love them and both of them a climbers. And both authors get the setting and the whole environment, the feelings, the quiet and the majesty of the mountains just right. Both books have beautiful descriptions, made my heart ache and leap, are well written and clearly extremely well researched. While Riley chose a setting that is on my bucket list, McCarty's setting is well known to me.
I lived in Scotland for a while. I even did some of the climbs she describes. And let me tell you, it was like revisiting them.
In fact this made me wonder once again how much time McCarty has spent in the Highlands.
Her descriptions are gorgeous and so accurate, it's like I was there again. I can not stress how awe inspiring that is for me. McCarty clearly is a master of her craft.
I fell in love with this series, because of her beautiful prose. So there is no surprise there. But each and every book manages to surprise me, with it's beautiful descriptions of Scotland, the clever weaving of the fictional with the historical and the great character building.
The Rock wowed me even more. First the mountain-climbing aspects were awesome. But more than that- this book is set between different events and between previous books. If you read the other books of the series, you know about the two MCs already.Elizabeth and Thom both make appearances in other books. Thom more so than Elizabeth, and I was super excited to read about Thom's story. Since he featured in the last two books- and I took an instant liking to him. So I had quite high expectations of this one. Possibly higher than usual... Still McCarty managed to surprise me and exceed my expectations. The historical aspects of the series are getting better and better in my opinion. McCarty interweaves the historical with the fiction in such a clever way it feel extremely real. Her stories though fictions seem possible. I find myself wishing they were true- which in itself surprises me, because we all know I am way too unromantic for something like that. But McCarty manages to bring the romantic out even in me.
While the setting is historically driven- and again extremely well done- the story line to a degree is driven by those historical events. On top of that McCarty adds her romance story. This one, like all the others is in some ways your usual romance. But McCarty does give it her own twist each time. And romance in The Rock is about trying to breach different social standing. To be honest, I don't actually think that Thom and Elizabeth would have had much of a chance in the real world, simply because their relationship would have been a total faux-pas. But McCarthy does kinda make me believe it would have been possible. Well, she makes me hope so at least. See? She brings out the romantic in me!
The character building is just like always, really well done. I didn't like Elizabeth much for most of the book- but I did get where she was coming from.
Thom on the other hand-- gosh, I don't think I liked any of McCarthy's heros better than him. And let's just make that clear, I love them all! But Thom. SIGH. As I said before I seem to have something for melancholic, broody, stubborn, honourable, mountaineering Highlanders.
Just like in the previous books, I loved to get glimpses of the rest of the crew. McCarthy is brilliant at showing a different side to the characters when seen from a different POV. Each book makes me wonder how the Bruce really was, I like to believe, he was like McCarthy describes him. In fact I feel like someone, who was there, told me about that time and those people. That's how flawless her character building is.
So officially my favorite book by McCarthy and An absolute must read!
I swear each time I finish a book in in the series I am sure it's my absolute favorite, then I read the next and feel the same. I was so looking forward to reading Thom story. I can't believe McCarty managed to exceed my expectation - AGAIN.
Well, this one definitely is my favorite in the series...
.. for now
;)
Funny enough I read this right With Every Breath- and I would have told you before I started this, the two books could not be more different. One is a new adult set in Patagonia and this is a historical set in Scotland. But there are many parallels between the two books and why I liked them. First both heroes- are broody, melancholic dudes- ripped and super hot... Both are from the Highlands and both are mountaineers.
Why am I mentioning this?
Weeeeelllll... I think I got a new favorite genre: Scottish mountaineer hottie romances
I really think it's a thing. Seriously, it defo beats the usual highlander romps. Any day.
But seriously, both books are set in mountains. Both heros love them and both of them a climbers. And both authors get the setting and the whole environment, the feelings, the quiet and the majesty of the mountains just right. Both books have beautiful descriptions, made my heart ache and leap, are well written and clearly extremely well researched. While Riley chose a setting that is on my bucket list, McCarty's setting is well known to me.
I lived in Scotland for a while. I even did some of the climbs she describes. And let me tell you, it was like revisiting them.
In fact this made me wonder once again how much time McCarty has spent in the Highlands.
Her descriptions are gorgeous and so accurate, it's like I was there again. I can not stress how awe inspiring that is for me. McCarty clearly is a master of her craft.
I fell in love with this series, because of her beautiful prose. So there is no surprise there. But each and every book manages to surprise me, with it's beautiful descriptions of Scotland, the clever weaving of the fictional with the historical and the great character building.
The Rock wowed me even more. First the mountain-climbing aspects were awesome. But more than that- this book is set between different events and between previous books. If you read the other books of the series, you know about the two MCs already.Elizabeth and Thom both make appearances in other books. Thom more so than Elizabeth, and I was super excited to read about Thom's story. Since he featured in the last two books- and I took an instant liking to him. So I had quite high expectations of this one. Possibly higher than usual... Still McCarty managed to surprise me and exceed my expectations. The historical aspects of the series are getting better and better in my opinion. McCarty interweaves the historical with the fiction in such a clever way it feel extremely real. Her stories though fictions seem possible. I find myself wishing they were true- which in itself surprises me, because we all know I am way too unromantic for something like that. But McCarty manages to bring the romantic out even in me.
While the setting is historically driven- and again extremely well done- the story line to a degree is driven by those historical events. On top of that McCarty adds her romance story. This one, like all the others is in some ways your usual romance. But McCarty does give it her own twist each time. And romance in The Rock is about trying to breach different social standing. To be honest, I don't actually think that Thom and Elizabeth would have had much of a chance in the real world, simply because their relationship would have been a total faux-pas. But McCarthy does kinda make me believe it would have been possible. Well, she makes me hope so at least. See? She brings out the romantic in me!
The character building is just like always, really well done. I didn't like Elizabeth much for most of the book- but I did get where she was coming from.
Thom on the other hand-- gosh, I don't think I liked any of McCarthy's heros better than him. And let's just make that clear, I love them all! But Thom. SIGH. As I said before I seem to have something for melancholic, broody, stubborn, honourable, mountaineering Highlanders.
Just like in the previous books, I loved to get glimpses of the rest of the crew. McCarthy is brilliant at showing a different side to the characters when seen from a different POV. Each book makes me wonder how the Bruce really was, I like to believe, he was like McCarthy describes him. In fact I feel like someone, who was there, told me about that time and those people. That's how flawless her character building is.
So officially my favorite book by McCarthy and An absolute must read!
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