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Lairds Of The Loch #1
Le choix du laird
Lady Andrena MacFarlan est différente des autres depuis le jour même de sa naissance. Dotée du pouvoir de sentir les désirs les plus intimes d’autrui, elle sait que son devoir est d’épouser l’homme qui prendra le nom de MacFarlan et qui aidera son père à reprendre la tête de leur clan. Mais son don ne la prépare pas au jour où un puissant guerrier entre soudain dans sa vie. Leur attirance mutuelle est immédiate — et insatiable.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
45 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Scott
172 books381 followersAmanda Scott, USA Today Bestselling Author and winner of Romance Writers of America’s RITA/Golden Medallion (LORD ABBERLEY'S NEMESIS) and Romantic Times’ Awards for Best Regency Author and Best Sensual Regency (RAVENWOOD'S LADY), Lifetime Achievement (2007) and Best Scottish Historical (BORDER MOONLIGHT, 2008), began writing on a dare from her husband. She has sold every manuscript she has written.
Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian, who was born and raised in Salinas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland. She did graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in British History, before obtaining her Master’s in History from California State University at San Jose. She now lives with her husband and son in northern California.
As a child, Amanda Scott was a model for O’Connor Moffatt in San Francisco (now Macy’s). She was also a Sputnik child, one of those selected after the satellite went up for one of California’s first programs for gifted children. She remained in that program through high school. After graduate school, she taught for the Salinas City School District for three years before marrying her husband, who was then a captain in the Air Force. They lived in Honolulu for a year, then in Papillion, Nebraska, for seven. Their son was born in Nebraska. They have lived in northern California since 1980.
Scott grew up in a family of lawyers, and is descended from a long line of them. Her father was a three-term District Attorney of Monterey County before his death in 1955 at age 36. Her grandfather was City Attorney of Salinas for 36 years after serving two terms as District Attorney, and two of her ancestors were State Supreme Court Justices (one in Missouri, the other the first Supreme Court Justice for the State of Arkansas). One brother, having carried on the Scott tradition in the Monterey County DA’s office, is now a judge. The other is an electrician in Knoxville, TN, and her sister is a teacher in the Sacramento area.
The women of Amanda Scott’s family have been no less successful than the men. Her mother was a child actress known as Baby Lowell, who performed all over the west coast and in Hollywood movies, and then was a dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet until her marriage. Her mother’s sister, Loretta Lowell, was also a child actress. She performed in the Our Gang comedies and in several Loretta Young movies before becoming one of the first women in the US Air Force. Scott's paternal grandmother was active in local and State politics and served as president of the California State PTA, and her maternal grandmother was a teacher (and stage mother) before working for Monterey County. The place of women in Scott’s family has always been a strong one. Though they married strong men, the women have, for generations, been well educated and encouraged to succeed at whatever they chose to do.
Amanda Scott’s first book was OMAHA CITY ARCHITECTURE, a coffee-table photo essay on the historical architecture of Omaha, written for Landmarks, Inc. under her married name as a Junior League project. Others took the photos; she did the research and wrote the text on an old Smith-Corona portable electric. She sold her first novel, THE FUGITIVE HEIRESS - likewise written on the battered Smith-Corona in 1980. Since then, she has sold many more books, but since the second one she has used a word processor and computer. Twenty-five of her novels are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820). Others are set in 15th-century England and 14th- through 18th-century Scotland, and three are contemporary romances. Many of her titles are currently available at bookstores and online.
Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian, who was born and raised in Salinas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland. She did graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in British History, before obtaining her Master’s in History from California State University at San Jose. She now lives with her husband and son in northern California.
As a child, Amanda Scott was a model for O’Connor Moffatt in San Francisco (now Macy’s). She was also a Sputnik child, one of those selected after the satellite went up for one of California’s first programs for gifted children. She remained in that program through high school. After graduate school, she taught for the Salinas City School District for three years before marrying her husband, who was then a captain in the Air Force. They lived in Honolulu for a year, then in Papillion, Nebraska, for seven. Their son was born in Nebraska. They have lived in northern California since 1980.
Scott grew up in a family of lawyers, and is descended from a long line of them. Her father was a three-term District Attorney of Monterey County before his death in 1955 at age 36. Her grandfather was City Attorney of Salinas for 36 years after serving two terms as District Attorney, and two of her ancestors were State Supreme Court Justices (one in Missouri, the other the first Supreme Court Justice for the State of Arkansas). One brother, having carried on the Scott tradition in the Monterey County DA’s office, is now a judge. The other is an electrician in Knoxville, TN, and her sister is a teacher in the Sacramento area.
The women of Amanda Scott’s family have been no less successful than the men. Her mother was a child actress known as Baby Lowell, who performed all over the west coast and in Hollywood movies, and then was a dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet until her marriage. Her mother’s sister, Loretta Lowell, was also a child actress. She performed in the Our Gang comedies and in several Loretta Young movies before becoming one of the first women in the US Air Force. Scott's paternal grandmother was active in local and State politics and served as president of the California State PTA, and her maternal grandmother was a teacher (and stage mother) before working for Monterey County. The place of women in Scott’s family has always been a strong one. Though they married strong men, the women have, for generations, been well educated and encouraged to succeed at whatever they chose to do.
Amanda Scott’s first book was OMAHA CITY ARCHITECTURE, a coffee-table photo essay on the historical architecture of Omaha, written for Landmarks, Inc. under her married name as a Junior League project. Others took the photos; she did the research and wrote the text on an old Smith-Corona portable electric. She sold her first novel, THE FUGITIVE HEIRESS - likewise written on the battered Smith-Corona in 1980. Since then, she has sold many more books, but since the second one she has used a word processor and computer. Twenty-five of her novels are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820). Others are set in 15th-century England and 14th- through 18th-century Scotland, and three are contemporary romances. Many of her titles are currently available at bookstores and online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 30, 2020
Engaging with enough plot and enough romance to keep my attention. Both characters were admirable and likable. I don't like the "She was different than other girls" trope in historical fiction, but it looks like Scott addresses that in the next books.
Sex was rather PG-13, but I'm not the audience for that. I was reading for the medieval Scottish zen, and that was INTENSE. Made me wish I were in Scotland again.
Sex was rather PG-13, but I'm not the audience for that. I was reading for the medieval Scottish zen, and that was INTENSE. Made me wish I were in Scotland again.
December 3, 2012
It's been 19 years since we left Amanda Scott's Scotland in Highland Lover (book three of her Scottish Knights Series) and Jaimie has come home as king. After years of a weak king, then ruled by the iron fist of the Duke of Aubry Scotland is in upheaval. The Duke may be dead but his son is if at all possible worse. At least the Duke was a strong will. Murdoch, the current Duke, is a weak, whimpy man who has allowed avarice and greed to rule Scotland.
Lady Andrena MacFarlan has a unique gift, she "knows" how others are feeling. She can sense a person's true thoughts and desires. All of her life she has lived on her family's last resort estate since her wicked cousin managed to wrest control of the clan from her father. Drena senses that something is wrong and runs to investigate only to find that there is a man whose feelings she can't read. Unsure how to go on, how to deal with such a phenomenon she brings him home.
Magnus Galbraith, youngest son of the Laird Galbraith has escaped captivity only to find himself captivated by the beautiful woman who discovers him. Watching her scare off those that are searching for him he is confused by her ability to "control" the animals. Knowing he has found sanctuary he must make an alliance as he needs to reach the King as soon as possible. While in captivity Mag has uncovered a plot to kill the King.
Once Mag is brought to the Laird of the mysterious lands he is offered Drena as his bride. He must be strong, knighted and willing to change his name as Laird McFarlan has no sons. While Mag is not knighted it is only because he was unwilling to bow down to one who serves himself and not Scotland. As long as The Laird is willing to accept that Mag had been disowned by his own father he was quite willing to accept Drena's hand in marriage and his place in this new family.
But first he must warn the king.. Mag and Drena set off on a mission to warn the king and make allies for Laird McFarlan. Their quest puts them in some danger but never anything drastic. There often seemed to be moments where something could happen, something should happen and it just fell short. The promise was there but the chemistry didn't seem to be, at least for me.
I have really enjoyed Ms Scott's previous books and I felt that this one was lacking. In a way it seemed more an introductory book as opposed to an exciting new story. I kept hoping to see characters from the previous trilogy. I wanted to know if Will had survived to serve Jaimie, if those that had served his father were still around to serve him. Instead we get the villains but not the heroes from stories past. Of course Ms Scott sticks as close to historical accuracy as possible. That being said, the villains were real therefore they need to still be there. The heroes on the other hand, tended to be creations from the wonderful mind of Amanda Scott.
I honestly feel that this book was more of a set up for the trilogy. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe had I not just read the previous trilogy, I would have enjoyed the charms from this book and ignored the areas where the story sagged. Sadly, that is not the case. I found myself wanting to know more of the story behind the wolves.. and how Drena actually got her powers.. but all of this was just touched on. Lost in the wider epic of Medieval Scotland.
I would still recommend this book because Amanda Scott writes a wonderful story I just feel that this is not her best effort.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Laird's Choice provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 18, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Lady Andrena MacFarlan has a unique gift, she "knows" how others are feeling. She can sense a person's true thoughts and desires. All of her life she has lived on her family's last resort estate since her wicked cousin managed to wrest control of the clan from her father. Drena senses that something is wrong and runs to investigate only to find that there is a man whose feelings she can't read. Unsure how to go on, how to deal with such a phenomenon she brings him home.
Magnus Galbraith, youngest son of the Laird Galbraith has escaped captivity only to find himself captivated by the beautiful woman who discovers him. Watching her scare off those that are searching for him he is confused by her ability to "control" the animals. Knowing he has found sanctuary he must make an alliance as he needs to reach the King as soon as possible. While in captivity Mag has uncovered a plot to kill the King.
Once Mag is brought to the Laird of the mysterious lands he is offered Drena as his bride. He must be strong, knighted and willing to change his name as Laird McFarlan has no sons. While Mag is not knighted it is only because he was unwilling to bow down to one who serves himself and not Scotland. As long as The Laird is willing to accept that Mag had been disowned by his own father he was quite willing to accept Drena's hand in marriage and his place in this new family.
But first he must warn the king.. Mag and Drena set off on a mission to warn the king and make allies for Laird McFarlan. Their quest puts them in some danger but never anything drastic. There often seemed to be moments where something could happen, something should happen and it just fell short. The promise was there but the chemistry didn't seem to be, at least for me.
I have really enjoyed Ms Scott's previous books and I felt that this one was lacking. In a way it seemed more an introductory book as opposed to an exciting new story. I kept hoping to see characters from the previous trilogy. I wanted to know if Will had survived to serve Jaimie, if those that had served his father were still around to serve him. Instead we get the villains but not the heroes from stories past. Of course Ms Scott sticks as close to historical accuracy as possible. That being said, the villains were real therefore they need to still be there. The heroes on the other hand, tended to be creations from the wonderful mind of Amanda Scott.
I honestly feel that this book was more of a set up for the trilogy. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe had I not just read the previous trilogy, I would have enjoyed the charms from this book and ignored the areas where the story sagged. Sadly, that is not the case. I found myself wanting to know more of the story behind the wolves.. and how Drena actually got her powers.. but all of this was just touched on. Lost in the wider epic of Medieval Scotland.
I would still recommend this book because Amanda Scott writes a wonderful story I just feel that this is not her best effort.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Laird's Choice provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 18, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
December 9, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Adrena McFarlan (Dree) lives with her father and two younger sisters,Lena and Murie in the Scottish highlands. There she seems to have a special gift where the animals in the forest and birds in the trees sense her feelings and keep her safe. Hawks are circling in the sky above her family's lands, letting her know that something there is amiss. When she meets three strangers there searching for an escaped slave and they beat a hasty retreat when the hawks come to her rescue, attacking them. When the dust settles, she is very disturbed when a man the size of a monition, Magnus Gilbraith, startles her. She wonders if her senses are failing her since she can normally feel any disturbance in her forest. Of course, the first question she asks him is if he is married since her father is intent on marrying her to the first man she finds acceptable.
Magnus has his own history of being disowned as the third son and when he is captured and enslaved, his family doesn't try to ransom or rescue him. With the offer of a family and marriage to Dree, he feels he can restart his life and fight for his new family's land that has been taken by a usurper to the Scottish throne and a relative of the McFarlan clan. While the two seem perfectly matched, both have reservations but are strongly attracted. They understand the commitment required of them. This is the first book in a new series, so there is a lot of set up for the next books to come. I love Dree communication with the animals and at one point, I kept thinking of Disney's Snow White where the birds of the forest flocked around her. This series has a lot of promise and I can't wait for the next one which will be about Lina.
LOVED IT
Adrena McFarlan (Dree) lives with her father and two younger sisters,Lena and Murie in the Scottish highlands. There she seems to have a special gift where the animals in the forest and birds in the trees sense her feelings and keep her safe. Hawks are circling in the sky above her family's lands, letting her know that something there is amiss. When she meets three strangers there searching for an escaped slave and they beat a hasty retreat when the hawks come to her rescue, attacking them. When the dust settles, she is very disturbed when a man the size of a monition, Magnus Gilbraith, startles her. She wonders if her senses are failing her since she can normally feel any disturbance in her forest. Of course, the first question she asks him is if he is married since her father is intent on marrying her to the first man she finds acceptable.
Magnus has his own history of being disowned as the third son and when he is captured and enslaved, his family doesn't try to ransom or rescue him. With the offer of a family and marriage to Dree, he feels he can restart his life and fight for his new family's land that has been taken by a usurper to the Scottish throne and a relative of the McFarlan clan. While the two seem perfectly matched, both have reservations but are strongly attracted. They understand the commitment required of them. This is the first book in a new series, so there is a lot of set up for the next books to come. I love Dree communication with the animals and at one point, I kept thinking of Disney's Snow White where the birds of the forest flocked around her. This series has a lot of promise and I can't wait for the next one which will be about Lina.
December 3, 2012
I was totally on board with this book all through the prologue, but when I got to Chapter 1 it all started to fall apart for me. The premise of this book is good; Laird looses keep and lands to evil cousin through a feud, so he keeps what is left of his family and retainers at a “mystically protected” ancient keep. In comes a stranger who escapes from said cousin’s evil clutches where he had been held as prisoner for almost 2 years. Then he marries the eldest daughter. Now, add a little political intrigue, some clan wars, a little disowning and mayhem lots of romance and you have a great Highland Romance Novel.
Andrena MacFarlan is the oldest of 3 girls and has the ability to sense things that others cannot. She can usually tell if someone is lying, if danger is near she can feel it and she can sense emotions in others. The animals in the woods around the keep seem to protect her also. So, when she felt that there were trespassers in the woods, she went to investigate… alone. She found 3 men there and confronted them. Claiming to be looking for an escaped slave, they tried to assault her, at which time she whistled and hawks flew in and attacked them to protect her, running them off. All the while, the prisoner, Magnus Mor Galbraith was looking down from a tree limb prepared to attack if things got out of hand.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2012/1...
Andrena MacFarlan is the oldest of 3 girls and has the ability to sense things that others cannot. She can usually tell if someone is lying, if danger is near she can feel it and she can sense emotions in others. The animals in the woods around the keep seem to protect her also. So, when she felt that there were trespassers in the woods, she went to investigate… alone. She found 3 men there and confronted them. Claiming to be looking for an escaped slave, they tried to assault her, at which time she whistled and hawks flew in and attacked them to protect her, running them off. All the while, the prisoner, Magnus Mor Galbraith was looking down from a tree limb prepared to attack if things got out of hand.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2012/1...
October 31, 2012
3.5 out of 5. I am one who likes historical romance novels a lot, and having read some of Ms Scott's work previously, I have found her writing to be well done, full of very good research, and based solidly on historical reality. However, in this case, this particular novel is heavy on the "historical" and rather light on the "romance" aspect. That is not to say that both Magnus and Andrena don't continually figure prominently in the story. That would be inaccurate. However, their "romance" was almost a backdrop of the historical action rather than the other way around. I appreciate Amanda Scott's writing and her absolute insistence that any story have solid historical context. However, I was disappointed that the relationship between Magnus and Andrena wasn't more prominent. That being said, there was a consistent presence that made the reader aware that while lots was going on around them, lots was simmering between them as well. The fact that Andrena's "gift" of emotional perception didn't work well with Magnus created its own tension. It's really difficult for me to qualify my responses to this book. Suffice it to say I would have liked a bit more sexual intensity and raw encounters. They were much too polite and Andrena's acceptance of her father's dictum to marry a man she had only met seemed way to submissive for a woman whose penchant for speaking her mind was well known. I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series to see if it, too, will overwhelm the romance with the politics.
January 21, 2022
I devoured this book! It was so good! First of all, I love Scottish themed books! This one drew me in from the first page, I literally could not put it down. I loved the banter of the main characters, a kind of enemy to lovers story, although they are set up by their parents, so it's not as if they have a choice, they have to marry. New favorite author!
November 18, 2012
ORIGINAL POST at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust 11/18/2012
LAIRD'S CHOICE Passion, Intrigue and Amazing Research!
THE LAIRD'S CHOICE
Lairds of the Loch 1
Amanda Scott
Forever/Grand Central Publishing
December 18, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and e-Book
400 pages
E-Galley Loaned by Publisher via NetGalley.com
No remuneration exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own except as noted.
Sithee: An exclamation, "look here!" "Listen!"
Barmkin: A Scots word which refers to a form of medieval and later defensive enclosure, typically found around smaller castles, tower houses, pele towers, and bastle houses in Scotland, and the north of England. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barmkin(the picture above shows ruins of a "barmkin" wall around a tower.
❦❦❦
Darn! Kindle does not define those words, and while there is a small glossary at the front of the book, and although I've read a lot of historical fiction there were a few times I was still linguisitically stumped. This is a great story featuring outstanding historical research and a total immersion by the author into the 15th century in Scotland.
James I
British Monarchy Website
I am not one to decry complex language or historic accuracy (or what feels genuinely accurate). This is the beginning of a new series for the author, placed at a turbulent time in Scottish history (has there ever been a non-turbulent time in Scottish history?), so some information dumping was present and warranted. At the time of the story King James I and his Queen Joanna. Reigns at the time were rather short as clans vied for land and power. The books prologue starts in 1406, the year James I was captured and became a British prisoner and his father died. He also began his reign then. His reign ended violently in 1437. The main part of the book occurs in late winter of 1425.
I admired the dearth of romance in the story and I liked how normal the relationship seemed between Andrena and Magnus. THey are attracted and do like each other but, the marriage is, at first, one of duty and mutual benefit. The mores, the courtly formality of the time seemed well-observed. The Church seems less of a fixture than perhaps it was in the sourthern portion of the British Isles. The story occurs from in the area north of Glasgow to the top of Loch Lomond.
http://www.clansandcastles.com/clan-map.htm
It appears the Colquohns had the area on the southern and western edges of Loch Lomond to the the edge of Loch Long on the West. Immediately North of them along the east coast Loch Long (Loch of the Long Boats) seems to be the location of the MacFarlane lands and they appear to now be part of the Argyll Forest Park. where the terrain via Google maps still appears quite mountainous. And the Galbraith lands seem to be on the West Coast of the Loch Lomond. The three clans most present in this book would virtually have surrounded Loch Lomond. There is a convenient map at the start of the book.
The intimacy between a husband and wife at the time felt realistic. Dree marries a man, Magnus Galbraith she finds lost on her family's land two days before the wedding. He has just escaped from slavery at the hands of her kinsman who is stealing land from her family.
Fortunately, Dree's husband Magnus is handsome and young and has nice teeth. And she is said to be beautiful, so things are bound to get steamy. Still she is submissive in bed the way a girl of the time would have been expected to be.
There is a paranormal aspect in the story: Dree's mother has "the sight" - can see future events, and Dree can sense people and animals via emotion. Animals seem to protect her. Her sisters also have 'gifts.' The gifts have to do with the success of certain events and pave the way to build of trust within the relationship between husband and wife.
So great research and accurate in many respects. An interesting story of marriage and treason. My only issue is that it is slightly dry and naif. The accurate use of language made for some tedious reading. But, I read it all in two days, and you know I can't read anything too dry.
Highly recommended for its accuracy and for a good view of the period wrapped in an interesting story.
LAIRD'S CHOICE Passion, Intrigue and Amazing Research!
THE LAIRD'S CHOICE
Lairds of the Loch 1
Amanda Scott
Forever/Grand Central Publishing
December 18, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and e-Book
400 pages
E-Galley Loaned by Publisher via NetGalley.com
No remuneration exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own except as noted.
Description
Lady Andrena MacFarlan has been different since the day she was born. Possessing the power to sense others' most intimate desires, she knows her duty is to marry the man who will take the MacFarlan name as his own and help her father regain the chiefdom of their clan. But her unique gifts don't prepare her for the day when a mighty warrior suddenly enters her life. The attraction between them is undeniable -- and insatiable.
Hunted by brutal enemies, the wounded Magnus Galbraith washes up on MacFarlan land where he is rescued by a laird's lovely daughter. Andrena is like no one Magnus has ever known. She has the uncanny ability to both calm and enflame him in ways he never dreamed possible. But she has other unknown-and dangerous-powers. Now, as Magnus seeks to avenge a brother and protect a king, the young beauty could prove his greatest ally-or his ultimate undoing . . . www.netgalley.com/catalog
Sithee: An exclamation, "look here!" "Listen!"
Barmkin: A Scots word which refers to a form of medieval and later defensive enclosure, typically found around smaller castles, tower houses, pele towers, and bastle houses in Scotland, and the north of England. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barmkin(the picture above shows ruins of a "barmkin" wall around a tower.
❦❦❦
Darn! Kindle does not define those words, and while there is a small glossary at the front of the book, and although I've read a lot of historical fiction there were a few times I was still linguisitically stumped. This is a great story featuring outstanding historical research and a total immersion by the author into the 15th century in Scotland.
James I
British Monarchy Website
I am not one to decry complex language or historic accuracy (or what feels genuinely accurate). This is the beginning of a new series for the author, placed at a turbulent time in Scottish history (has there ever been a non-turbulent time in Scottish history?), so some information dumping was present and warranted. At the time of the story King James I and his Queen Joanna. Reigns at the time were rather short as clans vied for land and power. The books prologue starts in 1406, the year James I was captured and became a British prisoner and his father died. He also began his reign then. His reign ended violently in 1437. The main part of the book occurs in late winter of 1425.
I admired the dearth of romance in the story and I liked how normal the relationship seemed between Andrena and Magnus. THey are attracted and do like each other but, the marriage is, at first, one of duty and mutual benefit. The mores, the courtly formality of the time seemed well-observed. The Church seems less of a fixture than perhaps it was in the sourthern portion of the British Isles. The story occurs from in the area north of Glasgow to the top of Loch Lomond.
http://www.clansandcastles.com/clan-map.htm
It appears the Colquohns had the area on the southern and western edges of Loch Lomond to the the edge of Loch Long on the West. Immediately North of them along the east coast Loch Long (Loch of the Long Boats) seems to be the location of the MacFarlane lands and they appear to now be part of the Argyll Forest Park. where the terrain via Google maps still appears quite mountainous. And the Galbraith lands seem to be on the West Coast of the Loch Lomond. The three clans most present in this book would virtually have surrounded Loch Lomond. There is a convenient map at the start of the book.
The intimacy between a husband and wife at the time felt realistic. Dree marries a man, Magnus Galbraith she finds lost on her family's land two days before the wedding. He has just escaped from slavery at the hands of her kinsman who is stealing land from her family.
Fortunately, Dree's husband Magnus is handsome and young and has nice teeth. And she is said to be beautiful, so things are bound to get steamy. Still she is submissive in bed the way a girl of the time would have been expected to be.
There is a paranormal aspect in the story: Dree's mother has "the sight" - can see future events, and Dree can sense people and animals via emotion. Animals seem to protect her. Her sisters also have 'gifts.' The gifts have to do with the success of certain events and pave the way to build of trust within the relationship between husband and wife.
So great research and accurate in many respects. An interesting story of marriage and treason. My only issue is that it is slightly dry and naif. The accurate use of language made for some tedious reading. But, I read it all in two days, and you know I can't read anything too dry.
Highly recommended for its accuracy and for a good view of the period wrapped in an interesting story.
April 2, 2019
Ráda bych pogratulovala autorce, že zvládla o ničem napsat tři sta stránek. Protože tohle je opravdu velké dějové NIC. Potkají se v lese, vezmou se, pak jdou varovat krále, pak promluvit s tatíkem. Cesty vyplněny tím, jak se pár poznává a vede nudné dialogy. A pokud někdo doufá v erotiku na každé třetí straně, má smůlu. Je to sterilnější než v ochranné atmosféře balená jehla a trvá to asi stejně jako očkování, milostné scény zabraly asi tak tři stránky z celé knihy.
Úžasná Andrena sice má šestý smysl, umí číst pocity lidí a zvířat, ale jinak je totálně dutá. Myslí si, že kdyby na drsného bojovníka vytáhla dýku, ten si cvrnkne do kalhot a zdrhne, a že ji v lese ochrání zvířátka. Děvče, to si myslíš, že jsi Sněhurka od Disneyho?
Děj se má odehrávat ve Skotsku 15. století, drsná krajina a doba. Přesto je Mag zděšen, že by hradní pán mohl nechat zabít nepřítele, který vnikl na jeho území. Na válečníka dost sněhová vločka. Že tam nějaký zemánek na odlehlém hradě, který neudržuje moc kontakt se světem, má luxusní zboží jako skleněné karafy, ručníky a voňavé mýdlo, to si autorka představuje středověk jak čtyřhvězdičkový hotel. Možná viděla Reign. A taky skoro všude dojdete pěšky.
A ještě je to divně napsané, věty na sebe moc nenavazují, překlad tomu sice nepomohl, ale tady bude chyba nejspíš už v originále.
Úžasná Andrena sice má šestý smysl, umí číst pocity lidí a zvířat, ale jinak je totálně dutá. Myslí si, že kdyby na drsného bojovníka vytáhla dýku, ten si cvrnkne do kalhot a zdrhne, a že ji v lese ochrání zvířátka. Děvče, to si myslíš, že jsi Sněhurka od Disneyho?
Děj se má odehrávat ve Skotsku 15. století, drsná krajina a doba. Přesto je Mag zděšen, že by hradní pán mohl nechat zabít nepřítele, který vnikl na jeho území. Na válečníka dost sněhová vločka. Že tam nějaký zemánek na odlehlém hradě, který neudržuje moc kontakt se světem, má luxusní zboží jako skleněné karafy, ručníky a voňavé mýdlo, to si autorka představuje středověk jak čtyřhvězdičkový hotel. Možná viděla Reign. A taky skoro všude dojdete pěšky.
A ještě je to divně napsané, věty na sebe moc nenavazují, překlad tomu sice nepomohl, ale tady bude chyba nejspíš už v originále.
November 30, 2018
Liked this book
March 10, 2023
The heroine has always been able to feel the emotions of others yet when she warns her father of trespassers on their land, he ignores them. Their castle is nestled so deep in the forest, so cleverly hidden and near impossible to get to due to raging rivers, so the idea of trespassers is absurd. Regardless, she feels their presence and after her warnings are ignored yet again, she decides to investigate herself. From a young age she was encouraged to travel the woods, to know them as well as she knows the back of her hand and she is light footed and confident in her surrounds. She finds 3 men who are searching for an escaped prisoner. When one of them gets too close, she summons hawks to chase them away. Satisfied she's defended her home, she is then stunned to encounter a 4th man as she neither sensed or heard his presence until he appeared behind her. This silence when it comes to him is made even more unusual based on his immense size. Unnerved, she deduces him to be said escapee by his appearance. His ragged plaid, disheveled hair and beard and injuries paint a picture of a man who has been through hell and back. But even then, she is reluctant to bring him to the castle.
This is because she imagines her father will want her to wed him...and she's right. The hero has spent months as a slave to the enemy clan. Once the 4th son of a mighty clan himself, he has since been practically disowned by his father after the death of his older brother. So when the clan chief offers his eldest daughter in marriage, the hero doesn't hesitate to accept. For many reasons he is happy to wed this woman. First off, he needs the safety of a clan and without his own, he can use the heroine's name. Secondly, a more personally, the woman who is to be his wife is an enchanting creature. She is strong, level headed but she speaks her mind. She makes him smile when for so long he's had nothing to smile about.
They wed and then immediately they set off to complete the mission the hero came to do. He must warn his kind of a plot to see him murdered and his thrown stolen. The heroine is frustrated with her new husband. She's not used to being blind to others feelings and the hero is so calm and private that she has no idea what goes inside his head. She tries to see his temper flare up at occasions before regretting this decision as she doesn't know if he's the type to beat his woman. The hero confesses to no longer be able to make conversations and pleads his new wife to take patience with him as he tries to overcome the consequences of his imprisonment...Annnnd this is where I basically started to skip pages. From what I gather, the hero and heroine return to the mystical castle. Then they travel to visit his father...Then they battle the evil chief and thus save the king. BUT I can't be sure because I was so freakin' bored at this point my eyes wanted to bleed. What a disappointment this book was. When it starting I was like ' okay...a slow start, but it'll pick up'. Then by the half way point I was like 'anytime now.'...Then I realized that nothing was ever going to happen and that I wasted my time anticipating something that wasn't meant to be. I was expecting something better than this book delivered. It was sooo dull ad lifeless. A favorite phrase was to have the characters say ' we'll speak more of this later' and by god, they did just that. It was all talk. Okay, I can appreciate the attempt to keep the dialogue as authentic as possible to the time period but these words made no sense to me and I had trouble understand what they were talking about sometimes. Zero passion between the characters, just an easy and comatose relationship. No action or drama of any kind.... Just talking. What a sad outcome to a book that I've had in my to read pile for some time, saving for that day when I could read a lovely Highlander romance novel. But sadly, this was no such book.
This is because she imagines her father will want her to wed him...and she's right. The hero has spent months as a slave to the enemy clan. Once the 4th son of a mighty clan himself, he has since been practically disowned by his father after the death of his older brother. So when the clan chief offers his eldest daughter in marriage, the hero doesn't hesitate to accept. For many reasons he is happy to wed this woman. First off, he needs the safety of a clan and without his own, he can use the heroine's name. Secondly, a more personally, the woman who is to be his wife is an enchanting creature. She is strong, level headed but she speaks her mind. She makes him smile when for so long he's had nothing to smile about.
They wed and then immediately they set off to complete the mission the hero came to do. He must warn his kind of a plot to see him murdered and his thrown stolen. The heroine is frustrated with her new husband. She's not used to being blind to others feelings and the hero is so calm and private that she has no idea what goes inside his head. She tries to see his temper flare up at occasions before regretting this decision as she doesn't know if he's the type to beat his woman. The hero confesses to no longer be able to make conversations and pleads his new wife to take patience with him as he tries to overcome the consequences of his imprisonment...Annnnd this is where I basically started to skip pages. From what I gather, the hero and heroine return to the mystical castle. Then they travel to visit his father...Then they battle the evil chief and thus save the king. BUT I can't be sure because I was so freakin' bored at this point my eyes wanted to bleed. What a disappointment this book was. When it starting I was like ' okay...a slow start, but it'll pick up'. Then by the half way point I was like 'anytime now.'...Then I realized that nothing was ever going to happen and that I wasted my time anticipating something that wasn't meant to be. I was expecting something better than this book delivered. It was sooo dull ad lifeless. A favorite phrase was to have the characters say ' we'll speak more of this later' and by god, they did just that. It was all talk. Okay, I can appreciate the attempt to keep the dialogue as authentic as possible to the time period but these words made no sense to me and I had trouble understand what they were talking about sometimes. Zero passion between the characters, just an easy and comatose relationship. No action or drama of any kind.... Just talking. What a sad outcome to a book that I've had in my to read pile for some time, saving for that day when I could read a lovely Highlander romance novel. But sadly, this was no such book.
December 19, 2012
This review also appears on Reading with Analysis.
While I found nothing truly objectionable about this book, I also didn't really enjoy reading it, but I suspect that lack of enjoyment has more to do with my personal pet peeves as a reader than with any real flaw in the book. The fact is, I'm just not a fan of historical fiction that has more history than fiction. I had a difficult time connecting to the characters, caring about their story, and that disconnect made it difficult for me to want to read the book. There were numerous occasions when conversation between characters would be derailed (I thought) by info dumps about history and/or events occurring beyond the scope of the story, and this hijacking of the story by the truly remarkable historical research just irked me. Amanda Scott obviously did a heck of a lot of research, and her world-building of 15th century Scotland was lovely (if only I cared about that sort of thing), but there was not an equal amount of energy spent developing the characters.
I never was able to figure out who all the villains were--although that may derive from a combination of my terrible memory and the amount of time I spent reading this book (it's easier to keep these details straight when one reads a book over a day or two rather than over two weeks)--there were so many Stewarts and Walters and some dude named Murdoch who had some sons(??), that I just couldn't keep track of them, and they become one muddled group of "bad guys" without any sort of personal character. Part of the trouble with this book is that the reader is never actually introduced to any of the bad guys. They are all just a menace lurking over some mountain or beyond a river. As difficult as I found it to connect to the characters, I might have felt a very human response to their being in danger, but they didn't really seem to be in any danger, not personally. Since I was never given the opportunity to get to know the one character who was in some danger from that faceless mass of menace, I didn't really care whether or not he met with an untimely end.
The ending was very etch-a-sketch (à la Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey, if you will allow the comparison). There's this huge intrigue plot that drives nearly all of the action in the book, and it all gets resolved in a throwaway epilogue (!!). It was more than a little disappointing to have the story end in such a slapdash, anti-climatic way. This book is the first in a series, and it's possible that the story will get taken up by subsequent books, but the ending was still annoying.
Now, that all sounds quite negative, but I'm certain that some readers will enjoy this book. Die-hard fans of historical fiction set in the Scottish Highlands will probably enjoy this one, as will any reader who likes a hearty helping of history with her historical fiction and does not mind if there is not so much romance.
While I found nothing truly objectionable about this book, I also didn't really enjoy reading it, but I suspect that lack of enjoyment has more to do with my personal pet peeves as a reader than with any real flaw in the book. The fact is, I'm just not a fan of historical fiction that has more history than fiction. I had a difficult time connecting to the characters, caring about their story, and that disconnect made it difficult for me to want to read the book. There were numerous occasions when conversation between characters would be derailed (I thought) by info dumps about history and/or events occurring beyond the scope of the story, and this hijacking of the story by the truly remarkable historical research just irked me. Amanda Scott obviously did a heck of a lot of research, and her world-building of 15th century Scotland was lovely (if only I cared about that sort of thing), but there was not an equal amount of energy spent developing the characters.
I never was able to figure out who all the villains were--although that may derive from a combination of my terrible memory and the amount of time I spent reading this book (it's easier to keep these details straight when one reads a book over a day or two rather than over two weeks)--there were so many Stewarts and Walters and some dude named Murdoch who had some sons(??), that I just couldn't keep track of them, and they become one muddled group of "bad guys" without any sort of personal character. Part of the trouble with this book is that the reader is never actually introduced to any of the bad guys. They are all just a menace lurking over some mountain or beyond a river. As difficult as I found it to connect to the characters, I might have felt a very human response to their being in danger, but they didn't really seem to be in any danger, not personally. Since I was never given the opportunity to get to know the one character who was in some danger from that faceless mass of menace, I didn't really care whether or not he met with an untimely end.
The ending was very etch-a-sketch (à la Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey, if you will allow the comparison). There's this huge intrigue plot that drives nearly all of the action in the book, and it all gets resolved in a throwaway epilogue (!!). It was more than a little disappointing to have the story end in such a slapdash, anti-climatic way. This book is the first in a series, and it's possible that the story will get taken up by subsequent books, but the ending was still annoying.
Now, that all sounds quite negative, but I'm certain that some readers will enjoy this book. Die-hard fans of historical fiction set in the Scottish Highlands will probably enjoy this one, as will any reader who likes a hearty helping of history with her historical fiction and does not mind if there is not so much romance.
August 30, 2015
This author can really tell a story. She gives a small cheat sheet of words and a map at the beginning, her Author's notes are very interesting and full of facts.
This book, had a bit extra in it I believe, yet left out some parts I would have rather seen.
Andrena is a special lady along with her mother and sisters. They all have a extremely special connection to emotions and surrounding animals. Dree can sense emotions of other people and tell when animals are distressed. In turn this causes her to put herself in danger. This is where, I wanted to smack the sense into Dree. If she thought the birds were flying in an unnatural way, she would go outside of the tower and its ramparts to investigate the woods-by herself! She didn't feel danger from the animals, in fact they always protected her when there was real danger. Yet, Her father would never do anything about her wandering off into the dangerous woods alone. Even after her father and husband commanded NO ONE could leave the walls to go to the forest, she managed to ignore that and persuade a guard to let her out!! She could sense the danger but has no commonsense to ignore it. This actually bothered me quite a bit, I know it was part of the story and events wouldn't have happened if she didn't wander off. But there could have been other ways for things to unfold.
I did like the fact that, Magnus, would try to get a REAL explanation of "feelings" Dree had. And really tried to explain the danger she would always put herself in.
As for the relationship between Mag and Dree, well she was to wrapped up in trying to "read" his feelings and testing him to actually see with her own eyes how close they had become. I understand, that she felt something was missing in bed between them, but that was only because of her trying to sense his feelings. She just needed to open her eyes and really see.
I agree with Mag, Dree believed and trusted people way to easily.
This was a good book and yes fiction but parts were jsut I can't believe what is happening. I wanted to smack Dree way more than twice and even maybe the author for things.
I received my copy through Goodreads.com giveaway
This book, had a bit extra in it I believe, yet left out some parts I would have rather seen.
Andrena is a special lady along with her mother and sisters. They all have a extremely special connection to emotions and surrounding animals. Dree can sense emotions of other people and tell when animals are distressed. In turn this causes her to put herself in danger. This is where, I wanted to smack the sense into Dree. If she thought the birds were flying in an unnatural way, she would go outside of the tower and its ramparts to investigate the woods-by herself! She didn't feel danger from the animals, in fact they always protected her when there was real danger. Yet, Her father would never do anything about her wandering off into the dangerous woods alone. Even after her father and husband commanded NO ONE could leave the walls to go to the forest, she managed to ignore that and persuade a guard to let her out!! She could sense the danger but has no commonsense to ignore it. This actually bothered me quite a bit, I know it was part of the story and events wouldn't have happened if she didn't wander off. But there could have been other ways for things to unfold.
I did like the fact that, Magnus, would try to get a REAL explanation of "feelings" Dree had. And really tried to explain the danger she would always put herself in.
As for the relationship between Mag and Dree, well she was to wrapped up in trying to "read" his feelings and testing him to actually see with her own eyes how close they had become. I understand, that she felt something was missing in bed between them, but that was only because of her trying to sense his feelings. She just needed to open her eyes and really see.
I agree with Mag, Dree believed and trusted people way to easily.
This was a good book and yes fiction but parts were jsut I can't believe what is happening. I wanted to smack Dree way more than twice and even maybe the author for things.
I received my copy through Goodreads.com giveaway
February 21, 2017
I think the heroine was so full of herself, I didn't like her.
I read this book several times before, and written in a more exciting way.
I read this book several times before, and written in a more exciting way.
October 31, 2014
Lady Andrena MacFarlan has a number of uncanny gifts. She can sense emotions in other people. And she has a way with animals.
After nearly two years of captivity as a galley slave, Magnus Galbraith finally jumps ship. He washes up on Tùr Meiloach, a mythical kind of place held by Laird Andrew MacFarlan. This puts him right in the middle of a clan feud between the MacFarlans and, well, the other MacFarlans, only they style themselves the Pharlains—probably because their upstart chief's name is Parlan, and Parlan MacFarlan is just…
Anyhoo, Mag needs to warn King Jamie of a plot against his life.
He's gotta get married. Rightful Laird MacFarlan's sons and heirs were all murdered by his rival, so he needs a new heir, and this huge guy who just dropped out of heaven is a gift. He wants Mag to marry his daughter, Andrena (Dree), and take the MacFarlan name, giving the clan yet another strong leader and hopefully heirs. Mag hasn't much to go home to, and Dree has no objections (she knows her duty, plus the scruffy guy is kinda hawt, so why not?).
Foiling the plot and dealing with the politics between the various clans in the region, all headed by enemies of James I, provide plenty of fodder for the story. The tale isn't as thick with historical facts as the latest Border series (probably because that one deals with the Scott family, of which "Amanda" is a member). But it's better researched than a lot of books I've read, and a darned good read besides. I'll give it 4 stars.
After nearly two years of captivity as a galley slave, Magnus Galbraith finally jumps ship. He washes up on Tùr Meiloach, a mythical kind of place held by Laird Andrew MacFarlan. This puts him right in the middle of a clan feud between the MacFarlans and, well, the other MacFarlans, only they style themselves the Pharlains—probably because their upstart chief's name is Parlan, and Parlan MacFarlan is just…
Anyhoo, Mag needs to warn King Jamie of a plot against his life.
He's gotta get married. Rightful Laird MacFarlan's sons and heirs were all murdered by his rival, so he needs a new heir, and this huge guy who just dropped out of heaven is a gift. He wants Mag to marry his daughter, Andrena (Dree), and take the MacFarlan name, giving the clan yet another strong leader and hopefully heirs. Mag hasn't much to go home to, and Dree has no objections (she knows her duty, plus the scruffy guy is kinda hawt, so why not?).
Foiling the plot and dealing with the politics between the various clans in the region, all headed by enemies of James I, provide plenty of fodder for the story. The tale isn't as thick with historical facts as the latest Border series (probably because that one deals with the Scott family, of which "Amanda" is a member). But it's better researched than a lot of books I've read, and a darned good read besides. I'll give it 4 stars.
October 15, 2012
This wasn't at all what I thought it would be. Based off of the synopsis I thought it would be a historical romance but instead the majority of the book is about the two of them running between clans trying to warn everyone of a plan set in motion to over throw the king. But let me back it up a bit.
Mag has been held captive as a slave for a year and a half now. When he finally manages to escape he washes up on MacFarlan land and ultimately meets Andrena. Her father seeks a husband for Adrena and before you know it the two are wed. However, while being held captive, Mag heard about a plot to overthrow the king to take his crown. So once married Mag and Adrena set off to meet the king to tell him of the news. After meeting the king they go back to Adrena's father to tell him what came of the meeting and then to Mag's clan land to let his father know of the plot and to see whether his father stands with the King or not and then... well you get the point. There is a ton of traveling, a lot of strategizing and a very minimal amount of romance, which is what I signed up for. I found myself really struggling though this. I couldn't seem to connect with the characters for some reason and even though the concept sounded like a win to me, I found myself not really getting into it. It would be perfect for someone looking for historical fiction but for someone like me who was looking for romance, I found it lacking in that department.
Favorite quote...
"It is no wiser to taunt a man with words than to poke a wildcat with a stick." -Mag
Mag has been held captive as a slave for a year and a half now. When he finally manages to escape he washes up on MacFarlan land and ultimately meets Andrena. Her father seeks a husband for Adrena and before you know it the two are wed. However, while being held captive, Mag heard about a plot to overthrow the king to take his crown. So once married Mag and Adrena set off to meet the king to tell him of the news. After meeting the king they go back to Adrena's father to tell him what came of the meeting and then to Mag's clan land to let his father know of the plot and to see whether his father stands with the King or not and then... well you get the point. There is a ton of traveling, a lot of strategizing and a very minimal amount of romance, which is what I signed up for. I found myself really struggling though this. I couldn't seem to connect with the characters for some reason and even though the concept sounded like a win to me, I found myself not really getting into it. It would be perfect for someone looking for historical fiction but for someone like me who was looking for romance, I found it lacking in that department.
Favorite quote...
"It is no wiser to taunt a man with words than to poke a wildcat with a stick." -Mag
January 14, 2013
This is a great start to a trilogy that brings historical Scotland to life. The research I imagine that goes into this book makes it enjoyable, I love the feel and wonder of Scotland through Ms Scott’s words.
Magnus (Mag) Galbraith is wounded and on the run as he enters the forests of Tur-Meiloach with three men in pursuit. As he hides in a tree, he sees a young woman approach the men who tell her that they are following an escaped prisoner from Arrochar. She tell them they must leave the region and when they refuse and confront her she blows a whistle and the hawks from around the area attack the men forcing them to flee. Believing she is alone, she is surprised when Mag drops out of the trees. Andrena (Dree) is the clan leader’s oldest daughter at nineteen; she has a gift that enables her to sense people around her and their emotions, however she completely missed sensing Mag.
Mag was captured nineteen months ago by Parlan Pharlain after a bitter fight that killed his brother William. His father disowned him when Mag persuaded William to fight with him against Pharlain. Finally after nineteen months the opportunity came to escape with the added incentive that he had learned some important information he needed to tell the King (Jamie).
Complete review: Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind
Magnus (Mag) Galbraith is wounded and on the run as he enters the forests of Tur-Meiloach with three men in pursuit. As he hides in a tree, he sees a young woman approach the men who tell her that they are following an escaped prisoner from Arrochar. She tell them they must leave the region and when they refuse and confront her she blows a whistle and the hawks from around the area attack the men forcing them to flee. Believing she is alone, she is surprised when Mag drops out of the trees. Andrena (Dree) is the clan leader’s oldest daughter at nineteen; she has a gift that enables her to sense people around her and their emotions, however she completely missed sensing Mag.
Mag was captured nineteen months ago by Parlan Pharlain after a bitter fight that killed his brother William. His father disowned him when Mag persuaded William to fight with him against Pharlain. Finally after nineteen months the opportunity came to escape with the added incentive that he had learned some important information he needed to tell the King (Jamie).
Complete review: Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind
March 9, 2013
I picked this book up on a whim at the library quite a few weeks ago. When I started it, I was thinking "huh, this is really good - this is, like, the best highlander romance I've ever read!" And then, nothing happened.
Well, something happened. Magnus escapes his prisoners, onto Laird Macsumthing's lands. Laird's daughter had the second sense (along with all the other women in the family - I thought this might lead to some interesting plotlines, but ... not so much) and can sense that he's trespassing. She meets him and, oddly, and unemotionally, warns him that her father will ask him to marry her. (!) Sure enough, Laird makes just such a request. Mag is all "hey, she's hot, I just escaped from prison, and my father has disowned me - let's get it on!" But then... nothing. Dree agrees, and seems happy enough, but doesn't really seem to care. Mag doesn't really seem to care much either.
And nothing happened, and everyone stayed calm, and nothing happened, and no one reacted, and I just couldn't take it any more. It's like the characters are all stoned out of their minds and sleepwalking through their lives. If the characters themselves barely seem interested in their own stories, I certainly can't maintain interest. It's due back at the library now ...
Ms Scott seems like a gifted author with a talent for writing Scottish romances, so I'll maybe try her again someday.
Well, something happened. Magnus escapes his prisoners, onto Laird Macsumthing's lands. Laird's daughter had the second sense (along with all the other women in the family - I thought this might lead to some interesting plotlines, but ... not so much) and can sense that he's trespassing. She meets him and, oddly, and unemotionally, warns him that her father will ask him to marry her. (!) Sure enough, Laird makes just such a request. Mag is all "hey, she's hot, I just escaped from prison, and my father has disowned me - let's get it on!" But then... nothing. Dree agrees, and seems happy enough, but doesn't really seem to care. Mag doesn't really seem to care much either.
And nothing happened, and everyone stayed calm, and nothing happened, and no one reacted, and I just couldn't take it any more. It's like the characters are all stoned out of their minds and sleepwalking through their lives. If the characters themselves barely seem interested in their own stories, I certainly can't maintain interest. It's due back at the library now ...
Ms Scott seems like a gifted author with a talent for writing Scottish romances, so I'll maybe try her again someday.
September 24, 2015
This is one of many examples where having won a Goodreads book I've looked for others in the author's series to read and review. This is the first in The Lairds of the Loch trilogy which I read after having won the second and third installments. They are all stand alone books revolving around the three MacFarlan girls during the time of Jamie Stewart's return from English captivity to resume the rule of Scotland.
I am particularly fond of this series for several reasons--the characters are so well drawn and realistic that you are honestly interested in their lives and relationships. Secondly, there is a great deal of actual Scottish history shared in an entertaining way. And third, the description of the scenery of this wild, rocky, highland is breath-taking.
This is the first story--the escape of a young galley prisoner from rebel clan's fleet. Magnus Galbraith washes up on the shore of MacFarlan land and is found by the eldest daughter, Lady Andrena. Having lost all of his sons, Laird MacFarlan convinces Mag to marry Dree and to assume the MacFarlan name. James Stewart is once more on Scottish soil and is in the process of gathering loyal followers together to unify Scotland under a uniform code of law. This is their story and it is page turning.
I am particularly fond of this series for several reasons--the characters are so well drawn and realistic that you are honestly interested in their lives and relationships. Secondly, there is a great deal of actual Scottish history shared in an entertaining way. And third, the description of the scenery of this wild, rocky, highland is breath-taking.
This is the first story--the escape of a young galley prisoner from rebel clan's fleet. Magnus Galbraith washes up on the shore of MacFarlan land and is found by the eldest daughter, Lady Andrena. Having lost all of his sons, Laird MacFarlan convinces Mag to marry Dree and to assume the MacFarlan name. James Stewart is once more on Scottish soil and is in the process of gathering loyal followers together to unify Scotland under a uniform code of law. This is their story and it is page turning.
January 23, 2015
DUTY BOUND
Lady Andrena MacFarlan has been different since the day she was born. Possessing the power to sense others' most intimate desires, she knows her duty is to marry the man who will take the MacFarlan name as his own and help her father regain the chiefdom of their clan. But her unique gifts don't prepare her for the day when a mighty warrior suddenly enters her life. The attraction between them is undeniable -- and insatiable.
DESIRE UNLEASHED
Hunted by brutal enemies, the wounded Magnus Galbraith washes up on MacFarlan land where he is rescued by a laird's lovely daughter. Andrena is like no one Magnus has ever known. She has the uncanny ability to both calm and enflame him in ways he never dreamed possible. But she has other unknown-and dangerous-powers. Now, as Magnus seeks to avenge a brother and protect a king, the young beauty could prove his greatest ally-or his ultimate undoing . . .
Although I think it admirable that Ms. Scott did her historical research for this novel, I chose it for the romance, not the history, and was sadly disappointed. The lines between story telling and researcher should be blended smoothly not to detract from the storyline.
Lady Andrena MacFarlan has been different since the day she was born. Possessing the power to sense others' most intimate desires, she knows her duty is to marry the man who will take the MacFarlan name as his own and help her father regain the chiefdom of their clan. But her unique gifts don't prepare her for the day when a mighty warrior suddenly enters her life. The attraction between them is undeniable -- and insatiable.
DESIRE UNLEASHED
Hunted by brutal enemies, the wounded Magnus Galbraith washes up on MacFarlan land where he is rescued by a laird's lovely daughter. Andrena is like no one Magnus has ever known. She has the uncanny ability to both calm and enflame him in ways he never dreamed possible. But she has other unknown-and dangerous-powers. Now, as Magnus seeks to avenge a brother and protect a king, the young beauty could prove his greatest ally-or his ultimate undoing . . .
Although I think it admirable that Ms. Scott did her historical research for this novel, I chose it for the romance, not the history, and was sadly disappointed. The lines between story telling and researcher should be blended smoothly not to detract from the storyline.
September 27, 2013
--I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Laird’s Choice (Lairds of the Loch #1) by Amanda Scott--
I found this story to be an interesting read. This historical, along with the paranormal mystical side of Andrena's family made for an interesting combination. Trying to determine if the strange things happening were really mystical or just happenstance kept me entertained. But then again I have really enjoyed the other stories by Amanda Scott that I have read.
Andrena and Magnus are both strong characters, and it was fun to see them getting to know one another while trying to stay safe and to help their King and to help keep Andrena's family safe. Magnus and Andrena have a lot to over come if they are to have a happy future together. It was a fun ride seeing how they work together, come to care for one another and fall in love.
I really did enjoy this story, and look forward to the others from this series.
The Laird’s Choice (Lairds of the Loch #1) by Amanda Scott--
I found this story to be an interesting read. This historical, along with the paranormal mystical side of Andrena's family made for an interesting combination. Trying to determine if the strange things happening were really mystical or just happenstance kept me entertained. But then again I have really enjoyed the other stories by Amanda Scott that I have read.
Andrena and Magnus are both strong characters, and it was fun to see them getting to know one another while trying to stay safe and to help their King and to help keep Andrena's family safe. Magnus and Andrena have a lot to over come if they are to have a happy future together. It was a fun ride seeing how they work together, come to care for one another and fall in love.
I really did enjoy this story, and look forward to the others from this series.
February 19, 2013
THE LAIRD'S CHOICE by Amanda Scott is an interesting Medieval Scotland historical romance set in 1406-1425 Scotland. Book 1 in the new series "Laird's of the Loch". Slow to start specifically for an Scott story,but picks up as you go along. Filled with danger,passion,clan loyalty,Highlanders,treason,secrets,and love with a bit of mythical illusion. Written with great details,the exciting part to me was toward the end. While, I enjoy Ms. Scott's stories,this one was a bit disappointing at the beginning but the end was wonderful. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.
RATING: 3
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 3
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
December 29, 2014
I'm giving this book 3 stars based on the fact it's better written than a lot of garbage out there. I would rate it a 2 on my own scale because the book was just ok for me. It started off good and then it just went downhill. Too many things were happening and we didn't get closure on a few of them. For instance, Dree's abilities. We never knew what happened in the beginning and then when her father tells the story we're left hanging again. I wish that could have been expanded upon.
I also didn't like the lack of chemistry between Dree and Mangus. I know they just met but you gotta give me a spark or something.
I honestly don't know if I would read more of this series or others by Ms Scott. Just fell flat for me.
I also didn't like the lack of chemistry between Dree and Mangus. I know they just met but you gotta give me a spark or something.
I honestly don't know if I would read more of this series or others by Ms Scott. Just fell flat for me.
January 13, 2013
I'm very middle of the road with this book.
The beginning started out strong. Mysterious, opinionated, lush characters. A forest to match. Historically inspired events weave through the story, setting it up for plenty of potential.
I know that this is the first of a new trilogy, but somewhere after the setup, the book lost its way. There were plenty of reiterations, endless talk of feelings and after the first fifty pages, very little action. Even the sex scenes were riddled with the heroine's scrutinizing, unalluring thoughts.
The series has plenty of promise, but could use a little less introspection.
The beginning started out strong. Mysterious, opinionated, lush characters. A forest to match. Historically inspired events weave through the story, setting it up for plenty of potential.
I know that this is the first of a new trilogy, but somewhere after the setup, the book lost its way. There were plenty of reiterations, endless talk of feelings and after the first fifty pages, very little action. Even the sex scenes were riddled with the heroine's scrutinizing, unalluring thoughts.
The series has plenty of promise, but could use a little less introspection.
October 24, 2012
This was a advance reading copy that I won from goodreads.
It wasn't what I thought it would be.
Now, I am a fan of romance, but this didn't have that much romance in it.
To me the love story wan't there. I didn't feel any connection between Andrena and Magnus.
They just travailed from one place to another. They meet, got married, traveled, strategized and try to figure out what to do. It did not keep my interest.
It was more of a historical fiction, not historical romance.
It wasn't what I thought it would be.
Now, I am a fan of romance, but this didn't have that much romance in it.
To me the love story wan't there. I didn't feel any connection between Andrena and Magnus.
They just travailed from one place to another. They meet, got married, traveled, strategized and try to figure out what to do. It did not keep my interest.
It was more of a historical fiction, not historical romance.
January 10, 2013
While I love learning and reading about Scotland's history, it is normally the backdrop/setting to the main story. I realize that this particular book the set-up book to a new series; however, this is supposed to be a "historical romance." There was very little romance in this book.
I do enjoy Amanda Scott's book and will probably purchase the second book in this series. I was just a little disappointed with this one.
I do enjoy Amanda Scott's book and will probably purchase the second book in this series. I was just a little disappointed with this one.
flounced
February 5, 2013Not going to rate this book. I DNF'd after chapter 8, because I'm utterly bored. The writing uses many, many words that presumably are from that time period, but it jars me out of the text every time when I have to figure out what the author is saying. It's too much, and I'm not enjoying it.
This is not the book for me.
This is not the book for me.
January 3, 2013
I couldn't get into this book. I didn't care about the characters. It was boring. It had no conflict. I've liked books by this author before so I'm not sure what the problem was, the writing itself was okay (a little too much Scotch slang). My mom said she really liked it; she's the one who gave it to me to read. Oh well.
May 28, 2018
Really enjoyed the mystical aspect of the female characters that wasn't out right magic. I also enjoyed how the Hero was willing to work and learn about his wife, even explaining how or why he felt certain ways. It was just a nice changed to a feudal story.
January 21, 2013
Won this book with Good Reads Giveaway. Well written story good. I would have given a higher rating but I found the language put me off from the story with having to translate in my head while reading.
December 25, 2012
This book is a lovely piece of historical fiction. The vocabulary took a couple chapters to get used to, though there was plenty of political talk to get confused. I was expecting more romance but enjoyed the book without it.
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