A dangerous mission…Although Colin MacKay is thought a charmer, he hides an old wound behind his quick smile and dancing blue eyes. To ease the pain of a past betrayal, he has devoted his life to the cause for Scottish freedom. When King Robert the Bruce fears his strategic communications have been compromised, he sends Colin on a crucial ferret out the spy and deliver an urgent missive to the King’s brother. When Colin discovers that the deceptively enchanting Sabine has been intercepting the King’s correspondence, he holds her captive until he can deliver his missive and hand her over to the King’s judgement. But detaining the sable-haired beauty proves far more dangerous when lust flares hot between them.A deadly game of seduction…Sabine has known only the life of a thief. Scooped from the streets as an orphan child, she thinks of the man who saved her as a father, though his dark moods and cruel manipulations keep her frightened of being abandoned again. Under his tutelage, she learns that with a suggestive smile or a heart-wrenching tale, she can lower men’s guards just long enough to steal their secrets. But when she is sent to seduce a handsome, golden-maned Highlander bearing a message from the Bruce, soon she cannot tell who is playing whom, or if it is a game at all. Colin’s searing touch crumbles the walls around her heart, forcing Sabine to realize that her loyalty to her boss may come with a price—her life. When unseen forces threaten to tear their world apart, Sabine and Colin must choose between duty, loyalty, and love to save themselves—and each other.This full-length Scottish historical romance is part of the Highland Bodyguards Series, but also can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Pick up your copy today!
USA Today bestselling author Emma Prince whisks readers away to another time and place with her steamy historical romances—where the passion is legendary, the adventure never ends, and the happily ever afters are guaranteed!
After several years as a college English instructor (where she savored her “fun books”—usually historical romances—on the side), Emma turned her love of page-turning, richly historical stories into a career. She lives in drizzly Seattle with her husband, their daughter (the wee lass) and a crazy cat named Oban (after the town in Scotland or the whisky made there, depending on who you ask).
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Best in a Great Series I loved this book even more than the first. Oh, the angst and the journey our H&h find themselves on! This story will stick with me for a long time. The plot is intriguing and unique, and I was engrossed throughout. Sabine was an awesome heroine. She was complex and interesting. I think her story could’ve been even darker and more tragic. I liked Colin. Nothing major stood out about him, but I’m okay with a slightly one-dimensional hero. I have read every book published by Emma Prince, she is one of my favorite authors. She is consistent in her writing ability, usually earning 4-5 stars from me (only one of her books earned less than 4 stars). This is my favorite of the Highland Bodyguard series. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
This book started out with the usual conflict with the hero and heroine which, quite frankly, is beginning to get on my nerves. However, I enjoy Emma Prince's writing, so I kept at it. I'm glad I did. It actually turned out to be a good book in the Highland Bodyguard series. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Sabine was a fun character. Instead of being the perfect little medieval maiden, she was a skilled thief of information and in order to do that she had to be a skilled actress and liar. She has a dangerous job in a dangerous time of war between Scotland and England.
Colin was the typical Scottish warrior who was honorable and loyal to Robert the Bruce. His attraction to an English spy weighed heavily on him.
The first book lacked humor but this book had a little in the beginning with the character of Osborn. I am a sucker for humor.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. It took me a good third of the way to really get into the story, enjoy the characters and the challenges they faced. Ultimately it was a ok read set back in time of Kings, warriors, battles over freedom and beliefs. Men were hero's that fought to protect their King, land and ladies they love. Ahh such a good time period for readers who adore historical romance. Historical facts interwoven to make these stories feel like a Scottish history lesson/read. So if you like history, Scottish lore, sexy times with a highland warrior, romance and adventure, then take a step back in time with these reads!
I can only say that I'm in love with this story, the characters are incredible, the historical aspect is just astounding and I love the fact that Emma brought up Edward Bruce in this storyline! I really look hope to see if he is featured in the rest of the series.. Thank you for such an amazing book.. I can't say enough about this story..
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Highland Bodyguard series and ends in an HEA. Sabine is an English orphan, taken in by a bad man and trained to be a pickpocket. Rough treatment is all she has ever known. Colin is part of the inner circle for Robert Bruce. He discovers that Sabine is part of a network stealing missives from or to Robert Bruce. At first Sabine and Colin are enemies. Sabine expects torturous behavior from Colin and is shocked to be treated so well. Colin fights his attraction for the young spy, but they both eventually give in. Sabine realizes her skills actually lead to men dying and she repents from her deeds.
>After Sabine falls for Colin and realizes she was in the wrong in her actions, she once again betrays Colin. I didn’t quite understand that, but she eventually saves the day in these early days of the battle for Scotland. This book really gives a reader the feel of early Scotland. There is a lot of travel out in the rain and sleeping on the ground. The romance doesn’t come easy, but is so rewarding when it does come. The book has a lot of intrigue, enough to keep the pages turning.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars.
I'm excited to read Colin's story. It's interesting to see that his charm that is noted in previous books is manufactured and deliberate. The backstory about Joan was a little "Meh".
I was chanting "Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it" as Sabine lifted the kings missive from Colin's tunic and I couldn't help but groan out loud when she accidentally set it on fire. It was a murphy's law situation. Her coldness for Colin, even though I knew why she did it, hurt my heart the following morning.
I am so surprised Miles didn't pass when he was thrown from his horse... it really was a surprise when he lived, and I enjoyed the bit of a shock. Fabian's death was fitting and gloriously graphic.
I, personally, find it hard to believe that a king would forgive Sabine, but for the sake of the story, I'm glad he did. I hope she trains the Bodyguard Corps in what she knows.
I'm interested to see what Harkley does with his new knowledge about the Earl of Lancaster.
This book mentions The Bruce's hatred for using children and women in warfare, but it doesn't mention that his own wife and children were taken captive, which was mentioned in one of the other books. I hope he sends a Bodyguard to free them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Colin MacKay is honorable, loyal, and one of the inner circle of the Bruce's most trusted men. Easy going, handsome, tall, broad and with dancing blue eyes and a glorious smile, he is charged with a crucial mission to find out who is leaking secret communications, while delivering an extremely urgent and important mission to the king's brother, Edward. During his mission, he crosses paths with a thief. Beautiful, spirited, a young woman who steels information for her boss whom she regards as a father figure, always craving his love. But everything falls apart for Sabine, after running into Colin, and he shows her that everything is not just black or white, and as her naïve beliefs start to unravel, both of them begin to face deadly dangers that will not only test their loyalties, but test their hearts as well and eventually their love as well. This non stop adventure will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can, as Emma Prince weaves her magic through these chapters with her descriptive, and emotional writing. Emma never fails to bring her characters to life, making them totally believable with her captivatingly imaginative writing. I absolutely loved it!
Very close to the truth historical Scottish romance. Very strong characters. The good the bad and the ugly. I will let others tell you the story. I am not as good an author as she. I focus on the emotions the story evokes. Get out your Kleenex. Be ready to feel like yelling at the villains. Be ready to shout yes when the villains are hurt. Be ready to drool with the sexual sensual scenes. Scenes that will make you jealous. I can’t wait for the next book.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as book one. I did not like Sabine at all, one of my pet peeves for a couple to be believable is the issue with trust, once it’s broken it ruins the story. Also the first two books have run on a certain formula, English girl, meets Scottish highlander working for the Bruce, falls in love within the two weeks of the mission, then they have a disagreement, solve the plot, back to the Bruce at the end to tell him how the mission went.... Hope you get my drift. I don’t think I could read the rest of the series if they are all like this.
With lots of action, adventure and passion, this second Highland Bodyguards novel was enjoyable and entertaining. The characters had a good amount of depth and their chemistry was palpable. The intriguing plot kept me turning the pages, eager to find out how things would play out. I am eager to read the next in the Series!
This was a brilliant book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Colin and Sabine’s story is very clever. Their characters are very intricate and you don’t know who’s tricking who. There is a good element of surprise and tension is rife in the pages of this story. There are many surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. An excellent read!
Characters come alive and are introduced quickly but the story line follows the first book to the end. Having read several of this author's book, I believe she could have been more creative.
Filled with Passion, Danger and Medieval Espionage
I have joyfully found another truly talented author who brought me right back to the forests and country inns of Scotland filled with braw warriors and villagers going about their business fighting for their freedom from England!
This book is very well written. The plot and dialogue moves along quickly and keeps you engaged with Colin and Sabine. I love Emma's style and will be reading the next book in this series!
Ms Prince did it again. Viking men are awesome and the ladies are strong women. The story of Colin and Devine will keep you up until you finish their story. Wonderful reading. Loved this novel
Sabine an orphan was raised to steal to survive. Colin was used by a woman and betrayed by his best friend. Can they both move forward. This is a great story.
I love a well-written, steamy, love story. With that said, this book held me from start to finish, and didn't even need the steam! The story is wonderful and I can hardly wait to start the third book in the series. And Tim Campbell, my favorite male narrator, knocked it out of the ballpark...again!
I am truly hooked on stories similar to this one, but they do have to be well written with characters that are well rounded and realistic, and these are both. I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Emma Prince, as I did her last one, and I think she is a terrific writer and getting better with each book.
Colin MacKay is a very well respected member of Robert the Bruce's inner circle. So when he suspects espionage, Colin volunteers to investigate. Sabine is a thief. She has been brought up to steal all sorts of things, but information is her speciality . She can read and memorise the messages she intercepts . In a time of war intelligence is a powerful weapon. In the wrong hands it can cost many lives. Our hero is a very honourable man who is committed to his cause, but has not trust in beautiful women. Our heroine has placed her trust in a man who can see nothing without working out how much it's worth. He will sell anything to anyone, and is a master of manipulation. A tense highland adventure, with lots of danger and emotional moments. This is part of a series but easily read as a stand alone. A really good read.
Robert the Bruce fears his communications have been compromised, so he sends trusted member of his inner circle and elite guard Colin MacKay on a crucial mission: deliver a missive to Edward Bruce, commander of the forces in Ireland, and ferret out any attempts to intercept the message along the way. Just a few days into the mission, Colin apprehends the culprit, Sabine, but as she reveals her story, all may not be as it seems. Colin must bring her with him as he delivers the time-sensitive message without delay, and as they travel, he must decipher whether Sabine is actually a spy actively working against the Bruce, or if she is just a pawn swept up in another man's schemes, trying only to survive. Colin's attraction to her, and the lass's habit, ability, and penchant for ready lies won't make it easy, and her former employer's determination to destroy them both now that Sabine has been compromised will put Colin's bodyguard skills to the ultimate test.
This story is full of intrigue, adventure, betrayal and romance. Once I started, I was hooked and read through the night to finish, but it was worth missing a little sleep. While I have read the predecessor in the series, it wouldn't have been necessary to enjoy this book. There is plenty of action to keep the plot lively, and the main characters are richly drawn and well-developed. Sabine's painful past is handled with such delicate balance that the reader is compelled to feel her pain, mourn for the childhood she was cheated out of experiencing, and have compassion for the wounded soul she has become, yet she is not made a weak or pathetic woman to be pitied. I can't wait to see how Prince handles the taciturn and brooding and Finn Sutherland!
Heart's Thief by Emma Prince is Book 2 of her "Highland Bodyguards", but can be read as a stand alone. This story begins with a game of deception, a dangerous mission and ends in a game of seduction. Fast paced with twists and turns, political intrigue, danger, drama, betrayal, spies and romance. Colin MacKay , is a sexy Highlander, a charmer and a member of Robert Bruce's elite Bodyguards. Sabine, is enchanting, seductive, and a very deceptive spy. She has been decieved nearly her entire life and trained by a man, she thought of as a father figure. Neither trust easily, both are proud and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, including seduction. But can seduction turn to love and a HEA? The characters will capture your heart and hold you in utter awe. The storyline is magnificent, thrilling, and captivating. Ms. Prince has once again given her fans a brillant and masterfully written Medevial romance. I highly recommend! Fans of treachery, danger, passion, suspense, mystery, and intrigue will not be disappointed. An absolute must read! What a delightfully wicked Highland to Ireland Medieval Romance! I can't wait for the next installment. Pick up your copy today!
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Fantastic Highland romance. It was a great continuation of the Highland Bodyguards series, but could be read as a stand-alone. The story moved swiftly with lots of adventure and action, plus the characters had great tension throughout. In Ms. Prince's other books, Colin is carefree, a bit flirtatious, and charming. Here we see that the charm is a front for Colin's darker past. He uses it to manipulate people for the cause, and to keep others at arm's length--until he meets Sabine. Sabine has been molded into a thief/spy by a cruel man. She is used to playing people, just like Colin, so the two clash, and there's lots of guessing who is fooling whom. It was heartwrenching and beautiful to see these two characters fall in love and overcome their pasts. I loved the bad guy's fitting end, and the HEA that Colin and Sabine finally earned. Can't wait for the next book!
Colin MacKay and Sabine's story was very good. It was a little slow at first, but I am glad I stuck with it because it got better and better.
Colin MacKay is a trusted Robert de Bruce's warrior and advisor. He has a certain way about him that is a protection factor because he was hurt by a woman in his past years before. He is now on a mission to help his King. On this mission he comes across a woman who will stir up his old wounds
Sabine is a lovely woman who has a profession not common to woman. During her assignment she comes across a Highlander with who stirs her emotions. She needs to complete her job.
These two have a seesaw relationship. I look forward to the third book in this series. Hopefully, it will be out soon.