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Mary's Ladies #1
A Love Divided
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B06XN6J925
Mary Queen of Scots is on the throne, and the frontier between England and Scotland is a powder-keg.
A feisty English heiress...
More interested in raiding into Scotland with the rest of her clan than womanly pursuits like embroidery or finding a husband, Alexandra Graham is a strong-minded English heiress who rides and fights as well as any man. But when a daring rescue goes wrong, she ends up in the dungeons of Scotland's most forbidding castle, prisoner of the notorious Earl of Bothwell and at the mercy of the queen's justice.
A brawny Scottish laird...
As deputy warden responsible for keeping the law on the queen's borderland, Michael Cranstoun is a Scottish laird with a reputation for fair-mindedness and the looks of a viking warrior. But when he meets the beguiling Alexandra, both his life and his honour are at risk - not to mention his affections.
A love divided...
With more than just the border separating them, Alex and Michael are on opposite sides of an ancient divide, and destined for different paths. But a shared love for horses draws them together and kindles a passion that respects no boundaries, endangering more than just their hearts...
Mary Queen of Scots is on the throne, and the frontier between England and Scotland is a powder-keg.
A feisty English heiress...
More interested in raiding into Scotland with the rest of her clan than womanly pursuits like embroidery or finding a husband, Alexandra Graham is a strong-minded English heiress who rides and fights as well as any man. But when a daring rescue goes wrong, she ends up in the dungeons of Scotland's most forbidding castle, prisoner of the notorious Earl of Bothwell and at the mercy of the queen's justice.
A brawny Scottish laird...
As deputy warden responsible for keeping the law on the queen's borderland, Michael Cranstoun is a Scottish laird with a reputation for fair-mindedness and the looks of a viking warrior. But when he meets the beguiling Alexandra, both his life and his honour are at risk - not to mention his affections.
A love divided...
With more than just the border separating them, Alex and Michael are on opposite sides of an ancient divide, and destined for different paths. But a shared love for horses draws them together and kindles a passion that respects no boundaries, endangering more than just their hearts...
175 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2017
1225 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Belle McInnes
17 books14 followersA native Scot who lives in the hinterland between Edinburgh and the Borders, Belle loves to write about Scotland and its history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 24, 2017
I read this as a clean historical romance and I'm thinking clean is pushing it. Yes there were no sex scene but the make-out sessions were a bit much. This book started out ok but then we had to go into this bad guys head for a good part of the middle and that was just odd. Lots of political and historical stuff was throw in, in a boring way and I just found myself skimming to get to the end. Not an author I will pick up again.
January 24, 2018
A fast paced historical adventure romance, A Love Divided has a feel of Romeo and Juliet to it. However, unlike Juliet, Alexandra or Alex to her family and friends, is no fainting maiden. A feisty young lady with quick wit and resourcefulness, Alex can ride and reive with the best of her father's men, and she has an affinity for horses that passes understanding. When Michael chances to meet up with her, he is mesmerised. The only problem is that she is an English heiress and he a Scottish laird. No matter that they are both high born, they are sworn enemies. The romance between Michael and Alex is enchanting and the historical background to the story well researched and interesting. I found the insights into Queen Mary's character enlightening as so little is said about her apart from the animosity between her and the English throne. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the fact that the couple were deeply attracted to one another without falling into bed. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 2, 2017
Alexandra, or Alex, is a young woman from England. Being an only child makes her the heiress of her father's estate. Her mother died shortly after she was born, so Alex was raised by their staff. This gave her more freedom than other women and Alex can hold her own better than most men. That includes riding. Duke is Alex's horse and she taught herself how to train this beautiful beast. She sees Duke as her partner and not as just an animal. When a clan of violent reivers steals Duke, Alex is determined to get him back. Unfortunately she gets caught after retrieving Duke and she's assumed to be a criminal, for which she's being thrown in jail. Will Alex find justice when she stands in front of the Scottish Queen?
Michael is a Scot, he's the lair of his estate and the deputy warden. He's in the woods when he spots a young person who is incredibly skilled with horses. He offers this person a job and then finds out that the young person is a woman. In the short time he gets to spend with Alex he falls in love with her. She personifies everything he has ever wanted. Michael needs to go to the Queen to deliver a message. He promises Alex that he'll come back for her when his job is done. However, it's forbidden for a Scot to marry someone from England. If you're accused of this crime you can be sentenced to death. Will the law keep these two soul mates apart?
Alex is fierce and independent. She wants the same rights as a man and will not settle for anything less. She isn't plain like most of the other women in her surroundings and this is exactly what keeps getting her in trouble. I loved how Alex is as a person. She's funny, smart and fearless. She takes what belongs to her and is not afraid of the consequences of her actions. She has high standards when it comes to finding a husband, he has to have certain personality traits. Alex is tough, but she also has a great sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times about her comebacks. I kept wishing for Alex to get her happily ever after. I wanted her to be able to marry her one true love instead of being married off to someone she'd have no feelings for for the convenience of her clan. Finding out what would happen to her kept me on the edge of my seat.
Michael is a man of honor. He has never been married and is not actively looking for a wife. He's a skilled knight who stands for his Queen and will do anything to protect her. Michael is such a sweet and caring man. He lets Alex be who she is and doesn't hold her back just because she wants to do things that are uncommon or deemed inappropriate for women during that time. Any woman would be more than lucky if she found a man like Michael and I loved that aspect of the story.
A Love Divided is a beautiful story. It takes place in the sixteenth century and I found that a fascinating time to read about. Belle McInnes uses some old fashioned language that suits this particular time and it gave the story a realistic feel. Even with the use of these words I flew through the pages. I like to read about strong women and Alex definitely fits this description. A Love Divided is a story with interesting main characters and a gorgeous setting. It's Belle McInnes's debut novel and I think it's a strong one. I can't wait to read the next The Reivers book, A Love Beyond.
If you love to read historical romance with handsome Scottish men and forbidden love, I'd highly recommend A Love Divided.
Michael is a Scot, he's the lair of his estate and the deputy warden. He's in the woods when he spots a young person who is incredibly skilled with horses. He offers this person a job and then finds out that the young person is a woman. In the short time he gets to spend with Alex he falls in love with her. She personifies everything he has ever wanted. Michael needs to go to the Queen to deliver a message. He promises Alex that he'll come back for her when his job is done. However, it's forbidden for a Scot to marry someone from England. If you're accused of this crime you can be sentenced to death. Will the law keep these two soul mates apart?
Alex is fierce and independent. She wants the same rights as a man and will not settle for anything less. She isn't plain like most of the other women in her surroundings and this is exactly what keeps getting her in trouble. I loved how Alex is as a person. She's funny, smart and fearless. She takes what belongs to her and is not afraid of the consequences of her actions. She has high standards when it comes to finding a husband, he has to have certain personality traits. Alex is tough, but she also has a great sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times about her comebacks. I kept wishing for Alex to get her happily ever after. I wanted her to be able to marry her one true love instead of being married off to someone she'd have no feelings for for the convenience of her clan. Finding out what would happen to her kept me on the edge of my seat.
Michael is a man of honor. He has never been married and is not actively looking for a wife. He's a skilled knight who stands for his Queen and will do anything to protect her. Michael is such a sweet and caring man. He lets Alex be who she is and doesn't hold her back just because she wants to do things that are uncommon or deemed inappropriate for women during that time. Any woman would be more than lucky if she found a man like Michael and I loved that aspect of the story.
A Love Divided is a beautiful story. It takes place in the sixteenth century and I found that a fascinating time to read about. Belle McInnes uses some old fashioned language that suits this particular time and it gave the story a realistic feel. Even with the use of these words I flew through the pages. I like to read about strong women and Alex definitely fits this description. A Love Divided is a story with interesting main characters and a gorgeous setting. It's Belle McInnes's debut novel and I think it's a strong one. I can't wait to read the next The Reivers book, A Love Beyond.
If you love to read historical romance with handsome Scottish men and forbidden love, I'd highly recommend A Love Divided.
July 17, 2017
I received a copy of A Love Divided (The Reivers, Book 1) from it's author Belle McInnes. The following is my honest review of the book:
Before reading A Love Divided I had not heard of Scottish author Belle McInnes. Typically I read and review cozy mysteries but I have been known to pick up a book outside of my comfort zone from time to time which is why I am reviewing a historical novel today.
Frankly, there are many great writers like McInnes waiting to be discovered if only we, the readers, will give them a chance. Sometimes stepping outside my comfort zone is a disaster and sometimes it is a memorable reading experience! A Love Divided falls into the latter category. Memorable!
I haven't read many historical romance novels before A Love Divided but McInnes' writing has certainly gotten my attention.
The story is well written and moves along at a quick pace. The romantic couple featured in the book - Alexandra Graham and Michael Cranstoun - are likeable and life like.
A Love Divided does not rely too heavily on explicit sex scenes or an abundance of melodramatic passages to entertain readers but instead presents a strong, solid storyline to which the author adds just the right amount of drama and sexual tension to enhance the story not take it over.
A Love Divided ticks all the boxes for my expectations of a romance novel. Highly recommend.
Before reading A Love Divided I had not heard of Scottish author Belle McInnes. Typically I read and review cozy mysteries but I have been known to pick up a book outside of my comfort zone from time to time which is why I am reviewing a historical novel today.
Frankly, there are many great writers like McInnes waiting to be discovered if only we, the readers, will give them a chance. Sometimes stepping outside my comfort zone is a disaster and sometimes it is a memorable reading experience! A Love Divided falls into the latter category. Memorable!
I haven't read many historical romance novels before A Love Divided but McInnes' writing has certainly gotten my attention.
The story is well written and moves along at a quick pace. The romantic couple featured in the book - Alexandra Graham and Michael Cranstoun - are likeable and life like.
A Love Divided does not rely too heavily on explicit sex scenes or an abundance of melodramatic passages to entertain readers but instead presents a strong, solid storyline to which the author adds just the right amount of drama and sexual tension to enhance the story not take it over.
A Love Divided ticks all the boxes for my expectations of a romance novel. Highly recommend.
April 18, 2017
I must admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for this type of Historical Romance.
I mean, who hasn't read this type of book and thought about how you would manage in that era.
In this story, Belle McInnes has outdone herself, not only adding in the actual historical figures but also adding others around the events and putting herself there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend that you grab your copy now.
Can't wait for more!
I mean, who hasn't read this type of book and thought about how you would manage in that era.
In this story, Belle McInnes has outdone herself, not only adding in the actual historical figures but also adding others around the events and putting herself there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend that you grab your copy now.
Can't wait for more!
May 15, 2017
This book was jam-packed with history and action. I was 75% through the book before I could stop. The story was well written with relatable characters. The secondary characters were also well-rounded.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited membership, but it is well worth the cost.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited membership, but it is well worth the cost.
June 18, 2017
Wonderful story
I love reading historic romances. They take you to a world that can only be dreamed about. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great historic romance.
I love reading historic romances. They take you to a world that can only be dreamed about. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great historic romance.
July 16, 2017
I love the cover. A Love Divided by Belle McInnes is a Historical Scottish/English romance with a history lesson thrown in. I really like that Belle included real characters along with fictional characters. It was really nice to have a glossary of terms used and a list of characters showing the distinction of real or fiction along with who they were. Then Belle went further and gave notes on the time period along with recommendations on further reading. She also included a bibliography of her research. The story is well written with a lot of historical information about the time period. The story line is great and there is so much action going on besides the main characters falling in love. The characters were developed and I really liked that the female main character was not the typical female for that time period. I can’t wait to read the next one. I would definitely recommend this book if you like books with strong minded, non-typical females. I did receive an ARC and voluntarily read and gave my honest and fair review.
July 17, 2025
I thought this was alright. Love happens instantly for both the FMC and MMC, and even though Scots and English along the borders were discouraged from marrying, a HEA is quickly granted. A clean historical romance.
Goodreads review published 15/07/25
Goodreads review published 15/07/25
December 14, 2017
Alex (Alexandra) is an only child, and so heir to her father’s estate, which lies just on the English side of the Border with Scotland. As heir, Alex has more freedom than the average woman of her time, and spends her days riding, and indulging in a spot of cattle rustling – a frequent ‘sport’ of the locals, though deadly if caught.
Duke is her pride and joy, the stallion she has trained in Haute Ecole, and when he is stolen, her only thought is to steal him back. Caught in the act, she could be executed as a criminal.
Michael is a Scottish Laird who shares Alex’s love of horses. He’s also a deputy warden tasked with upholding the law. And as if that weren’t enough, marriage between English and Scot is forbidden, punishable by death. How was the author going to get past these apparently insurmountable barriers?
Quite well, actually, but you’ll have to read it to see how.
Alex is a terrific, independent and fiery heroine, whose tendency to act first and regret later leads much of the action, getting her into dire situations with unexpected ways out.
Michael is a bit too good to be true, but we’d all like to find a man like that, so I’ll let it pass.
I was both surprised and impressed to discover that the events involving Mary, Queen of Scots, were historically accurate, and the way the author wove them into the story added real substance and credibility to the plot.
This is a romance novel, so the outcome was predictable, but I enjoyed the journey, the insight into events and locations in the Scotland of 1566, and the inclusion of real events and people. The writing flows smoothly, and the dialogue provides more than a touch of welcome humour. A Love Divided is nominally a clean historical romance, but the few intimate moments were quite steamy, so if you might find that offensive, then reader, beware!
Duke is her pride and joy, the stallion she has trained in Haute Ecole, and when he is stolen, her only thought is to steal him back. Caught in the act, she could be executed as a criminal.
Michael is a Scottish Laird who shares Alex’s love of horses. He’s also a deputy warden tasked with upholding the law. And as if that weren’t enough, marriage between English and Scot is forbidden, punishable by death. How was the author going to get past these apparently insurmountable barriers?
Quite well, actually, but you’ll have to read it to see how.
Alex is a terrific, independent and fiery heroine, whose tendency to act first and regret later leads much of the action, getting her into dire situations with unexpected ways out.
Michael is a bit too good to be true, but we’d all like to find a man like that, so I’ll let it pass.
I was both surprised and impressed to discover that the events involving Mary, Queen of Scots, were historically accurate, and the way the author wove them into the story added real substance and credibility to the plot.
This is a romance novel, so the outcome was predictable, but I enjoyed the journey, the insight into events and locations in the Scotland of 1566, and the inclusion of real events and people. The writing flows smoothly, and the dialogue provides more than a touch of welcome humour. A Love Divided is nominally a clean historical romance, but the few intimate moments were quite steamy, so if you might find that offensive, then reader, beware!
March 1, 2021
A good, well-researched historical novel is my idea of how to learn and remember history. This novel missed the mark. It is neither a deep romance nor a dry history, but is superficial on the romance and nit-picky on the history. Mary's thoughts and political considerations, while important to her and the time, are nearly irrelevant to the story. If you don't already know the history of the England/Scotland borders, this does little to describe the actual situations. "I'm the queen and I can change the law" is fine one one side of the border, but doesn't address the underlying concerns, circumstances, or ramifications. And "I fell in love on first sight" gets old without something to back it up -- desires or priorities or circumstances.
This was an okay read, but did not make me want to read further.
This was an okay read, but did not make me want to read further.
May 14, 2017
Great historical fiction. Alexandra is not your typical woman. She's out rescuing, but ends up in a dungeon. Fast paced story to keep your interest
September 6, 2021
I’ve never had the chance to read anything related to Scottish history so I wasn’t sure what to expect nor have I ever read anything by this author but I found the plot to be quite interesting.
The story takes place in the 1500s during the reign of Mary Stuart.
The reivers (thieving riders) had been causing trouble in both England and Scotland and tension has risen between the two frontiers.
Alexandra Graham is an heiress of England.
She’s always had a passion for riding and her horse, Duke, can dance like no other. As an independent woman and the only child of Iron Simon, she’s included in the raids and ventures of her clan, being able to fight fluidly and keep her position.
Michael Cranstoun is a Scottish laird and the deputy warden of the Queen.
His calm and wise demeanor has earned him respect and honor. His love for horses places him in a difficult position.
The two meet under sudden circumstances.
Slowly they grow dangerously closer and a forbidden relationship is formed between them. Michael will lose his honor if he dares to love Alexandra and she will likewise lose her inheritance. Despite trying to avoid and forget each other, destiny has decided their fate.
The writing was very eloquent and it was easy to get deep into the story.
Therefore, I was a little disappointed at the mere 200 pages of the novel. The beginning was exciting but the ending was not as well done.
The Happily Ever After theme was definitely stressed and of course, everything worked out in the end, which was easy to predict.
The historical features of the story were well written and researched and I did learn quite a lot from it.
Alexandra and Michael are fictional characters but you will see that many of the others, including the queen, played a true role in history. Their stories were very near to actual fact with an author’s twist on their personalities.
The romance was also clean although I felt that it was a bit inadequate as the protagonists came together quite easily as if there wasn’t much true feeling between them. As a “strong heroine”, I felt that Alexandra should’ve had a bit more reluctance and hesitancy but that is, of course, my own opinion.
Overall, all of the characters were interesting, if not a bit cliche, and I was able to understand them and be a part of the story, which is a certainly coveted experience when one is reading a novel.
Alexandra was a strong character and Michael was a good match with his charming personality.
The story was enjoyable and if you like historical romance that has plenty of fact as well as adventure and if you don’t mind short stories then this book may be for you!
You can check out more of my reviews on my blog at honestlyspeakingonbooks.blogspot.com/
The story takes place in the 1500s during the reign of Mary Stuart.
The reivers (thieving riders) had been causing trouble in both England and Scotland and tension has risen between the two frontiers.
Alexandra Graham is an heiress of England.
She’s always had a passion for riding and her horse, Duke, can dance like no other. As an independent woman and the only child of Iron Simon, she’s included in the raids and ventures of her clan, being able to fight fluidly and keep her position.
Michael Cranstoun is a Scottish laird and the deputy warden of the Queen.
His calm and wise demeanor has earned him respect and honor. His love for horses places him in a difficult position.
The two meet under sudden circumstances.
Slowly they grow dangerously closer and a forbidden relationship is formed between them. Michael will lose his honor if he dares to love Alexandra and she will likewise lose her inheritance. Despite trying to avoid and forget each other, destiny has decided their fate.
The writing was very eloquent and it was easy to get deep into the story.
Therefore, I was a little disappointed at the mere 200 pages of the novel. The beginning was exciting but the ending was not as well done.
The Happily Ever After theme was definitely stressed and of course, everything worked out in the end, which was easy to predict.
The historical features of the story were well written and researched and I did learn quite a lot from it.
Alexandra and Michael are fictional characters but you will see that many of the others, including the queen, played a true role in history. Their stories were very near to actual fact with an author’s twist on their personalities.
The romance was also clean although I felt that it was a bit inadequate as the protagonists came together quite easily as if there wasn’t much true feeling between them. As a “strong heroine”, I felt that Alexandra should’ve had a bit more reluctance and hesitancy but that is, of course, my own opinion.
Overall, all of the characters were interesting, if not a bit cliche, and I was able to understand them and be a part of the story, which is a certainly coveted experience when one is reading a novel.
Alexandra was a strong character and Michael was a good match with his charming personality.
The story was enjoyable and if you like historical romance that has plenty of fact as well as adventure and if you don’t mind short stories then this book may be for you!
You can check out more of my reviews on my blog at honestlyspeakingonbooks.blogspot.com/
April 20, 2022
#25 of 2022
July 20, 2023
This book was really cute!
I was feeling a bit romantic and this really hit the spot. Do I have a new fave sub-genre?
I was feeling a bit romantic and this really hit the spot. Do I have a new fave sub-genre?
April 2, 2017
I received a copy of A Love Divided by Belle McInnes in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Writing a love story isn't as easy as some people think it is. Writing a historically accurate love story is even harder, but Bella McInnes pulls it off! Our two main characters, Alex and Michael, are not real, but many of the other characters are including Mary Queen of Scots (you might have heard of her) and her Maries. The locations are real too. I know this because the author not only wrote an excellent story, but she included a Bibliography and other books the reader might be interested in, both non-fiction and fiction.
But to our love story. The Scos and English have never gotten along, especially in 1566. The area between the 2 countries was not the best for farming and families from both sides liked raiding the other side for cattle, horses, or whatever. Many were just out to get what would last them through the winter, but others were more brutal and took whomever and whatever they fancied. Alex's family falls into the first group. Although they are better of than some, they still need everything they can get to feed everyone in the extended family and home over the winter. That's why they have a hidden safe house so close to the Scottish border: the main home is too far away for quick raids. And that's why an English Miss dressed as a boy is riding her horse in a Scottish Glen. It's the closest open area to the safe house. There Alex and Michael meet over Duke, a black stallion that has been taught to dance instead of just walking. There Alex falls for the handsome Scot and Michael for the beautiful English lass. What stands in their way? Scots cannot marry English, Alex cannot marry without her father's permission, and then there's that little detail of Alex being in a dungeon. Believable characters and fast pasted action made this story a thrill to read.
For some history and tender love, you can't go wrong with A Love Divided!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Writing a love story isn't as easy as some people think it is. Writing a historically accurate love story is even harder, but Bella McInnes pulls it off! Our two main characters, Alex and Michael, are not real, but many of the other characters are including Mary Queen of Scots (you might have heard of her) and her Maries. The locations are real too. I know this because the author not only wrote an excellent story, but she included a Bibliography and other books the reader might be interested in, both non-fiction and fiction.
But to our love story. The Scos and English have never gotten along, especially in 1566. The area between the 2 countries was not the best for farming and families from both sides liked raiding the other side for cattle, horses, or whatever. Many were just out to get what would last them through the winter, but others were more brutal and took whomever and whatever they fancied. Alex's family falls into the first group. Although they are better of than some, they still need everything they can get to feed everyone in the extended family and home over the winter. That's why they have a hidden safe house so close to the Scottish border: the main home is too far away for quick raids. And that's why an English Miss dressed as a boy is riding her horse in a Scottish Glen. It's the closest open area to the safe house. There Alex and Michael meet over Duke, a black stallion that has been taught to dance instead of just walking. There Alex falls for the handsome Scot and Michael for the beautiful English lass. What stands in their way? Scots cannot marry English, Alex cannot marry without her father's permission, and then there's that little detail of Alex being in a dungeon. Believable characters and fast pasted action made this story a thrill to read.
For some history and tender love, you can't go wrong with A Love Divided!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2017
Well written and interesting historical romance. It was enjoyable but I admit chastity til the end isn't what I want from a romance novel...I'm debating further books by the same author. The history is interesting and the action is good...
July 18, 2024
DNF 40% . Totally boring. I had some issues wit this book:
First, half of it was historical figures' POVs, and completely irrelevant to the actual plot. Seems like the author wanted us to know she did know about the time period.
Second, Wild first-person sentences appeared constantly, and are very annoying. I assumed they were the toughts of the character whose POV we were following at the time, but there's nothing to say so. And some present tense sentences were thrown in there for good measure (the book is written in the third person past).
Last, there are a lot of inconsecuential scenes that could have been summarized in three or four sentences, but we get entire chapters about. Like the POVs of Queen Mary and the Baron guy (don't remember his name, don't care, even though he's a historical figure, I think), or the meeting with the marshalls that brings nothing to the plot except he has to deliver a message to the Queen (which could have been told in two or maybe three sentences, I didn't need to know Lord such and such fell asleep or that this other English guy was an ass).
First, half of it was historical figures' POVs, and completely irrelevant to the actual plot. Seems like the author wanted us to know she did know about the time period.
Second, Wild first-person sentences appeared constantly, and are very annoying. I assumed they were the toughts of the character whose POV we were following at the time, but there's nothing to say so. And some present tense sentences were thrown in there for good measure (the book is written in the third person past).
Last, there are a lot of inconsecuential scenes that could have been summarized in three or four sentences, but we get entire chapters about. Like the POVs of Queen Mary and the Baron guy (don't remember his name, don't care, even though he's a historical figure, I think), or the meeting with the marshalls that brings nothing to the plot except he has to deliver a message to the Queen (which could have been told in two or maybe three sentences, I didn't need to know Lord such and such fell asleep or that this other English guy was an ass).
December 9, 2023
A love divided, healed?
In this story you get to follow several peoples perspective, although two people, Michael and Alexandra, are the main characters. One from one side of the country, one from the other kind of like a Juliet and Romeo story but with a happy ending
I give this book 2 our of 5 stars because the book lost me in the beginning with writing from other peoples perspective where it was not neccessary, and a few times the story was exciting but the feeling got lost due to the author explaining the room instead.
However, it is quite a nice, clean story of love and the writing with the accents are a nice touch.
I can recommend this for anyone who likes a clean, Romeo and Juliet love story with a happy ending and like to get a story from different peoples perspectives.
In this story you get to follow several peoples perspective, although two people, Michael and Alexandra, are the main characters. One from one side of the country, one from the other kind of like a Juliet and Romeo story but with a happy ending
I give this book 2 our of 5 stars because the book lost me in the beginning with writing from other peoples perspective where it was not neccessary, and a few times the story was exciting but the feeling got lost due to the author explaining the room instead.
However, it is quite a nice, clean story of love and the writing with the accents are a nice touch.
I can recommend this for anyone who likes a clean, Romeo and Juliet love story with a happy ending and like to get a story from different peoples perspectives.
September 15, 2020
Clean historical romance
Alex and Michael are both characters placed within history. I really enjoy historical novels that bring history to life via this venue. History is interesting when you think of the people as real, feeling people...the characters just “lived” with them.
I also enjoy doing follow up research that spurs me to continue to learn.
The characters Alex and Micheal are both strong and determined which made them believable for the time line. The story is well written and a page turner.
I look forward to reading more!
Alex and Michael are both characters placed within history. I really enjoy historical novels that bring history to life via this venue. History is interesting when you think of the people as real, feeling people...the characters just “lived” with them.
I also enjoy doing follow up research that spurs me to continue to learn.
The characters Alex and Micheal are both strong and determined which made them believable for the time line. The story is well written and a page turner.
I look forward to reading more!
September 19, 2022
Alexandra Graham is an English heiress and Michael Cranstoun is a Scottish Laird. Alex ends up in a Scottish dungeon after she tries to steal back her horses. Michael is the deputy warden overseeing law and order for the Queen. Even though borders separate them they share a love for horses and their forbidden love begins. I really enjoyed this historical romance fiction novel.
July 29, 2023
I could not finish this. I made it 200 pages (56%) and the main characters had barely spent any time with each other. While the history was clearly well-researched and interesting, the story and romance was boring. I usually would at least flip to the end to see what happened, but I genuinely did not care at all what happened to these two main characters.
January 22, 2026
Took me on a fun journey
Really appreciated the randomness of the story. Wasn't able to anticipate what would happen next. I use the text to speech so got confused at all the characters the story contained but got it figured out. Really like the characters Alex and Michael. Will track down more of her stories.
Really appreciated the randomness of the story. Wasn't able to anticipate what would happen next. I use the text to speech so got confused at all the characters the story contained but got it figured out. Really like the characters Alex and Michael. Will track down more of her stories.
February 28, 2021
An Enjoyable Romp
The couple fell in love rather quickly but then lives were shorter in those days so time may have been of the essence😀 A short and somewhat sweet love story set in the wonderful borders of Scotland.
The couple fell in love rather quickly but then lives were shorter in those days so time may have been of the essence😀 A short and somewhat sweet love story set in the wonderful borders of Scotland.
January 14, 2022
Very Good
I really enjoyed this book. The story was so interesting and you were quickly drawn in. I wish it was longer and you got more story. There was so much I felt was left undone. But still I enjoyed the book and want to read the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was so interesting and you were quickly drawn in. I wish it was longer and you got more story. There was so much I felt was left undone. But still I enjoyed the book and want to read the next one.
May 3, 2022
An enjoyable historical romance
Meet Alexandra, an English woman living on the border between England and Scotland. She’s strong, clever and impetuous. See how she handles falling for a Scotsman. Clean language and no sex.
Meet Alexandra, an English woman living on the border between England and Scotland. She’s strong, clever and impetuous. See how she handles falling for a Scotsman. Clean language and no sex.
July 19, 2022
sweet clean
A sweet read that involved all the intrigue and problems that involved the Scottish queen Mary. The author does this by creating this story that tells us about Michael, one of the queen’s border wardens, who meets an English heir.
A sweet read that involved all the intrigue and problems that involved the Scottish queen Mary. The author does this by creating this story that tells us about Michael, one of the queen’s border wardens, who meets an English heir.
March 21, 2024
Very fine if confusing read. Got very confused by the sudden changes in POV mid chapter. Would have been nice to get some indication of who’s POV I was reading instead of having to figure it out half way through a paragraph
July 23, 2024
Very interesting historical book with twists and turns. Loved both main characters and the adventures they got caught up in. However, I didn’t feel their passion for one another as I thought I would. Also, there was no deep intimate scenes, which is a MUST HAVE for me in Romance Novels
August 29, 2025
Interesting and full of action.
The story itself was very good, however it almost lost me with all the mundane details of the towns, etc that were to numerous to keep up with. However I am glad I kept going because the storyline soon developed and became interesting.
The story itself was very good, however it almost lost me with all the mundane details of the towns, etc that were to numerous to keep up with. However I am glad I kept going because the storyline soon developed and became interesting.
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