What do you think?
Rate this book
Campbell Trilogy #2
Highland Outlaw
Handsome and dangerous, Patrick MacGregor is a wanted man, possessing the tough, tenacious spirit of his outlawed clan. He will stop at nothing to save his people from destruction, even if it means marrying Elizabeth Campbell, the daughter of his worst enemy. Yet the flaxen-haired beauty disarms him from the start. Her sweet, unspoiled softness touches the cold depths of his ravaged soul–and makes him want much more than revenge.
Inside the shy and dutiful Lizzie is a passionate woman longing to emerge, a woman ready for love. So when the piercing emerald eyes and searing kiss of a stranger spark in her a desperate hunger, she surrenders to Patrick’s glorious seduction–unaware that his daring deception has just found its one and only chance for a love more powerful than hate.
Inside the shy and dutiful Lizzie is a passionate woman longing to emerge, a woman ready for love. So when the piercing emerald eyes and searing kiss of a stranger spark in her a desperate hunger, she surrenders to Patrick’s glorious seduction–unaware that his daring deception has just found its one and only chance for a love more powerful than hate.
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
145 people are currently reading
2371 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCarty
61 books2,971 followersWhat do you get when you mix a legal career, a baseball career, motherhood, and a love of history with a voracious reader? In my case, a Historical Romance Author.
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.
In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.
For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.
After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.
With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).
Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.
So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.
And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.
In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.
For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.
After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.
With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).
Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.
So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.
And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
January 3, 2018
Arka arkaya okumak iyi oldu. Her olayı tam olarak hatırlayıp ilerlemek hem daha kolaydı hem de daha akıcı yaptı bana göre. MacGregor'lara da aşık olmamızı sağladın sayın McCarty.
Bu arada her iki kitabın da arkasındaki gerçek olayları anlatışı ayrı güzel. İnsanın Highlander toprağına gidip oradaki tüm klanların hikayesini öğrenesi geliyor.
Bu arada her iki kitabın da arkasındaki gerçek olayları anlatışı ayrı güzel. İnsanın Highlander toprağına gidip oradaki tüm klanların hikayesini öğrenesi geliyor.
October 24, 2014
No, it wasn't perfect (few things are), but I did enjoy it 5 stars worth. Definitely preferred this to the predecessor although I did enjoy that one as well. IMHO, the heroine in the first novel was nothing compared to this heroine.
The odd thing is that this had a few elements that I'm not particularly fond of in a romance and McCarty completely made it work for me.
*** SOME SPOILERS BELOW ***
I like the virgin heroine trope. It's not a moral judgement at all. I think it's mostly because I enjoy the wakening of sexuality part and because there's a certain implied vulnerability factor. For someone who loves vengeful heroes and/or heroes with ulterior motives the virginity factor fits in perfectly. However, McCarty was able to make the heroine even MORE vulnerable due to her experience without using a previous rape/sexual trauma, as is often done in these cases.
The heroine (who I loved) was seduced and lost her virginity to a man who wanted her for her dowry and she finds this out in a heartbreaking scene.
The heroine was someone who struggled with a stutter and was shy because of it. By all accounts she was pretty, but not the kind of flashy traffic-stopping beauty that some heroine's are. Combine that with a stutter, shyness and a very powerful and over-protective family and you get someone with a limited amount of suitors and little self-esteem where men/relationships are concerned. After what happened with her POS of a former fiance, she is terrified of relationships and also afraid no one will want her once they find out she has been "ruined" - sadly a real possibility in those days/times.
The hero (who was just yummy) instantly found her beautiful, however. There was so much chemistry between the two. Even though he had ulterior motives in seeking her hand it was clear from the prologue that he was drawn to her in a way that he'd never been drawn to a woman before.
I knew the big reveal where the heroine realizes she has been deceived had the potential for a great scene if you like those sorts of story lines and I was not disappointed. I could feel her pain and the hero's remorse.
Also, again, as in the previous book I give kudos to McCarty for addressing the gritty, sometimes downright brutal reality of those times. The actions of the heroine's cousin and older brother (mentioned in the first book) are hard to swallow and I'm not sure the cousin will ever get a comeuppance. There do seem to be shades of gray with him though. I still have hope for the brother, Colin's reckoning. He has no redeeming qualities that I can see. But, I think he does love the heroine in his own way and she loves him. So, still dealing with shades of gray and a time where men did horrible things and not only got away with it, but they were often considered heroes because of it.
Looking forward to book 3.
ETA: Audio Review - Roger Hampton is one of the few male narrators in romance that I can tolerate. Most men make the heroine sound like a linebacker in drag (YMMV). I think he does an exceptionally good job of doing the female voices. It has to be be hard to voice another sex. Not sure of the accuracy of the accents, but sounds good to me. The heroes sound bone-meltingly sexy.
The odd thing is that this had a few elements that I'm not particularly fond of in a romance and McCarty completely made it work for me.
*** SOME SPOILERS BELOW ***
I like the virgin heroine trope. It's not a moral judgement at all. I think it's mostly because I enjoy the wakening of sexuality part and because there's a certain implied vulnerability factor. For someone who loves vengeful heroes and/or heroes with ulterior motives the virginity factor fits in perfectly. However, McCarty was able to make the heroine even MORE vulnerable due to her experience without using a previous rape/sexual trauma, as is often done in these cases.
The heroine (who I loved) was seduced and lost her virginity to a man who wanted her for her dowry and she finds this out in a heartbreaking scene.
The heroine was someone who struggled with a stutter and was shy because of it. By all accounts she was pretty, but not the kind of flashy traffic-stopping beauty that some heroine's are. Combine that with a stutter, shyness and a very powerful and over-protective family and you get someone with a limited amount of suitors and little self-esteem where men/relationships are concerned. After what happened with her POS of a former fiance, she is terrified of relationships and also afraid no one will want her once they find out she has been "ruined" - sadly a real possibility in those days/times.
The hero (who was just yummy) instantly found her beautiful, however. There was so much chemistry between the two. Even though he had ulterior motives in seeking her hand it was clear from the prologue that he was drawn to her in a way that he'd never been drawn to a woman before.
I knew the big reveal where the heroine realizes she has been deceived had the potential for a great scene if you like those sorts of story lines and I was not disappointed. I could feel her pain and the hero's remorse.
Also, again, as in the previous book I give kudos to McCarty for addressing the gritty, sometimes downright brutal reality of those times. The actions of the heroine's cousin and older brother (mentioned in the first book) are hard to swallow and I'm not sure the cousin will ever get a comeuppance. There do seem to be shades of gray with him though. I still have hope for the brother, Colin's reckoning. He has no redeeming qualities that I can see. But, I think he does love the heroine in his own way and she loves him. So, still dealing with shades of gray and a time where men did horrible things and not only got away with it, but they were often considered heroes because of it.
Looking forward to book 3.
ETA: Audio Review - Roger Hampton is one of the few male narrators in romance that I can tolerate. Most men make the heroine sound like a linebacker in drag (YMMV). I think he does an exceptionally good job of doing the female voices. It has to be be hard to voice another sex. Not sure of the accuracy of the accents, but sounds good to me. The heroes sound bone-meltingly sexy.
March 7, 2018
Ufak bir şeyler yazacağım ama peşinen şunu söyleyeyim: ATIN BENİ HIGLANDlara
Yok böyle bir zaaf 🙈
Bayadır okumamışım ya, nasıl bir hasret nasıl bir özlem anlatamam. Bu ay listemi bitirip bir tane daha İskoç okumak istiyorum. 😻
Düşman sularında bir Campell gördüm sanki... 😝
Demek Patrick MacGregor ile Elizabeth Campbell ha?Eh, bekliyoruz o zaman.
Yok böyle bir zaaf 🙈
Bayadır okumamışım ya, nasıl bir hasret nasıl bir özlem anlatamam. Bu ay listemi bitirip bir tane daha İskoç okumak istiyorum. 😻
Düşman sularında bir Campell gördüm sanki... 😝
Demek Patrick MacGregor ile Elizabeth Campbell ha?
November 27, 2020
3,9 ⭐
Um bocadinho melhor que o anterior, mas... Há qualquer coisa na McCarty que falha e não consegue atingir "aquele ponto".
Confesso que me manteve curiosa como o Patrick iria dar a volta à situação, cada vez se enterrava mais com a Lizzie mas as personagens tiveram mais personalidade que no primeiro livro.
De qualquer forma, há qualquer coisa na autora que não me consegue convencer e continuar com os seus livros assim que terminar esta trilogia.
Um bocadinho melhor que o anterior, mas... Há qualquer coisa na McCarty que falha e não consegue atingir "aquele ponto".
Confesso que me manteve curiosa como o Patrick iria dar a volta à situação, cada vez se enterrava mais com a Lizzie mas as personagens tiveram mais personalidade que no primeiro livro.
De qualquer forma, há qualquer coisa na autora que não me consegue convencer e continuar com os seus livros assim que terminar esta trilogia.
July 4, 2018
Monica McCarty çok severek okuduğum bir historical/romance yazarı. Bu kitabını serinin ilk kitabına göre daha çok sevdiğimi söylemeliyim.
Karakterlerle birlikte İskoçya'nın dağlarını bayırlarını, ormanlarını ovalarını, göllerini nehirlerini gezdik. 1600'leri bize güzel bir şekilde aktarmış (Sanki dönemin uzmanıyım mk, hayır yanlış aktarmış olsa bile nereden anlayayım benimki de laf işte :D ) Karakterlerin ikisinin de inadına laf edeceğim... Ama edemiyorum. İkisinin de söylemedikleri şeye laf edeceğim... Ama edemiyorum. Hani puuu salak kız niye öyle davrandın, ya da puu aptal oğlan öyle yapılır mı diyemiyorum çünkü ikisi de yaptıkları şeyleri inandıkları şeyler uğruna yapıyor ve ikisinin de inandıkları şeyi sorgulamak pek kolay değil. O yüzden karakterler açısından hiçbir sıkıntı çekmeden okudum.
Adamımız Patrick MacGregor aranan bir kaçak. Daha doğrusu komple klanları kaçak, yakalandıklarında hemen infaz ediliyorlar, katlediliyorlar. Klanlarının kurutulması emredilmiş, klan dağlarda ormanlarda aç bir halde hayatta kalmaya çabalıyor. Hakları olan toprakları geri istiyorlar. Tabii klandaki herkes de sütten çıkma ak kaşık değil.
Kızımız Elizabeth Campbell ise MacGregor'ları bu hale getiren adamın kuzeni oluyor. Abisi ilk kitapta okuduğumuz "İnfazcı" Jamie Campbell. Kuzenleri eskiden Patrick MacGregor'a ait olan toprakları da Elizabeth'in çeyizine ekleyince... yeme de yanında yat oluyor durumlar.
Olaylar ilk kitaptakiyle paralel ilerliyor. Jamie'nin kaleye gidiş gelişi, kendi karısıyla tanışma olayları da bu kitabın olduğu zaman aralığında oluyor ama ilk kitabın özetleri, detaylarıyla canınızı sıkmıyor.
Tabii yine en sevdiğim ve zevkle okuduğum kısmı: YAZARIN NOTU. Monica yine harika birkaç sayfa ile bizi tarihin gerçeklerine götürüyor. O dönemdeki olayların aslında nasıl olduğunu, nelerin kurgu nelerin gerçek olduğunu, hangi kısımlarda küçük oynamalar yaptığını anlatıyor ve o kısımları okumak büyük zevk.
Karakterlerle birlikte İskoçya'nın dağlarını bayırlarını, ormanlarını ovalarını, göllerini nehirlerini gezdik. 1600'leri bize güzel bir şekilde aktarmış (Sanki dönemin uzmanıyım mk, hayır yanlış aktarmış olsa bile nereden anlayayım benimki de laf işte :D ) Karakterlerin ikisinin de inadına laf edeceğim... Ama edemiyorum. İkisinin de söylemedikleri şeye laf edeceğim... Ama edemiyorum. Hani puuu salak kız niye öyle davrandın, ya da puu aptal oğlan öyle yapılır mı diyemiyorum çünkü ikisi de yaptıkları şeyleri inandıkları şeyler uğruna yapıyor ve ikisinin de inandıkları şeyi sorgulamak pek kolay değil. O yüzden karakterler açısından hiçbir sıkıntı çekmeden okudum.
Adamımız Patrick MacGregor aranan bir kaçak. Daha doğrusu komple klanları kaçak, yakalandıklarında hemen infaz ediliyorlar, katlediliyorlar. Klanlarının kurutulması emredilmiş, klan dağlarda ormanlarda aç bir halde hayatta kalmaya çabalıyor. Hakları olan toprakları geri istiyorlar. Tabii klandaki herkes de sütten çıkma ak kaşık değil.
Kızımız Elizabeth Campbell ise MacGregor'ları bu hale getiren adamın kuzeni oluyor. Abisi ilk kitapta okuduğumuz "İnfazcı" Jamie Campbell. Kuzenleri eskiden Patrick MacGregor'a ait olan toprakları da Elizabeth'in çeyizine ekleyince... yeme de yanında yat oluyor durumlar.
Olaylar ilk kitaptakiyle paralel ilerliyor. Jamie'nin kaleye gidiş gelişi, kendi karısıyla tanışma olayları da bu kitabın olduğu zaman aralığında oluyor ama ilk kitabın özetleri, detaylarıyla canınızı sıkmıyor.
Tabii yine en sevdiğim ve zevkle okuduğum kısmı: YAZARIN NOTU. Monica yine harika birkaç sayfa ile bizi tarihin gerçeklerine götürüyor. O dönemdeki olayların aslında nasıl olduğunu, nelerin kurgu nelerin gerçek olduğunu, hangi kısımlarda küçük oynamalar yaptığını anlatıyor ve o kısımları okumak büyük zevk.
July 27, 2015
Me ha encantado, es una historia preciosa. Definitivamente, me encanta Monica McCarty.
April 3, 2012
Oh Highlander, you're so yummy!!!
I love this story, and I love Patrick and Lizzie. The characters were well developed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. Definitely worth the money and the time to read.
Couldn't get enough of the beautiful view of Loch Katrine (credit - colingray8)
Castle Campbell, used to be known as Castle Gloom (credit - K-Burn)
I love this story, and I love Patrick and Lizzie. The characters were well developed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. Definitely worth the money and the time to read.
Couldn't get enough of the beautiful view of Loch Katrine (credit - colingray8)
Castle Campbell, used to be known as Castle Gloom (credit - K-Burn)
October 11, 2015
Este segundo de la trilogía de los Campbell me ha gustado especialmente. ponga un Patrick MacGregor en su vida
June 2, 2022
I have to admit that I was lost in the clan and family dynamics during this one. The various conflicts play a big part in how the heroine and hero come together and the forces trying to keep them apart. That part was very interesting, even though I don't think I got half of what was going on. Monica McCarty tries to jam a lot into a love story. She does a good job, although like I said, I got lost at times.
Elizabeth Campbell is a sweet, lovely woman who has served her family, done her duty and wanted nothing more than a husband and family of her own. After two failed engagements her hopes for a love match are fading.
Patrick MacGregor is from an outlawed clan. He had been on the run for most of his life after the hated Campbells burned his home and murdered his parents. He wants nothing more than to restore his families' name and their lands. To do that he has to marry Elizabeth Campbell and it won't be a match approved of by her family.
Sounds cold hearted, doesn't it? But it isn't quite that bad. A few years ago, Patrick played the hero at a time Elizabeth sorely needed one and really found her enchanting and brave. When he put his plan to win Elizabeth into action, it wasn't all a show. It didn't take much for Elizabeth to fall in love with the handsome, strong Patrick, who is also in danger of losing his heart.
3 1/2-Stars
Elizabeth Campbell is a sweet, lovely woman who has served her family, done her duty and wanted nothing more than a husband and family of her own. After two failed engagements her hopes for a love match are fading.
Patrick MacGregor is from an outlawed clan. He had been on the run for most of his life after the hated Campbells burned his home and murdered his parents. He wants nothing more than to restore his families' name and their lands. To do that he has to marry Elizabeth Campbell and it won't be a match approved of by her family.
Sounds cold hearted, doesn't it? But it isn't quite that bad. A few years ago, Patrick played the hero at a time Elizabeth sorely needed one and really found her enchanting and brave. When he put his plan to win Elizabeth into action, it wasn't all a show. It didn't take much for Elizabeth to fall in love with the handsome, strong Patrick, who is also in danger of losing his heart.
3 1/2-Stars
Read
May 8, 20213.5 puan veriyorum
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 2, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
This one’s so far my favorite in MM books. Although not the way I envisioned the book, I absolutely loved the 1st half of the book even knowing how sad it’d be when Elizabeth gets to learn about Patrick’s deception. Knowing what she went through with one suitor didn’t help at all. But, I adored how possessive Patrick was about Elizabeth all through the book. I adored that after knowing her, Patrick knew he couldn’t hurt her, she was just so lovely. On the course of the story, I identified that this one goes almost simultaneously with Highland Warrior. If you read that, you’ll see there’s a mention of Lizzy falling in some trouble with the MacGregors.
Elizabeth or Lizzy is known to us from a few previous installments. We knew she was shy and reserved, prone to stammering. Here, I saw a woman underneath, a strong and passionate one at that just waiting to be discovered. We also get to see some of what happened to her in the past few years. She’s called ‘plain’ by society’s standard, though I have no idea why. She has pale hair and bright blue eyes to go with it. But all the cruelties of life has left it’s mark, making her someone with quite a low self-esteem. Then when I knew about what her last suitor did to her, I was mad, so so mad! The poor girl already went through 2 engagements; one childhood engagement broken by something that her illegitimate older brother Duncan did, the other was with Rory MacLeod of Highlander Untamed. When this suitor started courting her, she thought she’s in love with him or the skunk wanted her to believe it, taking advantage of her sweet and trusting nature. It was all a ploy to get her lands and the fact that as she’s ‘plain’, she’d always welcome the suit of a handsome lord. The first scene of the book, where we also meet Patrick, a scene as these two meet, albeit not personally. Patrick witnessed a scene that led him to plan his deceit that played the vital role in the book. It was a Highland Game fest, where that suitor was making fun of her and Elizabeth heard it all. It was so sad, the way it all happened and she started stammering and trying to get out of there. In her haste, she fell into the mud and Patrick, who heard it all and was already incensed on her behalf, helped her out. It was a huge chance he took, being a MacGreor and an outlaw, decreed by King James. His cousin, the Chief Alasdair was about to create some distractions. Anyway, Patrick remembered Lizzy, the MacGregors even named her as ‘Patrick’s Campbell’ to poke fun at him. Lizzy, meanwhile, broke the engagement and has never since took another chance. Now at an advanced age, 2 yrs after that incident, her cousin Argyll is subtly reminding her of her duty. The ever romantic Lizzy has been disillusioned quite thoroughly from her last suitor’s duplicity. She’s very sure she’ll never marry for love, though in her heart there’s still optimism. Also seeing her two closest friends, Meg and Flora (from Highlander Unmasked and Highlander Unchained) finding love makes her wistful. She does often think of that MacGregor man (later she learned that it was someone from the MacGregors) who showed her such kindness that day. On her way to Dunoon on Argyll’s summon, she and her maid Alys, are attacked by the MacGregors. There’s this gory fight, she tries to defend herself and her maid. But suddenly, there’s this man comes through the wood, as her savior. She also wounds the leader of the gang with her dirk. Either way, she’s grateful to this tall, dark, sinfully handsome savior. They talk on their way to Campbell Castle and the man introduces himself as Patrick Murray, a guardsman of some lord. He tells her that he just lost his wife in childbirth, along with the child so he’s going away to some other place to be a hired hand, and leave the memory behind. Lizzy is quite intrigued and instantly sympathetic, wants to comfort him. Since she had no idea of his real identity, she takes his offer to accompany her to the Campbell Castle. This was closer to them at the moment as Alys’s husband along with other guards needed treatment.
This book explains a lot from the MacGregors’ POV of the feud that had been fought between them and the Campbells. I wasn’t really sure in the previous books but now I know that Robert the Bruce had some influence instigating this feud. Campbells were his close allies so he allotted the MacGregor lands to them. The MagGregors didn’t have the legal documents to prove their lands and lost it, becoming tenant on their own land. The feud started and grew as the centuries passed by. The recent being, Patrick’s maternal uncle, the Black Duncan Campbell was given this land by the King. Patrick’s mother thought they were safe being kin but it was just a fool’s dream. The Black Duncan was as ruthless a laird as it can be and when he wants something nothing stands in his way, not even his own sister. So his men killed Patrick’s parents along with many other clan members that night almost 20 yrs ago. He and his siblings somehow survived and now working with their cousin Alasdair. When he heard that his land and the castle built on it, Edinample, is given to Lizzy as her dowry, he put forth a plan. I’ve already mentioned why he thought Lizzy would be vulnerable to seduction. He’d seduce and marry her and his land would be again with the MacGregors. His 2nd brother, Gregor who’s a bit temperamental, would attack her carriage and Patrick would be their savior. In the meantime, Alasdair along with his youngest brother Iain and a few other MacGregors would take refuge with the Lamonts (more on it in Highland Warrior). But the inherent truth was Patrick was already taken with Lizzy and her vulnerability, in a protective sort of way. He felt possessive about her already, though he won’t say it out loud. So his plan was working just fine but it wasn’t working the exact way he planned it. Confused? I know. I mean he thought it’d be a calculating thing, no attachments of any sort; seduce her ASAP, make her runaway with him, marry her and then tell her the truth. By the time it all comes out, the deed would be done. Yet, he and his men can’t seem to contemplate the whole thing in this regard anymore. Lizzy’s so sweet, caring and nice, they fell under her spell in a very short time.
Lizzy makes Patrick stay because she really wanted him around. Something about him just makes her breathless. The thought of him leaving, well, she just can’t think of it. He also saved her from a wolf attack on their way back from the MacGregor attack. She already knows he’s a formidable warrior and feels safe and protected whenever he’s around. So she, unwittingly makes Patrick’s job easier by asking him to act as her guard, knowing his ‘intention’ to become one. Before that, just after they arrived, Patrick becomes ill with an old open would (trust me I couldn’t believe the size of it and how he survived all this time without it being treated well). Jamie, in the meantime, pays a visit to Lizzy hearing the news of attack. But he’s called away soon when Colin’s attacks on the Lamonts reach him. Patrick was a bit scared how the ruthless Argyll Henchman (a nickname given by Argyll haters to Jamie because of his absolute loyalty to the earl) would react but he knows it’d be certain death. Jamie has been hunting the MacGregors on Argyll and the King’s behalf for a long time. I really enjoyed the scenes where Lizzy tries to take care of Patrick but he’s so attuned to her that even in his weakened state he’s aroused by her nearness. But when he asked Lizzy to ask someone to take care of him, Lizzy at first thought she’s a fool to think there could be something between them. But soon after Patrick tells her how much he really wants her and what it does to him (errm yah, he did). She can’t believe it and is really happy since she already cares about him a lot. So her proposal that he stay as her guard (as Jamie ordered be done) wasn’t farfetched.
I so enjoyed their little banters and scenes together on their stay on Campbell Castle. Lizzy was trying hard to forget that Argyll might soon call upon her. She’s in a dreamland now, with a handsome, masculine knight who it seems can’t take his eyes off her, it helps that it’s a part of his duty too, he being her personal bodyguard (ooh!). There were a few kisses but the problem was when Patrick said something about her skin being soft, she suddenly remembered her last suitor. This is when it’s revealed that the skunk took her virginity (I wasn’t really expecting this), then just a few days later broke her heart. That scene was actually very heart wrenching, the things that man was saying to his cronies about her, things Patrick and Lizzy both heard. Anyway, she tells herself that she can’t have anything to do with a guardsman, her family won’t approve but her heart won’t listen. She tries to give him wide berth but the wretch would tease her with his gorgeous face, green eyes and half nude manly body (there was a scene I totally loved :p), just to irritate her. And Lord, he’s always around! Lizzy hears of him and his men going to the village, the informer using innuendos, which she understands and is instantly angry and jealous. She tells him as much when next day he followed her. But Patrick vehemently denied being with other women, telling her very clearly he wants only one woman in his life. Lord, it was sexy! Though I knew he was playing a deception but his feelings for Lizzy were genuine; the game has shifted and now going completely wrong for him.
But, Patrick’s actually been in the village to meet Gregor and exchange news. Gregor is mad angry at Lizzy for wounding him and wants nothing to do with her. In the end, he did come off as the merciless outlaw MacGregors are termed to be. He would foul mouth Lizzy and the Campbells at every opportunity, which even though Patrick didn’t like, couldn’t fight back lest he gives away just how much he’s softened towards her. He knew that Lizzy felt different for him, he hated to deceive her but right now, it’s a mess and nothing else. Then, suddenly, Lizzy’s elder brother Colin and her suitor chosen by Argyll, Robert Campbell pay a visit. Robert is Black Duncan’s son, which makes Patrick his cousin. But none except Patrick and his men know this truth. Lizzy tries to make him understand but can’t ignore the charming and good looking Robert as well. Patrick is totally insane and mad seeing them together. Soon, before leaving, Robert proposes. Patrick follows them in the garden and sees him kissing Lizzy, instantly wishing to kill the man *fans herself*. Robert asks Lizzy to consider, she agrees. Later when she finds Patrick in some secluded place, all the simmering rage and passion comes undone from him. He raves at her, telling her how much he wants her. Lizzy is a bit shocked, even stunned by this display yet strangely aroused and happy. They kiss, which leads to other things. They were about to do it when Lizzy hesitates for a moment so Patrick leaves, telling her to make up her mind. Then there’s this game takes place, where Robert challenges Patrick. They’d already been fighting each-other for Lizzy, albeit subtly. It was great, how Patrick finally claimed his victory over Robert on an archery match, although it made him kinda vulnerable to discovery since Patrick’s skill is simply unmatched in this. Later Robert confronts him, he was nice though, but reminds him that a guardsman can’t give Lizzy the life she deserves. Patrick concedes and decides to leave. Ugh but it made me mad! Meantime, Lizzy was being ready for dinner and had already made up her mind about Patrick, with a little wisdom from her maid Alys. But she hears about his resignation from her guards and finds Patrick in his room, packing. She won’t let him go of course. It’s a scene I totally loved, how she seduces a reluctant Patrick (not that he didn’t want it!) into making love. Patrick realizes that she isn’t a virgin but that doesn’t matter to him, he wants her just as she is. He had some idea who did this though. She says ILU to him and Patrick knew he’s now in great trouble. Anyway, Lizzy, as they were talking, tells him about some incidents with the Lamonts being killed and Alasdair surrendering to Argyll with Jamie acting as their intermediary. Patrick is totally shocked by the news. He knew something’s wrong when Gregor failed to appear in their village meetings.
Then in the next few days he tries to convince her to runaway. But Lizzy is a hard nut to crack about this. Oneday she was visiting Alys when Patrick comes to take her back. As they were talking about their mutual disagreement about the marriage, Patrick senses Gregor hovering nearby. After sending Lizzy away, he talks to his brother, in return is informed with some gruesome act of treachery by Argyll, concerning Alasdair and Iain with many of his clan members. If you read Highland Warrior you can link most of these incidents. Agryll executed all of them, betraying the contract drawn by Jamie. Also, that their sister Anne has been raped by Colin’s man. FYI: Anne was said to be the love interest of Niall Lamont, Jamie’s wife Caitrina’s brother. They already knew that Jamie married Caitrina in a hurry and the contract was a part it this. Patrick, in a haze, decides he won’t go through the marriage since vengeance is all that is left now. Gregor keeps asking for Lizzy and give her what Colin’s men did to Anne. Only Patrick’s feelings for her was what kept her safe, at least for now. Patrick comes back but Lizzy is very worried about his aloof behavior. He asks her to pack and be ready to leave for Dunoon the next day. He doesn’t come to her at night like before.
At their journey, Patrick remains aloof and doesn’t say a thing to Lizzy. But the temperamental Gregor takes it in his own hand and attacks them, challenging Patrick’s power as the new chief. Patrick, who is now in a very double edged situation, handles it as he can; once defending his clan by killing the Campbell guardsmen. But he also asks some of them to take Lizzy and ride to Dunoon pronto but they fail as Gregor’s men attack them mercilessly. Also, the guardsman who was always suspicious of Patrick came back with news about Patrick but dies in this scuffle. Lizzy is totally speechless with horror and as the proportion of Patrick’s betrayal dawns on her, she’s utterly horrified. But this won’t be the only thing that would horrify her again and again. Gregor won’t listen to Patrick. He wants Lizzy to exact vengeance so he injures him. Patrick kinda grabs her and rides for the unknown. Not exactly unknown, he knows this place like no other. Being an outlaw, his life was in the wilds, living however he could. Soon we get to learn some of things he did to survive throughout the years. I have to say, Bear Gryles or no (see: author’s note), I was really saddened by learning the truth in a hard way, to observe the things from his POV. They run to lose Gregor’s men but Lizzy was having trouble, never being used to in such situation or terrain. They spend nights in a cave, with Patrick taking care of his wounds. They walk and walk, through the heavy rain and the cold finally coming close to MacGregor land, now added to Lizzy’s dowry (yes, she knows about most of the ‘whys’ of Patrick’s reason behind choosing her initially and Lord it hurt even to read it, can’t tell you how much I felt for her). He tells her about his clan and shows her Edinample Castle. They spend the night in a small island, inside a hut. Lizzy has already decided to forgive him, weighing the truth and the situation in hand, knowing whatever it is, she won’t be happy, ever, without him. And everything he did, so far, was for her. So, she convinces Patrick, who was still determined not to marry her. They handfast, consummating it afterwards. The next day set off to find Patrick’s men. On the way, she slips on the mud and Patrick helps her get up. Suddenly something clicks and she recognizes who was that kind MagGregor in that long ago Highland Game fest. She’s over the moon realizing this, that her savior was the same man she loves. But then, she learns that Patrick (who couldn’t lie as the matter came up) chose her not only because of her dowry but also he thought she would be an easy conquest. I felt like screaming at this point, it was hurting me so much as well! Anyway, he very strongly tells her that whatever that was in the past stays in the past; there is no denying his true feelings for her anymore.
Patrick thought he’s near the kirk where his men were supposed to be waiting, but he soon learns how wrong he was. Gregor was already close on their trail and Jamie has found them too. A fight ensue, leaving him unconscious from a knock by Jamie’s sword. After that, when Patrick regains his consciousness, he and Jamie comes to an understanding about Lizzy which was totally, utterly moronic and made me so frustrated, I mean how much can one take of such “doing this for her good”, not even consulting her. Lizzy on the other hand, didn’t know so she AGAIN thought Patrick never really wanted her and is hurt. But she asks Jamie to see to his freedom as well as his land given back to him. Here, the ever annoying Caitrina did play some vital role for Jamie to come out with the truth. Lizzy knew she’s already pregnant (Lord, the way they were going in that hut... LOVED those scenes *sigh*) but of course I wasn’t surprised. Now, knowing the truth she’s very angry at both men but plans something to make Patrick come back to her and so the ending was very sweet (leaving me wishing for my own Patrick) as amazing was the long author’s note in the end, full of historical facts. So, I give this one a 4.5 star.
The story used in the book of Edinample being haunted is real. If you wanna read more Scottish ghost stories, I recommend Scottish ghost stories by Elliott O’Donnell. It’s an old book, can be downloaded from Gutenberg. I just loved it, my favorite being the 9th story set in Ayr.
Some pictures of the Edinample Castle that played such a central role in Patrick’s life...
Edinample closeup:
Couldn’t help giving it a faraway view, the way it was described in the book.
This one’s so far my favorite in MM books. Although not the way I envisioned the book, I absolutely loved the 1st half of the book even knowing how sad it’d be when Elizabeth gets to learn about Patrick’s deception. Knowing what she went through with one suitor didn’t help at all. But, I adored how possessive Patrick was about Elizabeth all through the book. I adored that after knowing her, Patrick knew he couldn’t hurt her, she was just so lovely. On the course of the story, I identified that this one goes almost simultaneously with Highland Warrior. If you read that, you’ll see there’s a mention of Lizzy falling in some trouble with the MacGregors.
Elizabeth or Lizzy is known to us from a few previous installments. We knew she was shy and reserved, prone to stammering. Here, I saw a woman underneath, a strong and passionate one at that just waiting to be discovered. We also get to see some of what happened to her in the past few years. She’s called ‘plain’ by society’s standard, though I have no idea why. She has pale hair and bright blue eyes to go with it. But all the cruelties of life has left it’s mark, making her someone with quite a low self-esteem. Then when I knew about what her last suitor did to her, I was mad, so so mad! The poor girl already went through 2 engagements; one childhood engagement broken by something that her illegitimate older brother Duncan did, the other was with Rory MacLeod of Highlander Untamed. When this suitor started courting her, she thought she’s in love with him or the skunk wanted her to believe it, taking advantage of her sweet and trusting nature. It was all a ploy to get her lands and the fact that as she’s ‘plain’, she’d always welcome the suit of a handsome lord. The first scene of the book, where we also meet Patrick, a scene as these two meet, albeit not personally. Patrick witnessed a scene that led him to plan his deceit that played the vital role in the book. It was a Highland Game fest, where that suitor was making fun of her and Elizabeth heard it all. It was so sad, the way it all happened and she started stammering and trying to get out of there. In her haste, she fell into the mud and Patrick, who heard it all and was already incensed on her behalf, helped her out. It was a huge chance he took, being a MacGreor and an outlaw, decreed by King James. His cousin, the Chief Alasdair was about to create some distractions. Anyway, Patrick remembered Lizzy, the MacGregors even named her as ‘Patrick’s Campbell’ to poke fun at him. Lizzy, meanwhile, broke the engagement and has never since took another chance. Now at an advanced age, 2 yrs after that incident, her cousin Argyll is subtly reminding her of her duty. The ever romantic Lizzy has been disillusioned quite thoroughly from her last suitor’s duplicity. She’s very sure she’ll never marry for love, though in her heart there’s still optimism. Also seeing her two closest friends, Meg and Flora (from Highlander Unmasked and Highlander Unchained) finding love makes her wistful. She does often think of that MacGregor man (later she learned that it was someone from the MacGregors) who showed her such kindness that day. On her way to Dunoon on Argyll’s summon, she and her maid Alys, are attacked by the MacGregors. There’s this gory fight, she tries to defend herself and her maid. But suddenly, there’s this man comes through the wood, as her savior. She also wounds the leader of the gang with her dirk. Either way, she’s grateful to this tall, dark, sinfully handsome savior. They talk on their way to Campbell Castle and the man introduces himself as Patrick Murray, a guardsman of some lord. He tells her that he just lost his wife in childbirth, along with the child so he’s going away to some other place to be a hired hand, and leave the memory behind. Lizzy is quite intrigued and instantly sympathetic, wants to comfort him. Since she had no idea of his real identity, she takes his offer to accompany her to the Campbell Castle. This was closer to them at the moment as Alys’s husband along with other guards needed treatment.
This book explains a lot from the MacGregors’ POV of the feud that had been fought between them and the Campbells. I wasn’t really sure in the previous books but now I know that Robert the Bruce had some influence instigating this feud. Campbells were his close allies so he allotted the MacGregor lands to them. The MagGregors didn’t have the legal documents to prove their lands and lost it, becoming tenant on their own land. The feud started and grew as the centuries passed by. The recent being, Patrick’s maternal uncle, the Black Duncan Campbell was given this land by the King. Patrick’s mother thought they were safe being kin but it was just a fool’s dream. The Black Duncan was as ruthless a laird as it can be and when he wants something nothing stands in his way, not even his own sister. So his men killed Patrick’s parents along with many other clan members that night almost 20 yrs ago. He and his siblings somehow survived and now working with their cousin Alasdair. When he heard that his land and the castle built on it, Edinample, is given to Lizzy as her dowry, he put forth a plan. I’ve already mentioned why he thought Lizzy would be vulnerable to seduction. He’d seduce and marry her and his land would be again with the MacGregors. His 2nd brother, Gregor who’s a bit temperamental, would attack her carriage and Patrick would be their savior. In the meantime, Alasdair along with his youngest brother Iain and a few other MacGregors would take refuge with the Lamonts (more on it in Highland Warrior). But the inherent truth was Patrick was already taken with Lizzy and her vulnerability, in a protective sort of way. He felt possessive about her already, though he won’t say it out loud. So his plan was working just fine but it wasn’t working the exact way he planned it. Confused? I know. I mean he thought it’d be a calculating thing, no attachments of any sort; seduce her ASAP, make her runaway with him, marry her and then tell her the truth. By the time it all comes out, the deed would be done. Yet, he and his men can’t seem to contemplate the whole thing in this regard anymore. Lizzy’s so sweet, caring and nice, they fell under her spell in a very short time.
Lizzy makes Patrick stay because she really wanted him around. Something about him just makes her breathless. The thought of him leaving, well, she just can’t think of it. He also saved her from a wolf attack on their way back from the MacGregor attack. She already knows he’s a formidable warrior and feels safe and protected whenever he’s around. So she, unwittingly makes Patrick’s job easier by asking him to act as her guard, knowing his ‘intention’ to become one. Before that, just after they arrived, Patrick becomes ill with an old open would (trust me I couldn’t believe the size of it and how he survived all this time without it being treated well). Jamie, in the meantime, pays a visit to Lizzy hearing the news of attack. But he’s called away soon when Colin’s attacks on the Lamonts reach him. Patrick was a bit scared how the ruthless Argyll Henchman (a nickname given by Argyll haters to Jamie because of his absolute loyalty to the earl) would react but he knows it’d be certain death. Jamie has been hunting the MacGregors on Argyll and the King’s behalf for a long time. I really enjoyed the scenes where Lizzy tries to take care of Patrick but he’s so attuned to her that even in his weakened state he’s aroused by her nearness. But when he asked Lizzy to ask someone to take care of him, Lizzy at first thought she’s a fool to think there could be something between them. But soon after Patrick tells her how much he really wants her and what it does to him (errm yah, he did). She can’t believe it and is really happy since she already cares about him a lot. So her proposal that he stay as her guard (as Jamie ordered be done) wasn’t farfetched.
I so enjoyed their little banters and scenes together on their stay on Campbell Castle. Lizzy was trying hard to forget that Argyll might soon call upon her. She’s in a dreamland now, with a handsome, masculine knight who it seems can’t take his eyes off her, it helps that it’s a part of his duty too, he being her personal bodyguard (ooh!). There were a few kisses but the problem was when Patrick said something about her skin being soft, she suddenly remembered her last suitor. This is when it’s revealed that the skunk took her virginity (I wasn’t really expecting this), then just a few days later broke her heart. That scene was actually very heart wrenching, the things that man was saying to his cronies about her, things Patrick and Lizzy both heard. Anyway, she tells herself that she can’t have anything to do with a guardsman, her family won’t approve but her heart won’t listen. She tries to give him wide berth but the wretch would tease her with his gorgeous face, green eyes and half nude manly body (there was a scene I totally loved :p), just to irritate her. And Lord, he’s always around! Lizzy hears of him and his men going to the village, the informer using innuendos, which she understands and is instantly angry and jealous. She tells him as much when next day he followed her. But Patrick vehemently denied being with other women, telling her very clearly he wants only one woman in his life. Lord, it was sexy! Though I knew he was playing a deception but his feelings for Lizzy were genuine; the game has shifted and now going completely wrong for him.
But, Patrick’s actually been in the village to meet Gregor and exchange news. Gregor is mad angry at Lizzy for wounding him and wants nothing to do with her. In the end, he did come off as the merciless outlaw MacGregors are termed to be. He would foul mouth Lizzy and the Campbells at every opportunity, which even though Patrick didn’t like, couldn’t fight back lest he gives away just how much he’s softened towards her. He knew that Lizzy felt different for him, he hated to deceive her but right now, it’s a mess and nothing else. Then, suddenly, Lizzy’s elder brother Colin and her suitor chosen by Argyll, Robert Campbell pay a visit. Robert is Black Duncan’s son, which makes Patrick his cousin. But none except Patrick and his men know this truth. Lizzy tries to make him understand but can’t ignore the charming and good looking Robert as well. Patrick is totally insane and mad seeing them together. Soon, before leaving, Robert proposes. Patrick follows them in the garden and sees him kissing Lizzy, instantly wishing to kill the man *fans herself*. Robert asks Lizzy to consider, she agrees. Later when she finds Patrick in some secluded place, all the simmering rage and passion comes undone from him. He raves at her, telling her how much he wants her. Lizzy is a bit shocked, even stunned by this display yet strangely aroused and happy. They kiss, which leads to other things. They were about to do it when Lizzy hesitates for a moment so Patrick leaves, telling her to make up her mind. Then there’s this game takes place, where Robert challenges Patrick. They’d already been fighting each-other for Lizzy, albeit subtly. It was great, how Patrick finally claimed his victory over Robert on an archery match, although it made him kinda vulnerable to discovery since Patrick’s skill is simply unmatched in this. Later Robert confronts him, he was nice though, but reminds him that a guardsman can’t give Lizzy the life she deserves. Patrick concedes and decides to leave. Ugh but it made me mad! Meantime, Lizzy was being ready for dinner and had already made up her mind about Patrick, with a little wisdom from her maid Alys. But she hears about his resignation from her guards and finds Patrick in his room, packing. She won’t let him go of course. It’s a scene I totally loved, how she seduces a reluctant Patrick (not that he didn’t want it!) into making love. Patrick realizes that she isn’t a virgin but that doesn’t matter to him, he wants her just as she is. He had some idea who did this though. She says ILU to him and Patrick knew he’s now in great trouble. Anyway, Lizzy, as they were talking, tells him about some incidents with the Lamonts being killed and Alasdair surrendering to Argyll with Jamie acting as their intermediary. Patrick is totally shocked by the news. He knew something’s wrong when Gregor failed to appear in their village meetings.
Then in the next few days he tries to convince her to runaway. But Lizzy is a hard nut to crack about this. Oneday she was visiting Alys when Patrick comes to take her back. As they were talking about their mutual disagreement about the marriage, Patrick senses Gregor hovering nearby. After sending Lizzy away, he talks to his brother, in return is informed with some gruesome act of treachery by Argyll, concerning Alasdair and Iain with many of his clan members. If you read Highland Warrior you can link most of these incidents. Agryll executed all of them, betraying the contract drawn by Jamie. Also, that their sister Anne has been raped by Colin’s man. FYI: Anne was said to be the love interest of Niall Lamont, Jamie’s wife Caitrina’s brother. They already knew that Jamie married Caitrina in a hurry and the contract was a part it this. Patrick, in a haze, decides he won’t go through the marriage since vengeance is all that is left now. Gregor keeps asking for Lizzy and give her what Colin’s men did to Anne. Only Patrick’s feelings for her was what kept her safe, at least for now. Patrick comes back but Lizzy is very worried about his aloof behavior. He asks her to pack and be ready to leave for Dunoon the next day. He doesn’t come to her at night like before.
At their journey, Patrick remains aloof and doesn’t say a thing to Lizzy. But the temperamental Gregor takes it in his own hand and attacks them, challenging Patrick’s power as the new chief. Patrick, who is now in a very double edged situation, handles it as he can; once defending his clan by killing the Campbell guardsmen. But he also asks some of them to take Lizzy and ride to Dunoon pronto but they fail as Gregor’s men attack them mercilessly. Also, the guardsman who was always suspicious of Patrick came back with news about Patrick but dies in this scuffle. Lizzy is totally speechless with horror and as the proportion of Patrick’s betrayal dawns on her, she’s utterly horrified. But this won’t be the only thing that would horrify her again and again. Gregor won’t listen to Patrick. He wants Lizzy to exact vengeance so he injures him. Patrick kinda grabs her and rides for the unknown. Not exactly unknown, he knows this place like no other. Being an outlaw, his life was in the wilds, living however he could. Soon we get to learn some of things he did to survive throughout the years. I have to say, Bear Gryles or no (see: author’s note), I was really saddened by learning the truth in a hard way, to observe the things from his POV. They run to lose Gregor’s men but Lizzy was having trouble, never being used to in such situation or terrain. They spend nights in a cave, with Patrick taking care of his wounds. They walk and walk, through the heavy rain and the cold finally coming close to MacGregor land, now added to Lizzy’s dowry (yes, she knows about most of the ‘whys’ of Patrick’s reason behind choosing her initially and Lord it hurt even to read it, can’t tell you how much I felt for her). He tells her about his clan and shows her Edinample Castle. They spend the night in a small island, inside a hut. Lizzy has already decided to forgive him, weighing the truth and the situation in hand, knowing whatever it is, she won’t be happy, ever, without him. And everything he did, so far, was for her. So, she convinces Patrick, who was still determined not to marry her. They handfast, consummating it afterwards. The next day set off to find Patrick’s men. On the way, she slips on the mud and Patrick helps her get up. Suddenly something clicks and she recognizes who was that kind MagGregor in that long ago Highland Game fest. She’s over the moon realizing this, that her savior was the same man she loves. But then, she learns that Patrick (who couldn’t lie as the matter came up) chose her not only because of her dowry but also he thought she would be an easy conquest. I felt like screaming at this point, it was hurting me so much as well! Anyway, he very strongly tells her that whatever that was in the past stays in the past; there is no denying his true feelings for her anymore.
Patrick thought he’s near the kirk where his men were supposed to be waiting, but he soon learns how wrong he was. Gregor was already close on their trail and Jamie has found them too. A fight ensue, leaving him unconscious from a knock by Jamie’s sword. After that, when Patrick regains his consciousness, he and Jamie comes to an understanding about Lizzy which was totally, utterly moronic and made me so frustrated, I mean how much can one take of such “doing this for her good”, not even consulting her. Lizzy on the other hand, didn’t know so she AGAIN thought Patrick never really wanted her and is hurt. But she asks Jamie to see to his freedom as well as his land given back to him. Here, the ever annoying Caitrina did play some vital role for Jamie to come out with the truth. Lizzy knew she’s already pregnant (Lord, the way they were going in that hut... LOVED those scenes *sigh*) but of course I wasn’t surprised. Now, knowing the truth she’s very angry at both men but plans something to make Patrick come back to her and so the ending was very sweet (leaving me wishing for my own Patrick) as amazing was the long author’s note in the end, full of historical facts. So, I give this one a 4.5 star.
The story used in the book of Edinample being haunted is real. If you wanna read more Scottish ghost stories, I recommend Scottish ghost stories by Elliott O’Donnell. It’s an old book, can be downloaded from Gutenberg. I just loved it, my favorite being the 9th story set in Ayr.
Some pictures of the Edinample Castle that played such a central role in Patrick’s life...
Edinample closeup:
Couldn’t help giving it a faraway view, the way it was described in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
Monica McCarty'nin kitaplarına ve yazdığı karakterlere bayıldığımı söylemiş miydim??
Serideki ilk kitaptan çok daha severek okudum. Bunda ilk kitaptaki gibi uyuz bir kadın karakter olmamasının etkisi çok büyük tabii ki. Lizzie'ye bayıldım!!!
Patrick'i anlatmaya kelimeler yetmez. İskoç aşkım kabardı gece gece! O yüzden 🤐🤐
PS: Ayyy Annie ve Niall'ın 159 sayfalık minik bir kitabı varmış. Şimdi gördüm ve nasıl sevindim anlatamam!
Serideki ilk kitaptan çok daha severek okudum. Bunda ilk kitaptaki gibi uyuz bir kadın karakter olmamasının etkisi çok büyük tabii ki. Lizzie'ye bayıldım!!!
Patrick'i anlatmaya kelimeler yetmez. İskoç aşkım kabardı gece gece! O yüzden 🤐🤐
PS: Ayyy Annie ve Niall'ın 159 sayfalık minik bir kitabı varmış. Şimdi gördüm ve nasıl sevindim anlatamam!
December 17, 2017
Monica McCarty'nin yeni çıkan kitaplarını dört gözle bekleyen bir kitleyiz değil mi? :D
Ama bu kitap bana yazarın Monica olduğuna inandıramadı.
Sanırım yazarın diğer kitaplarını büyük keyifle okuyunca bu kitabında da ister istemez o çıtaya ulaşmasını bekliyorsunuz.
Kitap baştan sona çok olağan seyirde ilerledi.
Bir atraksiyon yok gibiydi son bölümleri saymazsak eğer.
Kadın karakter.. Nasıl desem bana çok pasif geldi.
Bu tarz hikayelerde inatçı, dediğim dedik kadın karakterleri çok seviyorum.
Kadın karakterle bu yüzden yıldızımız tutmadı.
Patrick ise.. Daha bir sevilesiydi :D
Ben bu sürede bir de okuyamama haline girince kitap elimde süründü baya.
Ve çeviri.. İllet etti beni. Neredeyse her cümle başı ya Patrick ya da Elizabeth ile başladı.
Yok Elizabeth derin bir nefes aldı. Yok Patrick yumruklarını sıkıp durdu gibi.
Kendimi birinci sınıfta cin ali serisini okurken hissettim biran resmen.
Ama bu kitap bana yazarın Monica olduğuna inandıramadı.
Sanırım yazarın diğer kitaplarını büyük keyifle okuyunca bu kitabında da ister istemez o çıtaya ulaşmasını bekliyorsunuz.
Kitap baştan sona çok olağan seyirde ilerledi.
Bir atraksiyon yok gibiydi son bölümleri saymazsak eğer.
Kadın karakter.. Nasıl desem bana çok pasif geldi.
Bu tarz hikayelerde inatçı, dediğim dedik kadın karakterleri çok seviyorum.
Kadın karakterle bu yüzden yıldızımız tutmadı.
Patrick ise.. Daha bir sevilesiydi :D
Ben bu sürede bir de okuyamama haline girince kitap elimde süründü baya.
Ve çeviri.. İllet etti beni. Neredeyse her cümle başı ya Patrick ya da Elizabeth ile başladı.
Yok Elizabeth derin bir nefes aldı. Yok Patrick yumruklarını sıkıp durdu gibi.
Kendimi birinci sınıfta cin ali serisini okurken hissettim biran resmen.
January 5, 2010
SPOILERS AHEAD
Got bored with this book really fast. I mean, while I was reading Highland Outlaw all I could think about was my list of things to do or my to-knit items. What does that make me? Senile? Ok...
No really, I just couldn't stand the fact that he was using her for something that I couldn't care less for and that she was really annoying--not in a I want to kill her way but in a how dense are you? way.
I agree with one of the reviewers--at the end he gave up way tooooo fast on them when throughout the whole book Patrick wanted to prove to Elizabeth why they were meant to be
It was like, wham bam-->they meet, they have a relationship, then they have sex, they fall in love, he leaves her so she could marry another dude, she invites him to the wedding, he wants her back only b/c she was going to marry another man
And I thought the first book was bad.
September 14, 2012
Seriously, this is an absurd book. I've read Highland Warrior. There is no way in bloody hell that Jamie's sister would so quickly run away with Patrick. I didn't buy the story that she would leave with an outlaw Mcgregor who admittedly intended to kidnap her. And I don't believe Jamie would have let Patrick live!!! Her brother Colin killed all of Jamie's wife's family and burned her lands to the ground for harboring just one of the outlaws.
Also, there was no real falling in love. Some of Mccarty's books skip the falling in love stage and go straight to love..
I like McCarty a great deal, but this one disappointed me.
Also, there was no real falling in love. Some of Mccarty's books skip the falling in love stage and go straight to love..
I like McCarty a great deal, but this one disappointed me.
March 10, 2016
Estoy enganchada a los Highlander de Monica McCarthy no solo por los personajes sino por lo que estoy aprendiendo de la historia de Escocia... en este caso me ha gustado mucho el personaje de Patrick pq es un caleidoscopio de sentimientos y de caras en una misma persona.. ademas en el libro he podido saber un poco que ocurre con Catrinia y de Jaime... Muy Recomendable!!!
March 15, 2016
como me ha gustado!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 18, 2020
Having met Elizabeth Campbell a few years before, Patrick McGregor the outlaw highlander was happy to marry Elizabeth for her dowry, which included his clans land. This was a good read with two strong characters. Love conquers all, after so much tragedy.
November 12, 2010
This book was simply amazing. I loved it!! It had been a while since I read such an entertaining historical romance. I couldn't stop reading it! Monica McCarty created an amazing world. I must admit that I had huge problems with it in the first book because there were just too many new names to learn and family history to understand, but by the second book , as all of them were the same I could finally manage it. Once I did, the series made a huge turn for me. Seriously, this was a terrific read. Enjoyed every page of it, a perfect romance. I'm glad I gave this series a second chance.
In this installment we have the outlawed Patrick MacGregor as a hero, which was extremely gratifying as we get to see the "bad guys" POV. It was amazing to understand everything from both sides and to see how everything worked out.
Another problem I had with book one was that even though I could understand all the problems that were between the hero and the heroine, it got too annoying to see them fight so much! In this book, this was not a problem as the heroine does not realize she is with the enemy right until the end,lol. But everything worked out perfectly IMHO, I loved how the author managed to close everything so smoothly, even things that didn't seem to have a possible solution.
I just hope next book is just as good or better! Then I'll have a new fav series to follow.
In this installment we have the outlawed Patrick MacGregor as a hero, which was extremely gratifying as we get to see the "bad guys" POV. It was amazing to understand everything from both sides and to see how everything worked out.
Another problem I had with book one was that even though I could understand all the problems that were between the hero and the heroine, it got too annoying to see them fight so much! In this book, this was not a problem as the heroine does not realize she is with the enemy right until the end,lol. But everything worked out perfectly IMHO, I loved how the author managed to close everything so smoothly, even things that didn't seem to have a possible solution.
I just hope next book is just as good or better! Then I'll have a new fav series to follow.
July 16, 2021
Arghhh ... so annoying! The heroine, that is.
Wanted so badly to like this story but the way it carried on was too laggy, too boring. No angst.
She's too indecisive. It drove me crazy. Just make up your mind already!!!
This was an unfinished read.
Wanted so badly to like this story but the way it carried on was too laggy, too boring. No angst.
She's too indecisive. It drove me crazy. Just make up your mind already!!!
This was an unfinished read.
February 19, 2020
En verdad un 3.5
me ha gustado mucho más que el anterior. Ojalá dos señores tan guapos peleándose por mí. Suena mal? sí. Lo quiero? tmbn.
Os digo, el chiquito es mcgiver. En shock con el momento del bosque, q drama y q falso todo, la autora se ha pasado.
Pero bueno, que muy bonito todo. La frase "Siempre has sido tú" una de mis frases favs en la actualidad.
me ha gustado mucho más que el anterior. Ojalá dos señores tan guapos peleándose por mí. Suena mal? sí. Lo quiero? tmbn.
Os digo, el chiquito es mcgiver. En shock con el momento del bosque, q drama y q falso todo, la autora se ha pasado.
Pero bueno, que muy bonito todo. La frase "Siempre has sido tú" una de mis frases favs en la actualidad.
December 10, 2019
Protagonistas: Patrick & Elizabeth
Profesiones: Guerrero & Heredera
Pais: Escocia
Profesiones: Guerrero & Heredera
Pais: Escocia
October 24, 2022
Çok güzeldi çok, ilk kitaptan daha fazla sevdim.
September 17, 2015
As far as brawny lads go, they don't get much better than Patrick MacGregor.
After re-discoverying Monica McCarty I have read 3 more books from her and been most pleasantly surprised. Granted, there are a few things that bother me a little bit. But all in all I have to say I am most impressed with her story-telling skills.
Patrick MacGregor, aka Patrick Murray in the first half of the story was a hunted man. Any avid highland romance readers must have read about the MacGregors in history at some point. They were an outlawed clan who were hunted everywhere. The King wanted them extinct. Patrick was cousin to the then MacGregor chief and had survived 20 years of hardship of being a MacGregor. He started this nomad life when he was 10, when his parents were killed. So by my calculation he was 30 in this book. He met Elizabeth Campbell at a Highland Game and lent the single helping hand when Elizabeth suffered the most cruel blow to her confidence and dignity. Then they did not see each other for 2 years.
Elizabeth Campbell was the sister of Jamie Campbell, a (naturally) formidable Campbell warrior and the hero of the first book in the series. I skipped Jamie's story because I knew I would hate his wife Caitrina with a passion. Elizabeth grew up in wealth and was a sheltered lady. After the tragic day at the Highland Game when she was humiliated by her then fiance but at the same time, she met Patrick MacGregor for the first time, never knownig the identity of this man who showed her kindness and compassion when her own finace betrayed her trust.
The story began 2 years later after that day at the Highland Game. Elizabeth broke off the engagement, remained unmarried. Now 26, her cousin wanted to marry her off again and added another piece of land to her dowry. The land, used to belong to Patrick MacGregor's family. Patrick decided, if he could convinece Elizabth to marry him, the land would be again in the MacGregor's hands.
Elizabeth and Patrick had great chemistry. A hardened warrior like Patrick, who had faced down death, cruelty and hardship for 20 years, needed exactly someone like Elizabeth, whose genle and loving aura could heal even the most cynical heart. The story is emotionally intense, featuring A LOT OF characters who I had trouble keeping track of. But this is why Monica McCarty's books are so complex. She employs a lot of characters and weaves them masterfully in and out of different books, sometimes across series. And the secondary characters remain solid secondary. It is all about Elizabeth and Patrick.
I love Elizabeth and Patrick, a soft and gentle heroine who is graceful even in anger and a alpha hero who is not a sleazeball. Their love story is that of Romeo and Juliet, doomed from the beginning and so so hopeless.
I think that is enough praise about the couple. There are a few things that bothered me and are the reasons why this book did not get 5 stars from me:
1. I noticed that Monica McCarty recycles her phrases and expressions. This somehow cheapens the romance and bothers me enough to wince.
2. The deceit of Patrick: Patrick was tormented because he did not want to deceive Elizabeth. He had no choice, I know, but at times I thought God how does one swallow such traitorous betrayals?
3. Elizabeth's way too often self-doubt: again I understand why she exhibits such traits. Monica McCarty's characters are usually true to their characters and the things they do are usually in characters. But like Patrick said often in the book: after all what we have been through, how can you still doubt my feelings? I know it had to be like this. But it did not make it easier to see how Elizabeth always assumed that Patrick did not want her and only lied to get he wanted. I mean yeah he lied and he did want the land, but sometimes you can want things that mutually exclude each other. It does not make you want either of them any less.
4. I did not understand some of the plot twists. I read on and thought, why are they running away now? What is the rationale behind this? However, I am not the most critical reader so I am not going to fixate on details.
It is now official. In my youth I had Julie Garwood. In my adulthood, I have Monica McCarty.
After re-discoverying Monica McCarty I have read 3 more books from her and been most pleasantly surprised. Granted, there are a few things that bother me a little bit. But all in all I have to say I am most impressed with her story-telling skills.
Patrick MacGregor, aka Patrick Murray in the first half of the story was a hunted man. Any avid highland romance readers must have read about the MacGregors in history at some point. They were an outlawed clan who were hunted everywhere. The King wanted them extinct. Patrick was cousin to the then MacGregor chief and had survived 20 years of hardship of being a MacGregor. He started this nomad life when he was 10, when his parents were killed. So by my calculation he was 30 in this book. He met Elizabeth Campbell at a Highland Game and lent the single helping hand when Elizabeth suffered the most cruel blow to her confidence and dignity. Then they did not see each other for 2 years.
Elizabeth Campbell was the sister of Jamie Campbell, a (naturally) formidable Campbell warrior and the hero of the first book in the series. I skipped Jamie's story because I knew I would hate his wife Caitrina with a passion. Elizabeth grew up in wealth and was a sheltered lady. After the tragic day at the Highland Game when she was humiliated by her then fiance but at the same time, she met Patrick MacGregor for the first time, never knownig the identity of this man who showed her kindness and compassion when her own finace betrayed her trust.
The story began 2 years later after that day at the Highland Game. Elizabeth broke off the engagement, remained unmarried. Now 26, her cousin wanted to marry her off again and added another piece of land to her dowry. The land, used to belong to Patrick MacGregor's family. Patrick decided, if he could convinece Elizabth to marry him, the land would be again in the MacGregor's hands.
Elizabeth and Patrick had great chemistry. A hardened warrior like Patrick, who had faced down death, cruelty and hardship for 20 years, needed exactly someone like Elizabeth, whose genle and loving aura could heal even the most cynical heart. The story is emotionally intense, featuring A LOT OF characters who I had trouble keeping track of. But this is why Monica McCarty's books are so complex. She employs a lot of characters and weaves them masterfully in and out of different books, sometimes across series. And the secondary characters remain solid secondary. It is all about Elizabeth and Patrick.
I love Elizabeth and Patrick, a soft and gentle heroine who is graceful even in anger and a alpha hero who is not a sleazeball. Their love story is that of Romeo and Juliet, doomed from the beginning and so so hopeless.
I think that is enough praise about the couple. There are a few things that bothered me and are the reasons why this book did not get 5 stars from me:
1. I noticed that Monica McCarty recycles her phrases and expressions. This somehow cheapens the romance and bothers me enough to wince.
2. The deceit of Patrick: Patrick was tormented because he did not want to deceive Elizabeth. He had no choice, I know, but at times I thought God how does one swallow such traitorous betrayals?
3. Elizabeth's way too often self-doubt: again I understand why she exhibits such traits. Monica McCarty's characters are usually true to their characters and the things they do are usually in characters. But like Patrick said often in the book: after all what we have been through, how can you still doubt my feelings? I know it had to be like this. But it did not make it easier to see how Elizabeth always assumed that Patrick did not want her and only lied to get he wanted. I mean yeah he lied and he did want the land, but sometimes you can want things that mutually exclude each other. It does not make you want either of them any less.
4. I did not understand some of the plot twists. I read on and thought, why are they running away now? What is the rationale behind this? However, I am not the most critical reader so I am not going to fixate on details.
It is now official. In my youth I had Julie Garwood. In my adulthood, I have Monica McCarty.
May 21, 2011
This is my first time reading a book by Monica McCarty, and I'm so glad I took the chance on a new author. This was an engaging read and the book is well-written; it held my attention to the end.
What I liked most was that my emotions were involved in the reading. I actually cared about both the hero, Patrick and heroine, Elizabeth (Lizzy). And I could identify with both characters in some ways. For Lizzie, I could understand the feeling of being betrayed, used and unloved. Or being wanted only because of your possessions and not your character. Some readers have stated they were annoyed by her seeming back and forth feelings towards Patrick, but I was not. I can totally understand her vacillation given her history. It takes time to learn to love and trust another person, especially if you've experienced the pain of betrayal and ridicule.
For Patrick, I could identify with his need to avenge his family/clan losses and restore the honor and dignity that was deserved. I could feel his sadness, brought on by his many losses and the loneliness that ensued. I could understand the burden of leadership, while grappling with love and honor.
The author made it clear that he and Lizzie, though separated due to social status, nevertheless had much in common. Each had experienced pain and loss and each had hearts for justice and were honorable. They were an ideal couple.
I also appreciated that this book was true historical romance. I was seeking a romance book that would weave in some Scottish history and this is exactly what I got. In her author's note at the end, McCarty gives us more history as background to the story.
My only minor constructive critique of the book is that in the beginning, I found the numerous descriptions of Patrick and his muscles and masculinity a bit much. I wanted to scream, 'I got it; I knows he's a hunk, enough already.' But thankfully, the writing picks up and the romance and intrigue are in full force.
I plan on reading more of McCarty's books and would highly recommend this one to historical romance lovers!
What I liked most was that my emotions were involved in the reading. I actually cared about both the hero, Patrick and heroine, Elizabeth (Lizzy). And I could identify with both characters in some ways. For Lizzie, I could understand the feeling of being betrayed, used and unloved. Or being wanted only because of your possessions and not your character. Some readers have stated they were annoyed by her seeming back and forth feelings towards Patrick, but I was not. I can totally understand her vacillation given her history. It takes time to learn to love and trust another person, especially if you've experienced the pain of betrayal and ridicule.
For Patrick, I could identify with his need to avenge his family/clan losses and restore the honor and dignity that was deserved. I could feel his sadness, brought on by his many losses and the loneliness that ensued. I could understand the burden of leadership, while grappling with love and honor.
The author made it clear that he and Lizzie, though separated due to social status, nevertheless had much in common. Each had experienced pain and loss and each had hearts for justice and were honorable. They were an ideal couple.
I also appreciated that this book was true historical romance. I was seeking a romance book that would weave in some Scottish history and this is exactly what I got. In her author's note at the end, McCarty gives us more history as background to the story.
My only minor constructive critique of the book is that in the beginning, I found the numerous descriptions of Patrick and his muscles and masculinity a bit much. I wanted to scream, 'I got it; I knows he's a hunk, enough already.' But thankfully, the writing picks up and the romance and intrigue are in full force.
I plan on reading more of McCarty's books and would highly recommend this one to historical romance lovers!
September 1, 2012
After reading the Highland Guard series, I promptly went to Amazon and bought up all of Monica McCarty's other books. Unfortunately, it's a short list.
This is the second in the Campbell Trilogy. The 7th Earl of Argyll and his minions are still doing their level best to extirpate the MacGregors, and Patrick MacGregor has had a bellyful of it. Some years ago, he encountered Argyll's niece, the beautiful, stammering Elizabeth, at one of the more humiliating moments in her life.
He found her beautiful, endearing, and, well, ripe for the picking. So when he learns that his family's lands, the lands stolen by the Campbells years ago when they murdered his parents, have been added to Elizabeth's tocher (dowry), he thinks,
The plan is, he will send his evil rapist brother Gregor (not to be confused with Lizzie's evil rapist brother Colin) to "attempt" her abduction so he can ride to the rescue, gain her trust, and win her heart. It all goes swimmingly until parts of his anatomy above his belt become involved. After that he keeps trying to do the right thing, but somehow it just never quite works out the way he plans.
Recurrent themes in McCarty's books involve heroines who fall hard for guys who violate their trust.
Betrayals, broken hearts, regrets, and reconciliations—these themes may repeat themselves but they resonate with me. She writes characters I care about, and she seasons her stories with well-researched, historical elements, something I dearly love. I don't think I've read a book of hers without crying and/or wanting to put someone through a prostatectomy without sedation.
So far her stories have always come through in a way that's left me holding my breath for the next one.
This is the second in the Campbell Trilogy. The 7th Earl of Argyll and his minions are still doing their level best to extirpate the MacGregors, and Patrick MacGregor has had a bellyful of it. Some years ago, he encountered Argyll's niece, the beautiful, stammering Elizabeth, at one of the more humiliating moments in her life.
He found her beautiful, endearing, and, well, ripe for the picking. So when he learns that his family's lands, the lands stolen by the Campbells years ago when they murdered his parents, have been added to Elizabeth's tocher (dowry), he thinks,
The plan is, he will send his evil rapist brother Gregor (not to be confused with Lizzie's evil rapist brother Colin) to "attempt" her abduction so he can ride to the rescue, gain her trust, and win her heart. It all goes swimmingly until parts of his anatomy above his belt become involved. After that he keeps trying to do the right thing, but somehow it just never quite works out the way he plans.
Recurrent themes in McCarty's books involve heroines who fall hard for guys who violate their trust.
Betrayals, broken hearts, regrets, and reconciliations—these themes may repeat themselves but they resonate with me. She writes characters I care about, and she seasons her stories with well-researched, historical elements, something I dearly love. I don't think I've read a book of hers without crying and/or wanting to put someone through a prostatectomy without sedation.
So far her stories have always come through in a way that's left me holding my breath for the next one.
June 14, 2012
Another great highland romp from Monica McCarty. This time, there was just as much emotion and drama as the first book in the trilogy, Highland Warrior, but whereas that all came from external forces, this time, the heartache comes from within.
I really just wanted to shout at the two main characters from the very first pages because there was so much deception going on, and it was so obviously all going to end in tears and upset, that it was like watching a slow motion train wreck. And I really felt for Lizzie when she found out the truth. I also have to commend McCarty for writing Patrick's character in such a way that although he did something awful, when you learned of his plight and the terrible history of his clan, you forgave him.
"God knows why with the way you are acting right now, but for some reason you make me happy. I love you and I'd rather endure hell with you than hell without.”
The love scenes were very hot as I'm coming to expect from this author, and the ending totally satisfying. A great read- highly recommended!
4 Stars! ★★★★
I really just wanted to shout at the two main characters from the very first pages because there was so much deception going on, and it was so obviously all going to end in tears and upset, that it was like watching a slow motion train wreck. And I really felt for Lizzie when she found out the truth. I also have to commend McCarty for writing Patrick's character in such a way that although he did something awful, when you learned of his plight and the terrible history of his clan, you forgave him.
"God knows why with the way you are acting right now, but for some reason you make me happy. I love you and I'd rather endure hell with you than hell without.”
The love scenes were very hot as I'm coming to expect from this author, and the ending totally satisfying. A great read- highly recommended!
4 Stars! ★★★★
April 28, 2018
It’s not often that I put down a romance novel and puzzle over how the plot will resolve itself. That happened with this one, which is the mark of a good author. Enjoyed the characters and the action, and genuinely had no idea how it was all going to resolve.
February 6, 2016
It took me a lot to get into it
August 6, 2021
Yazdığı türde hakkını veren ve en iyi kalemlerden biri Monica McCarty. En sevdiğim özelliği de gerçekte yaşanmış olaylardan beslenerek kitaplarına konu ediniyor oluşu. Kurgu içine yedirip bize bambaşka bir dünyanın kapılarını aralıyor. Yazarın oluşturmuş olduğu kurgu dünyasındaki her bir olay okuyanı içine çekiyor her bir karakter de kendine bağlıyor. Hani ne yazda tereddüt etmem, sırf Monica McCarty yazdı diye alır okurum.
Ağırdan alarak okuduğum Campbell üçlemesi'nin ikinci kitabının yorumunu nihayet spoilersiz bir şekilde paylaşmış olacağım. Kaç kere yazdım sildim sayamadım ama çok fazla spoiler vermemek için kendimi epey kasmış olabilirim. Favori yazarımın en merak ettiğim kitaplarından biriydi İskoç Sürgünü, bundan belki hem uzun vadeye yayıp okudum hem de yorumu bu kadar geç paylaşmış oldum. Tabi havaların sıcaklığı da eklenince biraz tembellik de etmiş olabilirim.
Patrick MacGregor ve Elizabeth Campbell'in yaşayacağı aşk hikâyesine şahit oluyoruz bu kitapta. Karşılaşmaları ise biraz kalp kıran bir ana denk geliyor. Elizabeth güzel bir kadın olsa da kekeme oluşu onun hayatını zorlaştıran bir durum ve bundan dolayı evlenmek niyetiyle yan yana geleceği kişilerce aşağılayıp kalbi kırılmış. İşte öyle bir anda kahramanımız Patrick husumeti olan klanın varisi olan bu güzel kadına karşı kayıtsız kalamayarak yardımda bulunuyor. Daha sonra da yolları farklı bir zamanda birleşmek üzere ortadan kayboluyor.
Kızın ceyizi - ki o zamanlar kadının çeyizi çok önemli bir etkendi evlenmek için ve erkek unvanı olsun olmasın kadının çeyizi için evlenip kendi toprağını gelecek meblağ ile kalkındırabiliyordu.- hatırı sayılır bir büyüklükte parası ve topraga sahip. Bundan dolayı kusur sayılan kekemeleğini görmezden gelerek evlenmek isteyenler oluyor-du. Patrick de o kişilerden biri. Tabi ava giderken avlanma deyimi bu kitapta da var. Zaten etkilenmiş olduğu dilberi ayartmak ve evlenmeye ikna etmek zor olmadı. Yani, bir nevi. 🤭
MacGregorlar ve Campbell Klanı arasında husumet var. Bundan dolayı da uzun yıllar kaçak olarak yaşamak zorunda kalıyorlar. Bizim esas eleman da bu duruma dur demek istiyor. Bunun için de fedakarlık yapmak zorunda kalacak olsa da... 😏 geri durmayarak kararını veriyor. Campbell varisi Elizabeth'in çeyizi aklına düşüyor, evlenme fikri cazip geliyor. Deyim yerindeyse, Midyat'a pirinç için gidecekken evdeki bulgurdan olacağını tahmin etmiyor. Elizabeth'in ona aşık olmasını beklerken kalbi ona bir ders vererek güzel duyguları yaşayacaktı.
Tabi her şey basit değildi elbette. İkilinim vereceği çetin mücadeleleri, önlerinde uzanan sınavları olacaktı. Her zorluk sonrasında bir adım daha birbirlerine yaklaşıyor olmaları ise kaderin - ya da yazarın diyelim biz ona- cilvesiydi. Elizabeth her durumda daha da güçlenerek kendine güveni artan bir karakter oldu, zira hayatındaki olan erkekler kendilerine koruyucu görev edinip onu kollamış olsalar da altından kalkamayacağı bir şey yoktu. Ehe aşk ile sınanmak da buna dahil. Ben Elizabeth'i sevdim, bana daha gerçekçi geldi. Kararları, duruşu, tavrı gerçek anlamda onu kendime yakın hissettirti.
Monica McCarty gerçek anlamda iyi yazarlardan biri. Bu öyle hava civa olsun diye söylediğim bir söylem değil. İlk okuduğum kitabından son okuduğum kitabına kadar beni asla şaşırtmıyor. Çok yükseldiğim zamanlarda bile beklentimi karşılıyor. Kurgusu, karakterleri, ortaya koymuş olduğu dünya sizi kendine hayran bırakıyor. Kitap hakkinda fazla gevezelik ermeyeceğim zira spoiler verip tadınızı kaçırmak istemem. Tansiyonu yüksek, macerası dinmeyen ve aşkı eksik olmayan bir kitaptı benim için. Türü seviyorsanız ya da denemek istiyorsanız yazarın kalemiyle mutlaka tanışmalısınız.
Ağırdan alarak okuduğum Campbell üçlemesi'nin ikinci kitabının yorumunu nihayet spoilersiz bir şekilde paylaşmış olacağım. Kaç kere yazdım sildim sayamadım ama çok fazla spoiler vermemek için kendimi epey kasmış olabilirim. Favori yazarımın en merak ettiğim kitaplarından biriydi İskoç Sürgünü, bundan belki hem uzun vadeye yayıp okudum hem de yorumu bu kadar geç paylaşmış oldum. Tabi havaların sıcaklığı da eklenince biraz tembellik de etmiş olabilirim.
Patrick MacGregor ve Elizabeth Campbell'in yaşayacağı aşk hikâyesine şahit oluyoruz bu kitapta. Karşılaşmaları ise biraz kalp kıran bir ana denk geliyor. Elizabeth güzel bir kadın olsa da kekeme oluşu onun hayatını zorlaştıran bir durum ve bundan dolayı evlenmek niyetiyle yan yana geleceği kişilerce aşağılayıp kalbi kırılmış. İşte öyle bir anda kahramanımız Patrick husumeti olan klanın varisi olan bu güzel kadına karşı kayıtsız kalamayarak yardımda bulunuyor. Daha sonra da yolları farklı bir zamanda birleşmek üzere ortadan kayboluyor.
Kızın ceyizi - ki o zamanlar kadının çeyizi çok önemli bir etkendi evlenmek için ve erkek unvanı olsun olmasın kadının çeyizi için evlenip kendi toprağını gelecek meblağ ile kalkındırabiliyordu.- hatırı sayılır bir büyüklükte parası ve topraga sahip. Bundan dolayı kusur sayılan kekemeleğini görmezden gelerek evlenmek isteyenler oluyor-du. Patrick de o kişilerden biri. Tabi ava giderken avlanma deyimi bu kitapta da var. Zaten etkilenmiş olduğu dilberi ayartmak ve evlenmeye ikna etmek zor olmadı. Yani, bir nevi. 🤭
MacGregorlar ve Campbell Klanı arasında husumet var. Bundan dolayı da uzun yıllar kaçak olarak yaşamak zorunda kalıyorlar. Bizim esas eleman da bu duruma dur demek istiyor. Bunun için de fedakarlık yapmak zorunda kalacak olsa da... 😏 geri durmayarak kararını veriyor. Campbell varisi Elizabeth'in çeyizi aklına düşüyor, evlenme fikri cazip geliyor. Deyim yerindeyse, Midyat'a pirinç için gidecekken evdeki bulgurdan olacağını tahmin etmiyor. Elizabeth'in ona aşık olmasını beklerken kalbi ona bir ders vererek güzel duyguları yaşayacaktı.
Tabi her şey basit değildi elbette. İkilinim vereceği çetin mücadeleleri, önlerinde uzanan sınavları olacaktı. Her zorluk sonrasında bir adım daha birbirlerine yaklaşıyor olmaları ise kaderin - ya da yazarın diyelim biz ona- cilvesiydi. Elizabeth her durumda daha da güçlenerek kendine güveni artan bir karakter oldu, zira hayatındaki olan erkekler kendilerine koruyucu görev edinip onu kollamış olsalar da altından kalkamayacağı bir şey yoktu. Ehe aşk ile sınanmak da buna dahil. Ben Elizabeth'i sevdim, bana daha gerçekçi geldi. Kararları, duruşu, tavrı gerçek anlamda onu kendime yakın hissettirti.
Monica McCarty gerçek anlamda iyi yazarlardan biri. Bu öyle hava civa olsun diye söylediğim bir söylem değil. İlk okuduğum kitabından son okuduğum kitabına kadar beni asla şaşırtmıyor. Çok yükseldiğim zamanlarda bile beklentimi karşılıyor. Kurgusu, karakterleri, ortaya koymuş olduğu dünya sizi kendine hayran bırakıyor. Kitap hakkinda fazla gevezelik ermeyeceğim zira spoiler verip tadınızı kaçırmak istemem. Tansiyonu yüksek, macerası dinmeyen ve aşkı eksik olmayan bir kitaptı benim için. Türü seviyorsanız ya da denemek istiyorsanız yazarın kalemiyle mutlaka tanışmalısınız.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews