1264 A.D. - When a madman kills her brother and plots to seize her ancestral home, Lady Arabella de Percy finds herself in a perilous predicament. Left with little choice, she flees in the dead of night to seek sanctuary with her uncle in the Scottish Highlands. Though, a chance encounter with a harsh-faced Highlander steers her life on an unexpected course.
Tasked with fetching his ally’s imprisoned niece from England, Laird Calum MacGregor soon discovers the defenseless female he anticipated is not quite as helpless after all. Despite his resolve to remain unwed, the hardened shell protecting his heart splinters apart in Arabella’s company.
Between meddlesome relatives and a series of misunderstandings, Arabella and Calum must decide if they can entrust their hearts to one another before the enemy robs them of their newfound happiness.
I live along the Gulf Coast with my bossy orange tabby named Mr. Tibbs. Property appraiser by day, romance writer by night, I enjoy anything coffee-related, traveling, and reading a good book in between.
I really enjoyed this. The Hero is not a man-whore type, in fact he disapproves of a fellow friends attitude. This is partly due to his desire to settle down and be happy but also he sustained a wound on his face which left a scar after an act of bravery in battle. He has been turned down previously in marriage so he has some issues regarding it. The heroine has been in the care of her brother who has pretty much let her choose her own way but when circumstances change she is in danger. She is a strong heroine, she is in the middle of an escape plan when she meets the Hero. There is some fun, she is not a tstl heroine, she shoots a bow and arrow, rides a horse and unfortunately does at times get into danger. There are plenty of secondary characters that have breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series. No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. No other woman drama. Other man drama in form of villan who wants to marry her for her land. HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have nothing against this book. Except that it is super, duper, boring.
In theory, I should love this book. Grumpy Scottish scarred hero + self-rescuing feisty heroine + bad guy who is one dimensional enough that you know you hate him and that's okay = simple predictable romance novel. Which is what I wanted. To an extent. I was in the mood for a well-deserved brain vacation but this wasn't a vacation, this was a layover at the airport.
Okay, that sounds terrible. It's just that there isn't anything to set this book apart from anything. It was a little too paint-by-numbers for me. I actually can't remember the heroine's name. I remember the hero's first name, but that's it. Not even the villain's name. Anyway, you get the point. Bad book? Nah. I can tell some people are going to/already do love this. Just not my jam. Maybe I just read too many of these. It was little too generic for me.
I am a first-time reader of this author. Both the hero and heroine grab me from the very start. I personally thought the story was exceptionally well written to the extent that I will purchase the next story in the series.
Laird Calum Mac Gregor is a Fearless Warrior. He has a marred face and internally is very self-conscious about it, though this does not take away from his strength and determination. He sets out to do Hamish Fraser's bidding. Calum was trying to avoid a war if, he could, by setting out to rescue the nice of Laird Fraser. Though Frasier wanted to saddle him with his niece as a bride for his rescuing her that was to be his reward. He would save her but he was having No Wife... Then in a jaw-dropping discovery, he spots the chit saving her own self.
Ladel Arabella de Percey, needs to extract yourself from her home. Now that her brother is gone, she is going to be forced to marry that wretched man who has seized her home castle. She must flee. She cannot stomach having to marry the man who has devastated her life. Therefore, she decides to flee to the highlands to find her uncle Hamish Fraser. Unfortunately for Arabella she is stopped, in the woods, right outside of her castle by a huge Highlander. A very imposing highlander who stirs lust into her body and makes her heart flutter. He stirs feelings that are really foreign to her, but leaves her very curious about the man with the scar that enhances the beauty of his face.
Two very strong-willed characters who create a wonderful story. I love the suspense and the laugh out loud moments! I can't wait for the next one to come out, hopefully it will be out soon. There were some things that were left unresolved and I am hoping the author addresses them in the next book. I look forward what comes next.
I am glad I took a chance on this author she did not disappoint.
This ARC was a wonderful and unexpected delight for me.
Arabella de Percy and Calum MacGregor embark on a flight from England to Scotland fleeing the diabolical clutches of a super villain!
Nothing will stop Geoffrey Longford from pursuing his grasping, murderous plans. What an irredeemable wretch. I believe I stayed with the story more for his demise than for the actual love story. Yeah, no. I'm always in it for the HEA.
To my delight, there are several interesting love stories brewing. On top of that, there are threads of other stories that I'm clamoring to read. I truly hope that Melissa Limoges gifts us with these other storylines. Mairi, Liam, Connor, Iain - what happens next? I have to know!
Limoges' writing is clear, direct and engaging. I enjoyed reading this story. Arabella is no wimpy heroine. She takes charge of rescuing herself to the undying frustration and fascination of our dear hero, Calum. Poor Calum, beautiful, courageous and heroic man that he is, is weighed down by low self esteem due to horrific injuries he sustained as a young man. Arabella was just the woman to overcome his self doubts and cure him.
The MacGregor clan was so awesome. I look forward to the further adventures of these awesome people.
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of 1)Tartan Book Reviews 2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews 3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating:🔥
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1264 AD
This fast moving tale starts where Arabella de Percy has been kept captive, by the villainess Geoffrey Longford. He is her new guardian appointed by the King. Also he is her brother Iain’s killer and expects to marry her - so he can claim Penswyck castle, lands, title and coin. There was no way she was going to marry that evil murdering miscreant, King or no King’s approval! Even if she was now penniless, since this blackguard had the King’s ear and was given everything she owns - including her dowry! She is going to escape with the help of her two elder servants Maggie and Dougal of Clan Fraser. They have been more like surrogate parents, especially since her parents both died from illness years before. They came with her mother ~ when she married her father in England many years ago.
Arabella has a destination her Uncle Hammish, Laird Fraser’s lands, in the Highlands of Scotland. She had sent a message to her Uncle, but worries he never got it. Time is running out, Arabella can't wait any longer, plus it's the best opportunity since Longford is away. She knows she won't be alive for long if she marries this knave! As if she’d ever marry her brother's murderer! A man she has always disliked now she despises with every fiber of her being!
However, she feels part of her brother's death is her fault too. So Arabella lives with the guilt, as Longford had previously asked for her hand which she refused. Her brother Iain, had always given her the rare choice to pick her own groom. Arabella wanted a loving marriage like her parents, not a business deal for wealth, titles and greed. The very reason she had turned down every proposal so far. Now she feels her brother might be alive if she accepted this evil man's proposal.
The plan is to ride hard and fast to Fraser lands in Scotland, but worries about Maggie and Dougal leaving them behind. They fear they will slow her down due to their age. So she climbs out her window and rides her horse to gate. To her shock she meets with her rescuer, Laird Calum MacGregor!
Calum has known Hammish Fraser since the day he was born and they are close friends as well. So he asks him to marry his niece with a handsome bride price. He knows what a good honorable man Calum is and what protect his niece with his life. Calum refuses but will rescue the lass due to his friendship with Iain. Yet even though it would help his clan his pride can't say yes. As he was on betrothed once before and when the bride to be just looked at his scarred face she looked horrified. So she had her father end the betrothal agreement, after that Calum swore never to marry again! Yet as they travel to Scotland and to MacGregor land sparks fly!
Calum still has a problem with his confidence due to the old war wounds on his face. Plus Arabella is the most beautiful he ever met but plus she wears her heart is as big as an ocean. How is supposed to resist plus he notices she doesn't seem to mind his face. Calum does wear his heart on his sleeve and his lack of confidence in his looks is obvious. Little does he realize this wee lass finds him both beautiful inside and out. Plus she sees this braw warrior as honorable always putting others first and he makes her feel safe and secure. Something she hasn't felt since her brother's death.
Yet there are obstacle as well including jealousy, betrayal, misunderstanding, abduction, mischief, passion, joy, trust and love. Including a tear jerking secondary story involving her Uncle Hammish (Laird Fraser) and Calum's Aunt Elena. Have those Kleenex ready readers. Plus Longford is not going to give up his meal ticket to get his title and all that goes with it! He can't get that unless he's married to Arabella ! He will lope off any heads in his way to get his prize even if he has to drag her kicking and screaming to the altar!
Geoffrey Longford also has a devious plan going into action! Wil he get his prize or will he lose? Will Calum ever believe a woman could ever care for him with his scarred face? Will he ever believe that this beautiful lassie is exactly what he wants and needs?
Secrets will be revealed that could cost them their lives! Will this star crossed couple be able to survive all the secrets, misunderstanding and mayhem? Will love, faith, trust and joy overcome all the obstacles in their way. Will enemy have his way shattering hearts as Arabella and Calum part ways forever? You will have to read this spectacular story to find out!
I loved so many secondary characters and stories too! I hope Mairi and Aaron get a chance at love plus that rascal cousin Liam MacGregor! The flirt needs a good woman to show him the true meaning of love!
BRAVO! This is the debut novel for Ms Limoges, but it's totally brilliant in my opinion. I could not put it down! Totally knocked this one out of the park! Omg I loved it from start to finish! It had me so hooked I can't wait to read the next one in her new “Highland Loves” series.
If you love your heroes Scottish, honorable and swoon worthy you definitely don't want to miss it! Beautiful Highland settings, wonderful dialogue, amazing characters with twisting and turning plots that carry you away! A definite must read for Scottish historical readers who love their heroes braw kilted honorable and sizzling hot!
*Disclaimer: I received this ARC from Dragonblade publishers, for for an honest and fair review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, and blog through Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
AMAZON BUY LINK:
My Reckless Love (Highland Loves Book 1) - Kindle ... - Amazon.com
This story is very well written and the characters are engaging. I really liked the hero and heroine and I also liked many of the other characters. It’s fast paced, full of adventure and kept my complete attention. It was a little predictable but still an incredible story.
This Scottish highlands tale of a young laird named Calum who assists an ally with the rescue of his niece, Arabella, is a really wonderful story! Calum is enticed with his ally's offer to allow him to marry his niece and keep her attractive dowry after he returns her to Scotland. But Calum isn't all that interested in marriage, or at least he wasn't, but could he be? After all, there's something about Arabella that has his eye - and that isn't the only part of him that's paying attention to this young woman! Arabella isn't a petite wallflower by any means either, she can take care of herself, when she doesn't need Calum to rescue her, that is! The plot has twists, turns, intrigue and action enough that it moves right along. The cast of characters were interesting, colorful, and funny- with a few little clan stories of their own. All in all this is a thoroughly enjoyable book and I highly recommend it as it left me smiling and hoping this author has another to follow.
This was my first book I’ve read by Melissa Limoges but I’m totally hooked! First, I loved her cover, that drew me right in. Then, I love her attention to details and how she fully developed all aspects of her characters! This story has many twists and turns that keep you on your toes until the very end, even though it’s a wonderful Historical Romance novel. Calum is one you can’t help but fall in love with. A big strong, tough Scottish Highland Laird, with insecurities and vulnerabilities he hides so well. There are so many super interesting characters in this novel that hopefully they will each end up with their own stories. I’d recommend this book easily to any of my Historical Romance reading friends! I can’t wait to read another in her repertoire.
Opening with an incredible escape scene, this book will keep you reading until finished. Imprisoned until her brother's killer arrives to wed, bed and kill her for her property, Lady Arabella takes matters into her own hands to escape to safety. She lands safely into the hands of Laird Calum, who was sent by her uncle to escort her to his home. Calum had refused her hand prior to meeting Lady Arabella, but soon changes his mind. But the evil villain has not given up. He reaches Scotland and devises a plan to take the Lady. (And hopefully there will be a continuing story line in book 2.) The two of them are a delight-quick wit, banter and mutual respect and their eventual HEA.
I loved this book. Melissa Limoges is a new author for me, and I know that I will read all of her books. In this Scottish romance, Arabella escapes the clutches of an evil man, determined to wed her and steal her lands. He kills her brother and imprisons her. She escapes through the window, only to find someone coming to her aid. The love story and adventure begin. The villain does not give up. He is bound and determined to capture Arabella. Read this excellent story and find out what happens. There are surprises and even more love stories besides.
Just finished and totally love this book; I think I've found a new author, yay!
Arabella and Calum were wonderful together. Both supportive and loyal of each other and their loves ones. There were strong bonds between Calum's family, friends and clan and even (I hope!) another romance started for another book from another couple. Add in a dastardly villain in the Highlands and it's a story I love.
Excellent writing by this author. I did not feel there was any amount of 'filler' cluttering up this story.
This book was really really funny. Arabella had a wicked sense of humour and the commentary of the various characters when things happened was hilarious. I just really enjoyed this. It was one of those right kind of book at just the right time. The characters were interesting and fairly well developed. I liked Arabella and Callum and they were great together - funny, caring and adoring. Mairi was my favourite though and I'd be interested to read her and Aaron's story.
The murder of a young woman 's brother puts her in jeopardy of marriage with his murderer. A Scottish Laird comes to her rescue at her uncle's request. Though the journey to Scotland is imperative, nothing says they can't fall in love. Great romance! Looking forward to reading the next one!
Melissa Limoges first foray into the writer's world is a resounding success! Her story contains all the characteristics one wants in a romance novel - danger, excitement, angst, intrigue and of course, everlasting love. Her characters are full-bodied and alive. This writer is definitely one you'll want to put on your 'must read' short list.
This was an awesome story that really kept me riveted. Arabella and Callum made such a wonderful couple and I enjoyed their conversations with each other and how their chemistry just sparked off the pages. The storyline was interesting and I couldn't put it down. Loved it!
This is a new Author to me and I have already bought the next book in this series, a book I enjoyed reading. This is Lady Arabella de Percy who decides to run away after her brother is killed and ends up being kidnapped by her brother's best friend Laird Calum MacGregor to keep her safe. A book I would recommend.
This book had me turning the pages from page one.. It enthralled and engaged me.. the writing was great and I loved both main characters and all the secondary ones.. I felt every emotion felt by the characters and was touched by some scenes.. I'm a new fan of this author and I'd love to read more of her books.
Highland romance at its best. Fierce, honorable, protective hero and feisty, resilient, passionate heroine. Evil murderer plots against them, threatening their love, their life, and their clan.
I liked the descriptions and the story, but it did get a bit slow for me in the middle. I also did not love the dialogue. But I liked the story overall, including the twists!
Love the beginning escape scene!! The attention tpo details and fully developed characters and simply good writing. Love reading Scottish romances, a little Scottish brogue would of been nice. With danger, excitement, intrigue, twists and turns, and humor. Can't wait to read book two!