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Border #4
The Scot's Secret
A clan's greatest warrior.
An Englishwoman in disguise.
Can their love survive her secret?
The Scot
When his brother foists an English squire upon him, Alex Kerr is completely disinterested in training the lad—until he discovers that his new recruit is not a lad at all. "Alfred" is a beautiful Englishwoman in disguise, hiding a horrible secret. Determined to uncover the truth about Clara's past, Alex agrees to take her with him on a journey across the Scottish border into England. Passion flares between them, but as Alex gets closer and closer to discovering Clara's secret, their future seems ever more uncertain.
The Secret
For six years, Lady Clara has lived as "Alfred"—a squire who talks little and trusts no one. But everything changes when she agrees to squire for Alex Kerr. Her feelings for him are far from those of master and apprentice. He makes her long to leave her disguise behind...except to do so is to risk the lives of everyone she cares about. Will her secret doom the unlikely pair before they have a chance at love?
An Englishwoman in disguise.
Can their love survive her secret?
The Scot
When his brother foists an English squire upon him, Alex Kerr is completely disinterested in training the lad—until he discovers that his new recruit is not a lad at all. "Alfred" is a beautiful Englishwoman in disguise, hiding a horrible secret. Determined to uncover the truth about Clara's past, Alex agrees to take her with him on a journey across the Scottish border into England. Passion flares between them, but as Alex gets closer and closer to discovering Clara's secret, their future seems ever more uncertain.
The Secret
For six years, Lady Clara has lived as "Alfred"—a squire who talks little and trusts no one. But everything changes when she agrees to squire for Alex Kerr. Her feelings for him are far from those of master and apprentice. He makes her long to leave her disguise behind...except to do so is to risk the lives of everyone she cares about. Will her secret doom the unlikely pair before they have a chance at love?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2017
About the author
Cecelia Mecca
71 books824 followersYour escape awaits...
Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.
Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."
Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.
FREE prequels:
Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: https://meccaromance.com/cissy-mecca/insider/
Website www.meccaromance.com
Amazon: https://buff.ly/2M0g6FZ
TikTock: https://www.tiktok.com/@meccaromance
Reader Group: https://buff.ly/2OuFXLu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meccaromance/
Cecelia Mecca is the bestselling author of steamy historical romance and also writes contemporary small town romance as Cissy Mecca and romantasy/PNR as C.L. Mecca.
Armed with a Ph.D. and lots of chai, she's known for giving readers "heroines who you want to be your best friend." When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to gain control, sparks fly until the very last page. One reader says, "No one can so completely whisk you away like Cecelia."
Our Highlander-loving author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and contemporary bad boys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor and loves all things fantasy, especially when tinged with a bit of steamy romance.
FREE prequels:
Jump into her worlds with a free prequel: https://meccaromance.com/cissy-mecca/insider/
Website www.meccaromance.com
Amazon: https://buff.ly/2M0g6FZ
TikTock: https://www.tiktok.com/@meccaromance
Reader Group: https://buff.ly/2OuFXLu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meccaromance/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 13, 2017
The Scot's Secret by Cecelia Mecca is book Four in the "Border Series". This is the story of Alex Kerr and Lady Clara “Alfred". I have read the previous book (and Loved it!) and Clara was pretending to be Alfred in that book working for Toren and helping him get with his lady love Juliette. But if you haven't read that book you can read this as a standalone book.
Clara along with Gilbert has been on the run for about six years after her father was murdered. Toren and Juliette discovered that Alfred the lad was really a women named Clara and witness Gilbert getting killed. So they offer her to travel with them to Brockburg Castle in Scotland to be with Clan Kerr and work as a squire for his brother Alex. Although Juliette tries to talk her into being a lady maid instead, Clara is adamant that she has to stay hiding as a man. But she goes forward to go with them and work with Alex. But when she sees Alex for the first time she knows its gonna be hard working with him daily due to her immediate attraction to him.
Alex has abandonment and attachment issue due to his mother leaving him and his brothers when they were little. But when he meets Alfred he knows that the lad isn't Squire martial but at his brother's request goes forward to teach him. But it doesn't take Alex to long before he starts to discover that Alfred isn't a lad after all. But Alex keeps Alfred close and is finding it hard to suppress his growing feelings for her but with all her secrets can he trusts her?
I have been in love with this series! I could not put this book down...just loved it.
Clara along with Gilbert has been on the run for about six years after her father was murdered. Toren and Juliette discovered that Alfred the lad was really a women named Clara and witness Gilbert getting killed. So they offer her to travel with them to Brockburg Castle in Scotland to be with Clan Kerr and work as a squire for his brother Alex. Although Juliette tries to talk her into being a lady maid instead, Clara is adamant that she has to stay hiding as a man. But she goes forward to go with them and work with Alex. But when she sees Alex for the first time she knows its gonna be hard working with him daily due to her immediate attraction to him.
Alex has abandonment and attachment issue due to his mother leaving him and his brothers when they were little. But when he meets Alfred he knows that the lad isn't Squire martial but at his brother's request goes forward to teach him. But it doesn't take Alex to long before he starts to discover that Alfred isn't a lad after all. But Alex keeps Alfred close and is finding it hard to suppress his growing feelings for her but with all her secrets can he trusts her?
I have been in love with this series! I could not put this book down...just loved it.
December 16, 2020
Alex Kerr isn’t really interested in training the young squire his elder brother presents him with, but that changes when he realizes that Alfred is in fact a lovely Englishwoman in hiding. Clara has secrets and Alex is determined to learn what they are, so he takes her with him on a trip over the border into England.
The attraction smolders between them but the closer Alex gets to learning the truth, the more uncomfortable Clara becomes. She has spent six years in hiding and divulging her secrets is not easily done. She undeniably has feelings for Alex beyond those of squire and knight but discarding her disguise for good would jeopardize them both and Clara is certain her secrets will eliminate any chance of her sharing a future with Alex.
This was a fun trip to the English/Scottish border and Tim Campbell’s narration made me feel like I was right there in the story. I loved Alex as a hero because of the way he set his sights on Clara, realized his feelings, and acted on them despite his fears of her possibly leaving him. He showed himself to be capable of reevaluating and changing his beliefs when faced with new information and that growth made him so likable. Clara was less capable of change and her insistence on living in fear even when other opportunities presented themselves did get a bit old, especially when she hurt Alex. But she was ultimately trying to protect him, and I liked these two as a couple. I enjoyed the fact that the conflict in this story was character-driven, rather than the stress of a battle or some such outside issue, which is the complete opposite of how I usually feel but there it is. I’m enjoying filling in my gaps in this series and will continue.
The attraction smolders between them but the closer Alex gets to learning the truth, the more uncomfortable Clara becomes. She has spent six years in hiding and divulging her secrets is not easily done. She undeniably has feelings for Alex beyond those of squire and knight but discarding her disguise for good would jeopardize them both and Clara is certain her secrets will eliminate any chance of her sharing a future with Alex.
This was a fun trip to the English/Scottish border and Tim Campbell’s narration made me feel like I was right there in the story. I loved Alex as a hero because of the way he set his sights on Clara, realized his feelings, and acted on them despite his fears of her possibly leaving him. He showed himself to be capable of reevaluating and changing his beliefs when faced with new information and that growth made him so likable. Clara was less capable of change and her insistence on living in fear even when other opportunities presented themselves did get a bit old, especially when she hurt Alex. But she was ultimately trying to protect him, and I liked these two as a couple. I enjoyed the fact that the conflict in this story was character-driven, rather than the stress of a battle or some such outside issue, which is the complete opposite of how I usually feel but there it is. I’m enjoying filling in my gaps in this series and will continue.
March 11, 2018
Very slow, wordy book! Good concept, poor execution! H no alpha but decent guy, h stupid somewhat annoying. Good side characters and set in Scotland. Not a really descriptive book on Scotland. D in romance (sexytimes) and no conclusion of who killed her father or if they'll find her. Or if she just all of a sudden is free from worry and burden of being discovered as a girl just poof gone!
I will not continue on to the next book! :( sad! 2 stars
I will not continue on to the next book! :( sad! 2 stars
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November 9, 2017The sequel series set thirty years after the Border Series ends is called Brotherhood of the Border. Meet the children of your Border Series favorites and start with the first book in the series, A Noble Betrayal here.
October 10, 2021
Hiding in Plain Sight 👀
ADULT Historical Medieval Highlander 🏰🔪 Romance💕 and Adventure.
I really enjoyed this book about Clare💃💋, a young English woman who feels she must live as a boy to escape the sins of her father. For years she has lived as a squire named Alfred. Even though she has been found out by her lord, he and his wife facilitate her duplicity because they understand her fear.
This is a long book and Clare's problems got pretty old. She has a new protector and Lord in Alex Kerr🐺🍆⛲🔪, who soon realizes his squire, Alfred, is a young woman.
It's an interesting story ,But highly unlikely, of course. World 🌎building is very good, as was the character development. The story was just way too slow moving and overly wordy.
ADULT Historical Medieval Highlander 🏰🔪 Romance💕 and Adventure.
I really enjoyed this book about Clare💃💋, a young English woman who feels she must live as a boy to escape the sins of her father. For years she has lived as a squire named Alfred. Even though she has been found out by her lord, he and his wife facilitate her duplicity because they understand her fear.
This is a long book and Clare's problems got pretty old. She has a new protector and Lord in Alex Kerr🐺🍆⛲🔪, who soon realizes his squire, Alfred, is a young woman.
It's an interesting story ,But highly unlikely, of course. World 🌎building is very good, as was the character development. The story was just way too slow moving and overly wordy.
November 3, 2017
I would like to thank the author Cecelia Mecca for a copy of this book in return for an honest opinion.
This is one of my new favourites in the series!
This is book 4 of the borders series, it can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.
It focuses on the English Clara who has been disguising herself as Alfred and Alex a member of Clan Kerr, who has a deep loathing for the English since his English mother abandoned him and his siblings at a young age.
The storyline ties up lots of different threads and I loved that there was so many strong women, who spoke about the restrictions their sex was put under during this period. All of the other main characters from the series appeared, its lovely to see how their lives have progressed and a nice reminder of things I had forgotten.
I find the cross dressing arc really interesting and Mecca manages to keep it fresh. It really shows you the limitations women put up with.
This is one of my new favourites in the series!
This is book 4 of the borders series, it can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.
It focuses on the English Clara who has been disguising herself as Alfred and Alex a member of Clan Kerr, who has a deep loathing for the English since his English mother abandoned him and his siblings at a young age.
The storyline ties up lots of different threads and I loved that there was so many strong women, who spoke about the restrictions their sex was put under during this period. All of the other main characters from the series appeared, its lovely to see how their lives have progressed and a nice reminder of things I had forgotten.
I find the cross dressing arc really interesting and Mecca manages to keep it fresh. It really shows you the limitations women put up with.
January 29, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Another epic story from Cecilia, I love this series so much .
A highland dynasty that stretches through two families, The Kerr’s and the Waryn’s .
Through marriages , wars ,kings and countries the two families entwine their destinies , where vendettas become love matches and girls are nearly as tough as men ,and can certainly handle a sword, and the men in their lives.
This is the 4 th book, Alex, brother to Torren of the previous book, finds his partner in an unusual garb .
Dressed as a boy , Clara is in hiding after seeing her father killed as a traitor.
No matter how family and friends try to convince her she can relax and live her life , Clara is not confident in their suggestions and leaves Alex .
But Alex can’t let her run , he’s fallen , and his heart is in the line.
I love this book and this author, a riveting read , a real page turner .
Grab a coffee and some chocolate and prepare to enter the world of The Border Series .
💋💋
Another epic story from Cecilia, I love this series so much .
A highland dynasty that stretches through two families, The Kerr’s and the Waryn’s .
Through marriages , wars ,kings and countries the two families entwine their destinies , where vendettas become love matches and girls are nearly as tough as men ,and can certainly handle a sword, and the men in their lives.
This is the 4 th book, Alex, brother to Torren of the previous book, finds his partner in an unusual garb .
Dressed as a boy , Clara is in hiding after seeing her father killed as a traitor.
No matter how family and friends try to convince her she can relax and live her life , Clara is not confident in their suggestions and leaves Alex .
But Alex can’t let her run , he’s fallen , and his heart is in the line.
I love this book and this author, a riveting read , a real page turner .
Grab a coffee and some chocolate and prepare to enter the world of The Border Series .
November 15, 2017
It's no secret... this series is still going strong!
Alex is an honorable, brave and strong Scots warrior who has agreed to train his new squire Alfred. But, he gets much more than he bargained for. Because, Alfred is really a headstrong, independent and beautiful... woman! A woman who holds an even bigger secret than her identity.
The dynamic between these two characters is just wonderful and holds your interest. The plot has some nice surprises and moves at a quick pace. The chemistry that develops between Alex and Clara is red hot. I loved this continuation of Alfred/Clara's story from the previous book.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Alex is an honorable, brave and strong Scots warrior who has agreed to train his new squire Alfred. But, he gets much more than he bargained for. Because, Alfred is really a headstrong, independent and beautiful... woman! A woman who holds an even bigger secret than her identity.
The dynamic between these two characters is just wonderful and holds your interest. The plot has some nice surprises and moves at a quick pace. The chemistry that develops between Alex and Clara is red hot. I loved this continuation of Alfred/Clara's story from the previous book.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
November 20, 2017
Cecelia Mecca writes passionate historical tales of the history and lives of the English and Scottish border Lords and their challenges to forgive the past to keep the peace for their future. "The Scots Secret" is a fantastic excitingly sexy read I couldn't put down. Besides the tantalizing passion and romance, I love the witt and humor, especially Alex's answer when questioned about what he was doing and saw down at the lake! l laughed myself sick. Cecelia's gift of writing will make your top favorite authors list too.
November 12, 2017
The Scot's Secret is the fourth book in the Border Series, by Cecelia Mecca. It can easily be read as a stand-alone story, but as we find out more about characters from previous books it's an added pleasure if you have read their stories previously.
Lady Clara, an English woman, saw her father brutally murdered and has been on the run for the 6 years since then. She's been living as a boy, a squire travelling between tournaments helping out as and when needed. Her father's armourer, Gilbert, has been with her and has helped to keep her safe. Upon his death, Clara, known as Alfred, must find a way to keep safe on her own. Fortunately, Laird Toren Kerr, at the tournament where Gilbert is killed, offers her the position as his brother's squire, and they make the journey there.
Alex Kerr doesn't need a squire, especially one that doesn't look like he could even wield a sword. But he does as Toren asks and accepts the 'lad'. He has a feeling something isn't quite right with the situation when Toren insists that Alfred gets his own room in the keep. He keeps a close eye on him until one day he gets a real eyeful and discovers that Alfred is indeed a woman!!
Alex's mother deserted him and his brothers when they were young. His brothers have come to terms with it, but Alex has never been able to let it lie. The sense of abandonment has kept him from forming any attachments, and he has never given up trying to find his mother. He needs to know how she could leave them!
It's with a degree of unease that the more time Alex spends with Clara the more he begins to feel for her. She's English, she's keeping secrets, she won't even tell him her name. It's best if he keeps his distance, but it isn't as easy as he'd hope. As for Clara, she is attracted to Alex too, but can't give in to that attraction because she can't put him and his people at risk. If she is found she believes that she will be murdered like her father, and anybody she is with will suffer the same fate. It definitely seems that there is no way that these two damaged people can have a future together. But, perhaps they can, if only they allow each other 'in', to accept that it's OK to trust and allow the other person to help them.
This was a perfect romantic read. Not only did we have the fierce attraction between Kaid and Clara, but there was the suspense of all the secrets, and the ultimate need to know if they could battle their demons and come through the ordeal ready to love and be loved. This was a real page-turner of a story and I loved how the women in the story were such strong characters. The men, of course, were swoon-worthy, and Kaid and Clara's relationship was beautiful. I loved every minute of this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Lady Clara, an English woman, saw her father brutally murdered and has been on the run for the 6 years since then. She's been living as a boy, a squire travelling between tournaments helping out as and when needed. Her father's armourer, Gilbert, has been with her and has helped to keep her safe. Upon his death, Clara, known as Alfred, must find a way to keep safe on her own. Fortunately, Laird Toren Kerr, at the tournament where Gilbert is killed, offers her the position as his brother's squire, and they make the journey there.
Alex Kerr doesn't need a squire, especially one that doesn't look like he could even wield a sword. But he does as Toren asks and accepts the 'lad'. He has a feeling something isn't quite right with the situation when Toren insists that Alfred gets his own room in the keep. He keeps a close eye on him until one day he gets a real eyeful and discovers that Alfred is indeed a woman!!
Alex's mother deserted him and his brothers when they were young. His brothers have come to terms with it, but Alex has never been able to let it lie. The sense of abandonment has kept him from forming any attachments, and he has never given up trying to find his mother. He needs to know how she could leave them!
It's with a degree of unease that the more time Alex spends with Clara the more he begins to feel for her. She's English, she's keeping secrets, she won't even tell him her name. It's best if he keeps his distance, but it isn't as easy as he'd hope. As for Clara, she is attracted to Alex too, but can't give in to that attraction because she can't put him and his people at risk. If she is found she believes that she will be murdered like her father, and anybody she is with will suffer the same fate. It definitely seems that there is no way that these two damaged people can have a future together. But, perhaps they can, if only they allow each other 'in', to accept that it's OK to trust and allow the other person to help them.
This was a perfect romantic read. Not only did we have the fierce attraction between Kaid and Clara, but there was the suspense of all the secrets, and the ultimate need to know if they could battle their demons and come through the ordeal ready to love and be loved. This was a real page-turner of a story and I loved how the women in the story were such strong characters. The men, of course, were swoon-worthy, and Kaid and Clara's relationship was beautiful. I loved every minute of this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
November 10, 2017
When his brother foists English born Alfred onto him to train as his squire, Alex intuitively realises that something does not ring true. However, he chooses to accept the situation, but decides to keep his eyes open. Upon discovering the surprising truth, Alex’s eyes almost pop out of their sockets, leaving him floundering. Knowing that his squire is in fact a beautiful woman makes him wonder what secrets she is keeping and why she needs to effect her disguise. Alfred, who is in fact Clara, accompanies Alex on his quest to discover the whereabouts of his missing mother, because she feels safer when on the move. As secrets are revealed, Alex finds that he will do anything to keep her safe, even from himself. Characters from previous books in the Border Series continue to appear in this one too, however this tale is Alex’s story and it is a standalone. The book is very well written, keeping the reader‘s interest right the way through to the delightful ending. I would have liked to know more about Alex’s mother and the meeting with the rest of his siblings, but one can guess at the outcome. I do hope that this is not the last of the Border Series books, as they have been very entertaining reading. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 14, 2017
Amazing!! Not only amazing but heartwarming, intriguing, passionate. Just a few words to describe this book. Why would a woman disguise herself as a lad for many years? Dear reader, that is the question! To hide in plain sight, Lady Clara presented herself as Alfred, a lowly squire, who followed the jousting tournaments, aiding the knights. The last knight Clara squired for was Toren Kerr, who figured out she was female and realized she was terrified to be found out. So he and his new wife take Clara home and Toren hands her over to his brother Alex to become his squire. This is were the story really takes off. Alex sees Clara as the female she is and begins questioning her as to who she is and why she is hiding. They travel together on a journey to find Alex's mother and the sparks begin to fly. To say that they are attracted to each other is too mild a description! Cecelia Mecca is a master at descriptions and characterizations that make you feel you are there with Alex and Clara. This is a story full of adventure, intrigue and surprising secrets that come to light. When the last page is turned you will draw a heavy sigh and hope that the next book in this series will come out soon!!! Well Done Cecelia Mecca as always!!
November 9, 2017
An English woman, Lady Clara has been frightened for her life the past six years and has been living as “Alfred, “a squire who talks little and trusts no one. At a recent tournament she meets and learns to trust Lady Juliette and her husband Toren Kerr where she agrees to go to Clan Kerr become his brother, Alex Kerr’s squire. Alex is completely disinterested in training an English lad until he discovers he’s hiding a secret he’s not really a lad at all. Alex hates anything English ever since his Mother left them all those years ago. Passions flare between the two on their journey as the two grow closer to each other, but for Clara it not that simple people have died to keep her safe and she will not have anyone else die for her. After Alex discovers Clara’s secret, their future seems ever more uncertain for them. A great story filled with suspense, drama, mystery and passion as these two come to grips with their passions and desires between the Scot and the English Lady.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
October 27, 2017
It is so romantic and I am so glad that Clara found some sense of safety. Clara witnessed the murder of her father and Gilbert whisked her away. He taught her to take care of herself but he, also protected her. Alex Kerr is the second son of the Kerr Reviers. Who live on the Scottish side of the border.
This was a wonderful story. Toren Kerr is the oldest brother and met her at a tournament and asked her to come back with him. He knew she was a girl and not the squire she portrayed. The descriptions of the scenery is impressive and puts you into the scene. The dialogue is effective and matches the action, that is going on at the time. The characters are potent and have such vibrancy. Even the secondary characters add so much to the plot. There are a lot of things going on in this tale. The author has put them together so they make a well written, even paced and can not put down the book. Ms. Mecca uses her exceptional talent to make this a truly mesmerizing experience.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.
This was a wonderful story. Toren Kerr is the oldest brother and met her at a tournament and asked her to come back with him. He knew she was a girl and not the squire she portrayed. The descriptions of the scenery is impressive and puts you into the scene. The dialogue is effective and matches the action, that is going on at the time. The characters are potent and have such vibrancy. Even the secondary characters add so much to the plot. There are a lot of things going on in this tale. The author has put them together so they make a well written, even paced and can not put down the book. Ms. Mecca uses her exceptional talent to make this a truly mesmerizing experience.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.
October 30, 2019
Best Series and Book of the Year!!! Another amazing story by Cecelia Mecca. The Scot: A Forbidden Love Medieval Romance is book 3 of the Order of the Broken Blade series and as I said before this series is blowing my mind! Cecelia’s writing just keeps getting better and better and I had to slow down in reading this book as I didn’t want it to end. This creative and imaginative story of enemies to lover is truly a one of a kind and you will read nothing like it, it is that amazing. The banter is so awesome and I have to admit that it is my favorite thing to read in a book. You can’t help but fall in love with our hero, Terric and the heroine Roysa. This story has an abused marriage, mistrust, bad first impressions, a battle, mistrust, politics, family love, brotherhood, treason and falling in love. This is a must read! I also recommend you read books 1 and 2 in this series, The Blacksmith and The Mercenary to get the full story. Believe me you won’t be disappointed.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
November 11, 2017
Keeping her identity secret is a matter of life and death for Clara, that is why she is travelling as Alfred,a squire. She has been offered a place training with the men in a castle on the Scottish side of the border.
Alex Kerr works as the second to his brother training the men. He could be running his own keep, but the memories in that place are ones he doesn't want to face.
It doesn't take him long to discover the secret the new squire is hiding. However her real identity and the reason she is hiding will be a lot harder to find out.
When word comes of the whereabouts of someone Alex wants to find, he and his new squire will go on a journey. This will definitely be an interesting journey. Lots of fun, a little danger and plenty of wonderful characters. Our heroine is a brave but very scared young lady. Our hero is a stubborn and sexy Scotsman.
This is part of a series but you can read it on it's own.
I loved it.
Alex Kerr works as the second to his brother training the men. He could be running his own keep, but the memories in that place are ones he doesn't want to face.
It doesn't take him long to discover the secret the new squire is hiding. However her real identity and the reason she is hiding will be a lot harder to find out.
When word comes of the whereabouts of someone Alex wants to find, he and his new squire will go on a journey. This will definitely be an interesting journey. Lots of fun, a little danger and plenty of wonderful characters. Our heroine is a brave but very scared young lady. Our hero is a stubborn and sexy Scotsman.
This is part of a series but you can read it on it's own.
I loved it.
November 8, 2017
Alex is forced to take on a squire named Alfred but knows something is not right with the boy. Alfred is really Clara masquerading as a boy to hide from her past. Alex discovers she is really a woman but decides to keep her secret till he learns why she is hiding. The connection between the two grows and Clare comes to trust Alex. She tells him her story and how she is in danger. Alex has come to care for Clara and will do anything to protect her.
If you love a medieval story that is action packed with lots of suspense, romance and at times funny this is for you. The women are strong and the men are wonderful. Cecelia Mecca is a great author who keeps you so interested you hate for the book to end and can’t wait for the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
If you love a medieval story that is action packed with lots of suspense, romance and at times funny this is for you. The women are strong and the men are wonderful. Cecelia Mecca is a great author who keeps you so interested you hate for the book to end and can’t wait for the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 1, 2017
Everything this author writes will draw you in and transport you to medieval times. I love her work and will read anything she releases, she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
This story begins with Alex's brother, Torren who returns home from a tournament with a new squire. He assigns the lad to Alex for training. When Alex discovers that the small lad is, in fact, a woman he does everything in his power to find out her secret. He vows to protect her, but from what he doesn't know.
Alfred, who is actually Clara in boy's clothing and a cap to hide her hair is completely taken back by Alex. She discovers feelings she had never had before and wants to tell him her secret. But can she trust him?
Great read, recommend it.
This story begins with Alex's brother, Torren who returns home from a tournament with a new squire. He assigns the lad to Alex for training. When Alex discovers that the small lad is, in fact, a woman he does everything in his power to find out her secret. He vows to protect her, but from what he doesn't know.
Alfred, who is actually Clara in boy's clothing and a cap to hide her hair is completely taken back by Alex. She discovers feelings she had never had before and wants to tell him her secret. But can she trust him?
Great read, recommend it.
November 5, 2017
A well written story with mystery, suspense, drama, humor and romance. This book has it all! I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. Strong characters and plot line. Alex's mother ran off and abandoned her children, leaving Alex not trusting women or the English. Clara disguises herself as a boy and is afraid for her life. They must both learn to trust. I was at the edge of my seat as I read about Alex and Clara and how they found the way to overcome their past in order to find love. I would gladly recommend this book to others. I received a free copy of this book and happily and voluntarily choose to leave a review.
November 13, 2017
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Cecelia Mecca’s THE SCOT’S SECRET when the author first hinted at it at the end of THE CHIEF’S MAIDEN. I love her Border series and this one was no exception. Clara and Alex are fantastic together. I love their chemistry. I also love the other characters and really enjoyed seeing them incorporated into this story making me feel as though I was visiting old friends. And we finally get an answer to a long-awaited question (squeals). All that said, Ms. Mecca creates a rich world of engaging characters who are entertaining and lovable, often despite themselves and her series is well worth the read.
November 11, 2017
I loved Alex and Clara’s story, they are such a special couple. The protectiveness that Alex has towards Clara, almost from the beginning, makes you want to just hug him. Both characters have things in their past that affect how they behave in public, but when they are alone, they can just be themselves. This was a powerful addition to the Border Series. Well done Cecelia, another success for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 9, 2017
I enjoyed Alex and Alfred/Clara's story. I can't imagine what it is like to live in fear the way she did. I was glad Alex did not give up on her and true love. It was crazy how Gilbert reappeared, I surely thought he was gone. This was a sweet and by turns steamy romance. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 26, 2017
This is awesome! It completely answers the question of Alfred so, all good.
I have read all of the Border Series and....I LOVE THEM ALL.
If you like historical romance stories AND sexy Scots, then this is the series for you!
Terrific Cecelia Mecca
I have read all of the Border Series and....I LOVE THEM ALL.
If you like historical romance stories AND sexy Scots, then this is the series for you!
Terrific Cecelia Mecca
October 31, 2017
A Scot on a mission to find the mother who abandoned him and his siblings. An English lady, disguised as a boy, on the run for her life. This story was just as good as the previous books of the series. Lots of action and intrigue. This is my honest review of the arc I received.
April 22, 2026
2nd time reading this- first time, years ago, I loved it. This time? Not so much. More thoughts to come soon.
What did I enjoy?
- I absolutely love a secret identity/opposite gender disguise troupe. Call me basic. I have always loved this troupe. This was the key feature that I loved during my first read and what brought me back to read this a second time years later.
- I also enjoy an "omg, oops, didn't realize you were taking a bath rn" troupe.
- I enjoy an FMC who can ACTUALLY fight. Not one who just talks big game and never shows her skills. Clara is clearly talented, but humble about it.
Beef I have with this book:
- Clara. Oh Clara, or should I say Alfred? I am sorry, but this girl has absolutely zero chill. Every chapter has her randomly deciding to run away because she's afraid. It gets old af. I'm sorry but can we possibly try to throw in a different type of challenge for a character to face that doesn't involve her running away?
-If your secret is so devastating and could kill people, why may I ask are you telling literally everyone in the castle after virtually no prying? And THEN running away after?
- The other couples (who seem to have barely been in relationships) have somehow mysteriously discovered every single secret to the perfect marriage. There were way too many "pow wow girl huddle pep-talk" moments in this book. Every 3-7 pages had the other women trying to tell Clara how wonderful their relationships were and that irreconcilable differences should be ignored completely.
- Our MMC and FMC folded too fast in more ways than one. He revealed that he knew her secret identity way too fast. I wish it could have been drawn out, because tbh, that was the most exciting part of the entire plot.
-How can a girl spend so many years in nasty, male-infested areas and still have zero knowledge about s8xu@l things? Either she has zero observation skills, or she was playing Alex like a cheap fiddle.
-Alex's mommy issues. His entire identity revolves around his mommy issues.
- "OMG Alex is the cure to my years worth of horrific trauma, and I have to sleep with him."
- Can we stop pretending like it's so easy to marry someone from completely different cultural backgrounds? Alex clearly hates the English and resents them to an extreme level. Now suddenly it takes one girl to clear away all the years of prejudice and not to mention his womanizer habits.
What did I enjoy?
- I absolutely love a secret identity/opposite gender disguise troupe. Call me basic. I have always loved this troupe. This was the key feature that I loved during my first read and what brought me back to read this a second time years later.
- I also enjoy an "omg, oops, didn't realize you were taking a bath rn" troupe.
- I enjoy an FMC who can ACTUALLY fight. Not one who just talks big game and never shows her skills. Clara is clearly talented, but humble about it.
Beef I have with this book:
- Clara. Oh Clara, or should I say Alfred? I am sorry, but this girl has absolutely zero chill. Every chapter has her randomly deciding to run away because she's afraid. It gets old af. I'm sorry but can we possibly try to throw in a different type of challenge for a character to face that doesn't involve her running away?
-If your secret is so devastating and could kill people, why may I ask are you telling literally everyone in the castle after virtually no prying? And THEN running away after?
- The other couples (who seem to have barely been in relationships) have somehow mysteriously discovered every single secret to the perfect marriage. There were way too many "pow wow girl huddle pep-talk" moments in this book. Every 3-7 pages had the other women trying to tell Clara how wonderful their relationships were and that irreconcilable differences should be ignored completely.
- Our MMC and FMC folded too fast in more ways than one. He revealed that he knew her secret identity way too fast. I wish it could have been drawn out, because tbh, that was the most exciting part of the entire plot.
-How can a girl spend so many years in nasty, male-infested areas and still have zero knowledge about s8xu@l things? Either she has zero observation skills, or she was playing Alex like a cheap fiddle.
-Alex's mommy issues. His entire identity revolves around his mommy issues.
- "OMG Alex is the cure to my years worth of horrific trauma, and I have to sleep with him."
- Can we stop pretending like it's so easy to marry someone from completely different cultural backgrounds? Alex clearly hates the English and resents them to an extreme level. Now suddenly it takes one girl to clear away all the years of prejudice and not to mention his womanizer habits.
November 15, 2017
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book***
I really enjoy this delightful series by Ms. Mecca! She paints a vivid picture of the Anglo-Scottish border and the troubles that plagued the region in the 13th century. Her characters are strong, handsome, and determined men and their equally beautiful and determined female counterparts. This book includes secrets, intrigue, disguises, lords, ladies, knights and their squires.
Lady Clara's life in disguise as a lad is a necessary evil. People she's loved and cared for have died because they were helping her. Lord Toren knows her secret and is willing to help her without knowing her history and the reason for her disguise. He arranges for her to work/train with his brother Alex and his second at Brockburg Castle in Scotland. When "Alfred" sees Alex Kerr her world becomes more complicated. Up until now her life as a lad has been trying but Alex makes her feel and want things as a woman grown. Alex realizes that Alfred is in fact a woman and he tries to get her to tell him her secrets.
Can Alex get over the fact that Lady Clara is English? Can he get her to tell him her secrets and let him help her? What is it that Clara/Alfred is running from? She so wants to trust someone but that didn't work for her before so what should she do? Can Alex and Clara have a relationship and maybe even love? Will Clara's secret come out? What will happen or who will get hurt if her secret gets out? Read for yourself the entertaining story about love, secrets, and the love between and man and a woman.
I really enjoy this delightful series by Ms. Mecca! She paints a vivid picture of the Anglo-Scottish border and the troubles that plagued the region in the 13th century. Her characters are strong, handsome, and determined men and their equally beautiful and determined female counterparts. This book includes secrets, intrigue, disguises, lords, ladies, knights and their squires.
Lady Clara's life in disguise as a lad is a necessary evil. People she's loved and cared for have died because they were helping her. Lord Toren knows her secret and is willing to help her without knowing her history and the reason for her disguise. He arranges for her to work/train with his brother Alex and his second at Brockburg Castle in Scotland. When "Alfred" sees Alex Kerr her world becomes more complicated. Up until now her life as a lad has been trying but Alex makes her feel and want things as a woman grown. Alex realizes that Alfred is in fact a woman and he tries to get her to tell him her secrets.
Can Alex get over the fact that Lady Clara is English? Can he get her to tell him her secrets and let him help her? What is it that Clara/Alfred is running from? She so wants to trust someone but that didn't work for her before so what should she do? Can Alex and Clara have a relationship and maybe even love? Will Clara's secret come out? What will happen or who will get hurt if her secret gets out? Read for yourself the entertaining story about love, secrets, and the love between and man and a woman.
April 28, 2026
I loved this story
Lady Clara Barrington escapes her home after her father was murdered. The man who killed him saw her and she was worried he would come after her, Gilbert their long time armorer who was like family helped her escape. He had her pose as a boy Alfred to keep her safe. They went to tournaments to earn coin until Gilbert was killed for not helping a man cheat at a tournament. She was on her own until she started acting as a squire for Laird Toren Kerr.
He takes her back to Scotland with his new wife who had revealed Clara’s secret. They both promise her that they will tell no one. He gives her to his brother Alex as his squire. Alex finds that things are just not right with Alfred, and follows her one day to the river and finds that Alfred is actually a woman. I loved how this story comes together.
Lady Clara Barrington escapes her home after her father was murdered. The man who killed him saw her and she was worried he would come after her, Gilbert their long time armorer who was like family helped her escape. He had her pose as a boy Alfred to keep her safe. They went to tournaments to earn coin until Gilbert was killed for not helping a man cheat at a tournament. She was on her own until she started acting as a squire for Laird Toren Kerr.
He takes her back to Scotland with his new wife who had revealed Clara’s secret. They both promise her that they will tell no one. He gives her to his brother Alex as his squire. Alex finds that things are just not right with Alfred, and follows her one day to the river and finds that Alfred is actually a woman. I loved how this story comes together.
March 20, 2018
Enjoying this series
This fourth book in series is another 5 star. Each book can be standalone, but better read in order, I like series with reoccurring characters. Loved the start of book, and certainly held my attention from beginning to end. It contains intrigue, romance, with steamy love scenes, adding to story. Liked the H/h, both very strong people. She is very brave and independent, both having tragic pasts. Could not put book down, had to know what happened next. I wondered who man in her dreams, that committed crime against her father was, but never found out. Everything else explained, and liked HEA end. Highly recommend this as I do all her books.
This fourth book in series is another 5 star. Each book can be standalone, but better read in order, I like series with reoccurring characters. Loved the start of book, and certainly held my attention from beginning to end. It contains intrigue, romance, with steamy love scenes, adding to story. Liked the H/h, both very strong people. She is very brave and independent, both having tragic pasts. Could not put book down, had to know what happened next. I wondered who man in her dreams, that committed crime against her father was, but never found out. Everything else explained, and liked HEA end. Highly recommend this as I do all her books.
November 15, 2017
A great series from a talented, new author! Highly recommended
I loved, loved, loved this series! I enjoyed it so much that I read all 5 books in as many days. I fell in love with the characters, the storylines, the history, and the dialogue. I could not put the books down and am looking forward to future works by this author. Hopefully we don't have to wait long for the next installment!
I loved, loved, loved this series! I enjoyed it so much that I read all 5 books in as many days. I fell in love with the characters, the storylines, the history, and the dialogue. I could not put the books down and am looking forward to future works by this author. Hopefully we don't have to wait long for the next installment!
November 20, 2017
The Scot's Secret
This lady's writing just gets better with each story. I love her style. Each adventure leads to the next one thru out the book. There is no down time in her books. No one adventure then the end. I rank her above Le Veque whose writing style and adventures I love but Cecelia Mecca is number one and Le Veque has moved to 2nd place. Cecelia's books are a must read. Enjoy and happy reading.
This lady's writing just gets better with each story. I love her style. Each adventure leads to the next one thru out the book. There is no down time in her books. No one adventure then the end. I rank her above Le Veque whose writing style and adventures I love but Cecelia Mecca is number one and Le Veque has moved to 2nd place. Cecelia's books are a must read. Enjoy and happy reading.
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