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A beautiful lass with hair the color of fire and eyes of emerald green would be a dream most men would happily invite. But these dreams, of the lass calling to him, begging for his help, haunt Rodrick the Bold. When the nightmares become too much, he sets off to find the lass who calls to him nightly. Not known for his warm heart nor eloquent way with words, he seeks to rescue her if only to be free of the torment.

Held as the pawn in a plot of treachery and deceit, Muriel MacFarland does not know who to trust or believe. Her once quiet, ordinary life is torn asunder when she is kidnapped and sold. Tormented and abused, she gives up all hope of a rescue by her brother and believes her life is no longer worth living.

Can Muriel put her faith, trust, and life in the hands of the stranger who comes to rescue her?

Will Rodrick the Bold's wish for a family of his own come true?

Rodrick the Bold was originally published in the anthology, The Nutcracker Reimagined.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2017

235 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Suzan Tisdale

88 books662 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.

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5 stars
303 (56%)
4 stars
153 (28%)
3 stars
62 (11%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Shoshanna Ford.
377 reviews19 followers
April 20, 2018
This story was lovely.

Rodrick the Bold was the sweetest, most gentle hero I've ever read. Especially for a fearsome warrior. He goes all out to protect his lady love. He truly made this story. I adored him. Muriel was an interesting character. She was strong and brave and all things lovely. It was really interesting to read about a survivor of such terrible abuse learn to love herself and her husband.

The plot was well written, and the book ended on a lovely note. Then, out of nowhere (in the epilogue) comes a cliffhanger. In all honestly though, I am so glad it was put in. There was that one thing throughout the book that I NEEDED resolved and it never did. The cliffhanger told me it would be resolved eventually and I could breathe a little more easily.

This story kept me on my toes, I read the entire thing in one sitting. It completely held my attention. I highly recommend it for lovers of historical romance.

TRIGGER WARNING: RAPE AND ABUSE.
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,310 reviews34 followers
March 5, 2018
Rodrick the Bold is the third book in the Mackintoshes and McLarens series by Suzan Tisdale.

Muriel MacFarland has been taken by a couple who her deceased father owed money to. They expect her to work off her father's debt. After a while, they decide to sell her and the man that buys her rapes her on a daily basis. His wife at times beats her too. Muriel's brother Charlie would have rescued her by now if he was able to, so it isn't long until Muriel loses all hope and just wishes for death to take her.

Rodrick the Bold is a fierce warrior. He lost his parents at a young age and was brought up by warriors, ones that cared only for battle, not for sentiment. Rodrick wants nothing more than to have the love of a family, of a wife and children but the older he gets the more he believes it is something that will never happen.

Charlie MacFarland was Rodrick's friend until he turned on both Rodrick and the clan. Thankfully his traitorous actions didn't succeed but Charlie was fatally wounded. On the brink of death, he admits the reasoning behind his actions. His sister has been kidnapped and he was trying to get the coin to buy her back. He had no idea that she had been sold on to other people.

Rodrick has been having dreams of a woman he doesn't know, one that is begging for him to save her. He suddenly realises that the woman must be Charlie's sister. He knows her brother was a traitor, but that's no reason why he should let Muriel suffer as she must be according to his dreams. He sets out to find and rescue her. Thankfully before it's too late, he does indeed get her away from her captors and takes her back to his clan.

What follows is the beautiful story of how Muriel comes to terms with what has happened to her. Rodrick looks after her, he makes no demands on her, and in turn, she slowly learns that she can trust him. At the start of the story, we see how badly she was treated and the rape scenes followed by the beatings nearly brought me to tears. I was so happy that Rodrick rescued her before anything more could happen to her. He is such an honourable man, a fierce warrior who won't let any harm come to people he cares about. He is a much-needed hero for Muriel and seeing their relationship develop was a joy to behold.

When Muriel finds herself in danger yet again from her rapist I couldn't wait for him to get his comeuppance, and wow what a comeuppance it was. The author really knows how to write a hard-hitting novel with just the right amount of angst, gore and romance for the perfect balance. I couldn't put this book down from page one so finished it in just one sitting. The ending was perfect, both for our couple, but especially as it had a great opening for another story to come.

I can't fault this book at all and definitely recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,060 reviews17 followers
March 10, 2018
After Muriel MacFarland’s father died she was rescued or better yet she was taken hostage by the devious Bowie laird, Rutger, to take over the McLaren clan. Rescued is certainly not the word to describe her situation, she endures so much physical and mental abuse by those who hold her, she is definitely in dire need of rescuing. She prays for her brother Charlie to come and save her.
Rodrick the Bold is a fierce warrior who longs for a home and family. Charlie MacFarland was Rodrick's friend until he turned on both Rodrick and the clan. On his death bed Charlie explains why he did the things he did. He was trying to get enough funds to buy his sister Muriel’s freedom. Rodrick has been having dreams of a young woman with hair the color of fire and green eye such as he’s never seen before, she comes to him and torments him every night. In these dreams the woman is distress and in needs rescuing, but he did not who she was. Now he suspects its Muriel and vows to rescue her and put an end his tormenting dreams. After the rescue Rodrick makes no demands of Muriel, and she slowly learns that she can trust him and feel safe again. Muriel is deserving of a strong warrior to love and protect her, and Rodrick wants nothing more than to have the love of a family, of a wife and children, but the older all but given up on having his heart’s desire. A truly moving story of two wounded souls who desperately need each other if only they have the courage to capture and hold a love of a lifetime.
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.

42 reviews
March 5, 2018
Rodrick the Bold is a wonderful addition to the Mactintosh and McLarens series. Its an emotional and heartbreaking tale of needing love, security and learning to trust again. Rodrick the bold is known for his strength and fearless attitude while deep down he dreams of having a home with a wife and bairns of his own. Muriel MacFarland is a poor lass that has been kidnapped and sold due to revenge to a past debt from her departed father. She has to endure physical and mental abuse by those who hold her and is in dire need of rescuing. This tale brings Rodrick and Muriel together. Muriel will have to see if she dares to trust a stranger to be safe and secure while Rodrick has to guard his heart and dreams. This tale can be read as a lone book but to really understand all the connections of other characters i highly recommend reading the beginning with Ian's Rose. Book 1. Suzan Tisdale never fails to deliver an adventure that you do not want to miss. It will keep you entranced in each character and feel the emotions and trials they may go through. Warning: this story does contain rape scene and physical/emotional abuse. I received a complimentary copy for my honest review. I highly recommend this tale and know you will love Rodrick too!
Profile Image for Kay Grover.
1 review
March 5, 2018
I was hooked on this story after the first chapter. It kept me wondering what would happen next and how will the story come together for the two main characters, an honorable Highlander and a young lady in needs of help. I highly recommend this book....
Profile Image for TJ.
3,312 reviews295 followers
January 10, 2019
4.5/5.0

Another absolutely awesome Scottish story by one of the genres very best! There is very little one can fault - the storyline flows beautifully, the plot is engrossing, heart-breaking, action-packed and ultimately sigh-worthy.
Profile Image for Ann/Alba.
27 reviews
March 7, 2018
Rodrick the bold a man after my own heart.
He was raised & became a hardened warrior But he never lost his gentle soul compassion for those who were abused or just not strong enough to fight or protect themselves. Don’t be fooled like I said he’s a hardened WARRIOR.
Muriel Sister to a traitor kidnapped for ransom to pay off a debt resold Abused raped by the lowest form of a man ever to walk the earth, not to mention a Wicked evil woman.
This book Like all of Suzan Tisdale’s book’s is brilliantly written , The Characters are well developed it captured your attention from Start to finish I did not want to put it down ( a lass has to sleep sometime) It has become my favorite Rodrick & Muriel are made for each other. they just have to open their hearts take a leap of faith all will be right in the end.
As always the troll of a bad guy get’s it . Again Suzan never disappoints ( though I may have a few other ideas ) Trully is an amazing book Part 3 in the series of The Mackintoshes & Mclarens
It’s a love story with some struggles & some content that might be difficult to read, Suzan approaches this content with Care & Understanding.
I was gifted this book But was under no obligation to write a review or be compensate’d to do so , This is My opinion of this book Mine Alone.
Profile Image for Lori Meehan.
1,143 reviews
March 11, 2018
4.5*
Very Suzan Tisdale Book that I’ve read sucks you in from the beginning so be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions and suspense that in the end you just want to hop right back on for another go.
Rodrick the Bold, orphaned as a young boy, raised by hardened warriors to be a strong honorable man. He had one secret yearning, a family of his own a wife and bairns, but as the years have gone by its beginning to seem as it will never happen.
Muriel McFarland’s life was wonderful, loving parents and a brother she idealized. She help her parents run their bakery, she was happy healthy and well taken care of, then everything changed when her parents died. She and her brother Charles did what they could to keep the bakery running. One day as she was working on her own she was kidnapped, unknown their father borrowed money and Muriel would be held until Charles can pay it back. Charles turned traitor to free Muriel, turned against his clan and best friend, Rodrick the Bold. On his deathbed confession, Rodrick can not forget his need to rescue Muriel.
Muriel suffered unspeakable violence at the hands of her captors. When Rodrick rescues her she wants nothing more then to die but Rodrick vows to show her that she’s worthy and she has a life ahead of her. Through the days and weeks Rodrick proves what a kind and honorable man he is and that she just might want to live and except what life has given her.
Rodrick is such a wonderful man. He is sweet and strong and so understanding of Muriel that at times he brought me to tears. Muriel’s strength to face the world and to overcome and except she was worthy through Rodrick was a joy to read.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger but it simply leads to another book and I can not wait. And if I get my wish it involves Ailrig.
Profile Image for Alison.
862 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2018
By Suzan Tisdale

Rodrick the Bold is having the same haunting dream every night. A beautiful lass with brilliant red hair and emerald green eyes is calling to him and begging for his help. When these nightmares become to much, he sets off to find the beautiful woman. Not known for his warm heart or his flowery way with words, he seeks to recuse her and be free of the torment.

Muriel MacFarland is being held as a pawn in a plot of treachery and deciet not knowing who to trust or believe anymore. She once had a quiet life, ordinary life which was torn asunder when she was kidnapped and sold. Tormented and abused, she gives up all hope of getting rescued by her brother and believes her life is no longer worth living. Then a man saying he was sent by her Brother shows up to recuse her.
Will Muriel be able to put her faith, her trust, and above all her life in this strangers hands?
Will Rodrick ever get the family he has wished for every year for three decade's now?

Suzan Tisdale is a superbly talented writter who never fails to astound me with her books. From the minute I picked up this book until the minute I put it down I could think of nothing else. Reading this book took me on an emotional roller coaster that had me smiling, frowning, and at one point, even in tears. This book is well deserving of five stars and I truly enjoyed every word.
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
March 4, 2018
This was an emotionally packed story that was both heartwarming and heart wrenching! Rodrick is driven by a dream to rescue Muriel MacFarland, sister of the man who almost killed him. Muriel has been kept prisoner on the Isle of Skye and has suffered unspeakably at the hands of Fergus and Anthara MacDonald. Their story is emotional but also sweet and you can’t help but want the best for both of them. I just fell in love with both of these characters and my heart went out to each of them. The author covers a sensitive subject with understanding and care and gives Muriel the hero she needs to help her through the trauma she has suffered. Rodrick did not have an easy life himself and Muriel is the perfect fit for this wonderful and honorable warrior. I was so drawn in by their story that once I started reading I just couldn’t put this book down. Suzan Tisdale is truly an amazing storyteller and she certainly had me in the palm of her hand! As a footnote I’d like to add that it may seem to some that the book ends on a cliffhanger however Muriel and Rodrick’s story ends nicely and even has a lovely epilogue. The book does end with a lead into a new story though and thus may seem like a cliffhanger to some. This is a book well worth reading and I certainly do not hesitate in recommending it.

Profile Image for Ginny.
71 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2018
Rodrick the Bold, the third book in the Mackintoshes-McLauren books, was first introduced in Ian's Rose and then in the Bowie's Bride. Though his parts in those books were brief, he held my attention and curiosity about the man from the start. Am so pleased that Suzan Tisdale gave him his own story!
Here, the strong and audacious warrior whose only secret wish he has to one day marry and have a family of his own. Rodrick begins to have dreams of a young woman with red hair and emerald eyes pleading for his help, along with his deceased friend(who betrayed their friendship in Ian’s Rose) he makes the connection that the young woman is his friend’s sister Muriel.
Muriel, taken forcefully to repay a debt of her deceased father, then sold to another shortly after that to the abusive Fergus MacDonald who also rapes Muriel. Here is where Rodrick finds her and with a bit of difficulty manages to get Muriel to the Mackintoshes-MaLuren keep.
But life is not easy for either of them and soon Mauriel is kidnapped and Rodrick is determined to get her back and he does by killing MacDonald in a befitting death for one so evil as that man.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,107 reviews88 followers
March 6, 2018
Rodrick MacElroy has been tormented by dreams of a woman that desperately needs his help ever since the traitor explained the reason for his action. The man's sister is being held hostage. She will need to be rescued so that Rodrick can have peace of mind.
Our hero is a warrior through and through, but he has always prayed for a family of his own.
Muriel MacFarland was abducted from her shop in the city and told her father owed a large debt. That is why she has been sold. The man who bought her has abused her viciously ever since. She can't take any more, death would be welcome. Our poor heroine needs help to find the strength needed to carry on.
Although this is part of a series you can easily read it as a stand alone, but if you are going to read all of them ( I highly recommend you do) they need to be read in order.
Lots of adventure that will pull you into our characters lives. I enjoyed every page.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,496 reviews23 followers
March 6, 2018
4.5 Stars - This is an emotionally charged story which extracted intense feelings from me. That to me, is a sign of a really good story! As I read this story I wantedto champion the heroine, Muriel MacFarland, myself. I found myself cheering on the hero, Rodrick the Bold.

He is an older Warrior who knows the feeling of loss and wanting to hope for something he has been wishing for. He is a good man who has been recently betrayed. Now, he knows he has to follow his instincts because he knows who needs his help.

She is enduring her worst nightmare and even though she wants to continue to hope, she knows she has just lost the last shreds of hope to open her eyes each day.

A story that will squeeze your heart! I am so happy my friend gifted me with this story. I was glued to my seat while reading.
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews115 followers
March 4, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Emotional , heartbreaking, tragic story,that evolves into an epic tale of love , devotion and family.
I loved this so much .
Rodrick prays for a family after loosing his own as a child .
Muriel is the sister of a traitor, abused and raped by her kidnapper and sold to service a sea captain, she is rescued by Rodrick who was friendly with her brother.
The two must find trust and learn to live with what has happened in their lives before they can move on .
But the past won’t leave them be,and now they must fight again, this time for love .
Awesome and emotional I challenge you not to be affected by this story .
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Vivian Rossi.
14 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2018
Ack! What a journey!!!

I love people, and I love books that introduce me to real folk. In each if Suzan Tisdale's books you meet "Real Men!" I love how they live their lives with honor, hope, grit, and determination. Overcoming whatever obstacles life, and circumstance throws at them, no matter what LOVE conquers all. I started reading Rodrick the Bold, and could NOT put it down until I knew just what happened to him, & his love! I laughed, cried, cheered and sighed...i have.read it twice already. Thank you Suzan for a fantastic journey, updates on the families, and of course I cannot wait for your next tale!!!"
Profile Image for Sheryl Coffman.
37 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2018
Suzan Tisdale is fabulous!

I gave this book five stars in only wish I could give it ten. Rodrick has a dream he is haunted by this woman in his dream. Muriel is a beautiful woman who has been brutalized and raped.
This story keeps you glued in place until You read every word. You are afraid to look away for fear of missing something.
Suzan Tisdale writes smooth story that flows like water through your hand. To go can never go wrong with any of her works. She makes the stories fun and also has real depth.
I cried with Muriel and I laughed when the evil was taken care of.
Profile Image for Katie.
173 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2018
As always, Suzan never fails to draw the reader into her family of characters where you live what you read! She paints a beautiful portrait. I loved this book in particular because love was found from an older hardened warrior and a younger beautiful but broken lass. His patience and protection brought them the love, security, and the family they both needed. There are some intense and brutal high points in this book, but the biggest high point is these two falling in love and creating their family. Plus, the last line in the book...cliff hanger! So you know Suzan will be keeping us busy with her books for a long time to come! Great author; great read; highly recommend!
577 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2018
Hope and Healing

A great story written by Susan Tisdale. Rodrick the Bold was raised by a group of older warriors. The one thing he has ever wanted was a Christmas.
Meryl was sold to pay off a debt. She was given to Fergus MacDonald who raped her and mistreated her. Rodrick the Bold was having dreams of a lady begging for help. Now events start happening!
This is a book that needs to be read to see what happened. HAPPY READING
Profile Image for Tonya.
303 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2018
4.5 out of 5

Suzan Tisdale is a cheeky wench indeed! I believe every woman should have a Rodrick of their very own. He may not be the most handsome character out there but his honor and chivalry are above and beyond. A sigh worthy book boyfriend to be sure. The ending of this book is only a slight cliffhanger, hence the reason Suzan owns up to her title of cheeky wench!!! Fergus MacDonald is a horrid, evil villain and that’s all I can say, don’t want to give out any spoilers. :)
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,868 reviews39 followers
March 6, 2018
A fabulously well written story that takes you to the Highlands, there is danger, a kidnapping, a rescue, a sexy highland warrior, a damsel in distress, trust issues, did I mention a sexy highland warrior.

Read this and see if Rodrick can help Muriel to trust again and realise his dreams of a family of his own

I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
1,112 reviews
March 7, 2018
What an incredible hero. So bold, so honorable. And what a great heroine. I loved Rodrick and Muriels story and how they grew to love each other. Rodrick saves Muriels life and Muriel in turn makes his Yuletide wish for a family come true. Their love grew slowly yet deeply through friendship. Beautiful love story with lots of adventure
34 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2018
OUT OF THE PARK

Suzan hits another one out of the park!! Start to finish, I never put it down. I was right there with Roderick the Bold every step as if I was watching the story unfold in front of me. I eagerly anticipate the story of the red headed, emerald eyed maiden in crisis!
4 reviews
March 10, 2018
Oh my!!!!

Such a beautiful story! I love the characters Suzan creates...I feel like I know them...I love the families she makes!!! Another enchanting story! Roddick and Muriel are wonderful!!!!!
766 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2018
Good romance, great plot. Kept me riveted.
Profile Image for H.S. Stavropoulos.
Author 1 book5 followers
March 7, 2018
Roderick The Bold is a great story. I started it and couldn't put it down. I loved the hero and heroine. Roderick is such a wonderful and complex hero and I loved reading his story.
Profile Image for Tammy.
339 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2024
Another well done book in the series. Can't wait to finish it out with the next book.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,310 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2018
What a wonderful man! Every woman needs such a good man to make her feel safe, desired, protected, important. I loved the surprise at the end. No way anyone could see that coming.
Profile Image for Jennifer Miller.
Author 56 books199 followers
March 9, 2018
Amazing

No one writes them like Susan. These books are amazing and such page turners. Keep them coming and maybe put a family tree in there somewhere.
Profile Image for EvilAntie Jan.
1,595 reviews13 followers
March 11, 2018
Great series

As one can tell by the cliffhanger, this series is not over. Rodrick's story is amazing, as well it should be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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