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The Highland Lords #4
To Love a Scottish Lord
A Lord Not Meant to Marry
Hamish MacRae, a changed man, returned to his beloved Scotland intending to turn his back on the world. The proud, brooding lord wants nothing more than to be left alone, but an unwanted visitor to his lonely castle has defied his wishes. While it is true that this healer, Mary Gilly, is a beauty beyond compare, it will take more than her miraculous potions to soothe his wounded spirit. But Mary's tender heart is slowly melting Hamish's frozen one... awakening a burning need to keep her with him—forever.
A Lady Who Dares Not Love
Never before has Mary felt such an attraction to a man! The mysterious Hamish MacRae is strong and commanding, with a face and form so handsome it makes Mary tremble with wanting him. Already shadowy forces are coming closer, heartless whispers and cruel rumors abound, and it will take a love more pure and powerful than any other to divine the truth—and promise a future neither had dreamed possible.
Hamish MacRae, a changed man, returned to his beloved Scotland intending to turn his back on the world. The proud, brooding lord wants nothing more than to be left alone, but an unwanted visitor to his lonely castle has defied his wishes. While it is true that this healer, Mary Gilly, is a beauty beyond compare, it will take more than her miraculous potions to soothe his wounded spirit. But Mary's tender heart is slowly melting Hamish's frozen one... awakening a burning need to keep her with him—forever.
A Lady Who Dares Not Love
Never before has Mary felt such an attraction to a man! The mysterious Hamish MacRae is strong and commanding, with a face and form so handsome it makes Mary tremble with wanting him. Already shadowy forces are coming closer, heartless whispers and cruel rumors abound, and it will take a love more pure and powerful than any other to divine the truth—and promise a future neither had dreamed possible.
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
59 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ranney
100 books947 followersI’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 8, 2015
Mary Gilly, is a healer, and has been studying medicine most of her life. Mary is a widow, and she MacRae and help him with his injuries. Hamish MacRae has suffered torture and is scarred both inside and out, and enjoys his solitude. The last thing that he needs is a interfering brother and a healer, he just wants to be left alone. But Mary is more stubborn than he gave her credit for, and soon tensions rise, passions build and Hamish and Mary can't deny the desire that they feel for each other. Both of them know that they are only together for a few weeks and to make the best of it, but both Mary and Hamish need each other, and not just to make passionate love to each other. And there is a enemy that could tear them apart forever...
has been asked to come to Hamish
What a fun and sexy highlander romance. I had so much fun with this one. I just adore Karen Ranney and she always delivers amazing stories, and To Love A Scottish Lord is no different. In this installment, we have the fourth book in the series, I have read other books in the series but it has been a long time since I have read a book involving the MacRae's and boy I see I need to get back to this series. The brothers are just awesome together, and I just adored the closeness of the family. The story is mostly centered around Mary and Hamish, and the adventures they have together and them exploring the desire they share for each other. This pair was quite unique, and I loved the element of these two accepting each other and not feeling any reluctance to just enjoy the moment in each other. Most romances you see the whole courting dance before they get to the bedroom, but in this one, that doesn't really happen, it definitely had a different feel to the story and I really liked how this author adds some unique elements that adds a flair to the tale we have here.
Overall I had fun with this one, and this author keeps me coming back for more. If you are looking for a fun romance, with sexy playful scenes, a hero to curl you toes, a heroine to delight in, and a tale of passion and a endearing story to keep you aching for more....a rich gem to take to your heart!!
has been asked to come to Hamish
What a fun and sexy highlander romance. I had so much fun with this one. I just adore Karen Ranney and she always delivers amazing stories, and To Love A Scottish Lord is no different. In this installment, we have the fourth book in the series, I have read other books in the series but it has been a long time since I have read a book involving the MacRae's and boy I see I need to get back to this series. The brothers are just awesome together, and I just adored the closeness of the family. The story is mostly centered around Mary and Hamish, and the adventures they have together and them exploring the desire they share for each other. This pair was quite unique, and I loved the element of these two accepting each other and not feeling any reluctance to just enjoy the moment in each other. Most romances you see the whole courting dance before they get to the bedroom, but in this one, that doesn't really happen, it definitely had a different feel to the story and I really liked how this author adds some unique elements that adds a flair to the tale we have here.
Overall I had fun with this one, and this author keeps me coming back for more. If you are looking for a fun romance, with sexy playful scenes, a hero to curl you toes, a heroine to delight in, and a tale of passion and a endearing story to keep you aching for more....a rich gem to take to your heart!!
April 27, 2013
The story is entertaining, but the ending is flat.
Heroine is a a wealthy widow who practices medicine on the poor. she's called the angel of Inverness due to her successes. She stong and confiedent (not a spitfire who angers easily like many romantic heroine's, so I liked her quite a bit.)
The hero is a sea captain who was imprisoned and tortured for a year before he escaped. He's scarred and damaged, physically and mentally. He retreates to an abandoned castle, too affected by his past to be around people. He's surly but in a charming way.
The hero's brother hires the heroine to treat the hero's wounds. She travels to the abandoned castle to escape her life for a while. Even though the attraction between hero and herine is mutual and instantanious, the feeling they have are not of the volcanic lust variety poular in the more current novels. Their feel mutual but guarded curiousity.
In the process of convincing the hero to let her treat his injuries, they become friends and then lovers.
I have to admit that I read the firsst two chapters and wasn't certain if there was enough story to keep me interested. I moved to another book and returned to give this one another try and by the seventh chapter, felt compelled to continue.
Spoilers Follow:
The story remains somewhat flat. The heroine is accused of murder and thrown into jail. Then she stands trial (actually, a hearing to see if the heroine should stand trial for murdering her husband). Trials are boring since the scenes tend to be a rehash of what we already know.
The hero's confession of his own past deeds, in the courtroom, during her hearing, was out of place and not all that helpful to the heroine's case.
The antagonist is never punished, nor is his true character exposed. The hero and heroine flee Scotland without clearing the heroine's name. I suppose the eaning is more like real life. But this is fiction and I expected justice to be served and the unjust to be punished.
Since this is part of a series, other characters have print time. There's a second romance and visits with characters from previous books. Since I haven't read (or don't remember reading) any other stories in this series, I didn't feel an emotional connection to the other characters. Might be better to read the series in order. Too late for me, but I make that suggestion to others.
Heroine is a a wealthy widow who practices medicine on the poor. she's called the angel of Inverness due to her successes. She stong and confiedent (not a spitfire who angers easily like many romantic heroine's, so I liked her quite a bit.)
The hero is a sea captain who was imprisoned and tortured for a year before he escaped. He's scarred and damaged, physically and mentally. He retreates to an abandoned castle, too affected by his past to be around people. He's surly but in a charming way.
The hero's brother hires the heroine to treat the hero's wounds. She travels to the abandoned castle to escape her life for a while. Even though the attraction between hero and herine is mutual and instantanious, the feeling they have are not of the volcanic lust variety poular in the more current novels. Their feel mutual but guarded curiousity.
In the process of convincing the hero to let her treat his injuries, they become friends and then lovers.
I have to admit that I read the firsst two chapters and wasn't certain if there was enough story to keep me interested. I moved to another book and returned to give this one another try and by the seventh chapter, felt compelled to continue.
Spoilers Follow:
The story remains somewhat flat. The heroine is accused of murder and thrown into jail. Then she stands trial (actually, a hearing to see if the heroine should stand trial for murdering her husband). Trials are boring since the scenes tend to be a rehash of what we already know.
The hero's confession of his own past deeds, in the courtroom, during her hearing, was out of place and not all that helpful to the heroine's case.
The antagonist is never punished, nor is his true character exposed. The hero and heroine flee Scotland without clearing the heroine's name. I suppose the eaning is more like real life. But this is fiction and I expected justice to be served and the unjust to be punished.
Since this is part of a series, other characters have print time. There's a second romance and visits with characters from previous books. Since I haven't read (or don't remember reading) any other stories in this series, I didn't feel an emotional connection to the other characters. Might be better to read the series in order. Too late for me, but I make that suggestion to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2013
Hamish MacRae returns from India a changed man and hides out in an abandoned castle on an island along the coast of the Highlands not too far from Inverness. Badly injured in mind and body from the torture he suffered in India, Hamish intended to live out his days as a hermit. However, his brother Brendan had other ideas and returned with Mrs. Mary Gilly, a widow from Inverness who is renowned in that city as a healer. Despite his blustering, Mary intends to heal Hamish's damaged arm and other injuries through daily massage and manipulation with her special salves and creams. From the start, it was clear to Brendan that an intense attraction existed between Mary and Hamish so he wasn't surprised when Hamish wouldn't let her leave when Brendan left to return to his waiting ship. As the days turned to weeks, Mary and Hamish found that lust had turned to something more so that when guards turned up and dragged Mary off to prison for "murdering" her husband, even Hamish realized it was time to leave his isolation to free his soul mate.
This story is dark; it is depressing at times but, always, it shows the triumph of love over even the worst of situations. Well-crafted with well-drawn characters even secondary ones, the story will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.
This story is dark; it is depressing at times but, always, it shows the triumph of love over even the worst of situations. Well-crafted with well-drawn characters even secondary ones, the story will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.
October 6, 2013
I read to page 100 and still had nothing to say, I don't know what that really says about the story since I usually have some feelings towards a book by this point.
The scenario Ranney has set-up is a little like "Beauty and the Beast" Whew, there I have something to say about it!
Ranney integrates an interesting concept into the story, Hamish wanting to spend time with Mary because she didn't know him before his capture and torture in India and is not bothered he is a different person. For some reason my mind wandered to contemplating this same mindset about our troops who come home from war. Which could be a mark against the book, because it lost my interest or a plus for it because a concept from it intrigued me and got me thinking. (Isn't that suppose to be the purpose of a book?)
OMG! (In a bad way) I don't know if this was suppose to funny or not but it made me laugh. "She was like a snake charmer in an Indian market, and he was a King Cobra responding to her summons." Kind of a cheesy line to stick into a love scene. Ok Ranney just redeemed herself with the next line "He wanted her now in a way that was barely human". OOOh talk about giving me shivers!
The book started to pick-up for me when Mary is accused of murdering her husband by Charles. Charles was Mary's husband's apprentice and very obsessed with her. It was a story line that was interesting to read, especially after I was bored of just Mary and Hamish at their "Castle Gloom". Unfortunately this was waaaaaaay towards the end of the book.
It was great to finally hear the whole story of how Hamish escaped from India, but the timing of it seemed really off to me. He tells it during Mary's courtroom trial and it seemed unnecessary to me; I feel like if I was in the crowd I would have been "Um, ok, so back to Mary"
The ending of the book felt really abrupt to me, crazy since I found myself just wishing it would end for 90% of it. So Mary will forever be found guilty, and what about Charles, with how obsessed he was with Mary there is noway he would just let her go. I can't believe the author wouldn't resolve this? There is one more book in this series so maybe this somehow gets resolved there.
This book was not entertaining at all, skip it!
F
The scenario Ranney has set-up is a little like "Beauty and the Beast" Whew, there I have something to say about it!
Ranney integrates an interesting concept into the story, Hamish wanting to spend time with Mary because she didn't know him before his capture and torture in India and is not bothered he is a different person. For some reason my mind wandered to contemplating this same mindset about our troops who come home from war. Which could be a mark against the book, because it lost my interest or a plus for it because a concept from it intrigued me and got me thinking. (Isn't that suppose to be the purpose of a book?)
OMG! (In a bad way) I don't know if this was suppose to funny or not but it made me laugh. "She was like a snake charmer in an Indian market, and he was a King Cobra responding to her summons." Kind of a cheesy line to stick into a love scene. Ok Ranney just redeemed herself with the next line "He wanted her now in a way that was barely human". OOOh talk about giving me shivers!
The book started to pick-up for me when Mary is accused of murdering her husband by Charles. Charles was Mary's husband's apprentice and very obsessed with her. It was a story line that was interesting to read, especially after I was bored of just Mary and Hamish at their "Castle Gloom". Unfortunately this was waaaaaaay towards the end of the book.
It was great to finally hear the whole story of how Hamish escaped from India, but the timing of it seemed really off to me. He tells it during Mary's courtroom trial and it seemed unnecessary to me; I feel like if I was in the crowd I would have been "Um, ok, so back to Mary"
The ending of the book felt really abrupt to me, crazy since I found myself just wishing it would end for 90% of it. So Mary will forever be found guilty, and what about Charles, with how obsessed he was with Mary there is noway he would just let her go. I can't believe the author wouldn't resolve this? There is one more book in this series so maybe this somehow gets resolved there.
This book was not entertaining at all, skip it!
F
November 30, 2016
A delightful read. Hamish MacRae is a tortured soul, wounded both in face and heart, who buys an old Scottish castle, and wants to be left alone to brood over his fate. His brother does not want him to continue to suffer, so brings a healer, Mary Gilly to attempt to heal him.
However, Mary has someone who wants what her deceased husband has left her, and when Hamish realizes that she is in danger, he faces his feelings and helps her. Recommended.
However, Mary has someone who wants what her deceased husband has left her, and when Hamish realizes that she is in danger, he faces his feelings and helps her. Recommended.
July 9, 2011
The hero, injured in India, returns to Scotland and hides in his ruined castle like a wounded animal. He meets a local female healer (I do so LOVE healers!), who helps him resolve his problems of heart, head, hearth and body, much to the delight of the hero's siblings and other relatives.
Nicely done and nicely written.
Nicely done and nicely written.
March 11, 2011
Karen Ranney wrote a refreshing different book. It is still a love story, still a Scottish story and yet she found a way to make it so it wasn't like dozens of others I've read. I really enjoyed it.
November 13, 2011
Loved it! I knew from the start that Charles was gonna be trouble. I love how in the end alot of the past characters came into the book. Im so ready for the last book.
January 3, 2015
Hamish is an excellent Brooding Scot. Loved this story of a wounded hero brought back to the light by love. Cliches aren't always a bad thing.
November 18, 2017
I would have given this book a higher rating if I felt Justice was better served.
May 2, 2025
Book 4 of the series....
...is good but had the potential to be so much better. This is the story of Hamish MacRae, the fourth of the five MacRae sons of Ian and Leitis from Book 1.
Hamish had been captured after a battle at sea and his ship sank. He suffered deprivation, starvation, and had been tortured and tattooed as an offering to a pagan god.
Mary is an healer engaged by Brendan, his next oldest brother, to tend Hamish. Hamish basically only wants here there as an outlet for his sexual pleasures. Contrary to her principled life of morals, Mary agrees.
These characters are somewhat one dimensional, lacking the development of those in the preceding novels. Brendan doesn’t get his own story, as it is written into this one.
Ian and Leitis make cameo appearances when they return to Scotland. The MacRaes have come home. There is mention of a scandal involving Douglas, the youngest of the MacRae brothers, giving insight into Book 5.
...is good but had the potential to be so much better. This is the story of Hamish MacRae, the fourth of the five MacRae sons of Ian and Leitis from Book 1.
Hamish had been captured after a battle at sea and his ship sank. He suffered deprivation, starvation, and had been tortured and tattooed as an offering to a pagan god.
Mary is an healer engaged by Brendan, his next oldest brother, to tend Hamish. Hamish basically only wants here there as an outlet for his sexual pleasures. Contrary to her principled life of morals, Mary agrees.
These characters are somewhat one dimensional, lacking the development of those in the preceding novels. Brendan doesn’t get his own story, as it is written into this one.
Ian and Leitis make cameo appearances when they return to Scotland. The MacRaes have come home. There is mention of a scandal involving Douglas, the youngest of the MacRae brothers, giving insight into Book 5.
September 15, 2020
This author is for connoisseurs of romance who have read so much bad they can appreciate a finer "wine". She has wrought the most creative and best re-imagining of the Beauty and the Beast trope. Both the h and H are equally well drawn and refreshing personalities. The candid conversations of two mature equals gradually revealing their innermost thoughts and fears elevate their lustful interludes from bouts of mutual passion to "making love". There are no irritating misunderstandings or feelings of betrayal when outward events intrude, as their understanding of each other is true and TRUST predominates.
After the HEA there's an anti-climatic coda basically moving characters around to remind readers of other books in the series past and future but what went before was so powerful that removal of a star for a quibble is not justified.
After the HEA there's an anti-climatic coda basically moving characters around to remind readers of other books in the series past and future but what went before was so powerful that removal of a star for a quibble is not justified.
December 3, 2019
Although I enjoyed Karen Ranney's book, To Love a Scottish Lord, I would have preferred less "bedroom scenes". I did enjoy the plot and characters. Survivor Hamish MacRae needs medical attention. His brother brings a healer, widow Mary Gilly, to help him. These two end up spending weeks alone together in a castle. Then unexpectedly, Mary is taken back home to atone for a crime she didn't commit. How will they manage to get their HEA? This story has a touch of Beauty and the Beast to it.
February 16, 2024
I loved this book.
The story is difficult to read without having emotions pulled out of you. But that is what is so gripping and compulsive about it. With her characters, Hamish and Mary, Ms Ranney shows her incredible understanding of human nature, suffering, and healing. I haven't read her other books, but obviously this has made me a fan.
The story is difficult to read without having emotions pulled out of you. But that is what is so gripping and compulsive about it. With her characters, Hamish and Mary, Ms Ranney shows her incredible understanding of human nature, suffering, and healing. I haven't read her other books, but obviously this has made me a fan.
July 4, 2017
Immerse yourself in Ranney's world
How is she going to resolve this ? Ranney sweeps us along on her journey back in time. Passion and trivial pursuit a strange and entertaining combination .
How is she going to resolve this ? Ranney sweeps us along on her journey back in time. Passion and trivial pursuit a strange and entertaining combination .
August 3, 2020
Exciting
Enjoyed the journey this book tooK me on. Both the characters have healing to do and how they manage that is a well written beautiful story.
Enjoyed the journey this book tooK me on. Both the characters have healing to do and how they manage that is a well written beautiful story.
March 27, 2025
Left me wanting a finish.
January 30, 2017
Loved it! Deep, sensual and set in Scotland:)
September 7, 2023
this book is a good reading, but the end its not finish..
October 31, 2015
If you love books with a tortured hero then this one is for you! It is not a light and easy read, it has a dark and gritty feeling to it. The descriptions of Hamish's torture are hard to take. However, the story is riveting. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot and the suspense kept me turning the e-pages. This is my second novel from Karen Ranney and I have enjoyed both very much. I love her writing style and feel totally immersed and drawn into her books. They have a deep emotional quality and deal with serious subjects. I am eager to read more from her.
July 7, 2010
This is the best of Ranney's books that I've read - some I've found uninteresting with flat characters. Here, Hamish isolates himself in Scotland; his brother brings Mary, a healer, against his wishes. Good description and interesting storyline and characters. Will read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2008
This book is a total guilty pleasure.
Want to read
September 9, 2009have
April 27, 2010
3.5 stars. OK romance. Started to drag at the end
January 27, 2013
I thought the story itself was good in most parts but not in others. I was left feeling ok about the ending but a little disappointed in other aspects.
January 4, 2017
I enjoyed reading.
July 1, 2023
Another well written period piece by K. R. When I get a chance to read more of this writer's work I take it!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews