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The MacCulloughs #1
Black Richard's Heart
Nearly killed while trying to win back his ancestral home, Black Richard MacCullough is left scarred and mangled; but some scars run far deeper than mere skin. No longer the handsome devil or kind man of his youth, now he focuses solely on rebuilding everything that was lost to the brutal Chisolms and traitorous MacRays. Revenge -- while not nearly as important as keeping his clan from starving – is the only thing that keeps his bruised heart beating.
With his clan on the brink of starvation and annihilation, Black Richard doesn’t believe his life could get worse. Until King David II decides to put an end to the border wars himself, via a marriage between Black Richard and Aeschene MacRay, the daughter of his sworn enemy.
Locked away and all but forgotten because she is deemed imperfect and useless by her father, Aeschene MacRay holds no hope of ever having a husband and family of her own. But hope is the only thing she has left: hope that her vision will miraculously return and that she will regain her father’s approval.
But when news arrives that she is to be married off to the chief of her father’s enemy, she has only two choices: put her faith and hope in the monster that is Black Richard MacCullough or remain in the prison her father has created for her.
When you’ve lost everything, any risk is worth the taking.
With his clan on the brink of starvation and annihilation, Black Richard doesn’t believe his life could get worse. Until King David II decides to put an end to the border wars himself, via a marriage between Black Richard and Aeschene MacRay, the daughter of his sworn enemy.
Locked away and all but forgotten because she is deemed imperfect and useless by her father, Aeschene MacRay holds no hope of ever having a husband and family of her own. But hope is the only thing she has left: hope that her vision will miraculously return and that she will regain her father’s approval.
But when news arrives that she is to be married off to the chief of her father’s enemy, she has only two choices: put her faith and hope in the monster that is Black Richard MacCullough or remain in the prison her father has created for her.
When you’ve lost everything, any risk is worth the taking.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
480 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Suzan Tisdale
88 books663 followersUSA 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 12, 2023
A surprisingly sweet love story between two sworn enemies.
Medieval/historical Scottish romance
Sworn clan enemies
Arranged marriage
Blind h and severely scarred H
Excellent secondary characters
HEA
Black Richard MacCullough’s father and older brothers were slaughtered during a clan war. He too, almost died during battle, being severely wounded across his chest and face.
Aeschene MacRay, daughter of the opposing clan leader has been ostracized by her entire family once she started to go blind at the age of 13.
King David II wants the clans to stop fighting and arranges the marriage between these two sworn enemy families.
It takes too long for Richard to come around to see that his wife is completely innocent, but I still thoroughly enjoyed their banter, and how Aeschene quickly won over her new family.
Brad Wills is a new-to-me narrator, and did a fabulous job with the voice acting…and saying Aeschene’s name!
Medieval/historical Scottish romance
Sworn clan enemies
Arranged marriage
Blind h and severely scarred H
Excellent secondary characters
HEA
Black Richard MacCullough’s father and older brothers were slaughtered during a clan war. He too, almost died during battle, being severely wounded across his chest and face.
Aeschene MacRay, daughter of the opposing clan leader has been ostracized by her entire family once she started to go blind at the age of 13.
King David II wants the clans to stop fighting and arranges the marriage between these two sworn enemy families.
It takes too long for Richard to come around to see that his wife is completely innocent, but I still thoroughly enjoyed their banter, and how Aeschene quickly won over her new family.
Brad Wills is a new-to-me narrator, and did a fabulous job with the voice acting…and saying Aeschene’s name!
February 28, 2020
Black Richard’s Heart by Suzan Tisdale is book five in her Clan McDougall series. Though part of a series, this novel reads well as a standalone.
Black Richard MacCullough, son of Galen MacCullough and former foster of Clan MacDougall, is being forced by King David ll to marry the daughter of The McRay, his family’s sworn enemy. Black Richard face is severely scarred, so he hopes the daughter will refuse to marry him.
Aeschene MacRay, the only daughter to Garrin and Elspeth MacRay, is Richard’s intended. She is vision impaired and has been hidden away in the attic because her father feels she is imperfect and not worthy of being his daughter.
The union between Richard and Aeschene is fraught with distrust and animosity. They have to fight the enemies surrounding them and the preconceived notions each has of the other in order to allow love to blossom in their relationship.
Black Richard’s Heart immediately grabs the reader’s attention and holds it throughout. I stayed up all night to finish it. The characters are strong and well-developed. The reader is given glimpses of characters from previous books in the series. There is some sexual content, but it is tastefully done and doesn’t detract from the storyline. This is a 5 out of 5 star read and I recommend it to all readers of historical romantic suspense.
My thanks to Suzan Tisdale and Targe & Thistle, Inc. for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Black Richard MacCullough, son of Galen MacCullough and former foster of Clan MacDougall, is being forced by King David ll to marry the daughter of The McRay, his family’s sworn enemy. Black Richard face is severely scarred, so he hopes the daughter will refuse to marry him.
Aeschene MacRay, the only daughter to Garrin and Elspeth MacRay, is Richard’s intended. She is vision impaired and has been hidden away in the attic because her father feels she is imperfect and not worthy of being his daughter.
The union between Richard and Aeschene is fraught with distrust and animosity. They have to fight the enemies surrounding them and the preconceived notions each has of the other in order to allow love to blossom in their relationship.
Black Richard’s Heart immediately grabs the reader’s attention and holds it throughout. I stayed up all night to finish it. The characters are strong and well-developed. The reader is given glimpses of characters from previous books in the series. There is some sexual content, but it is tastefully done and doesn’t detract from the storyline. This is a 5 out of 5 star read and I recommend it to all readers of historical romantic suspense.
My thanks to Suzan Tisdale and Targe & Thistle, Inc. for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
March 1, 2020
4.5/5.0
FINALLY!! I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for this wonderfully talented author to publish a new full-length book. Her writing style is so smooth, warm and lovely to read, and this book happily reminded me why I love her world!
This story is easily a stand-alone, but for those who have read the author’s previous books, it’s an added challenge to remember what characters goes where. The twist of the heroine being blind gives a wonderful layer of depth and insight into the hardships poor eyesight would cause in 14th century Scotland. The suspense aspect was initially a bit predictable but the resolution added a creative spin. Still, it is a romance at heart and a lovely one at that. This truly is the perfect book when one just wants to escape and indulge in the absolute joy of a good story beautifully told.
FINALLY!! I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for this wonderfully talented author to publish a new full-length book. Her writing style is so smooth, warm and lovely to read, and this book happily reminded me why I love her world!
This story is easily a stand-alone, but for those who have read the author’s previous books, it’s an added challenge to remember what characters goes where. The twist of the heroine being blind gives a wonderful layer of depth and insight into the hardships poor eyesight would cause in 14th century Scotland. The suspense aspect was initially a bit predictable but the resolution added a creative spin. Still, it is a romance at heart and a lovely one at that. This truly is the perfect book when one just wants to escape and indulge in the absolute joy of a good story beautifully told.
October 6, 2020
If I have to read "I be" one more time! 😫😤 "I be sorry" "I be comin'" "I be listenin.'" 🙄😒 I couldn't take it anymore. And the story wasn't riveting enough for me to overlook it.
The big bad scary Laird was a teddy bear from the moment he met the beautiful misunderstood blind girl. To me it seemed the story was over the moment it began, there was no real conflict to keep me invested so I decided to abandon it.
If you're looking for a super sweet romance, I think maybe this may sate your craving? 🤷🏼♀️
The big bad scary Laird was a teddy bear from the moment he met the beautiful misunderstood blind girl. To me it seemed the story was over the moment it began, there was no real conflict to keep me invested so I decided to abandon it.
If you're looking for a super sweet romance, I think maybe this may sate your craving? 🤷🏼♀️
February 19, 2022
Rating: 3.4 / 5
Every hear that saying to give what credit is due, and no more. Well, that's my logic for this book in that I cannot give it more than 3 stars, though it very nearly came close to 4.
The story itself is a familiar and unoriginal one, but no harm done on that score. Richard MacCullough has just survived a bloody battle and is rebuilding his clan and settling them in their ancestral home, when he receives word that his king commands him to marry the daughter of one of his worst enemies. Richard takes on a "fuck no" attitude, but then reasons that once his bride-to-be sees how scarred he is, she'll back out and he can go back home with no harm done.
What he doesn't know is that Aeschene MacRay is not only part-blind (which we later find out is actually just very near-sighted, so in our modern day she'd just need glasses), but she's also insta-horny beautiful, which makes Richard think that maybe marriage won't be such a bad idea after all. And as for Aeschene, she's been so mistreated by her own family because of her sight issues, that as soon as Richard promises her freedom in his keep and on his lands, she's hooked and agrees to marry him as well.
So commences what should be a sweet romance gradually developing, which characters that make you want to root for them and a romance that (in my case) I hoped would be like Born in Sin, but alas--tis not the case.
My main beef with this story is that the romance takes way too long to develop. Oh, not the bedroom scenes, which proceeds in a timely manner, but the whole admitting that they're in love part. Mostly because of Richard, actually. Because, for him, even though Aeschene gives him no reason to distrust her and in fact is a much better wife than he could have ever hoped for, he doesn't trust her and he's still being all kinds of a dufus by trying to keep away from her even after they've slept together.
Now, I've seen this before, and the same thing sort of happens in Born in Sin, but that's only UNTIL the characters sleep together, not AFTER. Like...as soon as you've seen each other naked and shared that kind of intimacy, you should at least begin to trust one another and spend time together if you're married, right?
Or, at least in historical romances that's how it should work.
But no, the author feels like leading the readers along on a long, rather tiresome string, and though we do get our HEA and all that, I felt that it was too long in coming and Richard in particular was just roll-your-eyes annoying most of the time. There's a limit to how stupid a hero can act in order for readers to root for him, y'know?
So, all things considered, I am giving this a fair enough rating, though mostly for the beginning-to-middle parts rather than when I felt the author stretching things out far too much. Could have been much better if she had paced herself in the story and focused on resolving the trust issues rather than making them the driving point of the story. It's 14th century Scotland--you bloody well could have come up with a different sort of conflict!
Every hear that saying to give what credit is due, and no more. Well, that's my logic for this book in that I cannot give it more than 3 stars, though it very nearly came close to 4.
The story itself is a familiar and unoriginal one, but no harm done on that score. Richard MacCullough has just survived a bloody battle and is rebuilding his clan and settling them in their ancestral home, when he receives word that his king commands him to marry the daughter of one of his worst enemies. Richard takes on a "fuck no" attitude, but then reasons that once his bride-to-be sees how scarred he is, she'll back out and he can go back home with no harm done.
What he doesn't know is that Aeschene MacRay is not only part-blind (which we later find out is actually just very near-sighted, so in our modern day she'd just need glasses), but she's also insta-horny beautiful, which makes Richard think that maybe marriage won't be such a bad idea after all. And as for Aeschene, she's been so mistreated by her own family because of her sight issues, that as soon as Richard promises her freedom in his keep and on his lands, she's hooked and agrees to marry him as well.
So commences what should be a sweet romance gradually developing, which characters that make you want to root for them and a romance that (in my case) I hoped would be like Born in Sin, but alas--tis not the case.
My main beef with this story is that the romance takes way too long to develop. Oh, not the bedroom scenes, which proceeds in a timely manner, but the whole admitting that they're in love part. Mostly because of Richard, actually. Because, for him, even though Aeschene gives him no reason to distrust her and in fact is a much better wife than he could have ever hoped for, he doesn't trust her and he's still being all kinds of a dufus by trying to keep away from her even after they've slept together.
Now, I've seen this before, and the same thing sort of happens in Born in Sin, but that's only UNTIL the characters sleep together, not AFTER. Like...as soon as you've seen each other naked and shared that kind of intimacy, you should at least begin to trust one another and spend time together if you're married, right?
Or, at least in historical romances that's how it should work.
But no, the author feels like leading the readers along on a long, rather tiresome string, and though we do get our HEA and all that, I felt that it was too long in coming and Richard in particular was just roll-your-eyes annoying most of the time. There's a limit to how stupid a hero can act in order for readers to root for him, y'know?
So, all things considered, I am giving this a fair enough rating, though mostly for the beginning-to-middle parts rather than when I felt the author stretching things out far too much. Could have been much better if she had paced herself in the story and focused on resolving the trust issues rather than making them the driving point of the story. It's 14th century Scotland--you bloody well could have come up with a different sort of conflict!
May 22, 2020
DNF @30%
the story was fine but the writing was extremely off putting! First of, the name "Black Richard" itself was badly chosen, and the author went out of her way to rub it in our faces...heres an excerpt from a single page
In no mood to discuss anything, let alone his foul mood, Black Richard glowered at his cousin. "Leave me", he ground out. Lachlan, unfazed byBlack Richard , chuckled, "i think nae"..
(...and then A sentence later) Lachlan gave him a look that questioned Black Richard's state of mind.
the story was fine but the writing was extremely off putting! First of, the name "Black Richard" itself was badly chosen, and the author went out of her way to rub it in our faces...heres an excerpt from a single page
In no mood to discuss anything, let alone his foul mood, Black Richard glowered at his cousin. "Leave me", he ground out. Lachlan, unfazed byBlack Richard , chuckled, "i think nae"..
(...and then A sentence later) Lachlan gave him a look that questioned Black Richard's state of mind.
I mean come on mate...the constant use of his full name got onto my nerves.
I dont know about others but the writing style just ruined it for me.
And the hero himself i.e BLACK RICHARD, was equally frustrating. The very fact, that he considered NOT telling his wife that there was a possibility of a cure for her blindness just becoz he didnt want her to see his scarred face, goes to show the wimp that he was.
Perhaps i am over reacting to the hero's insecurities. But as annoyed as i was as a reader, i could only fathom that Black Richard indeed had a black heart.
This couldve been a decent read, had it not been for the writing style.
February 27, 2020
I can always count on an outstanding story, with complex characters, which is very well written from Suzan Tisdale. Never a same old, same old tale told. This latest book by this very talented author is solid gold. ;)
July 26, 2020
I had a hard time rating this one, so I went with three stars.
On the one hand, it kept me entertained. The book was 459 pages, and I finished 75% of that in one day, which is a good chunk of reading for me, and I quickly finished the rest of the book the next day. Some of the secondary characters were really interesting to me: the hellion brothers, Lachlan, and Keevah. And I really did like Richard and Aeschene, for the most part.
On the other hand, I want to say that there was a lot of missed opportunity here. There's a lot of typos (particularly as the book progresses) and grammar issues that a good, thorough proofreading would have nearly eliminated.
This book is CHOCK FULL of tropes. I know that romance is inherently a tropey genre (which is one of the reasons I love it so), but I'm used to having a book have a FEW tropes. This book seemed like it wanted to pack in every trope ever. With that many tropes, it was inevitable that there would be several that I just didn't care for, and there were.
Aeschene harps constantly about how ugly and plain she is, which got really old really fast, especially since everyone who WASN'T her jerk of a dad and her jerk brothers were telling her that she was actually quite beautiful.
Richard's character was kind of all over the place.
I did enjoy watching Aeschene develop her backbone and start finding her voice.
Is Colyne eleven or twelve? Because he was first introduced to us as being twelve, and then later on the book, he somehow regresses to eleven. Not that it was that big of a deal, but details like this kept cropping up and contradicting earlier parts of the book, which annoys me.
I like some major steam in these type of books, but there wasn't much. There were a couple of love scenes, but they were quite tame.
I am intrigued enough by the possibility of Lachlan and Keevah hooking up (I believe it will be the second book in the series) that I will keep going with the series once it is released.
On the one hand, it kept me entertained. The book was 459 pages, and I finished 75% of that in one day, which is a good chunk of reading for me, and I quickly finished the rest of the book the next day. Some of the secondary characters were really interesting to me: the hellion brothers, Lachlan, and Keevah. And I really did like Richard and Aeschene, for the most part.
On the other hand, I want to say that there was a lot of missed opportunity here. There's a lot of typos (particularly as the book progresses) and grammar issues that a good, thorough proofreading would have nearly eliminated.
This book is CHOCK FULL of tropes. I know that romance is inherently a tropey genre (which is one of the reasons I love it so), but I'm used to having a book have a FEW tropes. This book seemed like it wanted to pack in every trope ever. With that many tropes, it was inevitable that there would be several that I just didn't care for, and there were.
Aeschene harps constantly about how ugly and plain she is, which got really old really fast, especially since everyone who WASN'T her jerk of a dad and her jerk brothers were telling her that she was actually quite beautiful.
Richard's character was kind of all over the place.
I did enjoy watching Aeschene develop her backbone and start finding her voice.
Is Colyne eleven or twelve? Because he was first introduced to us as being twelve, and then later on the book, he somehow regresses to eleven. Not that it was that big of a deal, but details like this kept cropping up and contradicting earlier parts of the book, which annoys me.
I like some major steam in these type of books, but there wasn't much. There were a couple of love scenes, but they were quite tame.
I am intrigued enough by the possibility of Lachlan and Keevah hooking up (I believe it will be the second book in the series) that I will keep going with the series once it is released.
May 4, 2020
I felt like I was due for a Scottish romance and forced marriages are my jam :)
This was great, not a lot of funny or tender dialogue but a feisty heroine- I would spell her name if I could but its a bit much- and her friend.
I enjoyed the world that was built and you could just feel the grit and cold that our forebears dealt with. The castles description were great, helps you get into the story.
Most of the story was how she won over everyone until her hubby was the last one, and I appreciated the unique way she schemed to get her loved ones back safe. It was not expected.
This was great, not a lot of funny or tender dialogue but a feisty heroine- I would spell her name if I could but its a bit much- and her friend.
I enjoyed the world that was built and you could just feel the grit and cold that our forebears dealt with. The castles description were great, helps you get into the story.
Most of the story was how she won over everyone until her hubby was the last one, and I appreciated the unique way she schemed to get her loved ones back safe. It was not expected.
February 26, 2020
A story with a heart of it's own that encompasses so many emotions bundled together to create two people who would save each other. Two that seemed beyond any compassion or gentleness ever coming their way.
"Death could not come fast enough for Black Richard MacCullough." The feelings a man who had just been through a three day bloody battle against the Chisholms, to take back the MacCullough's Keep.
He had watched his father die and four of his six brothers. But it was not to be his day. He was saved by their healer, although he had begged for death. But he was to live and "was left looking like a monster." One side was unmarred while the other was scarred and mangled.
When he was later ordered by King David to marry another of his enemy's daughters, he could not believe it! He would have to forfeit everything if he did not go through with it.
Aeschene MacRay was the only daughter of the Laird and she was blind. Her father had kept her locked in a room for over three years with only her maid as her companion. She longed to be able to go outside and try to be useful but her father was ashamed of her.
When she heard the news she was to marry Black Richard she could not believe it! All the stories she had heard about him, but David, the King she had know since she was young, wanted the match to bring peace between the clans.
When Richard saw her, he could not believe such a beautiful lass was not married. As they talked together, something amazing happened. It was a chance at freedom for Aeschene and Richard felt feelings stir he thought he never would again.
Okay I have said enough. I want to just tell you the entire story because it affected me so. Suzan Tisdale has penned the perfect story in her amazing words to make my heart smile at the end. Wonderful...
"Death could not come fast enough for Black Richard MacCullough." The feelings a man who had just been through a three day bloody battle against the Chisholms, to take back the MacCullough's Keep.
He had watched his father die and four of his six brothers. But it was not to be his day. He was saved by their healer, although he had begged for death. But he was to live and "was left looking like a monster." One side was unmarred while the other was scarred and mangled.
When he was later ordered by King David to marry another of his enemy's daughters, he could not believe it! He would have to forfeit everything if he did not go through with it.
Aeschene MacRay was the only daughter of the Laird and she was blind. Her father had kept her locked in a room for over three years with only her maid as her companion. She longed to be able to go outside and try to be useful but her father was ashamed of her.
When she heard the news she was to marry Black Richard she could not believe it! All the stories she had heard about him, but David, the King she had know since she was young, wanted the match to bring peace between the clans.
When Richard saw her, he could not believe such a beautiful lass was not married. As they talked together, something amazing happened. It was a chance at freedom for Aeschene and Richard felt feelings stir he thought he never would again.
Okay I have said enough. I want to just tell you the entire story because it affected me so. Suzan Tisdale has penned the perfect story in her amazing words to make my heart smile at the end. Wonderful...
March 20, 2020
As usual Susan Tisdale writes a wonderful story.
I can't wait to read the next book! I have enjoyed all of her books, I believe I have all she has written so far. She cannot write fast enough for me.
I can't wait to read the next book! I have enjoyed all of her books, I believe I have all she has written so far. She cannot write fast enough for me.
April 3, 2021
It seems ok. Nothing new that I haven't read before. The writing was ok but there are some of the things which I don't like.
1. Cruel father... You can't beat your daughter just because she becomes blind. The heroines four/five brothers were also ok with the beating.
2. The hero refused to spend the night with the heroine because he is prone to bad dreams... But no actual scene was placed in the book which showed his claims.
3. The plot was very predictable when it comes to the villains and their tactics.
4. The characters were pleasurable enough but some of the characters like Keevah's little bit of background was necessary. The whole clan was referring to her as a whore without knowing why ... I mean seriously you can't just called someone whore and placed her outside of the clan without knowing the reason.
5. At first, the hero's trust issues regarding the heroine seem logical. But, he spends two-third of the book distrusting her without any reason.
I liked the side characters and their plots. The hero was being an asshole but not cruel. The hero was celibate for three years before marrying the heroine and the heroine was a virgin.
Overall, It was ok.
1. Cruel father... You can't beat your daughter just because she becomes blind. The heroines four/five brothers were also ok with the beating.
2. The hero refused to spend the night with the heroine because he is prone to bad dreams... But no actual scene was placed in the book which showed his claims.
3. The plot was very predictable when it comes to the villains and their tactics.
4. The characters were pleasurable enough but some of the characters like Keevah's little bit of background was necessary. The whole clan was referring to her as a whore without knowing why ... I mean seriously you can't just called someone whore and placed her outside of the clan without knowing the reason.
5. At first, the hero's trust issues regarding the heroine seem logical. But, he spends two-third of the book distrusting her without any reason.
I liked the side characters and their plots. The hero was being an asshole but not cruel. The hero was celibate for three years before marrying the heroine and the heroine was a virgin.
Overall, It was ok.
February 19, 2022
I love a wounded, scarred hero and a sweet, innocent heroine so when I saw the blurb for this, I jumped on it. The story was pretty good, I did enjoy it. The hero has been celibate since his injury so that was a plus. His past before that is mentioned and it comes off as if he were a manwhore.
It’s a pretty safe read. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. There is some problems from OW in thr keep, but I don’t think hero was ever intimate with her. No cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
Although I liked this particular book, I don’t think I’ll be reading any more from this author. The next book in this series has an ACTUAL HOOKER as the heroine and I have zero patience for that vomit-inducing fucktardation.
It’s a pretty safe read. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. There is some problems from OW in thr keep, but I don’t think hero was ever intimate with her. No cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
Although I liked this particular book, I don’t think I’ll be reading any more from this author. The next book in this series has an ACTUAL HOOKER as the heroine and I have zero patience for that vomit-inducing fucktardation.
February 25, 2020
Black Richard's Heart
Clan MacDougall #5
Suzan Tisdale
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Black Richard MacCullough is one angry man. He was nearly killed while trying to get back his ancestral home. He is left scarred and mangled; but it is more then physical pain. His heart is in pain as well. He is no longer the hansome man everyone knew, he now focusses on rebuilding everything that was lost to the brutal Chisolms and traitorous MacRays. Revenge is important, but keeping his clan from starving is the only thing keeping his bruised heart ticking.
Now his clan is on the brink of starvation and annihilation, Black Richard believes it can't get worse then this until King David II decides to put an end to the border wars his way. He decides that Black Richatd will marry Aeschene MacRay who is the daughter of his sworn enemy.
Aeschene has been locked away and almost forgotten as she has been deemed imperfect and useless by her father. She hold no hope of ever having an husband and family of her own. What she does have however is hope. She hope's that her vision will return and then she will regain her father's approval.
Then news arrives an she is to marry the chief of her father's enemy, she knows she only has two choices: either put her hope and faith in the so called monster that is Black Richard or remain in the horrible prison her father has created for her.
Suzan Tisdale has utterly blown me away. This book is absolutely fabulous. These two characters were so perfect for eachother. I could not stop rooting for them. Aeschene was so sweet, but she had a backbone of steel and she could do almost anything that someone with perfect vision could do. Sometime she backed off from problems even though it irked her, but then when needed she would be a force to reckon with. Black Richard is definitely honorable. There was not a dishonest bone in his body and although he had a hard time at first it was nice to see him fall in love with his wife. There were ofcourse other characters that came back and made appearances so it was like greeting old friends for me. I really enjoyed this book and can not wait to see what Ms.Tisdale
has in store for us next.
Clan MacDougall #5
Suzan Tisdale
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Black Richard MacCullough is one angry man. He was nearly killed while trying to get back his ancestral home. He is left scarred and mangled; but it is more then physical pain. His heart is in pain as well. He is no longer the hansome man everyone knew, he now focusses on rebuilding everything that was lost to the brutal Chisolms and traitorous MacRays. Revenge is important, but keeping his clan from starving is the only thing keeping his bruised heart ticking.
Now his clan is on the brink of starvation and annihilation, Black Richard believes it can't get worse then this until King David II decides to put an end to the border wars his way. He decides that Black Richatd will marry Aeschene MacRay who is the daughter of his sworn enemy.
Aeschene has been locked away and almost forgotten as she has been deemed imperfect and useless by her father. She hold no hope of ever having an husband and family of her own. What she does have however is hope. She hope's that her vision will return and then she will regain her father's approval.
Then news arrives an she is to marry the chief of her father's enemy, she knows she only has two choices: either put her hope and faith in the so called monster that is Black Richard or remain in the horrible prison her father has created for her.
Suzan Tisdale has utterly blown me away. This book is absolutely fabulous. These two characters were so perfect for eachother. I could not stop rooting for them. Aeschene was so sweet, but she had a backbone of steel and she could do almost anything that someone with perfect vision could do. Sometime she backed off from problems even though it irked her, but then when needed she would be a force to reckon with. Black Richard is definitely honorable. There was not a dishonest bone in his body and although he had a hard time at first it was nice to see him fall in love with his wife. There were ofcourse other characters that came back and made appearances so it was like greeting old friends for me. I really enjoyed this book and can not wait to see what Ms.Tisdale
has in store for us next.
February 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. Black Richard is scarred and disfigured, thinking himself to be a monster. Still reeling from the death of his father and brothers, he doubts his life could get any worse until he gets word from a messenger from the King that he is to marry the daughter of his worst enemy, The MacRay. Aeschene MacRay has lived in a prison inside her home. Having lost her sight, she’s kept hidden by her father as being a shame to him and thought of as useless. These two were wonderful together. A man who thought himself a monster and a woman who could not see his ugliness. Suzan Tisdale did an amazing job of letting us see the landscape and Aeschenes new home through her lady maid/friends Mariesse eyes. It was so sweet the two them learning to trust each other and them falling in love with each other. The characters were well developed and and very believable. Secondary characters were as well. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own. Amazing job Suzan Tisdale. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. I will be eagerly waiting.
January 10, 2021
Black Richards Heart
The King decided that Black Richard had to be married. The King decided that it would be Aschene who was the daughter of an
Opposing clan. Black Richard went to the castle of the McRay clan to meet with the king and was told that his bride to be was
Blind. He then had visions of her being gross and ugly, unkempt and totally not what he needed. But he was shocked to the core when he first saw her, as she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. So within a short time they were married and left her Fathers land to live in Black Richards Castle. This book, is so good, when you start it, it is difficult to put down. The newly married couple had a bad start, but soon grew together. Miss Tisdale, I own many of your books and I could not say which is my favourite. Each book is unique and each has a different story to portray. Thank You very much.
The King decided that Black Richard had to be married. The King decided that it would be Aschene who was the daughter of an
Opposing clan. Black Richard went to the castle of the McRay clan to meet with the king and was told that his bride to be was
Blind. He then had visions of her being gross and ugly, unkempt and totally not what he needed. But he was shocked to the core when he first saw her, as she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. So within a short time they were married and left her Fathers land to live in Black Richards Castle. This book, is so good, when you start it, it is difficult to put down. The newly married couple had a bad start, but soon grew together. Miss Tisdale, I own many of your books and I could not say which is my favourite. Each book is unique and each has a different story to portray. Thank You very much.
March 30, 2020
Susan Tisdale’s books are usually about day to day life in the old Scotland and they’re sweet and easy to settle into. My problem with this book though is the tortured hero storyline didn’t really work here. And there was barely any conflict stopping Richard from loving A from the beginning, despite how much the author seemed to want to create one. While her father might’ve been a bad man, she was small, sweet and half-blind. Besides his clan accepted her almost immediately. So the beginning when he was trying to keep his distance from her and all of that was just forced an unnecessary. If it was said that it was all due to his scar, I’d have understood and the tortured hero line would’ve even worked better.
Besides that it was a really sweet read as the heroine was really adorable.
Besides that it was a really sweet read as the heroine was really adorable.
April 15, 2020
This was bland. Very PG with a Cinderella type heroine, which is never a favorite of mine. The caper at the end was ridiculous.
July 13, 2020
Sorry, I read this straight after my Dorothy Dunnett's and it was so simple and basic I probably didn't do it justice reading it then.
March 6, 2022
DNF. Note to self: Do not attempt to resuscitate this book. You will regret it. It is very boring.
February 25, 2020
Black Richard's Heart is the fifth book in the Clan MacDougall series by Suzan Tisdale. It can easily be read as a standalone story.
To start with I have to say that I am absolutely shocked to see that this book has received some one-star ratings. I know everybody is entitled to their own opinion but I cannot see how anybody could find so much fault in this book, especially as I found none. From the cover, which is gorgeous, to the very end of the book I was captivated. From when poor Black Richard had to see his family murdered and ended up on death's door himself, right until his much earned and needed happy ending, I just could not put the book down.
Richard was told that he had to marry Aeschene MacRay, daughter of the chief of that clan who played a huge part in his family getting murdered because they turned traitorous. The King ordered the marriage with the hope of uniting the clans.
Aeschene, although being born with sight has slowly lost it over the years. She isn't totally blind but can mainly see shadows of things. Her father treats her badly. He tells her she is useless to him because nobody would want to marry her. He is ashamed of her and he keeps her locked away in the attics with her maid Marisse as her only company. When she is told that the King has decreed that she marry Black Richard rather than be horrified, she feels a sense of relief. If he will promise not to lock her away nor beat her she will gladly agree to the marriage.
Not only does Richard agree, he too thinks perhaps the marriage won't be too awful especially when he sees how stunningly beautiful she is. He won't trust her, he can't trust her, but he doesn't take the opportunity to get out of the marriage when she gives it to him.
What follows is the story of how Aeschene and Richard fare with each other, but also how she makes the effort to win over the Clan's hearts. She fits into life at the keep beautifully and everything would be perfect if only Richard would spend time with her anywhere other than the bedchamber. She feels that he is holding back from her, and she is right but can she get him to open up about what is wrong?
Although the story is based around Aeschene and Richard it is much more than just that. There is still treachery afoot, battles to be fought. We also are given a wonderful insight into life in a Scottish clan including the budding relationships between some of the other characters. I would love to see this book made into a film, seeing the characters come to life on the big screen would be fabulous. Suzan's description of the time and the people was perfect so even though not watching it on the big screen I could easily picture everything in my mind.
So those 1-star ratings...pah...ignore them, this book more than earns its 5-star rating from me.
To start with I have to say that I am absolutely shocked to see that this book has received some one-star ratings. I know everybody is entitled to their own opinion but I cannot see how anybody could find so much fault in this book, especially as I found none. From the cover, which is gorgeous, to the very end of the book I was captivated. From when poor Black Richard had to see his family murdered and ended up on death's door himself, right until his much earned and needed happy ending, I just could not put the book down.
Richard was told that he had to marry Aeschene MacRay, daughter of the chief of that clan who played a huge part in his family getting murdered because they turned traitorous. The King ordered the marriage with the hope of uniting the clans.
Aeschene, although being born with sight has slowly lost it over the years. She isn't totally blind but can mainly see shadows of things. Her father treats her badly. He tells her she is useless to him because nobody would want to marry her. He is ashamed of her and he keeps her locked away in the attics with her maid Marisse as her only company. When she is told that the King has decreed that she marry Black Richard rather than be horrified, she feels a sense of relief. If he will promise not to lock her away nor beat her she will gladly agree to the marriage.
Not only does Richard agree, he too thinks perhaps the marriage won't be too awful especially when he sees how stunningly beautiful she is. He won't trust her, he can't trust her, but he doesn't take the opportunity to get out of the marriage when she gives it to him.
What follows is the story of how Aeschene and Richard fare with each other, but also how she makes the effort to win over the Clan's hearts. She fits into life at the keep beautifully and everything would be perfect if only Richard would spend time with her anywhere other than the bedchamber. She feels that he is holding back from her, and she is right but can she get him to open up about what is wrong?
Although the story is based around Aeschene and Richard it is much more than just that. There is still treachery afoot, battles to be fought. We also are given a wonderful insight into life in a Scottish clan including the budding relationships between some of the other characters. I would love to see this book made into a film, seeing the characters come to life on the big screen would be fabulous. Suzan's description of the time and the people was perfect so even though not watching it on the big screen I could easily picture everything in my mind.
So those 1-star ratings...pah...ignore them, this book more than earns its 5-star rating from me.
February 22, 2020
I own almost 20 stories by this author and this is my favorite. The character's she writes are not cookie cutter's. They will pull so many emotions from you that you will feel you are one of the character's experiencing it all.
The h has to be one of my all time favorite heroine's by ANY author. To have such a kind and sweet nature over what she has gone through touched my soul. Yes, I know these are fiction character's, but it still made me wish I was in her circle of friends. She is no-one's fool and I loved her spirit and spunk. Oh, how she handles some nasty character's is priceless!
This story is like the Beauty and the Beast, except they both felt they were the Beast because of outward appearances. Also, the h's best friend was a fierce protector of the h and that warmed my big Polish Heart!
At times I was frustrated over the H and had to remember what made him that way. There is lovemaking within marriage and heat level maybe 2 out of 5. I felt a powerful connection to them so when they came together it was filled with passion.
There are so many layer's to this story and a few side stories, that you definitely get your monies worth. The action and suspense will keep you reading. So allow a nice block of time because you won't want to stop until the very end. Oh, how I enjoyed the Epilogue too.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and trust build slowly, and a small tad of spice.
I received an advanced copy and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given. (ljb)
The h has to be one of my all time favorite heroine's by ANY author. To have such a kind and sweet nature over what she has gone through touched my soul. Yes, I know these are fiction character's, but it still made me wish I was in her circle of friends. She is no-one's fool and I loved her spirit and spunk. Oh, how she handles some nasty character's is priceless!
This story is like the Beauty and the Beast, except they both felt they were the Beast because of outward appearances. Also, the h's best friend was a fierce protector of the h and that warmed my big Polish Heart!
At times I was frustrated over the H and had to remember what made him that way. There is lovemaking within marriage and heat level maybe 2 out of 5. I felt a powerful connection to them so when they came together it was filled with passion.
There are so many layer's to this story and a few side stories, that you definitely get your monies worth. The action and suspense will keep you reading. So allow a nice block of time because you won't want to stop until the very end. Oh, how I enjoyed the Epilogue too.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and trust build slowly, and a small tad of spice.
I received an advanced copy and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given. (ljb)
August 30, 2021
3 stars
The story: Black Richard MacCullough nearly died and was left horribly scarred when his clan took back their keep. His parents and older brothers did die, leaving him laird with only two younger brothers that are still children. Seeking to force some peace on the warring clans, Kind David plans to wed Black Richard to Aeschene MacRay, his enemies blind daughter. When Black Richard arrives to claim her he finds a sweet, beautiful woman who he fears will betray him as her father once did.
I liked this story but I had trouble staying involved in the drama. Black Richard doesn't really live up to his name ... he's more Pretty Grumpy and Vain Richard. The scars explained why he hadn't married yet but it didn't seem like they should bother him as much as they did. Aeschene on the other hand was a very refreshing heroine. Honest, straightforward, and all while being blind. It made Richard and his worries over his scars pale in comparison to the struggles she had. It was an interesting story with plenty of intrigue but the reasons he had for pushing her away just weren't enough for me.
If you liked this, you might like: The Laird's Bastard Daughter
The story: Black Richard MacCullough nearly died and was left horribly scarred when his clan took back their keep. His parents and older brothers did die, leaving him laird with only two younger brothers that are still children. Seeking to force some peace on the warring clans, Kind David plans to wed Black Richard to Aeschene MacRay, his enemies blind daughter. When Black Richard arrives to claim her he finds a sweet, beautiful woman who he fears will betray him as her father once did.
I liked this story but I had trouble staying involved in the drama. Black Richard doesn't really live up to his name ... he's more Pretty Grumpy and Vain Richard. The scars explained why he hadn't married yet but it didn't seem like they should bother him as much as they did. Aeschene on the other hand was a very refreshing heroine. Honest, straightforward, and all while being blind. It made Richard and his worries over his scars pale in comparison to the struggles she had. It was an interesting story with plenty of intrigue but the reasons he had for pushing her away just weren't enough for me.
If you liked this, you might like: The Laird's Bastard Daughter
February 26, 2020
Black Richard is broken man, horribly disfigured with a perpetual sour mood to match his appearance. Aeschene, the gorgeous but blind beauty is the daughter of Black Richard’s enemy. Yes, this sounds like Beauty and The Beast, but it is so much more! Richard was raised to believe all kinds of male macho nonsense; love makes you weak and emotions are for women. What a mess some men folk make with the minds of their sons. As Aeschene became blind, she became useless in her father’s eyes. She was an embarrassment to him as was shut away. Despite being ashamed, she had a thirst for life. She wanted to feel useful and loved. As clan enemies in constant turmoil, the King ordered the pair to marry. What ensues is a beautifully written tale. The scenes, so well described by Aeschene’s maid for her, allows you to see the story come to life in your mind’s eye. While Black Richard and Aeschene are characters with depth and dimension, so are many of the supporting characters. I can’t wait to read some of their stories. If you love a long story full of clever twists and turns, you will love this tale. Suzan is a master at her craft.
February 26, 2020
Ms. Tisdale delights the reader with an enchanting heroine who has no idea how beautiful, intelligent, or cunning she can be. Aeschene enchants Black Richard by being the sweet, honest woman whom she is, despite being the MacRay’s daughter. Black Richard is an unforgiving character who is bitter about the loss of his father and brothers, but somehow allows Aechene into his heart. He is reluctant to let her know his feelings, however. The hero and heroine together make a strong team, not to be trifled with. The secondary characters of Lachlan, Rory, Colyne, Raibert and others are well developed and have their own traits and personalities that set them apart. The characters come to life as they are each introduced and described. The world building is beautiful as seen through Marisse’s eyes as she describes the landscape and her new home to Aeschene. A remarkable story, it has been well worth the wait.
February 28, 2020
Black Richard's Heart is a story full of struggles, love and humor. With Suzan's excellent storytelling she weaves a compelling, compassionate story that makes you feel each struggle and heartache that our characters endure then before you realize you are smiling and laughing. It features our main characters Black Richard MacCullough and Aeschene MacRay who both have endured loss and heartbreak from others that has damaged each of their souls to where neither feel they could be loved much less trust another. Although they are enemy clans, they have been ordered by the King to wed in hopes of stopping the border war between them. Even with numerous obstacles between them, they know they will have to go through with the King's order or their clans with suffer. But the question will be whether the two can learn to trust and love another or will this be the end of each clan along with their souls.
March 27, 2020
Scarred Richard and Imperfect Aeschene
Black Richard has lost most of
his family due to the dastardly deeds of the Chisholms. He just wants revenge but his keep has almost been destroyed along with his people. Just two of his brothers survived. That was because they are too young to fight. Richard was severely wounded in body and mind.
Aeschene has been locked away in the attic of her family's keep for the last three years because her father deemed her imperfect. When Richard receives a missive from the King saying he is to go to the McRay keep to marry Aeschene, he can't believe it. His enemy? When Aeschene hears, she has many emotions. Black Richard? Then she has hope of being free from the attic and maybe having a life. She has a good friend who has been by her side. The King gives Aeschene a choice. Aeschene asks Black Richard to promise some things. They marry. From there they have many struggles. Aeschene earns the love of his people. I loved the characters and the family and friends that surround them. You will love them too.
Black Richard has lost most of
his family due to the dastardly deeds of the Chisholms. He just wants revenge but his keep has almost been destroyed along with his people. Just two of his brothers survived. That was because they are too young to fight. Richard was severely wounded in body and mind.
Aeschene has been locked away in the attic of her family's keep for the last three years because her father deemed her imperfect. When Richard receives a missive from the King saying he is to go to the McRay keep to marry Aeschene, he can't believe it. His enemy? When Aeschene hears, she has many emotions. Black Richard? Then she has hope of being free from the attic and maybe having a life. She has a good friend who has been by her side. The King gives Aeschene a choice. Aeschene asks Black Richard to promise some things. They marry. From there they have many struggles. Aeschene earns the love of his people. I loved the characters and the family and friends that surround them. You will love them too.
February 25, 2020
This book is amazing! It is so emotional you’re going to definitely need a box of tissues. I love a good strong female character and Ms Tisdale has written another great one in Aeschene. In this book Black Richard is forced by Kind David to marry Aeschene to form an unwanted alliance between their two clans and hopefully stop a war. Richard’s face scarred from the last attack on their home and he is as angry as a bear at the world. Aeschene started going blind 3 years ago and has been abused and isolated by her family. Aeschene seems to thrive and flourish in her new home but her new husband does not trust her because of her family name. Black Richard and Aeschene are two broken people. Can they find a way to heal each other and keep their clan safe? I also love the side characters. Colyne and Raibeart are little rascals that run amuck until they encounter Aeschene. Keevah is the “auld wh0re” Aeschene befriends. Marisse is her sweet and faithful friend who supports her through her darkest moments and happiest moments. This is a beautiful story you need to read.
February 27, 2020
Black Richard MacCullough is left scarred and wounded after fighting to regain their ancestral home from the Chisolms and traitorous MacRays. He hears from the King it’s time to wed and put war behind them by marrying him to the MacRays only daughter. Aeschene MacRay has been a prisoner in her father’s house, ever since she’s been blind he’s neglected and shamed her. She see the King’s offer of marriage a way to having a happy life, home and family at last. Richard upon meeting his brides see a beautiful young woman and once he finds out she’s blind he’s amendable to the marriage, his bride will not see his hideous scars and be scared of him. I love these two as they slowly get to know one another, mistrustful of one another as love grows between them and the Clan grow to love her too. A great story of loyalty, love and betrayal. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
March 1, 2020
Fighting to take back their castle Black Richard watches in horror as his fathers and four brothers die he is gravely wound and waiting to die on the flies with honor but the clans healer finds still alive and nurse him back to love life. He anger and is scare both inside and out. Trying to rebuild what was lost. One day a messenger from page king David arrives telling black Richard he must marry the daughter of his enemy the McKay’s . Richards only hope out of this is hoping the bride will take one look at his scared face and refuse the marriage. When he finds out sees mostly blind he has no choice but too go through with the marriage. But the McKay’s lass gives him a choice to so no. But she’s the most beautiful lass he’s ever laid eyes on and he’s hopping the marriage will tension between the two clans. Aeschene has spent the last few years locked away and hidden as her eye sight began to fade her father was cruel and always let her know she was not beautiful and a let down to him. She hope her marriage to black Richard will give her freedom she so desperately wants to be able to move about and go outside when ever she wants and to be use full and have a family of her own. Can they both get what they want. Or are they domed by the clan fued. Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out. Can’t wait to read what this author writes next
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