What do you think?
Rate this book
Reformed Rogues #1
Betrothed to the Beast
The Reformed Rogues series follows the lives of three fearsome Highland Warriors who form a bond stronger than any blood tie. Watch as each one loses their hardened hearts to three formidable women. The books can be read as a stand alone or a complete series but recommended to read in order.
Highland Chieftain Beiste MacGregor is a ruthlessly ambitious warrior with the viciousness of a beast. He has little interest in women beyond the bedchamber. On order of the Red King he reluctantly travels with his men to the Lowlands to formalize a Betrothal to a woman from clan Dunbar. He is not prepared for the troublesome but striking clan healer he meets on the way, who not only infuriates him but stirs something deep within his soul.
Amelia Dunbar is a clan healer and the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Dunbar. When she is not serving as a Companion to her half sister, she is tirelessly attending to the sick in her clan. Amelia has plans to find her mother's people in the Highlands and is about to embark on her journey when she is waylaid by the arrival of fearsome warriors. One warrior they call ‘the Beast’, rouses her ire and sets her heart racing at the same time.
Warning: Brawny alpha males ahead and occasional historical inaccuracies. Not suitable for those under the age of 18. Contains some mature content.
Highland Chieftain Beiste MacGregor is a ruthlessly ambitious warrior with the viciousness of a beast. He has little interest in women beyond the bedchamber. On order of the Red King he reluctantly travels with his men to the Lowlands to formalize a Betrothal to a woman from clan Dunbar. He is not prepared for the troublesome but striking clan healer he meets on the way, who not only infuriates him but stirs something deep within his soul.
Amelia Dunbar is a clan healer and the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Dunbar. When she is not serving as a Companion to her half sister, she is tirelessly attending to the sick in her clan. Amelia has plans to find her mother's people in the Highlands and is about to embark on her journey when she is waylaid by the arrival of fearsome warriors. One warrior they call ‘the Beast’, rouses her ire and sets her heart racing at the same time.
Warning: Brawny alpha males ahead and occasional historical inaccuracies. Not suitable for those under the age of 18. Contains some mature content.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2020
657 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Elina Emerald
19 books62 followersI have a lot of imaginary friends. What more could a gal want?
My Books https://linktr.ee/elinaemeraldauthor
My Store
https://payhip.com/elinaemerald
My Mailing List
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/aiq0ubhpx6
My Blog
https://payhip.com/elinaemerald/blog/...
My Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/elinaemerald...
My TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@elina_emerald
My BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elina...
My Books https://linktr.ee/elinaemeraldauthor
My Store
https://payhip.com/elinaemerald
My Mailing List
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/aiq0ubhpx6
My Blog
https://payhip.com/elinaemerald/blog/...
My Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/elinaemerald...
My TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@elina_emerald
My BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elina...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
May 16, 2021
Prpmising
First read for this author and the writing was a little scattered. A lot of modern words or phrases used in the book and while I am not a history enforcer in my books it did seem out of place. A little disjointed, and didn't flow all the time but I still liked it. Well except for Brodie. I really don't like him at all and Orla deserves better than him and I hope he is not getting his own book. He is a pig. But I love Bieste and Amelia very much. They were perfect for each other. And there were several cute scenes in the book too. Someone was trying to kill them off And the villains were evil. I loved the mystery of it. And tha epilogue was priceless. Their little girl stole the scene. I will read this author again. Safe and sweet.
First read for this author and the writing was a little scattered. A lot of modern words or phrases used in the book and while I am not a history enforcer in my books it did seem out of place. A little disjointed, and didn't flow all the time but I still liked it. Well except for Brodie. I really don't like him at all and Orla deserves better than him and I hope he is not getting his own book. He is a pig. But I love Bieste and Amelia very much. They were perfect for each other. And there were several cute scenes in the book too. Someone was trying to kill them off And the villains were evil. I loved the mystery of it. And tha epilogue was priceless. Their little girl stole the scene. I will read this author again. Safe and sweet.
October 7, 2021
Series Overview: I really, really wish this had been a fantasy or paranormal. It’s the reason I grabbed the three books because I was all “hey POC author, it’s talking about wolves and bears, and count me in!” That’ll teach me about buying a whole series right off the bat....ok, probably not, I’m a book hoarder, so unlikely. #sorrynotsorry But onto this review.
Now you may think by my rating that I wasn’t a fan, and there’s A LOT that didn’t work for me, but I didn’t hate it, and I think there’s potential here. My problem is this author is clearly rough early stages as far as writing skills are concerned. Imagination is here, but the need for some real professional editing is clear. It’s like the soul is willing but the flesh is ...not ready for prime time, you know?
This entire series reads more like movie treatments (except in past tense) rather than novels. The punctuation and grammar are frankly, atrocious. The dialogue has potential, but the books lack dimension because it’s not a narrative you can lose yourself in - you’re being told the story not really experiencing it. You know, it’s a lot of telling and not enough showing. The author is upfront with the fact that this isn’t historically accurate in the blurb, so I’m not holding it against her but when you don’t even really know how to pronounce one of your MC’s names....generally, not a good sign. I don’t want to keep piling on but it’s a not so much a bad idea as bad execution.
Bottom Line: It’s a mess but there’s something here, it need a professional to help fix the major story problems. Had this been some alternate universe where she could set the rules, she would have been better off because this author has the imagination for it, just maybe not the writing chops at this point.
Book-specific comments
Betrothed to the Beast: This is the freebie that lured me in. I liked the setup, as it’s not necessarily original but I do have a soft spot for the arranged marriage that ends up real and uses the jealousy trope effectively. But it’s a mess.
Now you may think by my rating that I wasn’t a fan, and there’s A LOT that didn’t work for me, but I didn’t hate it, and I think there’s potential here. My problem is this author is clearly rough early stages as far as writing skills are concerned. Imagination is here, but the need for some real professional editing is clear. It’s like the soul is willing but the flesh is ...not ready for prime time, you know?
This entire series reads more like movie treatments (except in past tense) rather than novels. The punctuation and grammar are frankly, atrocious. The dialogue has potential, but the books lack dimension because it’s not a narrative you can lose yourself in - you’re being told the story not really experiencing it. You know, it’s a lot of telling and not enough showing. The author is upfront with the fact that this isn’t historically accurate in the blurb, so I’m not holding it against her but when you don’t even really know how to pronounce one of your MC’s names....generally, not a good sign. I don’t want to keep piling on but it’s a not so much a bad idea as bad execution.
Bottom Line: It’s a mess but there’s something here, it need a professional to help fix the major story problems. Had this been some alternate universe where she could set the rules, she would have been better off because this author has the imagination for it, just maybe not the writing chops at this point.
Book-specific comments
Betrothed to the Beast: This is the freebie that lured me in. I liked the setup, as it’s not necessarily original but I do have a soft spot for the arranged marriage that ends up real and uses the jealousy trope effectively. But it’s a mess.
June 14, 2021
A hot mess
The blurb sounded interesting enough, but don't be fooled. It needs MAJOR editing. Some of the chapters are labeled with character names, but are not actually POVs, more like introduction of characters which is utterly unnecessary. The punctuation in this book is all over the place too, no commas, question marks where you least expect them. It was just too much for a book that isn't even KU. Beta readers and editors did this author dirty.
As far as the story goes, it was boring. It was predictable, it was a shame. Oh who could the bad guy be? Oh maybe these super blatant clues and these initials all over the place can help us figure it out ! Yeah, it was that bad.
The blurb sounded interesting enough, but don't be fooled. It needs MAJOR editing. Some of the chapters are labeled with character names, but are not actually POVs, more like introduction of characters which is utterly unnecessary. The punctuation in this book is all over the place too, no commas, question marks where you least expect them. It was just too much for a book that isn't even KU. Beta readers and editors did this author dirty.
As far as the story goes, it was boring. It was predictable, it was a shame. Oh who could the bad guy be? Oh maybe these super blatant clues and these initials all over the place can help us figure it out ! Yeah, it was that bad.
June 3, 2024
I absolutely loved Betrothed to the Beast by Elina Emerald! It's a medieval romance featuring a brooding, commanding hero and an independent outcast healer who initially clash but also captivate each other.
The story revolves around the King's order for Chieftain Beiste MacGregor to marry the daughter of clan Dunbar, Mary. However, when Beiste arrives, he becomes infatuated with Mary's half-sister, 22 y.o. Amelia, who later takes Mary's place when she elopes with her sweetheart.
I was impressed with how the author handled the "betrothed to the sister" situation, adding just the right amount of tension and drama.
Beiste, a 29-year-old widower, is haunted by the loss of his wife and unborn child. Despite not planning to remarry, his feelings for Amelia become stronger than those for his late wife or any other woman. I appreciated that Beiste wasn't known for engaging with other women and was completely devoted to Amelia after meeting her, despite his attempts to appear otherwise.
Amelia's family situation is complex, and I was delighted with how her journey unfolds, finding not only love with Beiste but also forming friendships and a home within his clan.
✨ "You saved my life, Beiste, and gave me a future I could never have dreamed for myself." Amelia smiled up at Beiste, who was gazing at her with intensity.
"No Amie, you saved me. I will always choose you, love." ✨
Betrothed to the Beast is a fantastic read, and I'm excited to start book 2, which will focus on supporting characters Brodie and Orla, whom I'm already rooting for!
📌 Multi POV - MCs + villain + supporting characters Brodie and Orla
📚 Standalone with HEA + Epilogue
⚠️ Content Spoilers:
💋 Safety Spoilers:
The story revolves around the King's order for Chieftain Beiste MacGregor to marry the daughter of clan Dunbar, Mary. However, when Beiste arrives, he becomes infatuated with Mary's half-sister, 22 y.o. Amelia, who later takes Mary's place when she elopes with her sweetheart.
I was impressed with how the author handled the "betrothed to the sister" situation, adding just the right amount of tension and drama.
Beiste, a 29-year-old widower, is haunted by the loss of his wife and unborn child. Despite not planning to remarry, his feelings for Amelia become stronger than those for his late wife or any other woman. I appreciated that Beiste wasn't known for engaging with other women and was completely devoted to Amelia after meeting her, despite his attempts to appear otherwise.
Amelia's family situation is complex, and I was delighted with how her journey unfolds, finding not only love with Beiste but also forming friendships and a home within his clan.
✨ "You saved my life, Beiste, and gave me a future I could never have dreamed for myself." Amelia smiled up at Beiste, who was gazing at her with intensity.
"No Amie, you saved me. I will always choose you, love." ✨
Betrothed to the Beast is a fantastic read, and I'm excited to start book 2, which will focus on supporting characters Brodie and Orla, whom I'm already rooting for!
📌 Multi POV - MCs + villain + supporting characters Brodie and Orla
📚 Standalone with HEA + Epilogue
⚠️ Content Spoilers:
💋 Safety Spoilers:
April 17, 2022
When the King orders him to marry Beiste has no choice. What he doesn't expect is for his intended wife to run away, leading to his nuptials occurring with Amelia the illegitimate daughter the family has shrouded in the shadows for years.
Filled with tropes and predictable it was a cosy read for me and I was in the mood for something like this. Moments where things
99p on Amazon.
Filled with tropes and predictable it was a cosy read for me and I was in the mood for something like this. Moments where things
99p on Amazon.
June 7, 2024
*** Amazon Freebie Find ***
Brief Summary:
So Beiste, Chieftain of the MacGregor clan, was petitioned by the new king, MacBeth, to marry his niece as a sign of good faith and to unite the different clans that had once feuded. Compliant for the sake of his own people and to maintain the ownership of his land without dispute, he traveled to the "low lands" to do as the king had requested. Once there, he finds himself quite taken with a different lass, Amelia, the keep's healer, rather than his intended. When Mary, his betrothed, runs off in the middle of the night to elope with someone else, panic ensues for fear that the king will start another war over his orders not being followed. This is when it is noticed that in his decree, he did not specify that it had to be Mary, but that he needed to marry the Laird's daughter. This is when it's revealed that the Laird has another daughter, an illegitimate one, and fate seems to have smiled on Beiste as it is none other than Amelia. Much happier with these circumstances, he declares they will be wed and the leave to return to his home in the Highlands. Little does Beiste know that an evil lurks in the shadows, determined to destroy everything and everyone he holds dear.
Breakdown of MC's:
Hero/H/Beiste- Fearsome Chieftain of a Highland clan, I think he's in his mid-30's, does not seem to be a manwhore as he's mostly been celibate (with the exception of TWO nights spent with a woman he found naked in his bed) since the death of his first wife two years prior to this story beginning
heroine/h/Amelia- 23 years old, innocent, illegitimate daughter of a laird, healer, and has the tendency to have a feisty, defiant streak surface in the presence of overbearing men
My Thoughts and/or Feelings:
This was decent, but not spectacular. There were elements woven into the story that were not historically accurate to the time, which, for the most part, can be easily overlooked by most. But if you read a lot of historical romance and/or are familiar with historic eras, it will likely pull you out of the story every time you encounter these little tidbits.
We know that all stories are originally crafted by the author and is only limited by the boundaries of their own imagination. However, the BEST stories, no matter how fantastical, are rooted in logic. Characters are driven by real, human emotions, and each plot point comes together as if it were puzzle pieces clicking together to form the most captivating picture. Some authors get a little lazy, though, and fall victim to what I've come to think of as the, "Because I said so" syndrome. This is when the author utilizes illogical actions or circumstances to help drive the plot forward or get it to where they want it to be on their timeline of events, despite it defying common sense or all laws of reasoning. Why would someone purposely not disclose pertinent information to someone that the story has portrayed as the character having complete and total trust in? Well, because the author said so and since it sets up for the conflict they need, we just have to accept it. Why would a character that has been portrayed as headstrong and brave the entire story, all of a sudden hesitate and grow fearful? Again, because the author said so and those characteristics better suit this part in their story. All these scenarios CAN happen in a phenomenal story, but the author of those stories take the time to craft situations that answer all the subsequent questions a reader has when they do. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this story. The author included nonsensical things without any explanations to rationalize these behaviors, and, as the reader, I just had to accept it as simply being part of the story.
The ending was very quick-paced and I quite enjoyed it, even if it was a bit OTT. I just wished that the other parts of the story had been paced as efficiently. The first part seemed to be pretty good, the middle dragged A LOT, and then the end was over and done with before you could even comprehend what was happening. The epilogue was VERY sweet, though, so I must give props to that!
Overall:
It was a quick read and as long as your historical romances don't have to be strictly accurate, I think you could enjoy this one. I'd recommend, even though it's not the BEST historical romance I've ever read. It was free, so definitely worth a try if you can still catch the deal on Amazon.
Brief Summary:
So Beiste, Chieftain of the MacGregor clan, was petitioned by the new king, MacBeth, to marry his niece as a sign of good faith and to unite the different clans that had once feuded. Compliant for the sake of his own people and to maintain the ownership of his land without dispute, he traveled to the "low lands" to do as the king had requested. Once there, he finds himself quite taken with a different lass, Amelia, the keep's healer, rather than his intended. When Mary, his betrothed, runs off in the middle of the night to elope with someone else, panic ensues for fear that the king will start another war over his orders not being followed. This is when it is noticed that in his decree, he did not specify that it had to be Mary, but that he needed to marry the Laird's daughter. This is when it's revealed that the Laird has another daughter, an illegitimate one, and fate seems to have smiled on Beiste as it is none other than Amelia. Much happier with these circumstances, he declares they will be wed and the leave to return to his home in the Highlands. Little does Beiste know that an evil lurks in the shadows, determined to destroy everything and everyone he holds dear.
Breakdown of MC's:
Hero/H/Beiste- Fearsome Chieftain of a Highland clan, I think he's in his mid-30's, does not seem to be a manwhore as he's mostly been celibate (with the exception of TWO nights spent with a woman he found naked in his bed) since the death of his first wife two years prior to this story beginning
heroine/h/Amelia- 23 years old, innocent, illegitimate daughter of a laird, healer, and has the tendency to have a feisty, defiant streak surface in the presence of overbearing men
My Thoughts and/or Feelings:
This was decent, but not spectacular. There were elements woven into the story that were not historically accurate to the time, which, for the most part, can be easily overlooked by most. But if you read a lot of historical romance and/or are familiar with historic eras, it will likely pull you out of the story every time you encounter these little tidbits.
We know that all stories are originally crafted by the author and is only limited by the boundaries of their own imagination. However, the BEST stories, no matter how fantastical, are rooted in logic. Characters are driven by real, human emotions, and each plot point comes together as if it were puzzle pieces clicking together to form the most captivating picture. Some authors get a little lazy, though, and fall victim to what I've come to think of as the, "Because I said so" syndrome. This is when the author utilizes illogical actions or circumstances to help drive the plot forward or get it to where they want it to be on their timeline of events, despite it defying common sense or all laws of reasoning. Why would someone purposely not disclose pertinent information to someone that the story has portrayed as the character having complete and total trust in? Well, because the author said so and since it sets up for the conflict they need, we just have to accept it. Why would a character that has been portrayed as headstrong and brave the entire story, all of a sudden hesitate and grow fearful? Again, because the author said so and those characteristics better suit this part in their story. All these scenarios CAN happen in a phenomenal story, but the author of those stories take the time to craft situations that answer all the subsequent questions a reader has when they do. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this story. The author included nonsensical things without any explanations to rationalize these behaviors, and, as the reader, I just had to accept it as simply being part of the story.
The ending was very quick-paced and I quite enjoyed it, even if it was a bit OTT. I just wished that the other parts of the story had been paced as efficiently. The first part seemed to be pretty good, the middle dragged A LOT, and then the end was over and done with before you could even comprehend what was happening. The epilogue was VERY sweet, though, so I must give props to that!
Overall:
It was a quick read and as long as your historical romances don't have to be strictly accurate, I think you could enjoy this one. I'd recommend, even though it's not the BEST historical romance I've ever read. It was free, so definitely worth a try if you can still catch the deal on Amazon.
June 15, 2020
I thought this was a great debut novel - I devoured it in three short days. The storyline flows seamlessly and it possesses the level of historical detail that can only come from extensive research. I was so impressed by all of the twists and turns, which kept me guessing the whole way through. I’m so excited to read the next instalment. Orla is such a badass, she definitely deserves a novel of her own!
December 1, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A new author for me, and I really enjoyed this story. I must admit, I do love a good Scottish highlander regency tale, and this one had all the markers, a feisty heroine, a protective chieftain, and a mystery wrapped up in danger. Well written, with humour intertwined, it is worth the time spent to read. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, as the characters have already between introduced in this first book.
A new author for me, and I really enjoyed this story. I must admit, I do love a good Scottish highlander regency tale, and this one had all the markers, a feisty heroine, a protective chieftain, and a mystery wrapped up in danger. Well written, with humour intertwined, it is worth the time spent to read. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, as the characters have already between introduced in this first book.
July 10, 2021
This book has such high ratings here and on Amazon. I do not understand.
First, the editing was just horrible - punctuation, grammar, even misspellings of character's name. Very distracting. This was throughout the entire book.
The story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I find it annoying when characters have almost super hero abilities. Everyone, except the villains, love Amelia. She heals everyone of every ailment, can speak and read 3 languages, can sniff out poisons like a trained hound, can teach a teenager to read and write that no tutor has ever been able to teach, finds every math error in the keeps ledgers, etc. It just became silly. Have a problem? Call Amelia. She can solve it.
I did like how Amelia and Beiste's relationship developed once he got past his hot and cold treatment. He was fierce and protective of her.
First, the editing was just horrible - punctuation, grammar, even misspellings of character's name. Very distracting. This was throughout the entire book.
The story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I find it annoying when characters have almost super hero abilities. Everyone, except the villains, love Amelia. She heals everyone of every ailment, can speak and read 3 languages, can sniff out poisons like a trained hound, can teach a teenager to read and write that no tutor has ever been able to teach, finds every math error in the keeps ledgers, etc. It just became silly. Have a problem? Call Amelia. She can solve it.
I did like how Amelia and Beiste's relationship developed once he got past his hot and cold treatment. He was fierce and protective of her.
July 1, 2020
It was okay.
For me it wasn't anything original I haven't read before that said it's an okay read.
It felt a bit childish at times.
There was so humour, the moody Hero and the fearless outspoken heroine who has to learn her place.
There is some other woman drama though no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero doesn't give the impression he won't look elsewhere but once he is with the heroine there are no others.
HEA.
For me it wasn't anything original I haven't read before that said it's an okay read.
It felt a bit childish at times.
There was so humour, the moody Hero and the fearless outspoken heroine who has to learn her place.
There is some other woman drama though no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero doesn't give the impression he won't look elsewhere but once he is with the heroine there are no others.
HEA.
April 20, 2021
2.5 stars. Too many over used tropes, and the story had a modern day vibe, and my pet hate - brogue. The h is a healer, the H was being forced to marry her sister but ends up with the h. He's attracted to her so treats her poorly? She's a trooper and heals everyone. The plot has a number of mysteries, so she and her ladies turn into Nancy Drew. He acted like a fool, too many silly plot devices spoiled a good idea. Less would have been better.
October 16, 2022
DNF @ 25%
The FMC comes across as a childish, screeching banshee. She's a healer and apparently very skilled but the evidence for this is some basic first aid and just reading her mother's notes. She is the Earl's daughter (apparently a bastard) but the whole family situation is a little unclear. To be fair it may have been described at some point, but I was so distracted by the mixing of modern language/terms and Gaelic words that I may not have been picking up all I should. The FMC also wants to travel and fulfil her dying mother's last wish. But her mother died 7 years ago and the FMC hasn't done jack for reasons not made clear.
The MMC is broody and for some reason wildly attracted to our FMC although there is literally no reason to justify that. Magic I guess.
The side characters are pretty meh.
This book really could have done with several more drafts and a good editor. The writing often seems quite juvenile, and I didn't feel like things were properly explained.... except for the FMC being plump. That is harped on quite a bit.
Not for me.
The FMC comes across as a childish, screeching banshee. She's a healer and apparently very skilled but the evidence for this is some basic first aid and just reading her mother's notes. She is the Earl's daughter (apparently a bastard) but the whole family situation is a little unclear. To be fair it may have been described at some point, but I was so distracted by the mixing of modern language/terms and Gaelic words that I may not have been picking up all I should. The FMC also wants to travel and fulfil her dying mother's last wish. But her mother died 7 years ago and the FMC hasn't done jack for reasons not made clear.
The MMC is broody and for some reason wildly attracted to our FMC although there is literally no reason to justify that. Magic I guess.
The side characters are pretty meh.
This book really could have done with several more drafts and a good editor. The writing often seems quite juvenile, and I didn't feel like things were properly explained.... except for the FMC being plump. That is harped on quite a bit.
Not for me.
April 22, 2021
This was boring and predictable AF. There was a mysterious, creepy cloaked villain, but I legit did not care enough to figure out who it was. Everyone has a boner for the perfect, snarky heroine and the hero is a big and tough jerk. How original...
I hate to be harsh, but damn that was .99 cents and two hours I'll never get back. NEXT
I hate to be harsh, but damn that was .99 cents and two hours I'll never get back. NEXT
Want to read
May 20, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/20/2021)! 🎁
June 27, 2021
What a find...This author, Elina Emerald is new to me. Will absolutely be buying more of her romance novels. Well written , great characters, hot and sizzling romance, what can be better.
July 22, 2020
Description is deceptive
First off, if you question yourself about purchasing this, know a few things:
1. It is warned in the description that this is not everything Highlander
2. Amelia (main heroine) is a spitfire and if I was younger, I would strive to be more like her.
3. Beiste is your typical man. Basically do what he wants then he figures it out.
4. Want some good laughs? This is your book! My favorite part....when they first meet. The vivid description left me feeling like I was a bystander and my husband couldn’t figure out why I was laughing so much!
4. The villains, and there is many, plays their rolls well. Not typical historical Highlander villains, but villains none the less.
5. Brodie, yeah, he’s a ladies man, and I can’t wait for his book!
Nothing about this book will make you think it’s the typical historical Highlander romance. Purchase it, grab a drink, and enjoy!
First off, if you question yourself about purchasing this, know a few things:
1. It is warned in the description that this is not everything Highlander
2. Amelia (main heroine) is a spitfire and if I was younger, I would strive to be more like her.
3. Beiste is your typical man. Basically do what he wants then he figures it out.
4. Want some good laughs? This is your book! My favorite part....when they first meet. The vivid description left me feeling like I was a bystander and my husband couldn’t figure out why I was laughing so much!
4. The villains, and there is many, plays their rolls well. Not typical historical Highlander villains, but villains none the less.
5. Brodie, yeah, he’s a ladies man, and I can’t wait for his book!
Nothing about this book will make you think it’s the typical historical Highlander romance. Purchase it, grab a drink, and enjoy!
September 15, 2020
Me lo terminé porque no quería empezar otro y así, los ratos que tenía entre estudio y estudio, no me enganchaba a otro, pero la verdad es que este carecía de eso, de interés que me mantuviera pegada al libro, y mira que lo intenté. Al final lo acabé por cabezonería y por enterarme de quién era "el malo", pero hasta eso fue bastante decepcionante.
December 3, 2021
Great idea, terribly written. This book desperately needs an editor.
December 31, 2023
2.5 stars
It was okish..
Felt very contemporary though.
I wouln't rec it as a good historical
It was okish..
Felt very contemporary though.
I wouln't rec it as a good historical
June 21, 2020
THIS HAD THE MAKINGS OF EVERYTHING I ADORE IN A HISTORICAL ROMANCE. IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN AT IT'S 'A' GAME, SEEING HOW SOME PARTS CAN BE A LITTLE OFF BUT I ENJOYED IT NONETHELESS.
BEISTE (a rather unique name) is ordered by the King to marry again, and it's to a complete stranger but that's the way of the world during those days. Beiste's character was still rough around the edges, he definitely needed polishing but I loved the overall idea of his gruff, possessive and commanding behaviour. He can be unreasonably jealous at times but he's also protective as a bear with his future wife - Amelia. His meeting with Amelia was cute, though it was too quick...almost like skimming and didn't feel like they connected enough...like the chemistry wasn't built to entice, more like a touch and go feeling. Beiste was married before, and although it was one of convenience, I supposed he did care enough for his late wife and their unborn child. It didn't take long for Beiste to be all over Amelia, and despite being insta-love, I didn't feel annoyed or put off by it. Because of Beiste's many mood swings, it kept the story alive and when the fall outs happen, it only kept me glued to my seat to finish it.
AMELIA is not a pushover, that's for sure. As a healer, she's dedicated to her passion of healing people and just helping. Frankly, her parentage left me a little confused as I kept wondering is her Father in the story her true Father...or was her mother pregnant with another man's child when she met the man Amelia calls Father in the story? Anyways, Amelia and Beiste meet on rather heated terms and when he's the one who is going to marry her sister Mary, that puts them in close proximity.
OVERALL this had the passion, angst and a little bit of drama to make everything exciting and enjoyable, ALTHOUGH I still think that it lacked depth...in terms of how the characters thought processes are made, for us as a reader to have a better insight and connection the characters. Certain scenes were also vague, needing more explanatory words, actions...anything MORE to make it more solid. Usually I'm not observant about language/tone of voice but one thing that irked me is how the heroine kept repeating the words 'stupid and imbecile'. The way the characters spoke sometimes was out of context for the setting. I'd think words like DAFT or WEE would be more suitable, because it just felt like someone from the 1800s calling someone 'Douchebag!' and that lingo doesn't even exist then. Just made the story off.
I understand this was the author's debut novel, and it still needs work but nevertheless I enjoyed it immensely and I can't wait for the next book to be published!
BEISTE (a rather unique name) is ordered by the King to marry again, and it's to a complete stranger but that's the way of the world during those days. Beiste's character was still rough around the edges, he definitely needed polishing but I loved the overall idea of his gruff, possessive and commanding behaviour. He can be unreasonably jealous at times but he's also protective as a bear with his future wife - Amelia. His meeting with Amelia was cute, though it was too quick...almost like skimming and didn't feel like they connected enough...like the chemistry wasn't built to entice, more like a touch and go feeling. Beiste was married before, and although it was one of convenience, I supposed he did care enough for his late wife and their unborn child. It didn't take long for Beiste to be all over Amelia, and despite being insta-love, I didn't feel annoyed or put off by it. Because of Beiste's many mood swings, it kept the story alive and when the fall outs happen, it only kept me glued to my seat to finish it.
AMELIA is not a pushover, that's for sure. As a healer, she's dedicated to her passion of healing people and just helping. Frankly, her parentage left me a little confused as I kept wondering is her Father in the story her true Father...or was her mother pregnant with another man's child when she met the man Amelia calls Father in the story? Anyways, Amelia and Beiste meet on rather heated terms and when he's the one who is going to marry her sister Mary, that puts them in close proximity.
OVERALL this had the passion, angst and a little bit of drama to make everything exciting and enjoyable, ALTHOUGH I still think that it lacked depth...in terms of how the characters thought processes are made, for us as a reader to have a better insight and connection the characters. Certain scenes were also vague, needing more explanatory words, actions...anything MORE to make it more solid. Usually I'm not observant about language/tone of voice but one thing that irked me is how the heroine kept repeating the words 'stupid and imbecile'. The way the characters spoke sometimes was out of context for the setting. I'd think words like DAFT or WEE would be more suitable, because it just felt like someone from the 1800s calling someone 'Douchebag!' and that lingo doesn't even exist then. Just made the story off.
I understand this was the author's debut novel, and it still needs work but nevertheless I enjoyed it immensely and I can't wait for the next book to be published!
June 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this time period where there are Scottish warriors and strong thinking damsels not afraid to stand up to the warriors. He fell first without realizing and she fell right after him. Their communication skills were great and make up skills even better. The banner and humorous moments were fantastic. The side characters were great too Great book.
October 26, 2020
This is one of the best historical romance novels I have read. It kept my interest going the whole way through and had me on edge with the dramatic ending. Well done!!
December 3, 2021
I love this book and have just bought the next two in the series. The story is a great pace and I felt a real sense of life in Medieval Scotland. As a lover of historical fiction this was a great find.
September 24, 2020
We are proud to announce that BETROTHED TO THE BEAST (Reformed Rogues,#1) by Elina Emerald is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
April 25, 2025
I was enjoying this book, so engaged by it and thought the writing was really good and banter was witty, funny and clever, characters were great but then in the middle, the "Deirdre part", the trusted maid, where she was caught doing an unforgivable harmful deed, actually the second time, she just got what?? A beast of a laird, so fearsome and unforgiving, involving the safety of his mother just decided to what??.. I won't give details so as not to spoil.. I got so disappointed how the author tackled this part, considering it's unbelievable to me, making me feel stupid as a reader.. and she did it twice, thrice.. one the lying part to Amelia regarding late wife's room and the other involving the book keeper.. Deirdre should deserve a punishment what was due her.. I somehow think why the author decided to execute these parts in such a way.. so the evil cohort wouldn't be discovered soon and the book would be longer.. and not to mention the conniving household book keeper Wallace.. I can't believe Beiste, the chieftain who was portrayed to be fierce, harsh and frightful, would just be so lenient, considering these people whom he trusted, committed crimes that I believe during those times, were so unpardonable, that they should be meted much harsher punishments.. even in our present times, these deeds are considered real crimes that deserve prison terms.. and how about the cleric Leon at the council meetings, the translator? he also got away so easily.
So yeah 'tis disappointing at times, for authors to presume that readers would just bite what they write, when it's plain obvious that a lot of readers are discerning enough to notice.
Still, an author with great potential.. a nice engaging read save for these parts and some typo errors.
So yeah 'tis disappointing at times, for authors to presume that readers would just bite what they write, when it's plain obvious that a lot of readers are discerning enough to notice.
Still, an author with great potential.. a nice engaging read save for these parts and some typo errors.
October 19, 2021
Disappointed
It's a damn shame when a good plot is ruined by poor writing. I refuse to believe that this was even reviewed by an editor. The book reads like a first draft with missed punctuation and typos galore. I made it nearly halfway through before calling it quits, having finally had enough of rewriting sentences in my head and rolling my eyes at the author's apparent dislike of commas.
Save yourself the time and effort and skip this one. I wish I had.
It's a damn shame when a good plot is ruined by poor writing. I refuse to believe that this was even reviewed by an editor. The book reads like a first draft with missed punctuation and typos galore. I made it nearly halfway through before calling it quits, having finally had enough of rewriting sentences in my head and rolling my eyes at the author's apparent dislike of commas.
Save yourself the time and effort and skip this one. I wish I had.
December 13, 2021
Characters felt underdeveloped, their entire relationship felt unsatisfying. The whole book felt surface level, it seemed like the writing of an inexperienced author who really needs a good editor (I don't know how experienced this author really is). However, I will say there was some life to the writing and I could see there being a book by this author that I'd like, so I gave it two stars instead of the one I would usually for a book like this.
February 15, 2022
Did not finish.
This book is bad.
It seems to have been written by a teenage girl who's read too many romance novels and not enough history books. It's just a mishmash of incongruent historical romance tropes.
The writing is elementary and the historical inaccuracies are a bit infuriating.
The book is set in Scotland in the year 1040. One of the characters eloped to Gretna Green. If that doesn't frustrate you, you may like this book just fine.
Tropes: #justallthewrongones
This book is bad.
It seems to have been written by a teenage girl who's read too many romance novels and not enough history books. It's just a mishmash of incongruent historical romance tropes.
The writing is elementary and the historical inaccuracies are a bit infuriating.
The book is set in Scotland in the year 1040. One of the characters eloped to Gretna Green. If that doesn't frustrate you, you may like this book just fine.
Tropes: #justallthewrongones
February 20, 2022
The cover of this book really pulled me in. The story however was a messy hodge-podge of stories. I feel if the author had just stuck to one or even two plot lines the book would have really benefitted. The author practically gave me whiplash in the first 30% of the book as she jumped from one scene/character to another. It felt very rushed. I didn't care for her writing style at all. I won't be reading the rest of the series.
April 28, 2021
Poorly written and edited
I was unable to make it past the first two chapters of this book. The grammar was horrible. The book is riddled with incomplete and run on sentences, improper punctuation, and random words capitalized for no apparent reason. The characters and story were inconsistent and certainly not compelling enough to overlook all the aforementioned problems.
I was unable to make it past the first two chapters of this book. The grammar was horrible. The book is riddled with incomplete and run on sentences, improper punctuation, and random words capitalized for no apparent reason. The characters and story were inconsistent and certainly not compelling enough to overlook all the aforementioned problems.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews